Brewing device for a beverage preparation apparatus and beverage preparation apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a brewing device for a beverage preparation apparatus and the beverage preparation apparatus. The brewing device comprises a frame, a brewing cup and a brewing head assembly. The frame is provided with an actuating assembly comprising a movable support slidingly arranged on the frame in a vertical direction. The brewing cup has a brewing cavity for containing powdery food materials, the brewing cavity is arranged in a vertical direction, and the brewing cavity has a first water passage. The brewing head assembly is connected with the movable support, the brewing head assembly is located above the brewing cup, and the brewing head assembly has a second water passage, the second water passage and the first water passage are both in communication with the brewing cavity, and the movable support is used to drive the brewing head assembly to move vertically to make the brewing head assembly vertically descend into the brewing cavity to perform a powder pressing operation. The above structure can vertically descend into the brewing cavity through the brewing head assembly to perform a powder pressing operation, and such a vertical downward powder pressing manner can achieve a better powder pressing effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of beverage preparation equipment technology, and in particular to a brewing apparatus and beverage preparation equipment for use in beverage preparation. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the brewing chamber of beverage preparation equipment typically involves first receiving the coffee grounds, then rotating it at a certain angle (indicating a tilt) to enter the tamping and brewing track. After coffee grounds are added, the brewing chamber is driven to rotate at a certain angle to tilt and engage with the preset tamping and brewing track. Only then is the brewing head activated to complete the tamping and subsequent extraction processes. This results in an inconsistent brewing process. Furthermore, when tamping the coffee grounds while the brewing chamber is tilted, the coffee grounds tend to shift towards the inside of the chamber due to gravity. This prevents the pressure applied by the tamping component from being evenly distributed across the entire coffee bed. Some areas are over-tightened, while others are under-tightened. Ultimately, this leads to uneven water penetration during hot water extraction. Over-tightened areas result in insufficient extraction and a weak flavor, while under-tightened areas result in over-extraction and a bitter taste. This directly reduces the extraction efficiency of the coffee grounds and severely affects the consistency of the final beverage's taste and quality. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the prior art, this application provides a brewing device and a beverage preparation equipment for beverage preparation. The device can be vertically lowered into the brewing chamber via the brewing head assembly to perform a powder pressing operation. This vertical downward powder pressing method can achieve a better powder pressing effect, so that the powdered ingredients can be evenly compacted, thereby ensuring the extraction effect after uniform compaction.

[0004] This application provides a brewing apparatus for beverage preparation equipment, comprising: A frame on which an actuation assembly is provided, the actuation assembly including a movable bracket slidably mounted on the frame in a vertical direction; A brewing cup is mounted on the frame. The brewing cup has a brewing chamber for holding powdered ingredients. The brewing chamber is arranged vertically and has a first water inlet. A brewing head assembly, connected to the movable support, is located above the brewing cup and has a second water inlet. Both the second and first water inlets are connected to the brewing chamber. The movable support is used to drive the brewing head assembly to move vertically up and down, allowing it to descend vertically into the brewing chamber for pressing the powder. This structure enables the brewing head assembly to descend vertically into the brewing chamber for pressing the powder, achieving a better pressing effect.

[0005] In some embodiments, the brewing apparatus further includes a grinder and a powder conveying structure. The powder conveying structure is inclined, with its upper end connected to the powder outlet of the grinder and its lower end connected to the upper opening of the brewing cup, to deliver powdered ingredients to the brewing cup. Thus, the inclined powder conveying structure ensures that the powdered ingredients discharged from the grinder's outlet can be quickly conveyed to the brewing cup under gravity, eliminating the need for other structures to transport the powdered ingredients.

[0006] In some embodiments, the actuation component includes a drive member and a transmission component. The transmission component is connected to the output shaft of the drive member, and the transmission component includes at least a screw. The movable bracket is sleeved on the screw, and the drive member is used to drive the movable bracket to move vertically up and down via the screw. Thus, the screw and drive member can stably drive the movable bracket to move vertically up and down, thereby achieving the purpose of stably driving the brewing head assembly to move vertically up and down.

[0007] In some embodiments, the brewing apparatus further includes a pump body and a control device. The outlet of the pump body is connected to the first water inlet. The control device is electrically connected to both the drive component and the pump body. The control device is used to send a control command to the drive component to control the brewing head assembly to press the powder downwards, and to control the pump body to open after the brewing head assembly presses the powder, so as to supply water to the brewing chamber through the first water inlet. Thus, the control device can precisely control the opening time of the pump body after the brewing head assembly presses the powder downwards, achieving the goal of first compacting the powdered ingredients before supplying water to the brewing chamber through the water inlet, resulting in a better brewing effect.

