DE102014019778B4 - Device for tampering coffee - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for tamping coffee in a filter holder (3) of a coffee machine (1) by means of a tamper (21), the tamper (21) being actuable and / or actuated by means of at least one drive element (22), the drive element (22) being A working cylinder (22) which can be acted upon and / or acted upon by a fluid is formed, characterized in that the tamper (21) can be acted upon and / or acted upon by the working cylinder (22) with variable contact pressure and / or variable contact pressure such that the device has a sensor (32) that a contact pressure generated with the working cylinder (22) and / or a generated contact pressure of the tamper (21) is dependent on a signal and / or data from the sensor (32) that the variable contact pressure and / or the variable contact pressure is dependent on at least one of the properties of the coffee and / or filling quantity of the coffee and / or the desired degree of compression of the coffee.

Description

The invention relates to a device for tamping coffee according to the preamble of claim 1.

Tampem refers to the pressing of the ground coffee in the brew sieve. It serves to compact the ground coffee and creates a flat surface, which is important for even extraction of the ground coffee. Tamper are used for pressing.
The tamper should always fit the diameter of the sieve and fill it with as little tolerance as possible so that the ground coffee is evenly compressed in all areas. Otherwise the water will find the path of least resistance and the coffee will not be extracted optimally.

A coffee machine with portafilter and a variable pressure pump is out of the EP 2 497 396 B1 known.

From the DE 10 2009 032 677 A1 A brewing group of a coffee machine is known, a contact pressure of a brewing piston for compressing the ground coffee in the brewing chamber being adjustable by a torque sensor of a motor or by detecting the power consumption of the motor.

The DE 10 2013 005 597 A1 discloses a manual tamper, the contact pressure can be displayed by means of LEDs.

From the DE 21 2013 000 025 U1 is a device for tamping coffee in a filter holder of a coffee machine by means of a tamper, the tamper being actuated by means of at least one drive element and the drive element being designed as a working cylinder charged with a fluid.

The DE 20 2006 014 317 U1 discloses a coffee machine with devices for detecting the hot water to be supplied to the brewing chamber during a brewing process due to the counterpressure counteracting the coffee powder in the brewing chamber. As a result, properties of the coffee powder are inferred.

The EP 2 392 241 A1 describes a method for controlling and / or monitoring the brewing process of portafilter coffee machines, the brewing time and / or the brewing pressure and / or the degree of grinding and / or the amount of coffee and / or the amount of water and / or the portafilter temperature and / or the brewing temperature and / or the tampering process is monitored with regard to force and / or duration, and these parameters can be approximated by adaptation to a predetermined optimum.

The US 2010/0258009 A1 and the WO 2010/092542 A1 each disclose a device for tamping coffee, the tamper being moved by means of a working cylinder.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for tamping coffee in a filter holder of a coffee machine by means of a tamper.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a device having the features of claim 1.

The device according to the invention for tamping coffee in a filter holder of a coffee machine contains at least one tamper and at least one drive element for the tamper and a sensor.

By means of a working cylinder which can be acted upon by fluid, a particularly simple setting of a contact pressure of the tamper is possible.

The use of water and / or steam, an associated coffee machine, greatly simplifies the actuation of the drive element. The media and elements in the coffee machine can be used.
In particular when generating variable contact pressure for the tamper, simplified pressure generation is possible, for example, by means of at least one pump present in the coffee machine.
If it is possible to generate variable contact pressure for the tamper, the quality of the coffee later brewed can be improved, since the contact pressure can be adapted to the properties of the coffee, for example.
The determination of data for setting the contact pressure and / or the presence of the portafilter is carried out in a simple manner by means of a sensor.

The pump can advantageously be an integral part of the coffee machine. Alternatively, the pump, together with suitable lines, which may also be in the form of hoses, can form a modular unit that can be retrofitted to conventional coffee machines.

It is also advantageous that the pressure and the temperature of the hot water supplied to the brewing device can be set precisely and individually by a computer control, which is preferably carried out by a microprocessor, so that this can be used for different types of coffee Pressure and temperature can be optimally specified.

