Coffee grounds compaction station

Abstract

This coffee grounds tamping station (14) in a filter holder (16) includes a base (50) comprising a main part (88) and an axial projection (90) extending from the main part (88). The base (50) is adapted to be removably attached to the main body (48) in two configurations: a first configuration assembled to the main body (48) in which the axial projection (90) extends upwards towards the main body (48), and a second configuration assembled to the main body (48) in which the axial projection (90) extends downwards away from the main body (48) and is adapted to form a bearing surface against a free edge of a work surface. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Coffee grounds compaction station technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of coffee-based beverage preparation apparatus using a filter holder. Such apparatus includes a filter holder defining an infusion chamber for receiving ground coffee. The filter holder is adapted to be connected to a liquid dispensing outlet of the beverage preparation apparatus so that, during operation of the apparatus, water, preferably hot (for example, at a temperature above 80°C), is received in the infusion chamber to brew the ground coffee and then dispenses the coffee-based beverage from the outlet of the filter holder. The invention relates in particular to the field of coffee ground tamping stations in a filter holder. State of the art

[0002] CN216702293 U is known to be a coffee grounds tamping station in a filter holder comprising a filter holder receiving housing, a used grounds disposal tray and a receiving housing for a manual tamping device for the grounds in the filter holder.

[0003] Such a tamping station allows for the accommodation of all the elements necessary for the production of a coffee, namely, the filter holder, the tamping device and even a ground coffee dispenser, and also for emptying the filter holder into the emptying tray using a striking bar against which a user can strike the filter holder.

[0004] However, the tamping station proposed in CN216702293 U is complex to use. The operations of tamping the ground coffee into the portafilter, while the portafilter is being received by the tamping station, and also of emptying the portafilter into the emptying tray, are complex. Indeed, under the effect of the forces exerted by the user on the tamping station for tamping and / or emptying operations, the tamping station is particularly prone to unwanted movement. Such movement hinders the proper use of the station and leads to complexity of operation, or even poor tamping, which can negatively impact the quality of the coffee produced, or even cause the portafilter to empty outside the emptying tray, potentially posing a risk of injury to the user during the operation of the tamping station. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0006] The technical problem at the basis of the invention consists of proposing a compaction station whose use is facilitated and which in particular facilitates compaction operations and advantageously emptying for the user.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a coffee grounds tamping station in a filter holder, the tamping station comprising: - a main body, the main body comprising a first housing for receiving the filter holder, - a base comprising a main part intended, on the one hand, to accommodate the main body and, on the other hand, to be in contact with a work surface on which the compaction station is positioned.

[0008] According to the invention, the sole comprises an axial projection extending from the main part, the sole being adapted to be fixed to the main body in a removable manner in two configurations: - a first configuration assembled to the main body in which the axial projection extends upwards towards the main body, and - a second configuration assembled to the main body in which the axial projection extends downwards opposite the main body and is designed to form a support surface against a free edge of the work surface.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, the tamping station is easy to use, and the tamping and, advantageously, emptying operations are simplified. Indeed, the second assembled configuration ensures increased stability of the tamping station during tamping and, advantageously, emptying operations, with the axial projection designed to rest against a free edge of the work surface. Furthermore, the first assembled configuration allows the tamping station to be stored freely on the work surface or in a dedicated storage space when not in use.

[0010] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a compaction station may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination.

[0011] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the sole is adapted to be moved in a retracted configuration relative to the main body in which the sole is separated from the main body.

[0012] Such an arrangement allows easy handling of the sole and the main body, as well as facilitating cleaning operations of the sole and the main body.

[0013] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the main body comprises a lower face provided with at least one first fastening member adapted to cooperate with a second fastening member formed on the main part, each first and second fixing elements ensuring the removable attachment of the sole to the main body.

[0014] Such an arrangement makes it possible to ensure the fixing of the sole with the main body when the sole is assembled with the main body so that the sole and the main body are joined in movement and if the sole is immobilized with respect to the work surface the main body is also immobilized.

[0015] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, in the first assembled configuration, the axial projection is received in an additional housing formed at the level of a rear lower edge of the main body, and in the second assembled configuration, the axial projection is adjacent to a front lower edge of the main body.