[0008] In some embodiments, the screw sleeve is provided with a first limiting block and a second limiting block, and the movable bracket is located between the first limiting block and the second limiting block. The first limiting block and the second limiting block are used to cooperate in defining the movement range of the movable bracket. In this way, the movable bracket can be limited by the cooperation of the first limiting block and the second limiting block, ensuring that the movable bracket can move within the movement range without leaving the movement range, thereby improving the movement stability of the movable bracket.

[0009] In some embodiments, the brewing cup is equipped with a movable push rod, and the first water inlet is located at the lower part of the brewing chamber. The first water inlet is formed on the movable push rod, which is constructed as the bottom of the brewing chamber. The movable push rod moves vertically up and down within the brewing chamber. This structure eliminates the need for movement of the brewing chamber; instead, the movement of the movable push rod achieves the removal of residue, ensuring the structural stability of the brewing chamber and making the residue removal method more efficient.

[0010] In some embodiments, the frame is provided with a water inlet connector, which is connected to a water inlet hose. The water inlet connector is connected to the first water inlet via the water inlet hose. In this way, a stable water supply to the brewing chamber can be ensured through the water inlet connector and the water inlet hose. The water inlet hose is easily deformable, making it convenient for users to use and adjust the position of the water inlet hose.

[0011] In some embodiments, the brewing head assembly is detachably connected to the movable support. This facilitates the removal of the brewing head assembly from the movable support, making it easier to clean or maintain the brewing head assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the centerline of the first water inlet is collinear with the centerline of the second water inlet. This structure ensures that the brewing liquid entering through the first water inlet flows directly towards the second water inlet, improving the liquid discharge efficiency of the second water inlet.

[0013] This application also provides a beverage preparation device, including the brewing apparatus for beverage preparation as described in any of the above embodiments. The above structure allows the brewing head assembly to vertically descend into the brewing chamber for pressing the powder; this vertical downward pressing method achieves a better pressing effect.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows: This application, through a brewing chamber arranged vertically and a brewing head assembly that can move vertically upwards and downwards under the drive of a movable support, enables the brewing chamber to remain stationary after receiving the powder. Instead, the brewing head assembly descends vertically into the brewing chamber to compact the powder. This vertical downward pressing method achieves a better powder compaction effect, ensuring that the powdered ingredients are evenly compacted, thereby guaranteeing a better extraction effect after even compaction and solving the problem of poor extraction effect caused by uneven powder compaction. Furthermore, since the brewing chamber does not need to move, but rather the brewing head assembly moves to compact the powder, the brewing action is more continuous and smooth. Attached Figure Description

[0015] In drawings that are not necessarily drawn to scale, the same reference numerals may describe similar parts in different views. The drawings generally illustrate various embodiments by way of example rather than limitation and are used, together with the description and claims, to illustrate the disclosed embodiments. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used in all drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. Such embodiments are illustrative and not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive embodiments of the apparatus or method.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a brewing apparatus for a beverage preparation device according to an embodiment of this application, showing the brewing head assembly in the first position. Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of a brewing apparatus for a beverage preparation device according to an embodiment of this application, showing the brewing head assembly in the second position. Figure 3 This is another cross-sectional view of a brewing apparatus for a beverage preparation device according to an embodiment of this application, showing the brewing head assembly in a first position; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the brewing apparatus used in beverage preparation equipment according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] The components indicated by the reference numerals in the figure: 1. Frame; 11. Water inlet connector; 2. Actuation assembly; 21. Movable support; 22. Drive component; 23. Screw; 24. First limit block; 25. Second limit block; 3. Brewing cup; 31. Brewing chamber; 32. First water inlet; 4. Brewing head assembly; 41. Second water inlet; 5. Grinder; 6. Powder conveying structure; 7. Movable push rod. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0019] This application provides a brewing apparatus for use in beverage preparation equipment. For example... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the brewing apparatus for beverage preparation includes a frame 1, a brewing cup 3, and a brewing head assembly 4. An actuation assembly 2 is mounted on the frame 1, including a movable support 21 that slides vertically on the frame 1. The brewing cup 3 is mounted on the frame 1 and has a brewing chamber 31 for containing powdered ingredients. The brewing chamber 31 is vertically oriented and has a first water inlet 32. The brewing head assembly 4 is connected to the movable support 21 and is located above the brewing cup 3. The brewing head assembly 4 has a second water inlet 41, and both the second water inlet 41 and the first water inlet 32 ​​are connected to the brewing chamber 31. The movable support 21 drives the brewing head assembly 4 to move vertically up and down, allowing it to descend vertically into the brewing chamber 31 for powder pressing.