Another important advantage is that the pump can also be used as a means for pressure control, that is to say for adjusting the pressure of the water for the brewing device and / or for the tamper. For this purpose, the speed of the pump is set via the computer control, which forms a direct measure of the pressure of the water. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure of the water can be controlled by a pressure control valve controlled by the computer control, which is arranged upstream of the brewing device and / or the tamper.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

• 1 Schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Kaffeemaschine;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Brühgruppe für die Kaffeemaschine;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Heizkreises der Kaffeemaschine;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Heizkreises der Kaffeemaschine;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Reinigungskreislaufes der Kaffeemaschine;
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Reinigungskreislaufes der Kaffeemaschine;
• 7 eine Variante der Ausführungsform der Kaffeemaschine;
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung eines gemeinsamen Kreislaufes einer Ausführungsform der Kaffeemaschine;
• 9 eine schematische Darstellung einer Variante eines gemeinsamen Kreislaufes einer Ausführungsform der Kaffeemaschine.
• 10 eine schematische Darstellung einer an eine Kaffeemaschine angeschlossenen Vorrichtung zum Tampern;
• 11 eine schematische Darstellung der Vorrichtung zum Tampem mit Arbeitszylinder;
• 12 eine schematische Darstellung der Vorrichtung zum Tampem mit Sensor.

Show it:

• 1 Schematic representation of an embodiment of a coffee machine;
• 2nd a schematic representation of a brewing group for the coffee machine;
• 3rd a schematic representation of a first heating circuit of the coffee machine;
• 4th a schematic representation of a second heating circuit of the coffee machine;
• 5 a schematic representation of a first cleaning circuit of the coffee machine;
• 6 a schematic representation of a second cleaning circuit of the coffee machine;
• 7 a variant of the embodiment of the coffee machine;
• 8th is a schematic representation of a common circuit of an embodiment of the coffee machine;
• 9 is a schematic representation of a variant of a common circuit of an embodiment of the coffee machine.
• 10th a schematic representation of a device connected to a coffee machine for tamping;
• 11 a schematic representation of the device for tamping with working cylinder;
• 12th a schematic representation of the device for tamping with sensor.

A coffee machine 1 , especially a portafilter coffee machine 1 has at least one brewing device 2nd , for example a brew group 2nd on, preferably in a portafilter 3rd with coffee, which is brewed by adding hot water.

The coffee machine also includes 1 at least one heating element 4th , preferably a boiler 4th , which is used to generate steam and / or hot water. The boiler 4th consists in particular of stainless steel and therefore of food-safe material. The boiler 4th is preferably insulated on the outside against heat loss. In the boiler 4th Contained water is heated to more than 110 ° C, for example to 130 ° C, by means of an external heater.

This has a close to the outside of the boiler 4th fitted coat 5 , for example aluminum jacket 5 or copper sheath 5 on that is heated. For heating is on the jacket 5 an electric heating element 5a arranged interchangeably. Because the coat 5 and the boiler 4th consist of good heat-conducting materials in the jacket 5 generated heat quickly and without loss to that in the boiler 4th contained water or steam contained. With a temperature sensor 5b becomes the temperature of the jacket 5 certainly. This is preferably the heating process of water in the boiler 4th controlled.

The boiler 4th preferably has a drain on its underside 6 on so the boiler 4th can be emptied for cleaning purposes without the boiler 4th from the coffee machine 1 needs to be expanded. This process 6 of the boiler 4th is by means of at least one valve 12b can be operated (can be opened and closed).

At least one steam connection 9 and / or at least one hot water connection 8th is / are by means of at least one line for supplying a fluid with the at least one heating element 4th , especially with the boiler 4th connected. In particular, there is at least one steam connection 9 intended. Preferably in the boiler 4th generated hot water via at least one pipe 7a to the at least one hot water connection 8th guided and can be removed there, for example for the preparation of tea. In addition, a cup warmer (not shown) can also be supplied with the hot water. The one in the boiler 4th Steam generated is by means of at least one line 7a on the at least one steam connection 9 guided. Steam can be removed there, for example, for frothing milk and / or for preparing cappuccino.
The at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th each has a valve for opening or closing a respective assigned outlet.

Heating the boiler 4th is preferably computer-controlled via a microprocessor, not shown separately. The external heating is preferably controlled as a function of signals from temperature sensors (not shown), with a first temperature sensor in the boiler 4th is arranged to measure the temperature of the water contained therein. A second temperature sensor is located in the jacket, for example 5 to control the heat generated by the external heating.

