Coffee grinder for grinding coffee beans

The coffee grinder's rotatable counterholder and stop element enable precise orientation of the screen carrier, addressing inefficiencies in powder collection and reducing waste.

DE102023122382B4Active Publication Date: 2025-10-30WILHELM GRONBACH
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102023122382
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-08-22
Publication Date
2025-10-30
Estimated Expiration
2043-08-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing coffee grinders face challenges in efficiently supplying ground coffee powder to the screen carrier, leading to inefficiencies and waste.

Method used

A coffee grinder design featuring a rotatable counterholder with adjustable supporting surfaces and a stop element allows for precise orientation of the screen carrier, ensuring nearly complete collection of ground coffee powder without excess loss.

Benefits of technology

The design ensures efficient and accurate supply of ground coffee powder to the screen carrier, minimizing waste and enhancing operational efficiency.

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Abstract

Coffee grinder (10) for grinding coffee beans, with a holder (28) on which a portafilter (30) for collecting coffee powder resulting from grinding can be supported, characterized by a counter-holder (34) opposite the holder (28), which is rotatably held on the base element (38) about an axis of rotation (36) relative to the holder (28) and relative to a base element (38) of the coffee grinder (10) and has: - a first support surface (40) spaced from the axis of rotation (36) by a first distance which extends along a first straight line perpendicular to the axis of rotation (36), on which the portafilter (30) can be supported to hold the portafilter (30) on the holder (28); and - a second support surface (42) spaced from the axis of rotation (36) by a second segment which extends along a second straight line perpendicular to the axis of rotation (36), on which the portafilter (30) can be supported to hold the portafilter (30) on the holder (28), wherein the second straight line runs obliquely or perpendicular to the first straight line and wherein the second segment is larger than the first segment.
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a coffee grinder for grinding coffee beans according to the preamble of claim 1 or 12.

[0002] Coffee grinders of this type for grinding coffee beans are already well known in the general art. Each coffee grinder has a holder, also referred to as a holding device or holding element, against which a portafilter can be supported to collect the coffee powder resulting from the grinding of the coffee beans. The coffee grinder typically has a grinding mechanism by which the coffee beans can be ground. The grinding of the coffee beans produces the aforementioned coffee powder, which is usually directed towards the holder so that the coffee powder can be introduced or fed into the portafilter supported by the holder. In particular, the coffee powder can trickle into the portafilter supported by the holder.

[0003] DE 10 2018 117 502 A1 discloses a guide device for a portafilter. AU 2012268779 B2 discloses a dispensing device for dispensing ground coffee. DE 20 2006 008 120 U1 discloses a portafilter holder for an espresso grinder. EP 3 649 902 A1 discloses a coffee grinder. EP 3 915 451 B1 discloses a coffee grinding unit. US 2018 / 0 153 330 A1 discloses a device for filling the basket of a portafilter of an espresso machine with a predetermined amount of ground coffee and for pressing this coffee grounds within the portafilter.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to further develop a coffee grinder of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the coffee powder can be supplied to the portafilter supported on the holder in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0005] This problem is solved by a coffee grinder with the features of claim 1 and by a coffee grinder with the features of claim 12. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a coffee grinder, also simply referred to as a mill, for grinding coffee beans. The coffee beans are also simply referred to as beans. The coffee grinder has a holder, also referred to as a holding element or holding device, on which a portafilter for collecting the coffee powder resulting from the grinding of the coffee beans can be supported or is supported. In other words, the aforementioned coffee powder, also simply referred to as powder, is produced or manufactured from the coffee beans by grinding them. In particular, the coffee grinder has a grinding mechanism by means of which, by driving the grinding mechanism, the coffee beans that can be received or have been received, for example, in a receiving area of ​​the coffee grinder, can be ground.The coffee beans can be fed from the intake area to the grinding mechanism, in particular, placed into the grinding mechanism. By driving the grinding mechanism, the coffee beans fed into the grinder can be ground and / or coffee powder can be produced. It is conceivable that the grinding mechanism could be manually operated and thus driven by one person. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the coffee grinder has a motor, particularly an electric motor, by which the grinding mechanism can be driven. For example, the coffee grinder has a guide device by which the coffee powder resulting from the grinding of the coffee beans can be guided to the holder and / or towards the holder, and thereby, for example, to the portafilter and / or towards the portafilter.Thus, for example, the coffee grounds can slide along the guide device, particularly due to gravity, and be guided by the guide device towards the portafilter and fed into it, specifically into the portafilter. Therefore, the coffee grounds can be fed to the portafilter, which is supported or can be supported by the holder, particularly via the guide device.

