Coffee tamping mechanism for coffee brewing device and coffee brewing device

Abstract

A coffee tamping mechanism for a coffee brewing device and the coffee brewing device. The coffee tamping mechanism for the coffee brewing device comprises a driving mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a coffee tamping head. The transmission mechanism is transmittingly connected to the coffee tamping head, so that the coffee tamping head can be driven to ascend and descend, and the coffee tamping head is located at a starting position or an operating position. The transmission mechanism comprises: a first transmission member, which is driven by the driving mechanism to rotate; a second transmission member, which is sleeved over the periphery of the first transmission member and is threadedly connected to the first transmission member, enabling the second transmission member to be capable of ascending and descending; and a rotating frame, which is at least partially arranged in the first transmission member and can rotate along with the first transmission member, wherein the coffee tamping head is connected and fixed to the rotating frame. The bottom surface of the rotating frame passes through the first transmission member and is supported on the inner side of the bottom surface of the second transmission member, so that the rotating frame can ascend and descend relative to the first transmission member along with the second transmission member.

Description

A tamping mechanism for a coffee brewing device and a coffee brewing device Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to beverage brewing devices, and more particularly to a tamping mechanism for a coffee brewing device, and a coffee brewing device using the tamping mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Coffee, as a signature beverage of modern lifestyle, is gradually becoming a part of people's daily work, study, and life. The coffee processing process includes the following steps: grinding coffee beans into coffee powder; placing the coffee powder into a coffee tin; and extruding the coffee powder into a specific shape within the tin before extraction.

[0003] Under normal conditions, coffee powder easily loses its aroma due to oxidation. Therefore, a coffee grinder that allows ordinary consumers to grind coffee beans into powder, tamp, and extract the coffee has emerged. For example, Chinese Patent Application No. 202320718863.7 discloses a tamping mechanism for a coffee brewing device, which includes a drive mechanism, a transmission component, and a tamping head. The drive mechanism and the transmission component constitute a linear drive module. The transmission component, as the output end of the linear drive module, is connected to the tamping head and drives the tamping head to rise and fall, so that the tamping head is in the starting position or the working position.

[0004] However, in the aforementioned tamping mechanism, the drive mechanism drives the transmission component through a gear set. The final gear of the gear set is sleeved outside the transmission component, which causes the housing of the tamping mechanism to bulge at the position corresponding to the final gear. Coffee grounds placed in the container may be thrown up and enter between the housing and the transmission component, affecting the normal operation of the moving mechanism. In addition, the tamping head can only move up and down, which cannot effectively spread the coffee grounds during tamping, resulting in uneven force, affecting the compaction of the coffee grounds, and ultimately affecting the taste after extraction and brewing.

[0005] Utility Model Content

[0006] The first technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to address the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a tamping mechanism for a coffee brewing device that can ensure the flatness of the coffee powder during tamping, making the tamping force uniform and improving the taste of the coffee.

[0007] The second technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a coffee brewing device that uses the above-mentioned tamping mechanism.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a tamping mechanism for a coffee brewing device, comprising a driving mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a tamping head, wherein the transmission mechanism is connected to the tamping head in a driving connection, thereby driving the tamping head to rise and fall, so that the tamping head is in a starting position or a working position; characterized in that:

[0009] The transmission mechanism includes:

[0010] The first transmission component is driven to rotate by the drive mechanism;

[0011] The second transmission component is sleeved on the outer circumference of the first transmission component and is threadedly connected to the first transmission component to enable it to move up and down; and

[0012] The rotating frame is at least partially disposed within the first transmission member and can rotate with the first transmission member. The powder pressing head is connected and fixed to the rotating frame. The bottom surface of the rotating frame passes through the first transmission member and is supported on the inner side of the bottom surface of the second transmission member, so that it can rise and fall relative to the first transmission member with the second transmission member.

[0013] By allowing the tamping head to rotate during lifting and lowering, the coffee grounds can be spread evenly during tamping, resulting in uniform tamping force and improved coffee flavor.