The supply of water to the brewing device 2nd or the at least one heating element 4th , preferably to the boiler 4th takes place from a water tank 10th . From the water tank 10th runs a water pipe 7b to a pump 11 . This pump 11 leads the water to a pipe system with further pipes, 7c , 7d , 7e , 7f , 7g , 7h , 7i in which valves to control the flow of water 12a-12j are provided. The pump 11 is preferably designed as a pressure pump and at least partially generates, for example, a constant admission pressure (for example 1.5 bar) in the line system. Alternatively or additionally there is at least one pump in this line system 13 intended. The pump 13 can be designed as a circulation pump and / or pressure pump. Depending on the design of the pump 13 can on the pump 11 to be dispensed with. It is also used to heat the brewing device 2nd supplied water at least one further heating element 14 , preferably in the form of a heating coil 14 intended. The at least one brewing device 2nd is by means of at least one line for supplying a fluid with the at least one further heating element 14 connected. At least part of the line system forms at least one circuit that passes through the at least one brewing device 2nd is led. For this purpose are preferably in the base body 2a Openings and / or lines are provided. The at least one with the at least one brewing device 2nd connected line for supplying the fluid and at least one with the at least one brewing device 2nd Connected line for discharging the fluid are with the at least one pump 13 and with the at least one further heating element 14 at least partially the at least one, through the at least one brewing device 2nd guided circuit forming connected.
In the at least one, through the at least one brewing device 2nd guided circuit is the at least one pump 13 arranged. The heating coil 14 is preferably a temperature sensor 14a assigned. Its signals are used to control the temperature when preparing coffee. In the water to the brewing device 2nd leading line 7h is, for example, a pressure control valve 15 provided which of the brewing device 2nd is immediately upstream. Finally on the line 7i between the hot water connection 8th and the steam connection 9 a valve 12e provided for the separation of different lines, in particular circuits, for example water circuits.

Alternatively (for example to connect to the boiler 4th ) is the at least one hot water connection 8th by means of at least one line with the at least one, with the brewing device 2nd connected heating element 14 and / or with the brewing device 2nd guided circuit connected.

The brewing device 2nd the coffee machine 1 has a basic body 2a on ( 2nd ), which is preferably made of brass. Inside the body 2a is the portafilter, for example 3rd arranged with a coffee filling, so that this is preferably via an outlet 20th with hot water from the tap 7h a predetermined pressure is applied to brew the coffee. This outlet 20th is by means of a valve 12f lockable and / or with the brewing device 2nd guided circuit connected and / or connectable. In the present embodiment, the valve 12f designed as a 3/2 way valve, whereby when the outlet is opened 20th the circuit of the brewing element 2nd is interrupted. This is preferably done by means of the valve 12f , for example the 3/2 Directional control valve or another, in particular further valve, the line for discharge is interrupted. During a brewing process, water is preferably removed from the water tank 10th preferably by means of the pump 11 and / or the pump 13 to the brewing device 2nd refilled and with the valve open 12f through the outlet 20th added to the coffee.

To control the temperature of the brewing device 2nd is in the main body 2a a temperature sensor 16 stored, whose signals are evaluated in the microprocessor. The control is typically carried out as a function of the signals from the temperature sensor 16 such that the brewing device 2nd is heated to a temperature of less than 100 ° C., in particular of a maximum of 95 ° C., and is kept constant there, the heating and also the keeping of the temperature being carried out very energy-efficiently. The temperature can be set individually by means of the control, in particular by means of the microprocessor.
Furthermore are in the boiler 4th for example sensor elements 16a , 16b to determine the fill level of the boiler 4th intended.

For the brewing device 2nd is preferably an additional heater, for example a heating cartridge 17th intended. The heating cartridge 17th is preferably in a deep hole 18th stored on the side of the body 2a flows out. The heating cartridge 17th is preferably controlled by the microprocessor. The additional heating in the form of the heating cartridge 17th forms preferably a retrofittable unit. For the integration of the heating cartridge 17th only needs in the body 2a a suitable deep hole 18th be introduced.

The different operating modes of the coffee machine 1 are explained below.

At least in one operating mode is the at least one circuit, preferably the heating circuit of the brewing device 2nd of at least one line, for example of a circuit for supplying a fluid to the at least one steam connection 9 and / or to the at least one hot water connection 8th from the at least one heating element 4th separately and / or independently. These are preferably controlled by the microprocessor.