[0007] To facilitate the feeding of the ground coffee to the portafilter, the coffee grinder, according to the invention, has a counter-holder opposite the holder. For example, the counter-holder is positioned vertically opposite the holder in the operating position of the coffee grinder, with the coffee grinder assuming its intended position or orientation for its intended use. In particular, the coffee grinder assumes its operating position when it is supported vertically downwards on a horizontal plane and rests on this plane, and the ground coffee, due to gravity, especially purely due to gravity, slides or flows from the grinding mechanism, particularly via the guide device, to the holder or towards the holder and into the portafilter supported by the holder.

[0008] The counter-holder is rotatably mounted on the base element of the coffee grinder about an axis of rotation relative to the holder and relative to a base element of the grinder. This means that the coffee grinder has a base element to which the counter-holder is mounted such that the counter-holder can rotate about the axis of rotation relative to the base element or also relative to the holder. This means that the counter-holder can be rotated about the axis of rotation relative to the base element and relative to the holder while the counter-holder is held on the base element, and thus connected to it. In particular, the portafilter can be held on the coffee grinder in such a way as to collect the coffee grounds, such that at least a first section of the portafilter can be supported, in particular directly, on the holder, wherein, for example, the first section of the portafilter can be supported vertically downwards, in particular directly, on the holder in the operating position of the coffee grinder.Furthermore, at least a second section of the holder, in the operating position of the coffee grinder in a vertical upward direction, can be supported, particularly directly, by the counter-holder, especially while the first section is supported by the holder. Thus, the portafilter can be inserted between the holder and the counter-holder. In particular, the portafilter can be held on the coffee grinder by means of the counter-holder and the holder in such a way that relative movements between the portafilter and the holder, and between the portafilter and the counter-holder, are prevented during the grinding of the coffee beans.

[0009] The counterholder, particularly in a state where relative rotations about the axis of rotation between the counterholder and the base element do not occur, has a first support surface spaced from the axis of rotation by a first distance extending along a first straight line perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The first support surface allows the portafilter, in particular the second part, to be supported, and in particular directly supported, on this first support surface to hold the portafilter on the holder. Furthermore, particularly in the aforementioned state, the counterholder has a second support surface spaced from the axis of rotation by a second distance extending along a second straight line perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The second support surface allows the portafilter, in particular the second part, to be supported, and in particular directly supported, on this second support surface to hold the portafilter on the holder.The second line runs diagonally or perpendicularly to the first line, and the second segment is longer than the first. In other words, the portafilter, particularly the second part of the portafilter, can be supported either on the first support surface or on the second support surface, especially while the portafilter, particularly the first part, is being supported by the holder. Since the support surfaces of the holder are spaced at different distances from the axis of rotation of the holder, different positions, particularly angular positions, can be set by selectively supporting the portafilter, particularly the second part of the portafilter, on either the first or the second support surface, by selectively holding the portafilter on the holder.For example, if the portafilter is supported, particularly simultaneously, on the holder and on the first support surface, the portafilter assumes one of the aforementioned positions, particularly relative to the coffee grinder, and if, for example, the portafilter is supported, particularly simultaneously, on the holder and on the second support surface, then, for example, with respect to the operating position of the coffee grinder, the largest angle enclosed by the portafilter and the horizontal has a first value, and in the second position, for example, with respect to the operating position, the largest angle enclosed by the portafilter and the horizontal has a second value different from the first value.In other words, by rotating the counter-holder around its axis relative to the base element, and thus by optionally supporting the portafilter on either the first or second support surface, the portafilter's alignment relative to the coffee grinder can be adjusted. This allows the portafilter to be positioned as needed so that the resulting coffee grounds are efficiently and accurately directed into the portafilter. This prevents an excessive amount of ground coffee from missing the portafilter, which is supported by the holder and counter-holder, and thus being wasted.