[0016] Such an arrangement makes it possible to improve the compactness and ease of use of the compaction station.

[0017] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, in the first assembled configuration, a first face of the main part is intended to be in contact with the work surface and a second face of the main part, opposite to the first face along a vertical axis, is in contact with an underside face of the main body, and in the second assembled configuration, the second face is intended to be in contact with the work surface and the first face is in contact with the underside face of the main body.

[0018] Such an arrangement allows a base to have two functions depending on its position relative to the main body, a storage and free positioning function in the first assembled configuration and a function of immobilizing the compaction station in the second assembled configuration.

[0019] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the first housing includes a through-hole at the level of an underside face of the main body, the through-hole being adapted to accommodate a distribution outlet for a coffee-based beverage from the filter holder when the filter holder is positioned in the first housing, the main part includes a first hole and a second hole, and in the first assembled configuration, the first hole is opposite the through-hole and in the second assembled configuration, the second hole is opposite the through-hole.

[0020] Such an arrangement makes it possible to promote the compactness of the entire compaction station and filter holder regardless of the position of the base relative to the main body.

[0021] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the axial projection extends from an edge of the main part, over at least 60% of the length of said edge, and extends substantially perpendicularly to the main part, the maximum height of the axial projection being preferably between 1 cm and 10 cm, more preferably between 1.5 cm and 4 cm.

[0022] Such an arrangement makes it possible to guarantee an optimized interaction between the work surface and the axial projection when the base is in the second assembled configuration so that the immobilization of the compaction station during compaction operations and advantageously emptying is ensured.

[0023] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the axial projection comprises along its length a central portion of substantially constant height and two opposite lateral portions of decreasing height from the central portion.

[0024] Such an arrangement makes it easier to assemble the sole with the main body and in particular the positioning of the axial projection relative to the main body in the first assembled configuration.

[0025] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the sole is made of elastomeric material.

[0026] Such an arrangement makes it possible to improve the adhesion of the sole with the work surface.

[0027] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the main body includes a second housing for receiving a manual tamping device.

[0028] Such an arrangement allows the manual compaction device to be positioned on the compaction station.

[0029] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the main body includes a third housing for receiving a used grind drain tray and a battering bar for the filter holder, the drain tray and the battering bar being adapted to be removably fixed to the third housing, the battering bar being adapted to extend across the drain tray.

[0030] Such an arrangement allows the filter holder to be emptied using the tamping station and thus to have a tamping station which ensures tamping but also simplified emptying of the filter holder.

[0031] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the filter holder comprises an infusion chamber for receiving ground coffee, a gripping handle and a connecting part extending between the infusion chamber and the gripping handle, the first housing being suitable for receiving the infusion chamber and the main body comprising on a front side an additional through housing opening into the first housing and suitable for receiving the connecting part.

[0032] Such an arrangement optimizes the integration of the filter holder into the tamping station and allows the user to hold the filter holder via the gripping handle during the tamping operation to ensure optimized tamping and distribution of the grounds.

[0033] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the first housing comprises a first fastening element adapted to cooperate with a second element of fixing formed on the filter holder, the first and second fixing elements ensuring that the filter holder is immobilized in the first housing.

[0034] Such an arrangement ensures that the filter holder remains in position in the first housing during the tamping operation and thus ensures optimized tamping and distribution of the ground coffee.

[0035] The invention also relates to a coffee-based beverage preparation system comprising a beverage preparation apparatus and a coffee grounds tamping station. The beverage preparation apparatus includes a liquid dispensing outlet and a filter holder adapted to be removably attached to the liquid dispensing outlet for dispensing a coffee-based beverage. According to the invention, the tamping station is as described above and is adapted to receive the filter holder in the first compartment. Brief description of the figures

[0036] The objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention presented by way of non-limiting example, by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0037] Fig. 1 is a representation of a coffee-based beverage preparation set comprising a beverage preparation apparatus represented in a very schematic way and a coffee grounds tamping station according to the invention receiving a filter holder, a tamping element and a coffee grounds drainage tray;

[0038] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the compaction station of Fig. 1, the compaction station being viewed from above and from the front;

[0039] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view from below of the compaction station of Figures 1 and 2, the compaction station being observed from below and from the rear;

[0040] Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of the compaction station of Figures 1 to 3 comprising a main body and a base positioned in a first configuration assembled with the main body;

[0041] Fig. 5 is a perspective view from below and from the rear of the compaction station of Fig. 4, the base being in a retracted configuration relative to the main body;

[0042] Fig. 6 is a perspective view from below and from the rear of the compaction station of Fig. 4, the base being positioned in a second configuration assembled with the main body;

[0043] Fig. 7 is a perspective view from the front of the compaction station of Fig. 6.