The brewing device is heated in one operating mode 2nd (for example 3rd ). By a suitable wiring of the valves 12a - 12y becomes a circuit, in particular heating circuit of the fluid present as water between the pump 13 , the heating coil 14 and the brewing device 2nd receive. The water is in this circuit in the pipes 7f , 7g , 7h which the brewing device 2nd who have favourited Heating coil 14 and the pump 13 connect, led. That of the brewing device 2nd on the line 7h supplied water is in front of the brewing device 2nd in the heating coil 14 heated. The hot water is through the brewing device 2nd out and out of the brewing device 2nd by means of the line 7g back to the pump 13 headed. By circulating the water in the pump 13 becomes the heating process of the brewing device 2nd significantly accelerated.

The pressure of the hot water in the brewing device 2nd is specified individually for different types of coffee by the microprocessor. On the one hand, the pressure control valve is used to precisely specify the pressure 15 controlled by the microprocessor. Alternatively, the pressure can be specified by the microprocessor in that the speed of the pump 13 is controlled in a suitable manner.

If necessary, the additional heating in the form of the heating cartridge can be done in this heating circuit by the microprocessor 17th can be switched on, which increases the heating time of the brewing device 2nd can be further reduced. The brewing device 2nd generally has a large surface, so that large heat losses occur due to heat radiation. Through the heating cartridge 17th can the brewing device 2nd can be heated up quickly and efficiently despite these heat losses. According to a particularly energy-efficient embodiment, the coffee machine 1 first be operated in a stand-by mode and then, if necessary, to brew coffee with the heating cartridge 17th to quickly provide the additional heating power required. For example, alternatively or in addition to the further heating element 14 by means of this controlled or regulated heating cartridge 17th the brewing device 2nd by doing
Stand-by operation can be kept at a preferably preselectable temperature.

The boiler heats up in one operating mode 4th and / or the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th by means of the boiler 4th with a circuit ( 4th ). This operating mode for heating the boiler 4th and / or the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th can heat up the brewing device simultaneously or at different times to the operating mode 2nd and / or a brewing process. This the boiler 4th and / or the at least one steam connection 9 and / or to the at least one hot water connection 8th assigned circuit is for example from the circuit of the brewing device 2nd independently.

By suitable control of the valves 12a - 12y is in this circuit, preferably heating circuit, water in one of the lines 7a , 7i formed circuit. In the exemplary embodiment, for example, the valve 12e opened and the valves 12a , 12b , 12c closed. This can also be the boiler 4th and / or the at least one steam connection 9 and / or to the at least one hot water connection 8th associated circuit the pump 13 be provided. For example, there is an additional valve 12h intended. The valves 12b , 12d , 12h are closed and the valves 12a , 12c and 12e are opened.

The at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th and / or the at least one with the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th connected line for supplying a fluid and the at least one with the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th and / or the at least one with the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th Connected line for discharging a fluid are with the at least one pump 13 at least partially the at least one, by the at least one heating element 4th feasible and / or guided circuit forming connected and / or connectable. The at least one line for discharging a fluid is directly connected to the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th connected. Alternatively, the at least one line for discharging a fluid and the at least one line for feeding a fluid can also be used close, in particular directly and / or directly to the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th be connected.

In one operating mode, steam and / or hot water is generated by means of the boiler 4th with a pipe system. Here is, for example, the one for heating the boiler 4th and / or the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th existing circuit interrupted. This operating mode for the production of steam and / or hot water can heat up the brewing device simultaneously or at different times from the operating mode 2nd and / or take place during a brewing process.
In one embodiment, only the steam connection is 9 with the steam generating boiler 4th connected. The hot water connection, if any 8th is with that of the brewing device 2nd associated heating element 14 connected and receives from this heating element 14 Hot water.

By suitable control of the valves 12a - 12y becomes hot water in a pipe section in the pipe 7a and on the line 7e from the boiler 4th to the hot water connection 8th guided. At the same time or at different times, another line section in the line 7a Steam from the boiler 4th to the steam connection 9 guided. The one is preferably the hot water connection 8th assigned line section of the line 7a from the other the steam connection 9 assigned line section of the line 7a by means of the valve 12e Cut. In the boiler 4th contained water is in the jacket with the external heater 5 heated. The heating is controlled by the microprocessor depending on the signals from the temperature sensors in the boiler 4th or in the coat 5 . As a result, the heating process is controlled by the microprocessor in such a way that the ratio of generated hot water to generated steam in the boiler 4th is specified precisely. The steam generated is at the steam connection 9 provided, the hot water generated is at the hot water connection 8th provided.