[0010] For example, the counter-holder is rotatable and thus movable around the axis of rotation relative to the base element in at least two rotational positions, wherein preferably the counter-holder can be fixed or locked in the rotational positions relative to the base element, so that relative movements, i.e., relative rotations between the counter-holder and the base element, occur around the axis of rotation in the respective rotational position. For example, to support the portafilter, in particular the second section, on the first support surface, the counter-holder is moved into a first rotational position, i.e., rotated. For example, to support the portafilter, in particular the second section, on the second support surface, the counter-holder is moved into a second rotational position, i.e., rotated.For example, in the first rotation position, the first support surface points downwards in a vertical direction relative to the operating position of the coffee grinder. Specifically, in the first rotation position, the first support surface points towards the holder. Similarly, in the second rotation position, the second support surface points downwards in a vertical direction relative to the operating position of the coffee grinder. This allows the portafilter to be positioned particularly advantageously and efficiently relative to the coffee grinder, especially relative to the guide mechanism, ensuring that at least almost all of the coffee grounds resulting from the grinding process can be transferred into the portafilter.

[0011] In particular, it is provided that the counter-holder has an outer circumferential surface extending in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation, by which the support surfaces are formed, in particular such that a first part of the circumferential surface is the first support surface and a second part of the circumferential surface is the second support surface. It is also provided that the counter-holder, in particular the circumferential surface, is non-circular when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, thereby allowing the different distances of the support surfaces from the axis of rotation to be easily represented.Since the support surfaces are spaced at different distances from the axis of rotation, the counterholder is an eccentric, or the counterholder is also called an eccentric, by means of which the portafilter can be easily and as required positioned relative to the coffee grinder, especially relative to the guide device.

[0012] Put another way, when the portafilter is supported by the holder and, in particular, simultaneously by the first support surface, it exhibits a first inclination, especially relative to the coffee grinder, such that the portafilter, for example, exhibits or assumes this first inclination in the first position. If the portafilter is supported, especially simultaneously, by the holder and the second support surface, the holder exhibits a second inclination, different from the first, especially relative to the coffee grinder, such that the portafilter, for example, exhibits or assumes this second inclination in the second position. This means that the different inclinations of the portafilter can be easily and efficiently adjusted using the counter-holder, which is designed or functions as an adjusting element, thus ensuring that the coffee grounds are fed into the portafilter effectively.

[0013] To enable particularly easy, efficient, and convenient adjustment of the different positions and, in particular, the different inclinations of the portafilter, one embodiment of the invention provides that the counter-support is rotatable around the axis of rotation relative to the base element and relative to the holder in at least or exactly two support positions and can be locked, i.e., fixed, in these support positions relative to the base element and relative to the holder, so that relative rotations around the axis of rotation between the base element (also referred to simply as the base) and the counter-support are avoided, i.e., prevented. In a first of the support positions, the first support surface faces the holder, so that in the first support position the portafilter, in particular the second part, can be supported on the first support surface, especially directly.Thus, for example, the first support position is the aforementioned first rotation position. Therefore, the preceding and following descriptions regarding the first rotation position can readily be applied to the first support position, and vice versa. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferably provided that in a second support position, the second support surface faces the holder, so that in the second support position, the portafilter can be supported on the second support surface, in particular directly. Thus, for example, the second support position is the second rotation position, so that the preceding and following descriptions regarding the second rotation position can readily be applied to the second support position, and vice versa. For example, it is provided that in the first support position, the second support surface does not face the holder, in particular, it points away from or past the holder.Furthermore, it is preferably provided that in the second support position, the first support surface does not face the holder, but rather points away from or past the holder. This allows the inclination of the portafilter to be adjusted advantageously and as required.