[0044] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention have been shown. To facilitate reading the drawings, the same elements bear the same reference numerals from one figure to another.

[0045] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "longitudinal", "transverse", used to describe the tamping station and / or the beverage dispensing device refer to these devices in use, in particular when positioned on a work surface for the preparation of a coffee-based beverage.

[0046] A "front" part of the compaction station is intended to be positioned facing the user when using the compaction station and a "rear" part of the compaction station is intended to be positioned opposite the user.

[0047] Furthermore, the terms "right" and "left" used to describe the compaction station refer to this device in a situation of use when the user is positioned facing the compaction station.

[0048] A coffee-based beverage preparation set 10 comprising a beverage preparation apparatus 12 and a coffee grounds tamping station 14 is shown in [Fig. 1],

[0049] The beverage preparation device 12 is a coffee-based beverage preparation device and is in particular a coffee machine.

[0050] In the rest of the description the terms beverage preparation device and coffee machine are used interchangeably.

[0051] The coffee machine 12 is adapted to cooperate with a filter holder 16 containing ground coffee to prepare and dispense a coffee-based beverage. In [Fig. 1], the filter holder 16 is shown associated with the tamping station 14 and not with the coffee machine 12.

[0052] As seen in [Fig.1], the coffee machine 12 comprises a frame or housing 18, and a liquid distribution outlet 20. The liquid distribution outlet 20 is configured to receive the filter holder 16 during the preparation of a coffee-based beverage in order to deliver water, preferably hot, for example at a temperature above 80°C, into the filter holder 16 and to infuse the ground coffee received in the filter holder 16.

[0053] The coffee machine 12 also includes a container support 22 on which a container / receptacle, not shown, can be placed.

[0054] The coffee machine 12 advantageously includes a human-machine interface 24 through which a user can select a type of beverage to prepare / distribute and advantageously enter coffee machine setting parameters 12.

[0055] The coffee machine 12 also includes a water reservoir 26, for example, located in a rear part of the housing 18.

[0056] The coffee machine 12 also includes a beverage preparation unit, not shown, integrated into the housing 18.

[0057] The preparation unit includes a control circuit for managing the preparation of a beverage according to instructions given by the user. The preparation unit also includes a liquid circulation pump, a heating block also called a boiler producing hot water and advantageously steam.

[0058] The liquid distribution outlet 20 is configured to be fluidly connected to the boiler and to distribute hot water from the boiler into the filter holder 16 when the latter is attached to the liquid distribution outlet 20.

[0059] The filter holder 16, visible in figures 1 to 3, includes an infusion chamber 30 for receiving ground coffee, a gripping handle 32 and a connecting part 34 extending between the infusion chamber 30 and the gripping handle 32.

[0060] The filter holder 16 also includes, below the brewing chamber 30, two outlets 36, 38 for dispensing a coffee-based beverage. This arrangement allows the coffee-based beverage to be dispensed into two cups simultaneously. Alternatively, the filter holder 16 includes a single outlet for dispensing a coffee-based beverage.

[0061] The infusion chamber 30 is equipped at its bottom with a filter screen 40 in fluidic communication with the distribution outlets 36, 38 and suitable for filtering the beverage infused in the infusion chamber to retain the coffee grounds in the infusion chamber 30 and transmit the coffee-based beverage to the distribution outlets 36, 38.

[0062] The filter holder 16 is suitable for being removably fixed to the liquid distribution outlet 20 to distribute a coffee-based beverage at the distribution outlets 36, 38.