In a cleaning operation, cleaning agent is at least partially arranged in the line system. This cleaning agent has, in particular, at least limescale remover and / or dirt remover.

Corresponding to the two separate heating circuits for the brewing device 2nd and for the boiler 4th separate cleaning circuits are also provided for these units, for example, which are also controlled by the microprocessor. The cleaning cycles run automatically, with no or only minimal extensions or conversions in the coffee machine 1 are necessary to carry out the cleaning processes. A computer control, in particular the microprocessor, is at least one valve 12a-12h when switching from an operating state (for example heating process and / or brewing process and / or generation of steam and / or hot water) to a cleaning state.

In a cleaning company, especially a cleaning circuit for cleaning the brew group 2nd and / or the heating element 14 , especially the assigned heating coil 14 (for example 5 ) Circulates cleaning agent, in particular cleaning solution in the at least one, through the at least one brewing device 2nd guided cycle.
In both cleaning circuits, the pump is controlled by the microprocessor 13 (For example, reversing, that is, in a reverse run) operated, so that from the water tank 10th Water with a previously added cleaning solution from the water tank 10th by means of the pump 13 is sucked in and fed into the respective circuit for cleaning.

In a cleaning company, especially a cleaning circuit for cleaning the brew group 2nd and / or the heating element 14 this cleaning solution over the heating coil 14 the brew group 2nd fed and from there back to the pump 13 headed. The cleaning solution in the lines 7f , 7g , 7h guided. Depending on the specification by the microprocessor, the cleaning solution circulates in the cleaning circuit for a predetermined period of time until finally the cleaning solution is discharged from the cleaning circuit and then fresh water from the water tank again 10th the brew group 2nd is fed.

In a cleaning operation is in at least one, by the at least one heating element 4th of the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th feasible and / or guided circuit arranged circulating as a fluid cleaning agent.

In the cleaning company, especially the cleaning circuit for cleaning the boiler 4th (for example 6 ) the boiler is the first step 4th emptied by its expiration 6 is opened and the water contained therein by suitable control of the valves 12a-h is derived. This is followed by, for example, reversing operation of the pump 13 sucking water with the cleaning solution and feeding this cleaning solution into the along the lines 7a , 7c leading circuit for cleaning. The components arranged in this circuit for cleaning, in particular the boiler 4th as well as the hot water connection 8th and / or steam connection 9 , rinsed and cleaned.

The resulting circulation of water during the rinsing process results in an increased cleaning performance, especially when decalcifying.

The at least one pump 13 is optionally in the at least one first, through the at least one brewing device 2nd guided circuit or in the at least one second, through the at least one further heating element 4th feasible and / or guided circuit arranged.
Alternatively, at least one first pump is in the at least one first, through the at least one brewing device 2nd guided circuit and a second pump in the at least one second circuit which can be guided and / or guided by the at least one further heating element.

Another embodiment (for example 7 ) differs from the described embodiments only in that the hot water connection 8th and steam connection 9 connecting line 7i with the valve 12e is missing. Instead of this valve 12e are two external lines 19a , 19b provided, for example, accessories for the portafilter coffee machine 1 form. These can be used to carry out a cleaning process at the hot water connection 8th , at the steam connection 9 and on the brewing device 2nd (in particular at their respective outlet).

In a cleaning circuit assigned to this embodiment, cleaning agent is then also directly to the hot water connection 8th and the steam connection 9 performed, so that these units are at least partially cleaned.

In a further embodiment (for example 8th or 9 ) is the one through the brewing device 2nd guided circuit and the one through the boiler 4th guided cycle executed as a common cycle.
This common cycle is at least through the at least one brewing device 2nd and at least through the at least one boiler 4th led and / or the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th assigned. In an operating mode for heating is in the common circuit by means of the at least one heating element 14 and / or by means of the boiler 4th heated water preferably by the at least one pump 13 arranged in a circulating manner. In a cleaning operation, cleaning agent is preferably in the common circuit by means of the at least one pump 13 arranged in a circulating manner.