[0014] Another embodiment is characterized in that the counter-holder has a third support surface spaced from the axis of rotation by a third segment, which, particularly with respect to the aforementioned state, extends along a third straight line perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The portafilter, in particular its second section, can be supported, and in particular directly supported, on this third support surface to hold the portafilter to the holder. The three straight lines run in pairs at an angle or perpendicular to each other, with the third segment being longer than the first segment and shorter than the second. Thus, the portafilter can be adjusted to the specific requirements, particularly with regard to its inclination relative to the coffee grinder, and especially relative to the guide device, so that the coffee grounds can be fed to the portafilter particularly advantageously without an excessive amount of coffee grounds missing it. It has proven particularly advantageous if the counter-support can be rotated around the axis of rotation relative to the base element and relative to the holder into a third support position, also referred to as the third rotation position, wherein the counter-support can be locked, i.e., fixed, in the first, second, and third support positions relative to the base element and relative to the holder, so that relative rotations around the axis of rotation between the counter-support and the base element, and also between the counter-support and the holder, are prevented in the respective support position. In the third support position, the third support surface faces the holder. In particular, it is provided that, with respect to the operating position of the coffee grinder, the third support surface points downwards in the vertical direction in the third support position.Thus, in the third support position, the portafilter, in particular the second part of the portafilter, can be supported on the third support surface, especially directly. For example, it is provided that in the first support position, the second support surface and the third support surface do not face the holder, but rather point away from or past the holder. For example, it is provided that in the second support position, the first support surface and the third support surface do not face the holder, but rather point away from or past the holder. In particular, it is further provided that in the third support position, the first support surface and the second support surface do not face the holder, but rather point away from or past the holder.

[0015] The three support surfaces are spaced at different distances from the axis of rotation when viewed in pairs, so that the inclination of the portafilter can be varied extensively, easily, comfortably and as needed.

[0016] To make positioning the portafilter relative to the coffee grinder particularly easy and therefore convenient or as needed, especially with regard to the portafilter's inclination, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the counter-holder can be rotated into the support positions and locked in each support position relative to the holder and the base element simply by rotating it around the axis of rotation relative to the holder and the base element. This means, for example, that a person can simply rotate the counter-holder around the axis of rotation relative to the base element into the respective support position and then release it, which will remain in the respective support position to which it was rotated, without the person having to perform any further action to lock the counter-holder in the respective support position.

[0017] In order to enable particularly extensive and, for example, stepless positioning of the portafilter, especially with regard to its inclination, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the counter-holder, viewed along its circumferential direction around the axis of rotation and, in particular, viewed in the aforementioned plane, is designed as a non-circular surface on its outer circumference. Thus, the aforementioned outer circumferential surface of the counter-holder is designed as a non-circular surface in the circumferential direction of the counter-holder and, in particular, viewed in the plane.

[0018] Another embodiment is characterized by the fact that the counterholder is formed in one piece, that is, from a single piece. This means that the counterholder is not composed of several separately formed and connected parts, but rather is formed in one piece, i.e., as a single unit, and thus constitutes a monoblock. This allows the portafilter to be positioned relative to the coffee grinder in a particularly precise, simple, and cost-effective manner using the counterholder.

[0019] To ensure the portafilter is held stably and securely on the coffee grinder, thus facilitating the efficient supply of coffee grounds to the portafilter, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the holder has at least one holding surface facing the counter-holder. The portafilter can be supported on this surface in a support direction perpendicular to and pointing away from the axis of rotation, particularly directly. Specifically, the first part of the portafilter is thus supported on the holding surface, particularly directly. For example, the holding surface points upwards in a vertical direction relative to the operating position of the coffee grinder.

[0020] Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the coffee grinder comprises the aforementioned grinding mechanism for grinding the coffee beans and a counter-holder, also referred to as the grinder housing, which defines a chute. Furthermore, the coffee grinder has a chute opening into the chute for guiding the coffee powder into the chute, in which the holder and the counter-holder are arranged. The chute is, for example, the aforementioned guide device, or the aforementioned guide device includes the chute. Thus, the coffee powder resulting from grinding can be fed to the portafilter particularly advantageously.