[0020] The first water inlet 32 ​​can be located at the lower part of the brewing chamber 31, specifically as a water inlet. The brewing liquid enters the brewing chamber 31 through the first water inlet 32 ​​and is discharged out of the brewing chamber 31 through the second water inlet 41 after brewing. The bottom-up brewing method overcomes the gravity of the liquid itself, allowing for a longer mixing time between the brewing liquid and the powdered ingredients, further ensuring a better extraction effect. In some other embodiments, the second water inlet 41 of the brewing head assembly 4 is a water inlet, through which the brewing liquid enters the brewing chamber 31, realizing a top-down brewing method.

[0021] The aforementioned brewing head assembly 4 may have a first position located outside the brewing chamber 31 and a second position located inside the brewing chamber 31. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The brewing head assembly 4 shown is in the first position. Figure 2 The brewing head assembly 4 shown is in the second position. The movement of the brewing head assembly 4 from the first position to the second position can achieve the purpose of compacting the powdered food in the brewing chamber 31, that is, to achieve the powder compaction operation.

[0022] The frame 1 may be provided with a slide groove, and the movable support 21 is slidably disposed in the slide groove. The slide groove can limit the movement of the movable support 21 in the vertical direction, so as to ensure the movement stability of the movable support 21.

[0023] The first water inlet 32 ​​is used to supply brewing liquid (i.e., water in the following text) to the brewing chamber 31. After the brewing liquid enters the brewing chamber 31 through the first water inlet 32, it brews the compacted powdered ingredients. The beverage formed after brewing will be discharged to the second water inlet 41 under the water pressure of the first water inlet 32, so that the beverage formed after brewing will be discharged through the second water inlet 41.

[0024] The brewing head assembly 4 may include a coffee connector, a second water inlet 41 located on the coffee connector, and the coffee connector may be connected to a liquid outlet pipe so that the brewed beverage is discharged through the liquid outlet pipe.

[0025] The frame 1 may include fixing rods on both sides of the brewing cup 3, and the brewing cup 3 is stably installed on the frame 1 by the fixing rods on both sides.

[0026] This application utilizes a vertically oriented brewing chamber 31 and a brewing head assembly 4 that can move vertically upwards and downwards under the action of a movable support 21. This allows the brewing chamber 31 to remain stationary after receiving the powder, while the brewing head assembly 4 descends vertically into the brewing chamber 31 to compact the powder. This vertical downward compaction method achieves better powder compaction, ensuring that the powdered ingredients are evenly compressed, thus guaranteeing a better extraction effect and solving the problem of poor extraction caused by uneven powder compaction. Furthermore, since the brewing chamber 31 does not need to move, but rather the brewing head assembly 4 moves to compact the powder, the brewing process is more continuous and smooth.

[0027] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the brewing apparatus also includes a grinder 5 and a powder conveying structure 6. The powder conveying structure 6 is inclined, with its upper end connected to the powder outlet of the grinder 5 and its lower end connected to the upper opening of the brewing cup 3 to convey powdered ingredients to the brewing cup 3.

[0028] In this way, the inclined powder conveying structure 6 can ensure that the powdered ingredients discharged from the powder outlet of the grinder 5 can be quickly discharged to the brewing cup 3 under the action of gravity, without the need for other structures to transport the powdered ingredients. The structure is simple and can stably transport the powdered ingredients.

[0029] The powder conveying structure 6 mentioned above may include an inclined powder channel, into which the powdered ingredients discharged from the outlet of the grinder 5 fall and slide into the brewing cup 3 through the upper opening of the brewing cup 3 under the action of gravity.

[0030] The aforementioned grinder 5 can be arranged side by side with the brewing head assembly 4 above the brewing cup 3.

[0031] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the actuation component 2 includes a drive component 22 and a transmission component. The transmission component is connected to the output shaft of the drive component 22. The transmission component includes at least a screw 23. The movable bracket 21 is sleeved on the screw 23. The drive component 22 is used to drive the movable bracket 21 to move up and down in the vertical direction through the screw 23.

[0032] In this way, the screw 23 and the drive component 22 can stably drive the movable bracket 21 to move up and down in the vertical direction, thereby achieving the purpose of stably driving the brewing head assembly 4 to move up and down.

[0033] The output shaft of the aforementioned drive component 22 can be directly connected to the screw 23, or it can drive the screw 23 to rotate through a gear assembly. This application does not make specific limitations on this, as long as the drive component 22 can stably drive the screw 23 to rotate.