[0063] The filter holder 16 includes, for example, lugs 42A, 42B, 42C, visible in figures 2 and 3, for the removable attachment of the filter holder 16 and in particular of the brewing chamber 30 to the liquid distribution outlet 20. Thus, when the filter holder is attached to the liquid distribution outlet 20, the brewing chamber 30 is ready to receive water, preferably hot, and the coffee grounds contained in the brewing chamber 30 are then ready to be brewed to produce the coffee-based beverage.

[0064] The filter holder 16 also includes a fixing element 44 suitable for cooperating with the tamping station 14 to fix the filter holder 16 to the tamping station 14.

[0065] The fixing element 44, visible in [Fig.3], is for example fixed under the infusion chamber 30 and is formed by a lug 46 integral with a bottom of the infusion chamber 30.

[0066] The ergot 46 takes for example the form of an axial outgrowth, along a vertical axis Z, designed to extend from a lower wall of the infusion chamber 30 downwards, opposite the infusion chamber 30.

[0067] The compaction station 14 comprises a main body 48 and a base 50.

[0068] The main body 48 is configured to receive the filter holder 16 as shown to [Fig.1]. Advantageously, the main body 48 is also configured to receive a manual tamping device 52 for the grounds contained in the filter holder 16, a waste tray 54 for the used grounds and a striking bar 56 for the filter holder 16 above the waste tray 54.

[0069] The main body 48 includes a first housing 58 for receiving the filter holder 16.

[0070] The first housing 58 is suitable for receiving the infusion chamber 30 of the filter holder 16.

[0071] The first housing 58 is for example formed by a main cavity 59 provided in an upper face 60 of the main body 48.

[0072] As seen in figures 4 and 6, the first housing 58 includes a through orifice 61 at the level of a lower face 62 of the main body 48. The through orifice 61 is suitable for receiving the distribution outlets 36, 38 when the filter holder 16 is received in the first housing 58.

[0073] The first housing 58 also includes a first fixing element 64, visible in [Fig.4], suitable for cooperating with a second fixing element, namely the fixing element 44 formed on the filter holder, when the filter holder 16 is received in the first housing 58.

[0074] The first fixing element 64 is for example formed by a cavity intended to receive the lug 46.

[0075] The first 64 and the second 44 fixing elements ensure that the filter holder 16 is immobilized in the first housing 58 when the filter holder is received in the first housing 58.

[0076] The main body 48 includes on a front side 66 an additional through housing 68 opening into the first housing 58 and suitable for receiving the connecting part 34 when the filter holder is received in the first housing 58.

[0077] The main body 48 includes a second housing 69 for receiving the manual compaction device 52.

[0078] The second housing 69 is formed by an additional cavity 70 provided in the upper face 60 of the main body 48. The additional cavity 70 is specific to receiving a compaction part of the manual compaction member 52, the manual compaction member 52 also comprising a gripping part extending vertically upwards from the compaction part.

[0079] The main body 48 includes a third housing 72 for receiving the waste grinding waste container 54 and the striking bar 56.

[0080] The third housing 72 includes an additional through-hole 74 arranged vertically through the main body 48. The additional through-hole 74 is adapted to receive the drain tray 54. The third housing 72 also includes, on either side of the additional through-hole 74 along a longitudinal axis XI, support zones 76, 78 for the striking bar 56, visible in [Fig. 2]. Each support zone 76, 78 is adapted to receive a respective end of the striking bar. Thus, the striking bar 56 is adapted to extend across the drain tray 54 when the latter is received in the third housing 72.

[0081] The drain tray 54 and the striking bar 56 are suitable for being removably fixed to the third housing 72.

[0082] The main body 48 includes on the lower face 62 at least a first fixing member 79 adapted to cooperate with a corresponding fixing member formed on the sole 50.

[0083] The first fastening member 79 comprises, for example, a cylindrical body extending vertically downwards from the lower face 62 of the main body 48.

[0084] In the example of [Fig.3], the main body 48 includes four first fixing members 79, one at each corner of the main body 48.

[0085] Each first fixing member 79 ensures a removable fixing of the sole 50 to the main body 48.