[0014] Furthermore, the powder pressing mechanism also includes a housing and a first sealing element. The second transmission element is a hollow sleeve and is disposed inside the housing. The first sealing element abuts between the inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the second transmission element. Since the second transmission element is on the outer periphery of the first transmission element, it can be internally connected to the first transmission element. Therefore, the outer wall can be a generally smooth wall, which facilitates the installation of the first sealing element to prevent powder residue from being thrown up and entering the transmission mechanism and drive mechanism, thus ensuring normal operation.

[0015] Preferably, the drive mechanism includes a motor and a gear set for speed reduction, wherein the primary gear of the gear set is connected to the output end of the motor, and the final gear of the gear set is connected to the first transmission component of the transmission mechanism.

[0016] The first technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a coffee brewing device, including a container for holding coffee powder, the top of the container being open, characterized in that: the coffee brewing device uses a tamping mechanism as described above, when the tamping head is in the initial position, the container is located below the tamping head, the working position includes a first working position, when the tamping head is in the first working position, the tamping head is pressed down into the container.

[0017] To facilitate the injection of hot water into the container for brewing, the coffee brewing device also includes a water inlet pipe for injecting water for brewing coffee powder. The water inlet pipe passes through a rotating frame, and a water channel is formed inside the rotating frame. The water channel extends through the bottom of the rotating frame, and a valve is provided at the bottom of the water channel. A first elastic element is provided between the valve and the bottom of the tamping head to keep the valve pressed against the bottom of the water channel. The water channel can communicate with the inside of the container through the tamping head.

[0018] The second technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a coffee brewing device, including a container for holding coffee powder, the top of the container being open, characterized in that: the coffee brewing device uses a tamping mechanism as described in claim 2, the tamping head can move up and down within the shell and the container, the bottom of the shell is open, the container is disposed below the open part of the shell, and the shell has an inlet for coffee powder to pass through and enter the shell.

[0019] To prevent moisture from entering the grinding mechanism of the coffee brewing device due to the constant opening of the feed inlet of the housing, the tamping mechanism also includes a baffle that can be raised and lowered to open or close the feed inlet.

[0020] Furthermore, the baffle is disposed inside the housing and adjacent to the feed inlet. The baffle includes a plate body adapted to the feed inlet and a key portion protruding inward from the plate body. A groove extending vertically is formed on the outer peripheral wall surface of the second transmission member, and the key portion is inserted into the groove.

[0021] The working position also includes a second working position. When the powder pressing head rises from the starting position to the second working position, the baffle is pushed upward by the second transmission component to open the feed port.

[0022] The baffle maintains a downward trend to close the feed inlet, thereby causing the baffle to rise and fall with the second transmission component, which simplifies the movement mechanism of the baffle.

[0023] To facilitate the movement of the smoke baffle, a guide seat is provided inside the housing, and the baffle is confined within the guide seat and moves up and down along the guide seat.

[0024] To further prevent moisture from entering the grinding mechanism of the coffee brewing device due to the constant opening of the feed inlet of the housing, the tamping mechanism also includes a second seal. An opening is formed on the guide seat at a position corresponding to the feed inlet. The second seal is disposed between the guide seat and the feed inlet, and simultaneously seals the periphery of the feed inlet and the opening.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: by enabling the tamping head to rotate during lifting and lowering, the flatness of the coffee powder during tamping can be ensured, resulting in uniform tamping force and improved coffee taste; since the second transmission component is on the outer periphery of the first transmission component and can be internally connected to the first transmission component, the outer wall surface can be a roughly smooth wall surface, which facilitates the installation of the first sealing component to prevent powder residue from being thrown up and entering the transmission mechanism and drive mechanism, ensuring normal operation. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the tamping mechanism and container of the coffee brewing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the tamping mechanism and container of the coffee brewing device according to an embodiment of the present invention (from a different perspective than Figure 1);

[0028] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view (initial position) of the tamping mechanism and container of the coffee brewing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the hidden housing of the tamping mechanism of the coffee brewing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 is an exploded structural diagram of the tamping mechanism and container of the coffee brewing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 is a partially exploded structural diagram of the tamping mechanism of the coffee brewing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 is a partially exploded structural diagram of the transmission mechanism of the tamping mechanism of the coffee brewing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 is a partial top view of the transmission mechanism of the tamping mechanism of the coffee brewing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view (lowest position) of the tamping mechanism and container of the coffee brewing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view (highest position) of the tamping mechanism and container of the coffee brewing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Since the embodiments disclosed in this utility model can be arranged in different directions, these terms indicating direction are only for illustration and should not be regarded as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity. In addition, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 8, a coffee brewing device includes a tamping mechanism 1 and a container 2. Other components, such as a grinding mechanism, a water pump, a heater, and a housing, are the same as those in the prior art and are not shown in the figures.

