Powder compacting device and coffee machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of powder pressing device and coffee machine, belong to coffee machine technology, the force deviation of existing coffee machine compaction coffee powder is larger, the taste of coffee beverage obtained is poor, the utility model will powder pressing head be connected pressure rod by elastic element and keep interval with pressure rod, pressure rod is driven by power for with powder pressing head compaction coffee powder in hopper or withdraw powder pressing head from inside the hopper, powder pressing head is equipped with first travel switch on pressure rod, in the powder pressing stroke of power compaction coffee powder, elastic element is compressed, the interval of powder pressing head and pressure rod becomes smaller, until first travel switch is touched to stop power and powder pressing, the degree of elastic element being compressed determines the degree of coffee powder being compacted and powder pressing force keeps constant. Water flow channel is not easy to form in coffee powder during brewing process, even if water flow channel appears, then elastic force will continue to compact coffee powder, eliminate water flow channel, realize sufficient brewing to coffee powder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of coffee machine technology, specifically relating to a tamping device and a coffee machine. Background Technology

[0002] Coffee machines used for brewing coffee powder need to tamp the coffee powder before brewing. The degree of tampling determines the quality of the brewed coffee beverage, and the stability of the degree of tampling determines the stability of the quality of the brewed coffee beverage.

[0003] In existing technologies, whether coffee powder is manually or automatically tamped, there are significant deviations in the tamping force, especially when there are variations in the particle size and volume of the coffee powder. This leads to unstable quality of the brewed coffee beverage.

[0004] Moreover, in existing technologies, when compacted coffee powder is brewed, it will not continue to be compacted, and water flow channels will be created in some areas. This causes some of the brewing water to flow out from the water flow channels, failing to fully brew the coffee powder and resulting in a poor taste of the coffee beverage. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing coffee machines, which have significant deviations in the force applied to tamp coffee powder, resulting in poor-tasting coffee beverages. It provides a tamp device and coffee machine designed to ensure constant tamp force and continuous pressure applied to the coffee powder during brewing, thereby maintaining the compactness of the coffee powder and ensuring thorough brewing.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a coffee tamping device comprising a funnel for holding coffee powder and a tamping head for compacting the coffee powder within the funnel. The tamping head is characterized by being connected to a pressure rod via an elastic element and maintaining a distance from the pressure rod. The pressure rod is driven by a power source via a transmission mechanism to either compact the coffee powder within the funnel with the tamping head or to retract the tamping head from the funnel. A first limit switch is configured on both the tamping head and the pressure rod. During the tamping stroke, the elastic element is compressed, and the distance between the tamping head and the pressure rod decreases until the first limit switch is activated to stop the power and tamping. Since the first limit switch determines the distance between the tamping head and the pressure rod, it also determines the degree of compression of the elastic element. Therefore, the degree of compression of the elastic element determines the degree of compaction of the coffee powder, and the tamping force remains constant. Because the tamping head uses the elasticity of its elastic element to compact the coffee powder, and this elasticity is continuous, it is not easy for water channels to form in the coffee powder during the brewing process. If water channels do appear in the compacted coffee powder, the continuous elasticity will continue to compact the coffee powder, eliminating the water channels and achieving full brewing of the coffee powder, thus ensuring the flavor of the coffee beverage.

[0007] Preferably, the elastic element is a helical compression spring. Helical compression springs have good elastic force and shape retention, and can output stable elastic force when compressed.

[0008] Preferably, the elastic elements are at least two and are evenly distributed relative to the top surface of the powder pressing head. This is used to apply a uniform elastic force to the powder pressing head and prevent it from tilting.

[0009] Preferably, the powder pressing head is guided by the guide post and the pressure rod to prevent the powder pressing head from tilting.

[0010] Preferably, the distance between the pressing head and the pressure rod can be adjusted to regulate the stopping power and the degree of compression of the elastic element during pressing. Accordingly, the position of the pressing head can be adjusted and calibrated during product factory testing or during product use, thereby adjusting the pressing force.

[0011] Preferably, a support seat is threadedly connected to the pressure rod. One end of the elastic element is connected to the support seat, and the other end is connected to the powder pressing head. The position of the support seat is adjusted by adjusting the thread to regulate the stopping of power and the degree of compression of the elastic element during powder pressing. Accordingly, by turning the support seat, the position of the support seat is adjusted via the thread, thereby adjusting the position of the powder pressing head, making adjustment convenient.

[0012] Preferably, the first limit switch includes a photoelectric switch disposed on the pressure rod and a protrusion disposed on the powder pressing head. During the powder pressing stroke, the protrusion triggers the photoelectric switch, thereby activating the first limit switch. The photoelectric switch has high sensitivity and, through its cooperation with the protrusion, can precisely control the distance between the powder pressing head and the pressure rod, thereby controlling the powder pressing force at a constant value.