[0086] The main body 48 includes a recess on its rear side 80. The recess forms an additional housing 82 designed to receive a portion of the sole 50 in a first assembled configuration of the sole 50 relative to the main body 48, as seen in [Fig. 4]. The recess is formed at a lower rear edge of the main body 48 and is delimited at the top of the main body by a rear face 84 of the main body 48, the recess of which is set back. The interaction of the sole 50 with the main body 48 will be better understood with reference to the description of the sole 50 below.

[0087] The base 50 is intended to receive the main body 48 and to form the interface between the main body 48 and a work surface on which the compaction station 14 is positioned. The base 50 forms a base of the compaction station 14 in contact with the work surface.

[0088] The base 50 includes a main part 88 intended, on the one hand, to accommodate the main body 48 and, on the other hand, to be in contact with the work surface on which the compaction station is positioned.

[0089] The sole 50 also includes an axial projection 90 extending from the main part 88. The axial projection 90 extends substantially along the vertical axis Z.

[0090] The axial projection 90 extends from an edge of the main part 88, over at least 60%, preferably over at least 90%, of the length of said edge measured along the longitudinal axis XI, and extends substantially perpendicularly to the main part 88.

[0091] The maximum height of the axial projection 90 is preferably between 1 cm and 10 cm, more preferably between 1.5 cm and 4 cm.

[0092] The axial projection 90 comprises, along its length, as seen in [Fig.5], a central portion 90A of substantially constant height and two opposite lateral portions 90B, 90C of decreasing height from the central portion 90A.

[0093] The axial projection 90 forms a protruding tongue from the main part 88.

[0094] The sole 50 is advantageously made of elastomeric material, for example rubber, so as to ensure optimized grip on the work surface aimed at preventing movement of the tamping station during tamping operations of the grounds in the filter holder 16 by the user using the manual tamping device 52 or emptying of the filter holder 16 into the emptying tray 54 by the user.

[0095] The sole 50 is designed to be attached to the main body 48 in a removable manner according to two configurations: - a first configuration assembled to the main body 48, visible in figures 1 and 4, in which the axial projection 90 extends upwards in the direction of the main body 48, and - a second configuration assembled to the main body 48, visible in figures 6 and 7, in which the axial projection extends downwards opposite the main body 48 and is suitable for forming a support surface against a free edge of the work surface.

[0096] The sole 50 is also suitable for being moved in a retracted configuration relative to the main body 48 in which the sole is separated from the main body 48.

[0097] To move the sole 50 into the retracted position, a vertical separation force is applied by the user between the main body 48 and the sole 50.

[0098] The sole 50 comprises for each first fixing member 79 a second fixing member 92 formed on the main part 88. Each first 79 and second 92 fixing members ensure the removable fixing of the sole 50 to the main body 48.

[0099] Each second fastening member 92 is for example formed by an additional housing suitable for receiving the cylindrical body of the corresponding first fastening member 79.

[0100] In the first assembled configuration, the axial projection 90 extends upwards from the main part 88 and is received in the additional housing 82. The axial projection 90 is then flush with the rear face 84. In the first configuration, the axial projection 90 therefore extends parallel to the rear side 80 of the main body 48.

[0101] The main part 88 includes a first orifice 94 and a second orifice 96 suitable for cooperating with the through orifice 61 when the sole 50 is in the first respectively the second assembled configuration.

[0102] In other words, in the first assembled configuration, the first orifice 94 is positioned opposite the through orifice 61 and in the second assembled configuration, the second orifice 96 is opposite the through orifice 61.

[0103] The second fixing members 92 are arranged symmetrically along a central longitudinal axis X2 of the sole 50. The first 94 and the second 96 holes are also arranged symmetrically along the central longitudinal axis X2 of the sole 50.

[0104] To move from the first assembled configuration to the second assembled configuration, the sole 50 is separated from the main body and thus moved into the retracted configuration, then the user rotates the sole 180° around the central longitudinal axis X2.

[0105] In the first assembled configuration, a first face 98 of the main part 88 is intended to be in contact with the work surface and a second face 100 of the main part 88, opposite to the first face along the vertical axis Z, is in contact with the lower face 62 of the main body 48.

[0106] In the second assembled configuration, the second face 100 is intended to be in contact with the work surface and the first face 98 is in contact with the lower face 62 of the main body 48.