In one example (for example 8th ) The circuit is formed by a line system, with one line, for example 7f the pump 13 with the heating element 14 (preferably heating coil 14 ), one line 7h the heating element 14 with the brewing device 2nd , a line the brewing device 2nd especially with the interposition of a valve 12g (preferably 3/2 Directional control valve) with the boiler 4th , a line 7a , 7i , 7c the boiler 4th with the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th with the pump 13 connects and / or is arranged connectable.

The at least one line for discharging a fluid and the at least one line for supplying a fluid are close, in particular directly and / or directly at the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th connected.

Alternatively, the at least one line for discharging a fluid can be connected directly to the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th be connected.
This circuit is used for cleaning in one operating mode or heating of the brewing device in another operating mode 2nd , the heating element 14 and the at least one boiler 4th and / or the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th .

In another example is an external line 19th (for example as an accessory) with the steam connection 9 (especially with its outlet) and the hot water connection 8th (in particular connected to its outlet) (for example 9 ). A circuit is formed by a line system, with one line, for example 7e the pump 13 with the boiler 4th , a line 7a the boiler 4th with the at least one steam connection 9 , a line 19th the at least one steam connection 9 with the at least one hot water connection 8th , a line to the at least one hot water connection 8th with the brewing device 2nd , a line 7h the brewing device 2nd with the heating element 14 and a line, for example with the interposition of a valve 12y (for example 3/2 Directional valve) the heating element 14 with the pump 13 are connected and / or connected.
In this embodiment, the hot water connection 8th during the brewing process and / or the extraction of hot water (approx. 90 ° C to 100 ° C) with that of the brewing device 2nd associated heating element 14 connected. This circuit cleans the brewing device in one operating mode 2nd , of the at least one heating element 14 and the at least one boiler 4th and the at least one steam connection 9 and / or the at least one hot water connection 8th .

The portafilter must be in place before the brewing process 3rd to be filled with coffee. Then the coffee is in the portafilter 3rd condensed.
For this purpose there is a device for tamping (tamping / compressing) the coffee in the filter holder 3rd intended. This device preferably has at least one receptacle for the portafilter 3rd , at least one tamper 21 (Tamper / tamper) and at least one drive element 22 for the tamper 21 on. In the present exemplary embodiment, the drive element 22 preferably as a working cylinder 22 educated. This cylinder 22 can be acted upon with a fluid and / or at least temporarily acted upon. A piston 23 of the working cylinder 22 is for example via a piston rod 24th with one end of the tamper 21 connected. In particular, the piston 23 with the tamper 21 rigid and / or directly connected. Another end of the tamper 21 is in its dimensions on the portafilter 3rd adjusted and acts on the coffee in the portafilter when activated 3rd on. The tamper 21 is, for example, stamp-shaped and has, for example, a handle with a thickened, in particular plate-like end, so that the tamper 21 preferably has a mushroom-like shape.
In the present embodiment, the working cylinder 22 as a single-acting cylinder 22 executed. The single-acting cylinder 22 has a spring 25th on. That feather 25th is preferably outside a working cylinder space 26 having housing 27 of the working cylinder 22 arranged. One end of the feather 25th rests against one end of the case 27 of the working cylinder 22 and another end of the spring 25th against one with the piston 23 stop (for example by means of the piston rod) 28 from.

At least part of the cylinder space 26 is by means of at least a first line 29 with a source 10th , in particular a container for the fluid, preferably water and / or steam connectable and / or connected. The source 10th can also be designed as a domestic water connection. For connecting and / or disconnecting the working cylinder 22 with the source 10th is preferably a valve 30th in the at least first line 29 arranged. Between the source 10th and the working cylinder 22 , preferably between the source 10th and the working cylinder 22 upstream valve 30th In particular, a pump, preferably a pressure-controllable and / or speed-controllable pump, is provided.
For receiving returned water and / or steam from the working cylinder 22 is preferably a second container 31 , for example a container 31 the one from the brewing device 2nd the coffee machine 1 Leaked water contains, especially one of the brewing device 2nd assigned drip pan, provided. The at least part of the cylinder space 26 is at least partially by means of the at least first line 29 and / or an at least second line with the second container 31 connected and / or connectable. In the present embodiment, the valve 30th designed as a 3/2 way valve, for example. The at least one first line 29 leads from the at least part of the cylinder space 26 to the valve 30th . From the valve 30th leads the at least first line 29 if necessary with the interposition of the pump 13 to the source 10th . The at least second line is between the valve 30th and the second container 31 arranged. By means of the valve 30th is optionally the source 10th or the second container 31 with the at least part of the working cylinder space 26 connectable and / or connected.