[0039] The powder pressing mechanism 1 includes a drive mechanism 11, a transmission mechanism 12, a powder pressing head 13, and a housing 14. The housing 14 is hollow, and in the initial state, the transmission mechanism 12 and the powder pressing head 13 are located inside the housing 14. The housing 14 can be formed by multiple parts snapping together, as shown in Figure 5, consisting of three parts. Optionally, two or more parts can be provided as needed. The drive mechanism 11 includes a motor 111 and a gear set 112 for speed reduction. The primary gear 1121 of the gear set 112 is driven by the output end of the motor 111. Optionally, the output end of the motor 111 is provided with a worm gear, the primary gear 1121 is a worm wheel, and the final gear 1122 of the gear set 112 is driven by the transmission mechanism 12. In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 12 includes a first transmission member 121 and a second transmission member 122. The first transmission member 121 is a hollow, open-end sleeve. The final stage gear 1122 can be connected and fixed to the first transmission member 121, or the two can be integrally formed, as long as the final stage gear 1122 can drive the first transmission member 121 to rotate. The second transmission member 122 is located on the outer periphery of the first transmission member 121, and can also be a hollow sleeve with a generally smooth outer wall surface. It can be threadedly connected to the first transmission member 121, that is, the outer periphery of the first transmission member 121 has external threads, while the inner periphery of the second transmission member 122 has internal threads. Thus, when the first transmission member 121 rotates with the final stage gear 1122, the second transmission member 122 can rise and fall relative to the first transmission member 121.

[0040] The transmission mechanism 12 also includes a rotating frame 123, which is at least partially disposed within the first transmission member 121 and can rotate with the first transmission member 121 and can also rise and fall relative to the first transmission member 121. Optionally, the first transmission member 121 and the rotating frame 123 are connected by a keyway. The powder pressing head 13 is disposed below the bottom of the second transmission member 122 and can be fixedly connected to the rotating frame 123 by screws 131 passing through the bottom of the second transmission member 122. The bottom surface of the rotating frame 123 is supported inside the bottom surface of the second transmission member 122. When the second transmission member 122 descends, the rotating frame 123 descends with it due to gravity; when the second transmission member 122 rises, it pushes the rotating frame 123 upward. Thus, the powder pressing head 13 moves up and down and rotates with the rotating frame 123. In the installed state, the rotation axis of the powder pressing head 13 is vertical. By allowing the tamping head 13 to rotate during lifting and lowering, the coffee powder can be spread evenly during tamping, resulting in uniform tamping force and improved coffee taste.

[0041] The bottom of the housing 14 is open to allow the tamping head 13 to pass through. The container 2 is detachably disposed below the open portion of the housing 14. The top of the container 2 is open and hollow, corresponding to the tamping head 13. In this embodiment, the container 2 and the housing 14 are interlocked. The container 2 can serve as a powder container (containing coffee powder ground by the grinding mechanism 3) or a capsule container (containing coffee capsules).

[0042] To prevent the powder residue inside container 2 from being blown up and entering the transmission mechanism 12, the powder pressing mechanism 1 also includes a first sealing element 17. The first sealing element 17 abuts between the inner wall surface of the housing 14 and the outer wall surface of the second transmission element 122. To facilitate defining the position of the first sealing element 17, it can partially pass through the housing 14 and partially penetrate the outer wall surface of the second transmission element 122.