[0034] The length of the aforementioned screw 23 is vertical, so as to drive the movable bracket 21 to move up and down in the vertical direction.

[0035] In some embodiments, the brewing apparatus further includes a pump body and a control device (not shown in the figure). The outlet of the pump body is connected to the first water inlet 32. The control device is electrically connected to the drive member 22 and the pump body respectively. The control device is used to send a control command to the drive member 22 to control the brewing head assembly 4 to press the powder downward, and to control the pump body to open after the brewing head assembly 4 presses the powder, so as to supply water to the brewing chamber 31 through the first water inlet 32.

[0036] In this way, the control device can precisely control the opening time of the pump after the powder is pressed down by the brewing head assembly 4, so as to first compact the powdered food and then supply water to the brewing chamber 31 through the water inlet, thus achieving a better brewing effect.

[0037] It should be noted that the control device can be built using electronic components such as timers, comparators, registers, and digital logic circuits, or implemented using processor chips such as microcontrollers, microprocessors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and their peripheral circuits.

[0038] The aforementioned brewing apparatus may also include a flow meter and a water tank, with the water tank connected to the pump body via the flow meter for measuring the amount of water pumped by the pump body.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the screw 23 is fitted with a first limiting block 24 and a second limiting block 25. The movable bracket 21 is located between the first limiting block 24 and the second limiting block 25. The first limiting block 24 and the second limiting block 25 are used to limit the range of motion of the movable bracket 21.

[0040] In this way, the movable support 21 can be limited by the cooperation of the first limiting block 24 and the second limiting block 25, so as to ensure that the movable support 21 can move within the range of motion and will not leave the range of motion, thereby improving the movement stability of the movable support 21.

[0041] The first limiting block 24 and the second limiting block 25 may be equipped with touch switches respectively. When the movable bracket 21 moves upward or downward to the limit position, it will trigger the touch switch. The touch switch is electrically connected to the control device. After receiving the touch signal generated by the touch switch, the control device can send a command to the drive component 22 to stop working or reverse it.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the brewing cup 3 is equipped with a movable push rod 7. The first water inlet 32 ​​is located at the lower part of the brewing chamber 31 and is formed on the movable push rod 7. The movable push rod 7 is constructed as the bottom of the brewing chamber 31 and moves vertically up and down within the brewing chamber 31.

[0043] In this way, the coffee grounds (i.e., coffee grounds) located on the movable push rod 7 can be pushed out of the brewing chamber 31 after brewing is completed. The brewing chamber 31 does not need to move. Instead, the coffee grounds are pushed out by the movement of the movable push rod 7, which can ensure the structural stability of the brewing chamber 31 itself and make the method of pushing out the coffee grounds more reasonable.

[0044] The aforementioned movable push rod 7 includes a rod body and an adapter connected to the lower part of the rod body. The upper part of the rod body is movably disposed within the brewing chamber 31, with powder residue located at the upper part of the rod body. The rod body forms a water inlet chamber that runs vertically through it. The aforementioned adapter is used to connect to the water inlet hose described below, so as to supply water to the water inlet chamber of the rod body through the water inlet hose and the adapter, thereby supplying water to the brewing chamber 31 which is connected to the water inlet chamber.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the frame 1 is provided with a water inlet connector 11, which is connected to a water inlet hose. The water inlet connector 11 is connected to the first water inlet 32 ​​through the water inlet hose.

[0046] In this way, a stable water supply to the brewing chamber 31 can be ensured through the water inlet connector 11 and the water inlet hose. The water inlet hose is easy to deform, making it convenient for users to use and adjust the position of the water inlet hose.

[0047] The aforementioned water inlet connector 11 is located at the lower part of the frame 1, and the lower part of the movable push rod 7 is located near the water inlet connector 11.

[0048] In some embodiments, the brewing head assembly 4 is detachably connected to the movable support 21.

[0049] This facilitates the removal of the brewing head assembly 4 from the movable bracket 21, making it easier to clean or maintain the brewing head assembly 4.

[0050] The brewing head assembly 4 can be connected to the movable bracket 21 in a detachable manner such as plug-in or snap-fit. This application does not make specific limitations on this, as long as a stable connection between the brewing head assembly 4 and the movable bracket 21 can be achieved.

[0051] In some embodiments, the centerline of the first water inlet 32 ​​is collinear with the centerline of the second water inlet 41. This structure ensures that the brewing liquid entering through the first water inlet 32 ​​flows directly towards the second water inlet 41, thereby improving the liquid discharge efficiency of the second water inlet 41.