The at least one source is preferably 10th as a water tank 10th a coffee machine 1 , especially as the aforementioned water tank 10th the coffee machine 1 educated.
As a pump for the working cylinder 22 the tamper 21 is preferably one of the two aforementioned pumps 11 or 13 , especially the pump 13 for the supply of water to the portafilter 3rd preferably provided during the brewing process. However, an additional pump can only be used for the working cylinder 22 the tamper 21 be provided.

In case of use one of the two pumps mentioned above 11 or 13 for the working cylinder 22 the tamper 21 is, for example, the at least one line 29 to an inlet of the valve 30th for the working cylinder 22 the tamper 21 between the two valves 12d and 12c and / or the line 7f connected.

It is also possible to have at least one line 29 to an inlet of the valve 30th for the working cylinder 22 the tamper 21 after the portafilter 3rd assigned heat exchanger 14 and / or the filter holder 3rd assigned pressure control valve 15 to arrange. Here is preferably the cylinder instead of 22 assigned 3/2 Directional control valve 4/2 Directional control valve and / or an additional valve arranged. As a result, for example, when the working cylinder is actuated 22 the tamper 21 an action on the portafilter 3rd prevented.

The device for tamping has at least one sensor 32 on. This sensor 32 can be actuated magnetically, for example. In this example is on the portafilter 3rd a magnetic element 33 arranged.

In particular, the sensor 32 as radio frequency identification ( RFID ) Sensor formed, the filter holder 3rd a radio frequency identification ( RFID ) Has a transponder.

This sensor 32 detects and / or detects the presence of the portafilter 3rd and / or position of the portafilter 3rd and / or type (eg single outlet, multiple outlet) of the portafilter 3rd and / or size of the portafilter 3rd and / or at least one property (e.g. type and / or origin and / or degree of grinding) of the coffee and / or filling quantity of the coffee and / or desired degree of compression of the coffee and / or at least one property (e.g. property of the beverage to be produced) from which one tamper force 21 is to be derived.
This data can be sent to the grinding machine, for example RFID Transponder have been transmitted.
The presence of the portafilter 3rd can also be used as a security request, so that only if there is a portafilter 3rd the tamper 21 is actuated and / or actuated.
The sensor is preferably 32 connected to a computer. This computer initiates signals from the at least one valve 30th and / or the pump 11 , 13 actuate. One with the working cylinder 22 generated contact pressure of the tamper 21 is of the type (eg single spout, multiple spout) of the portafilter 3rd and / or size of the portafilter 3rd and / or at least one property (e.g. type and / or origin and / or degree of grinding) of the coffee and / or filling quantity of the coffee and / or desired degree of compression of the coffee and / or at least one property (e.g. property of the beverage to be produced) from which one tamper force 21 and from a signal and / or data from the sensor 32 dependent.

The device for tamping (tamping / compressing) the coffee in the portafilter 3rd can be designed as a separate unit or on a coffee grinder or coffee machine 1 be arranged yourself. Preferably, the working cylinder 22 the device for tamping (pounding) at least temporarily with the water tank 10th the coffee machine 1 connected.

For the tampem is the portafilter filled with coffee in the specified amount 3rd in the holder for the portafilter 3rd arranged. The sensor preferably detects 32 the portafilter 3rd and releases the process for the tampem, for example. Additionally or alternatively, further information, in particular at least one of the aforementioned information, is provided by the sensor 32 detected.
Depending on this information, a contact pressure and / or contact pressure for the tamper 21 , in particular determined by the computer.

The tamper 21 and / or the working cylinder 22 is / can be acted upon and / or acted upon with a variable contact pressure (for example in several stages or continuously).

After setting the working pressure, the tamper is actuated 21 preferably the at least one valve 30th opened and for example the pump 11 , 13 operated. In particular, the speed of the pump 11 , 13 set according to the preselected contact pressure.
This will be the source 10th with the working cylinder 22 connected. The water and / or steam flows into the working cylinder space 26 and presses on the piston 23 . The piston 23 of the working cylinder 22 is pressed and pushes the tamper 21 on the coffee in the portafilter 3rd . The coffee is compressed according to the preselected contact pressure.