[0021] It has proven particularly advantageous if the holder in the shaft is movable translationally in at least two different positions relative to the housing, the counter-holder, the chute, and the grinding mechanism along a direction of movement perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and can be locked, i.e., fixed, in these positions relative to the housing, the counter-holder, the chute, and the grinding mechanism, so that relative movements between the housing and the holder are prevented in the respective position, also referred to as the height position. With respect to the operating position of the coffee grinder, the axis of movement, also referred to as the direction of movement, runs vertically.Thus, the portafilter can also be positioned vertically as needed relative to the coffee grinder and, in particular, relative to the guide device, so that the coffee powder can be fed to the portafilter in a particularly advantageous way.

[0022] Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous if a stop element is rotatably mounted on the holder about a second axis of rotation relative to the holder, with, for example, the second axis of rotation running parallel to the first axis of rotation. This means that the stop element can be rotated about the second axis of rotation relative to the holder and preferably also relative to the counter-holder, while the stop element is held on the holder, i.e., connected to the holder. The stop element has a stop surface against which the portafilter can be supported in the horizontal direction, particularly directly, in the operating position of the coffee grinder, also referred to as the installation position. Thus, for example, the portafilter has a third section which, with respect to the operating position of the coffee grinder, can be supported in the horizontal direction, particularly directly, against the stop element.The stop element can be moved translationally into at least two different stop positions by rotating it around the second axis of rotation relative to the holder in a horizontal direction relative to the holder, as required by the coffee grinder's operating position. Thus, by moving the stop element into the respective stop position, the position of the portafilter relative to the holder in a horizontal direction can be adjusted, i.e., varied, so that the portafilter can be positioned horizontally relative to the guide device as needed and advantageously as required. This allows the coffee grounds to be fed into the portafilter particularly efficiently.

[0023] A second aspect of the invention relates to a coffee grinder for grinding coffee beans with a holder on which a portafilter can be supported to collect coffee powder resulting from the grinding.

[0024] To enable the coffee powder resulting from grinding the coffee beans to be fed to the portafilter particularly advantageously, especially in such a way that at least almost all of the coffee powder can be introduced into the portafilter, the second aspect of the invention provides that a stop element is rotatably mounted on the holder about an axis of rotation relative to the holder. The stop element has a stop surface against which the portafilter can be supported in the installed position of the coffee grinder, i.e., in the horizontal direction relative to the aforementioned operating position of the coffee grinder, and in particular directly. Thus, the coffee grinder assumes its installed position when fully assembled and, in particular, when the coffee grinder is in its intended position or orientation for its intended use.Furthermore, the second aspect of the invention provides that the stop element can be moved translationally into at least two different positions by rotating it around its axis of rotation relative to the holder in the coffee grinder's installed position. By moving the stop element into the respective stop position, the portafilter can be adjusted as needed with respect to its horizontal position or orientation relative to the coffee grinder, thus allowing the coffee grounds to slide or trickle into the portafilter with particular advantage, preventing an excessive amount of coffee grounds from missing the portafilter and remaining unused.Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0025] The stop element is, for example, translationally movable (i.e., displaceable) by rotating it around the axis of rotation relative to the holder, such that, for example, a first thread is provided that rotates with the stop element and is thus non-rotatably connected to it. The holder, for example, has a second thread corresponding to the first thread, and the stop element and the first thread are rotatable around the axis of rotation relative to the second thread. One of the threads, in particular the first thread, is, for example, an external thread, while the other thread, in particular the second thread, is an internal thread. In particular, the threads are screwed together, especially directly.If the stop element, and thus the first thread, is rotated around the axis of rotation relative to the second thread, so that the stop element and the first thread perform a translational movement relative to the second thread (also referred to as rotation), this rotation of the stop element and the first thread is converted by the threads into a translational relative movement between the threads and thus between the stop element and the holder, along the axis of rotation of the stop element. This allows the stop element, and in particular its contact surface, to be positioned as required in the horizontal direction with respect to the operating position (installation position) of the coffee grinder.In other words, this allows the position, orientation, or placement of the stop surface relative to the coffee grinder's horizontal position to be adjusted, i.e., varied. This, in turn, allows the portafilter to be adjusted or varied in its horizontal alignment relative to the coffee grinder. This enables the coffee grounds to be fed into the portafilter in a particularly efficient manner.