[0013] Preferably, the tamping head is configured as a shower head, which has a water inlet. Water can be supplied to the tamping head through the water inlet and the tamping head can evenly spray water onto the coffee grounds.

[0014] Preferably, the powder pressing device includes a second limit switch, which is triggered to stop the power after the powder pressing head retracts from the funnel by force. Accordingly, by limiting the powder pressing action through the first and second limit switches, a constant powder pressing force can be provided, and excessively long empty strokes can be avoided, thereby improving the efficiency of powder pressing and brewing.

[0015] Preferably, the tamping device includes a fixed support, and the funnel is configured to be inserted into or removed from the fixed support. This facilitates removing the funnel to add coffee grounds and cleaning out the brewed coffee grounds.

[0016] This invention relates to a coffee machine, including a tamping device. It maintains a constant tamping force on the coffee powder. Furthermore, it prevents the formation of water channels within the coffee powder during brewing. If water channels do appear in the tamped coffee powder, the continuous elastic force will continue to tamp the powder, eliminating these channels and ensuring thorough brewing of the coffee, thus preserving its flavor.

[0017] The tamping head of this invention is connected to a pressure rod via an elastic element and maintains a distance from the pressure rod. The pressure rod is driven by a power source via a transmission mechanism to either compact the coffee powder in the funnel with the tamping head or to retract the tamping head from the funnel. A first limit switch is installed on both the tamping head and the pressure rod. During the tamping stroke, the elastic element is compressed, and the distance between the tamping head and the pressure rod decreases until the first limit switch is activated to stop the power and tamping. The degree of compression of the elastic element determines the degree of compaction of the coffee powder, and the tamping force remains constant. This ensures a constant tamping force. Furthermore, it prevents the formation of water channels in the coffee powder during brewing. If water channels do appear in the compacted coffee powder, the continuous elastic force will continue to compact the coffee powder, eliminating the water channels and achieving thorough brewing of the coffee powder, thus preserving the flavor of the coffee beverage. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the powder pressing head of the powder pressing device of this utility model at the initial position of the powder pressing stroke; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the structure shown; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the powder pressing head of the powder pressing device of this utility model at the end of the powder pressing stroke; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of the structure shown; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the power and transmission mechanism of the powder pressing device of this utility model; Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the powder pressing head and elastic element of the powder pressing device of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the powder pressing head of the powder pressing device of this utility model; Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the fixed support and funnel of the powder pressing device of this utility model; Explanation of the labels in the diagram: 100 funnels; 200 Powder press head, 201 Guide post, 202 Protrusion, 203 Water pipe, 204 Sealing ring; 300 elastic element; 400 pressure rod, 401 support base, 402 plate, 403 guide hole; 500 power; 610 First limit switch, 611 Photoelectric switch; 620 second limit switch; 700 fixed bracket; 800 Transmission mechanism, 801 Worm gear, 802 Worm wheel, 803 Cover, 804 Outer sleeve; 900 coffee powder; S-spacing. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0020] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification and claims of this utility model are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such as a method or product that includes a series of technical features, not limited to those technical features explicitly listed, but also including other technical features that may be included in the method or product but not explicitly listed.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the technical features defined by terms such as "first" and "second" which have a sequential concept are only for the purpose of clearly describing the defined technical features and making the defined technical features clearly distinguishable from other technical features, and do not represent that they are named in this way in actual implementation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0022] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0023] like Figure 1-8 As shown, the tamping device includes a funnel 100 for holding coffee powder and a tamping head 200 for tamping the coffee powder in the funnel. The tamping head 200 is connected to a pressure rod 400 via an elastic element 300 and maintains a distance S from the pressure rod. The pressure rod 400 is driven by a power source 500 via a transmission mechanism 800 to move the tamping head 200 as shown. Figure 3-4 The coffee powder 900 in the compacted funnel 100 shown is or as shown Figure 1-2The diagram shows the tamping head 200 being withdrawn from the funnel 100. A first limit switch 610 is installed on both the tamping head 200 and the pressure rod 400. During the tamping stroke, when the tamping head 200 uses power 500 to compact the coffee powder, the elastic element 300 is compressed, and the distance S between the tamping head and the pressure rod decreases until the first limit switch 610 is activated to stop the power 500 and tamping. The tamping head 200 then reaches the end of its tamping stroke. The degree of compression of the elastic element 300 determines the degree of compaction of the coffee powder, and the tamping force remains constant. The tamping stroke refers to the time from which the tamping head... Figure 1-2 Move to the position shown Figure 3-4 The location shown.