Is the source 10th and / or pump 11 , 13 Part of a coffee machine 1 (For example, the device for the tampem is on the line 7f is connected) before the tamper is actuated 21 at least that to the brewing device 2nd leading management 7h locked. For this purpose, the valves in the present exemplary embodiment 12d and 12c closed. The tamper 21 becomes independent of the brewing device 2nd for example by means of the brewing device 2nd associated pump 11 , 13 operated.

After tamping is finished the valve 30th pressed so that the source 10th from the working cylinder 22 is separated. In addition, in particular with the same valve 30th an outflow of water and / or steam from the working cylinder 22 enables. The spring moves 25th the piston 23 of the working cylinder 22 against a direction of actuation of the tamper 21 . The water released in this way is preferably introduced into the container 31 , for example the container 31 the one from the brewing device 2nd the coffee machine 1 contains leaked water.

Reference list

1

coffee machine

2nd

Brewing device, brew group

2a

Basic body ( 2nd )

3rd

Portafilter

4th

Heating element, boiler

5a

Heating element

5b

Temperature sensor

5

coat

6

Procedure ( 4th )

7a

management

7b

management

7c

management

7d

management

7e

management

7f

management

7g

management

7h

management

7i

management

8th

Hot water connection

9

Steam connection

10th

Source, water tank

11

pump

12a

Valve

12b

Valve

12c

Valve

12d

Valve

12e

Valve

12f

Valve

12g

Valve

12h

Valve

12i

Valve

12y

Valve

13

pump

14

Heating element, heating coil

14a

Temperature sensor

15

Pressure control valve

16

Temperature sensor

16a

Sensor element

16b

Sensor element

17th

Heating cartridge

18th

Deep hole

19th

management

19a

management

19b

management

20th

Outlet ( 2nd )

21

Tamper

22

Drive element, working cylinder

23

Piston ( 22 )

24th

Piston rod ( 22 )

25th

Feather ( 22 )

26

Cylinder space ( 22 )

27

Casing ( 22 )

28

attack

29

management

30th

Valve

31

container

32

sensor

33

element

Claims (14)

Device for tamping coffee in a filter holder (3) of a coffee machine (1) by means of a tamper (21), the tamper (21) being actuable and / or actuated by means of at least one drive element (22), the drive element (22) being A working cylinder (22) which can be acted upon and / or acted upon by a fluid is formed, characterized in that the tamper (21) can be acted upon and / or acted upon by the working cylinder (22) with variable contact pressure and / or variable contact pressure such that the device has a sensor (32) that a contact pressure generated with the working cylinder (22) and / or a generated contact pressure of the tamper (21) is dependent on a signal and / or data from the sensor (32) that the variable contact pressure and / or the variable contact pressure is dependent on at least one of the properties of the coffee and / or filling quantity of the coffee and / or the desired degree of compression of the coffee. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the working cylinder (22) can be actuated and / or actuated by means of water and / or steam. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the working cylinder (22) can be actuated and / or actuated by means of water and / or steam from the coffee machine (1). Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that a source (10) for the water and / or the steam is arranged and that at least one pump (11; 13) is arranged between this source (10) and the working cylinder (22). Device after Claim 4 , characterized in that the at least one pump (11; 13) is at least temporarily designed to convey water to a brewing device (2) of the coffee machine (1). Device after Claim 4 , characterized in that the source (10) is designed as a water tank (10) of the coffee machine (1) and that the drive element (22) is connectable and / or connected to the water tank (10) of the coffee machine (1). Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the working cylinder (22) is preceded by at least one valve (30) for actuating the working cylinder (22). Device according to the Claims 4 and 7 , characterized in that at least one valve (30) is arranged between the at least one pump (11; 13) and the working cylinder (22). Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that, depending on this signal and / or on these data from the sensor (32), the contact pressure and / or the contact pressure for the working cylinder (22) of the tamper (21) is determined by a computer. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that this sensor (32) detects and / or detects the presence of the filter holder (3) and / or the position of the filter holder (3). Device after Claim 10 , characterized in that the tamper (21) can only be actuated and / or actuated when the filter holder (3) is present. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor (32) is designed as a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor and that the one has a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder. Device after Claim 12 , characterized in that the data are transmitted to the RFID transponder in a grinding device. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the tamper (21) is actuated independently of the brewing device (2).

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