[0052] The working process of the brewing device used in beverage preparation equipment is described below: The powdered coffee grounds from the grinder 5 enter the brewing cup 3 via the powder conveying structure 6. After the brewing cup 3 has received the coffee grounds, the brewing head assembly 4 moves towards the brewing cup 3 under the action of the movable support 21, entering the brewing chamber 31 of the brewing cup 3. The brewing head assembly 4 continues to move, compacting the powdered coffee grounds within the brewing cup 3. After the brewing head assembly 4 has completed compaction, the water pump continuously supplies water to the brewing chamber 31 of the brewing cup 3 through the water inlet connector 11. The brewed liquid and the powdered coffee grounds are mixed to form a beverage that flows out through the coffee connector in the brewing head assembly 4, thus completing the coffee brewing process. After brewing, the brewing head assembly 4 moves upward to reset, and then the movable push rod 7 moves upward to push out the coffee grounds in the brewing chamber 31, thus removing the coffee grounds and preparing for the next coffee brewing.

[0053] This application also provides a beverage preparation device, including a brewing apparatus for beverage preparation according to any of the above embodiments.

[0054] The beverage preparation equipment using the above-mentioned brewing apparatus, through the vertically arranged brewing chamber 31 and the brewing head assembly 4 which can move vertically upwards and downwards under the drive of the movable support 21, allows the brewing chamber 31 to remain stationary after receiving the powder. Instead, the brewing head assembly 4 vertically descends into the brewing chamber 31 to compact the powder. This vertical downward powder compaction method achieves better powder compaction effect, ensuring that the powdered ingredients are evenly compacted, thereby guaranteeing the extraction effect after even compaction and solving the problem of poor extraction effect caused by uneven powder compaction. In addition, the brewing chamber 31 does not need to move; instead, the brewing head assembly 4 moves to compact the powder, making the brewing action more continuous and smooth.

[0055] The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to this utility model within its substance and protection scope, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions should also be considered to fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A brewing apparatus for beverage preparation equipment, characterized in that, include: A frame on which an actuation assembly is provided, the actuation assembly including a movable bracket slidably mounted on the frame in a vertical direction; A brewing cup is mounted on the frame. The brewing cup has a brewing chamber for holding powdered ingredients. The brewing chamber is arranged vertically and has a first water inlet. A brewing head assembly is connected to the movable support. The brewing head assembly is located above the brewing cup and has a second water inlet. Both the second water inlet and the first water inlet are connected to the brewing chamber. The movable support is used to drive the brewing head assembly to move up and down in the vertical direction, so that the brewing head assembly is lowered vertically into the brewing chamber to perform the powder pressing operation.

2. The brewing apparatus for beverage preparation equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brewing apparatus also includes a grinder and a powder conveying structure. The powder conveying structure is inclined, with its upper end connected to the powder outlet of the grinder and its lower end connected to the upper opening of the brewing cup to deliver powdered ingredients to the brewing cup.

3. The brewing apparatus for beverage preparation equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuation component includes a drive component and a transmission component. The transmission component is connected to the output shaft of the drive component. The transmission component includes at least a screw. The movable bracket is sleeved on the screw. The drive component is used to drive the movable bracket to move up and down in the vertical direction through the screw.

4. The brewing apparatus for beverage preparation equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The brewing apparatus further includes a pump body and a control device. The outlet of the pump body is connected to the first water inlet. The control device is electrically connected to the drive unit and the pump body respectively. The control device is used to send a control command to the drive unit to control the brewing head assembly to press the powder downwards, and to control the pump body to open after the brewing head assembly presses the powder, so as to supply water to the brewing chamber through the first water inlet.

5. The brewing apparatus for beverage preparation equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The screw sleeve is provided with a first limiting block and a second limiting block, and the movable bracket is located between the first limiting block and the second limiting block. The first limiting block and the second limiting block are used to cooperate to limit the movement range of the movable bracket.

6. The brewing apparatus for beverage preparation equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brewing cup is equipped with a movable push rod. The first water inlet is located at the lower part of the brewing chamber and is formed on the movable push rod. The movable push rod is constructed as the bottom of the brewing chamber and moves vertically up and down within the brewing chamber.

7. The brewing apparatus for beverage preparation equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame is equipped with a water inlet connector, which is connected to a water inlet hose. The water inlet connector is connected to the first water inlet through the water inlet hose.

8. The brewing apparatus for beverage preparation equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brewing head assembly is detachably connected to the movable support.

9. The brewing apparatus for beverage preparation equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centerline of the first water inlet is collinear with the centerline of the second water inlet.

10. A beverage preparation device, characterized in that, The brewing apparatus includes any one of the beverage preparation equipment as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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