[0043] The coffee brewing device also includes a water inlet pipe 3 for injecting water to brew coffee grounds, which passes through a rotating frame 123. A water passage 1231 is formed within the rotating frame 123, extending through the bottom of the rotating frame 123. A valve 32 is located at the bottom of the water passage 1231. A first elastic element 33, such as a spring, is positioned between the valve 32 and the bottom of the tamping head 13 to keep the valve 32 pressed against the bottom of the water passage 1231. When hot water is injected from the water inlet pipe 3, as the water pressure increases until it exceeds the elastic force of the first elastic element 33, the valve 32 is pressed downwards, and the hot water passes through the tamping head 13 and enters the container 2.

[0044] The housing 14 has a feed inlet 142 on its wall for coffee powder to enter the grinding mechanism. To prevent moisture from entering the grinding mechanism during coffee brewing and causing the powder to clump, the tamping mechanism 1 also includes a baffle 15 and a second elastic member 16, disposed inside the housing 14. The baffle 15 can open or close the feed inlet 142, and the second elastic member 16 is used to reset the baffle 15. The baffle 15 includes a plate 151 adapted to the feed inlet 142 and a protrusion 152 protruding outward (away from the transmission mechanism 12 and the tamping head 13) on the plate 151. To facilitate limiting the path of the baffle 15, a guide seat 143 is provided on the inner wall of the housing 14, located between the baffle 15 and the second transmission member 122. The baffle 15 can be confined within the guide seat 143 and move up and down along the guide seat 143. The lower end of the second elastic member 16 abuts against the protrusion 152, while the upper end abuts against the top of the guide seat 143, thereby maintaining the tendency to press the baffle 15 downward and close the feed inlet 142. The second elastic member 16 is preferably a spring; to prevent spring dislodgement, a positioning post or similar device can be provided to limit the spring's position. An opening 1431 is formed on the guide seat 143 at a position corresponding to the feed inlet 142 to allow coffee powder to pass through. The opening 1431 can be opened and closed when the baffle 15 is raised or lowered, thus opening and closing the feed inlet 142. Alternatively, a separate guide seat 143 may not be provided; instead, a guide groove can be directly formed on the inner wall of the housing 14 to limit the movement path of the baffle 15. In this case, the upper end of the second elastic member 16 can directly abut against the inner wall of the housing 14.

[0045] To further prevent moisture from entering the grinding mechanism, a second sealing element 18 is also provided inside the housing 14. It is located between the guide seat 143 and the feed inlet 142, sealing the periphery of the feed inlet 142 and also sealing the periphery of the opening 1431.

[0046] The baffle 15 also includes a key portion 153 formed on the plate 151 and passing through the guide seat 143. A groove 1221 extending vertically is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the second transmission member 122. The key portion 153 can be inserted into the groove 1221. The bottom of the groove 1221 is closed and does not penetrate the second transmission member 122, so as to support the key portion 153. Thus, when the second transmission member 122 rises, it can push the baffle 15 upward.

[0047] The working principle of the coffee brewing device of this utility model is as follows: Before the coffee brewing device starts working, referring to Figure 3, the tamping head 13 is in the initial position, the container 2 is below the tamping head 3, and the bottom of the tamping head 13 corresponds to the top of the container 2. At this time, the baffle 15 is in the position of closing the feed port 142. Then, the driving mechanism 11 of the tamping mechanism 1 drives the second transmission mechanism 122 to move upward, thereby lifting the rotating frame 123 upward and driving the tamping head 13 to move upward to the highest position (second working position), referring to Figure 10. When the second transmission mechanism 122 rises, it lifts the baffle 15 upward, thereby opening the feed port 142. During the process of the baffle 15 rising, the second elastic element 16 is compressed; the grinding mechanism is started, and coffee powder enters the container 2 through the feed port 142 (opening 1431). When the preset amount of powder is reached, the grinding mechanism stops working; then, the driving mechanism 11 of the tamping mechanism 1... 1. Drive the second transmission component 122 downward, and the rotating frame 123, together with the tamping head 13, rotates downward. See Figure 9. Since the second transmission mechanism 122 no longer exerts an upward force on the baffle 15 as it descends, the baffle 15 returns to its original position under the restoring force of the second elastic element 16 until the feed port 142 is closed. After that, the second transmission component 122 continues to descend, causing the tamping head 13 to continue to press down into the container 2 until it reaches the lowest position (first working position), thus compacting the coffee powder in the container 2. Finally, the water pump and heater are started, and hot water enters the container 2 through the water injection pipe 3 to extract and brew the coffee.