[0024] Because the first-stroke switch determines the distance between the tamping head and the pressure rod, it also determines the degree of compression of the elastic element. Therefore, the tamping head maintains a constant force in compressing the coffee grounds using the elastic force of the element. Since the tamping head compresses the coffee grounds using the elastic force of the element, this continuous elasticity prevents the formation of water channels within the coffee grounds during brewing. If water channels do appear in the compressed coffee grounds, the continuous elastic force will continue to compress them, eliminating these channels and ensuring thorough brewing of the coffee, thus preserving its flavor.

[0025] The transmission mechanism 800 is a combination of worm gear and threaded drive. The output shaft of the motor 500, acting as the power source, is connected to the worm 801. The worm 801 meshes with the worm wheel 802, which has a threaded hole at its center. The worm wheel 802 is rotatably mounted in the housing 803 and can rotate around its own axis but cannot move along it. The pressure rod 400 is sleeve-shaped and located inside the outer sleeve 804, axially guided by the outer sleeve and unable to rotate relative to it. Furthermore, the pressure rod 400 is threaded into the threaded hole at the center of the worm wheel 802. Thus, when the motor rotates, the worm wheel 802 rotates via the transmission between the worm 801 and the worm wheel 802. The threaded engagement between the worm wheel 802 and the pressure rod 400 causes the pressure rod 400 to move up and down along its own axis without rotating, thereby moving the powder pressing head 200 via the elastic element 300. Changing the motor's rotation direction changes the direction of movement of the pressure rod and the powder pressing head.

[0026] In the illustrated structure, the elastic element 300 is a helical compression spring, connected at the center of the powder pressing head 200 and the pressure rod 400. The helical compression spring has good elasticity and shape retention, and can output a stable elastic force when compressed. In other embodiments, at least two elastic elements are evenly distributed relative to the top surface of the powder pressing head. This is used to apply a uniform elastic force to the powder pressing head and prevent it from tilting.

[0027] In the illustrated structure, the powder pressing head 200 is guided and engaged with the pressure rod 400 by the guide post 201 to prevent the powder pressing head from tilting. Specifically, a plate 402 is fixedly mounted at the lower end of the pressure rod 400. The plate has a guide hole 403, and the guide post 201 on the powder pressing head passes through the corresponding guide hole 403 to achieve guidance.

[0028] In the illustrated structure, the distance S between the pressing head and the pressure rod can be adjusted to regulate the degree of compression of the elastic element 300 during pressing and the stopping of power. Accordingly, the position of the pressing head can be adjusted and calibrated during factory testing or during product use, thereby adjusting the pressing force. Specifically, a support base 401 is threadedly connected to the pressure rod 400. One end of the elastic element 300 is connected to the support base 401, and the other end is connected to the pressing head 200. The position of the support base is adjusted by threading to regulate the stopping of power and the degree of compression of the elastic element during pressing. Therefore, by screwing on the support base, the position of the support base is adjusted via the thread, thereby adjusting the position of the pressing head, making adjustment convenient. To secure the position of the support base, a lock nut is used to lock it in place.

[0029] In the illustrated structure, the first limit switch 610 includes a photoelectric switch 611 disposed on the pressure rod 400 and a protrusion 202 disposed on the powder pressing head. During the powder pressing stroke, the protrusion 202 triggers the photoelectric switch 611, thereby activating the first limit switch. The photoelectric switch has high sensitivity and, through its cooperation with the protrusion, can precisely control the distance between the powder pressing head and the pressure rod, thereby controlling the powder pressing force at a constant value.

[0030] In the illustrated structure, the tamping head 200 is configured as a shower head for spraying water evenly over a large area, and it has a water pipe 203. The water pump of the coffee machine, connected through the water pipe, can supply water to the tamping head, and the tamping head can evenly spray water onto the coffee grounds.

[0031] In the illustrated structure, the powder pressing device includes a second limit switch 620. After the powder pressing head 200 retracts from the funnel under power, the second limit switch 620 is triggered to stop the power. Accordingly, by limiting the powder pressing action through the first and second limit switches, a constant pressing force can be provided, while avoiding excessively long idle strokes, thus improving the efficiency of powder pressing and brewing. Specifically, the second limit switch 620 is fixed to the housing 803, and is triggered when the pressure rod 400 moves upward. In other embodiments, the position of the second limit switch can be changed as needed, and the component triggering the second limit switch can also be changed accordingly.