[0107] In the second assembled configuration, the axial projection 90 is adjacent to a lower front edge 102 of the main body 48. In the second assembled configuration, the axial projection 90 extends downwards from the main part 88, preferably substantially in the same vertical plane as a front face of the main body 48 forming the front side 66. The axial projection 90 is configured to form a bearing surface / tongue against the free edge of the worktop. The free edge of the worktop is the one positioned facing the user when using the tamping station 14. The free edge extends perpendicularly to the face of the worktop receiving the tamping station 14 and the coffee machine 12.

[0108] An example of the use of the coffee-based beverage preparation set 10 will be described later.

[0109] In a first stage of supply, the tamping station 14, with the sole which is in the first assembled configuration, the coffee machine 12 including the filter holder 16, as well as the manual tamping device 52, the drain tray 54 and the striking bar 56 are supplied to the user.

[0110] Next, during a preparation step of the compaction station 14, the user moves the base 50 from the first assembled configuration to the second assembled configuration. The user then positions the compaction station 14 on the work surface so that the axial projection 90 is in contact with the free edge of the work surface, with the front side 66 of the main body 48 positioned facing the user.

[0111] During an installation step prior to or following the station preparation step, the user positions the filter holder 16 in the first housing 58, the manual tamping device 52 in the second housing 69, the drain tray 54 in the additional through-hole 74, and the ends of the battering bar 56 in the corresponding support areas 76, 78. The through-hole 61 and the first hole 94 receive the distribution outlets 36, 38, thus limiting the height by which the filter holder 16 protrudes from the main body 48 and optimizing the compactness of the filter holder 16 and tamping station 14 assembly.

[0112] Next, in a grinding preparation step, the user fills the brewing chamber 30 with coffee grounds and then grasps the gripping handle 32 and the manual tamping device 52 to perform the operation of tamping the grounds in the filter holder 16.

[0113] During the grinding preparation stage, thanks to the axial projection 90 and advantageously to the sole material, the tamping station 14 is immobilized on the work surface despite the tamping force applied by the user to the ground coffee received in the infusion chamber 30 using the manual tamping device 52. The tamping operation is thus facilitated so that the tamping is uniform and the ground coffee is regularly distributed in the infusion chamber 30.

[0114] In addition, the first 64 and the second 44 fixing elements ensure optimized retention of the filter holder 16 in the first housing 58 so that the tamping operation is facilitated.

[0115] Then, during a step in preparing the beverage, the user connects the filter holder 16 to the liquid distribution outlet 20 and selects a type of beverage to prepare / distribute via the human machine interface 24, a container being positioned under the distribution outlets 36, 38.

[0116] Following the distribution of the beverage by the coffee machine 12, the user disconnects the filter holder 16 from the liquid distribution outlet 20 and strikes the filter holder 16, and in particular the connecting part 34, against the striking bar 56 to empty the used grounds into the drain tray 54. During this operation of emptying the filter holder 16, thanks to the axial projection 90 and advantageously to the material of the base, the tamping station 14 is immobilized on the work surface despite the emptying effort exerted by the user (the striking exerted against the striking bar 56).

[0117] Then, during a cleaning step of the tamping station 14, the user separates the filter holder 16, the manual tamping device 52, the drain tray 54, and the striking bar 56 from the main body 48 to clean the assembly. Advantageously, during the cleaning step, the user moves the sole 50 into the retracted position relative to the main body 48 to clean the interface between the sole 50 and the main body 48.

[0118] Finally, during a storage step of the tamping station, the user moves the base 50 from the second assembled configuration to the first assembled configuration and is thus able to position the tamping station freely on the work surface or even in a storage space, the underside of the tamping station 14 formed by the base 50, and in particular the first face 98, being substantially flat. In the first configuration of the base 50, the tamping station is more compact and easier to store or position on the work surface.