Claims

1. A tamping mechanism for a coffee brewing device, comprising a drive mechanism (11), a transmission mechanism (12), and a tamping head (13), wherein the transmission mechanism (12) is connected to the tamping head (13) for transmission, thereby driving the tamping head (13) to rise and fall, so that the tamping head (13) is in a starting position or a working position; characterized in that: The transmission mechanism (12) includes: The first transmission component (121) is driven to rotate by the drive mechanism (11); The second transmission component (122) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first transmission component (121) and is threadedly connected to the first transmission component (121) to be able to move up and down; and The rotating frame (123) is at least partially disposed within the first transmission member (121) and can rotate with the first transmission member (121). The powder pressing head (13) is connected and fixed to the rotating frame (123). The bottom surface of the rotating frame (123) passes through the first transmission member (121) and is supported on the inner side of the bottom surface of the second transmission member (122), so that it can rise and fall relative to the first transmission member (121) with the second transmission member (122).

2. The tamping mechanism for a coffee brewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder pressing mechanism also includes a housing (14) and a first sealing member (17). The second transmission member (122) is a hollow sleeve and is disposed inside the housing (14). The first sealing member (17) abuts between the inner wall of the housing (14) and the outer wall of the second transmission member (122).

3. The tamping mechanism for a coffee brewing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The drive mechanism (11) includes a motor (111) and a gear set (112) for deceleration. The primary gear (1121) of the gear set (112) is connected to the output end of the motor (111), and the final gear (1122) of the gear set (112) is connected to the first transmission member (121) of the transmission mechanism (12).

4. A coffee brewing device, comprising a container (2) for holding coffee powder, the top of the container (2) being open, characterized in that: The coffee brewing device is equipped with a tamping mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 3. When the tamping head (13) is in the initial position, the container (2) is located below the tamping head (13). The working position includes a first working position. When the tamping head (13) is in the first working position, the tamping head (13) is pressed down into the container (2).

5. The coffee brewing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The coffee brewing device also includes a water inlet pipe (3) for injecting water for brewing coffee powder. The water inlet pipe (3) is inserted into a rotating frame (123). A water channel (1231) is formed inside the rotating frame (123). The water channel (1231) passes through the bottom of the rotating frame (123). A valve (32) is provided at the bottom of the water channel (1231). A first elastic element (33) is provided between the bottom of the valve (32) and the tamping head (13) so that the valve (32) tends to be pressed against the bottom of the water channel (1231). The water channel (1231) can communicate with the container (2) through the tamping head (13).

6. A coffee brewing device, comprising a container (2) for holding coffee powder, said container (2) having an open top, characterized in that: The coffee brewing device uses a tamping mechanism as described in claim 2. The tamping head (13) can move up and down within the housing (14) and the container (2). The bottom of the housing (14) is open. The container (2) is located below the open part of the housing (14). The housing (14) has an inlet (142) for coffee powder to pass through and enter the housing (14).

7. The coffee brewing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The powder pressing mechanism also includes a baffle (15), which can be raised and lowered to open or close the feed inlet (142).

8. The coffee brewing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The baffle (15) is disposed inside the housing (14) and adjacent to the feed inlet (142). The baffle (15) includes a plate (151) adapted to the feed inlet (142) and a key (153) protruding inward from the plate (151). A groove (1221) extending vertically is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the second transmission member (122). The key (153) is inserted into the groove (1221). The working position also includes a second working position. When the powder pressing head (13) rises from the starting position to the second working position, the baffle (15) is pushed upward by the second transmission member (122) to open the feed port (142). The baffle (15) maintains a downward tendency to close the feed inlet (142).

9. The coffee brewing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The housing (14) is provided with a guide seat (143), and the baffle (15) is confined within the guide seat (143) and moves up and down along the guide seat (143).

10. The coffee brewing device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The powder pressing mechanism also includes a second sealing element (18). An opening (1431) is formed on the guide seat (143) at a position corresponding to the feed port (142). The second sealing element (18) is disposed between the guide seat (143) and the feed port (142), and simultaneously seals the periphery of the feed port (142) and the opening (1431).

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