[0032] In the illustrated structure, the tamping device includes a fixed support 700, and the funnel 100 is configured to be inserted into or removed from the fixed support. This facilitates removing the funnel to add coffee grounds and cleaning out the brewed coffee grounds.

[0033] Figure 1-8 The tamping device shown can be used in various coffee machines that require tamping of coffee grounds. It maintains a constant tamping force on the coffee grounds. Furthermore, it prevents water channels from forming in the coffee grounds during brewing. If water channels do appear in the tamped coffee grounds, the continuous elastic force will continue to tamp the coffee grounds, eliminating the water channels and ensuring thorough brewing of the coffee, thus guaranteeing the flavor of the coffee beverage.

[0034] As an example, the coffee machine of this invention is configured to brew coffee in the following order: (1) Put undrinkable coffee powder 900 into funnel 100.

[0035] (2) The motor drives the pressure rod 400 via the transmission mechanism 800 to move the tamping head 200 downward to compact the coffee powder 900 in the funnel 100 until the first limit switch 610 is triggered, stopping the motor rotation and tamping. In this step, the elastic element 300 is compressed and the degree of compression determines the degree of compaction of the coffee powder, and the tamping force remains constant.

[0036] (3) Start the water pump and spray water into the coffee powder 900 in the funnel 100 through the tamping head 200 to brew the coffee beverage. The coffee beverage flows out into the container.

[0037] (4) Measure the water pump's output. When the water pump's output reaches the set value, stop the water pump.

[0038] (5) The motor rotates in the opposite direction and drives the pressure rod 400 to move the powder pressing head 200 upward through the transmission mechanism and exit from the funnel 100 until the second limit switch 620 is triggered to stop the motor rotation.

[0039] (6) Remove the brewed coffee powder from the funnel 100.

[0040] This process can be repeated to brew coffee one batch at a time.

[0041] In some coffee machines called semi-automatic, the funnel can be removed from the machine. Therefore, steps (1) and (6) are preferably performed by removing the funnel from the machine. In other coffee machines called fully automatic, the funnel cannot be removed. Therefore, steps (1) and (6) are performed automatically by keeping the funnel on the machine.

[0042] In particular, when the funnel can be removed from the coffee machine, it is preferable that the above steps can only be performed after the funnel is installed in place.

[0043] During the tamping process, a sealing ring 204 is installed on the tamping head to prevent water or coffee beverages from overflowing from the funnel. When brewing coffee beverages, the sealing ring is squeezed between the tamping head and the funnel.

Claims

1. A tamping device, comprising a funnel (100) for holding coffee powder and a tamping head (200) for tamping the coffee powder in the funnel, characterized in that: The tamping head (200) is connected to the pressure rod (400) via an elastic element (300) and maintains a distance (S) between the tamping head and the pressure rod. The pressure rod (400) is driven by a power source (500) via a transmission mechanism (800) to tamp the coffee powder (900) in the funnel with the tamping head (200) or to remove the tamping head (200) from the funnel (100). A first limit switch (610) is provided on the tamping head (200) and the pressure rod (400). During the tamping stroke of the tamping head tamping the coffee powder with the power source, the elastic element (300) is compressed, and the distance (S) between the tamping head and the pressure rod decreases until the first limit switch (610) is activated to stop the power and tamping.

2. The powder pressing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic element (300) is a helical compression spring.

3. The powder pressing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic elements consist of at least two and are evenly distributed relative to the top surface of the powder pressing head.

4. The powder pressing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder pressing head (200) is guided and engaged with the pressure rod (400) by the guide post (201).

5. The powder pressing device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The distance (S) between the pressing head and the pressure bar can be adjusted to regulate the degree to which the elastic element (300) is compressed when the power is stopped and when pressing powder.

6. The powder pressing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A support base (401) is threaded onto the pressure rod (400). One end of the elastic element (300) is connected to the support base (401), and the other end is connected to the powder pressing head (200). The position of the support base is adjusted by threading to regulate the degree of compression of the elastic element (300) when the power is stopped and when the powder is pressed.

7. The powder pressing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first limit switch (610) includes a photoelectric switch (611) on the pressure rod and a protrusion (202) on the powder pressing head. During the powder pressing stroke, the protrusion (202) triggers the photoelectric switch (611) to activate the first limit switch.

8. The powder pressing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder press head (200) is configured as a shower head, which has a water connection (203).

9. The powder pressing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder pressing device includes a second limit switch (620), which is triggered to stop the power after the powder pressing head is retracted from the funnel by power.

10. The powder pressing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder pressing device includes a fixed support (700) and a funnel (100) configured to be inserted into or removed from the fixed support.

11. A coffee machine, characterized by: Includes the powder pressing device according to any one of claims 1-10.

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