[0119] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Coffee grounds tamping station (14) in a filter holder (16), the tamping station (14) comprising: - a main body (48), the main body (48) comprising a first housing (58) for receiving the filter holder, - a base (50) comprising a main part (88) intended, on the one hand, to receive the main body (48) and, on the other hand, to be in contact with a work surface on which the tamping station (14) is positioned, characterized in that the base (50) comprises an axial projection (90) extending from the main part (88), the base (50) being adapted to be fixed to the main body (48) in a removable manner in two configurations: - a first configuration assembled to the main body (48) in which the axial projection (90) extends upwards in the direction of the main body (48),and - a second configuration assembled to the main body (48) in which the axial projection (90) extends downwards opposite the main body (48) and is suitable for forming a bearing surface against a free edge of the worktop.

2. Coffee grounds compaction station (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sole (50) is adapted to be moved in a retracted configuration relative to the main body (48) in which the sole is separated from the main body (48).

3. Coffee grounds compaction station (14) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main body (48) comprises a lower face (62) provided with at least one first fixing member (79) adapted to cooperate with a second fixing member (92) formed on the main part (88), each first (79) and second (92) fixing members ensuring the removable fixing of the sole (50) to the main body (48).

4. Coffee grounds tamping station (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first assembled configuration, the axial projection (90) is received in an additional housing (82) formed at a lower rear edge of the main body (48), and in that in the second configuration assembled, the axial projection (90) is adjacent to a lower front edge (102) of the main body.

5. Coffee grounds tamping station (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first assembled configuration, a first face (98) of the main part is intended to be in contact with the work surface and a second face (100) of the main part, opposite to the first face along a vertical axis, is in contact with a lower face (62) of the main body (48), and in that in the second assembled configuration, the second face (100) is intended to be in contact with the work surface and the first face (98) is in contact with the lower face (62) of the main body (48).

6. Coffee grounds tamping station (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing (58) comprises a through orifice (61) at the level of an underside face (62) of the main body, the through orifice (61) being adapted to accommodate a distribution outlet (36, 38) of a coffee-based beverage from the filter holder (16) when the filter holder (16) is positioned in the first housing (58), in that the main part (88) comprises a first orifice (94) and a second orifice (96), in that in the first assembled configuration, the first orifice (94) is opposite the through orifice (61) and in that in the second assembled configuration, the second orifice (96) is opposite the through orifice (61).

7. Coffee grounds compacting station (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axial projection (90) extends from an edge of the main part (88), over at least 60% of the length of said edge, and extends substantially perpendicularly to the main part (88), the maximum height of the axial projection (90) preferably being between 1 cm and 10 cm, more preferably between 1.5 cm and 4 cm.

8. Coffee grounds compaction station (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axial projection (90) comprises along its length a central portion (90A) of substantially constant height and two opposing lateral portions (90B, 90C) of decreasing height from the central portion (90A).

9. Coffee grounds compaction station (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (50) is made of elastomeric material.

10. Coffee grounds tamping station (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body (48) includes a second housing (69) for receiving a manual tamping device (52).

11. Coffee grounds tamping station (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body (48) comprises a third housing (72) for receiving a used grounds disposal tray (54) and a striking bar (56) of the filter holder, the disposal tray (54) and the striking bar (56) being adapted to be removably attached to the third housing (72), the striking bar (56) being adapted to extend across the disposal tray (54).

12. Coffee grounds tamping station (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter holder (16) comprises an infusion chamber (30) for receiving ground coffee, a gripping handle (32) and a connecting part (34) extending between the infusion chamber (30) and the gripping handle (32), the first housing (58) being adapted to receive the infusion chamber (30) and the main body (48) comprising on a front side (66) an additional through housing (68) opening into the first housing (58) and adapted to receive the connecting part (34).

13. Coffee grounds tamping station (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing (58) comprises a first fixing element (64) adapted to cooperate with a second fixing element (44) formed on the filter holder (16), the first (64) and the second (44) fixing elements ensuring immobilization of the filter holder (16) in the first housing (58).

14. A coffee-based beverage preparation set (10) comprising a beverage preparation apparatus (12) and a coffee grounds tamping station (14), the beverage preparation apparatus (12) comprising a liquid dispensing outlet (20) and a filter holder (16) adapted to be removably attached to the liquid dispensing outlet (20) for dispensing a coffee-based beverage, characterized in that the tamping station (14) is according to any one of the preceding claims and is suitable for receiving the filter holder (16) in the first housing (58).

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