[0026] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0027] The drawing shows in: Fig. 1 A schematic perspective view of a coffee grinder for grinding coffee beans; Fig. 2. A schematic perspective view of the coffee grinder (in part); Fig. 3. A further schematic perspective view of the coffee grinder (in part); Fig. 4. A schematic cross-sectional view of the coffee grinder (in part); Fig. 5. A schematic side view of a holding arrangement of a portafilter on the coffee grinder, wherein the portafilter has a first inclination relative to the coffee grinder; Fig. 6. A further schematic side view of the holding arrangement, in part, wherein the portafilter has a second inclination relative to the coffee grinder that differs from the first inclination; and Fig. 7. A schematic perspective view of the holding arrangement is shown in part.

[0028] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a coffee grinder 10, also simply called a mill, for grinding coffee beans to produce a powder, also called coffee powder. This is particularly evident from a combination of Fig. Figures 1 to 4 show that the coffee grinder 10 has a housing 12, which directly defines a receptacle, also referred to as a shaft 14. The shaft 14 itself, considered on its own, has an opening 16 through which it is open to the surrounding area 18 of the coffee grinder 10. This means that the shaft 14 is accessible from the surrounding area 18 via the opening 16, so that, for example, a person in the surrounding area 18 can reach into the shaft 14 through the opening 16, which is a through-opening. Fig. Figure 1 shows the coffee grinder 10 in its operating position, also referred to as the installed position. The coffee grinder 10 is in its intended position or orientation for its intended use in the operating position, whereby the coffee grinder 10 is supported vertically downwards against a surface that is at least substantially horizontal. The vertical direction is illustrated by a double arrow 20. The shaft 14 is accessible from the surrounding area 18 via the opening 16 in the operating position of the coffee grinder 10, particularly for the aforementioned person located in the surrounding area 18.

[0030] As from Fig. As can be seen from 4, the coffee grinder 10 indicates a Fig. Figure 4 shows a particularly schematic representation of a grinding mechanism 22, by means of which the coffee beans can be ground. The coffee grinder 10 has a receiving area 24 in which the coffee beans can be received. For example, the receiving area 24 is, in particular, directly, bounded by the housing 12. The coffee beans received in the receiving area 24 can slide to and into the grinding mechanism 22 by gravity, in particular purely by gravity, and are thus ground in and by means of the grinding mechanism 22 to produce the coffee powder. The grinding mechanism 22 is arranged inside the housing 12.The coffee grinder 10 also has a chute 26 leading into the shaft 14, along which the coffee powder resulting from the grinding of the coffee beans can slide by gravity, in particular purely by gravity, such that the coffee powder can be guided into the shaft 14 by means of the chute 26 by means of gravity, in particular purely by gravity. The chute 26 is a guiding device or is a component of a guiding device by which the coffee powder, when it slides along the guiding device after grinding by gravity, in particular purely by gravity, is or can be guided into the shaft 14.

[0031] Out of Fig. Figures 1 to 4 also show that the coffee grinder 10 has a holder 28 which is arranged in the shaft 14. Fig. Figures 5 to 7 show that a portafilter 30 for collecting the coffee grounds can be supported on the holder 28, which is arranged in the shaft 14, such that, relative to the operating position of the coffee grinder 10, the portafilter 30 can be supported vertically downwards, and in particular directly, on the holder 28. For this purpose, the holder 28 has, for example, first support surfaces 32 which point vertically upwards in the operating position of the coffee grinder 10. A respective first partial section 33 of the portafilter 30 can be supported vertically downwards, and preferably directly, on the respective support surface 32, thereby allowing the portafilter 30 to be supported vertically downwards, and preferably directly, on the holder 28, particularly relative to the operating position of the coffee grinder 10.The respective support surface 32 is convexly curved and, in this case, for example, circular or circular segment-shaped. The coffee powder sliding along the chute 26 due to gravity, in particular purely due to gravity, can be guided by means of the chute 26 to and into the shaft 14 and thus to the portafilter 30, in order to subsequently introduce and fill the portafilter 30.

[0032] In order to achieve a high degree of accuracy in introducing the coffee powder into the portafilter 30, so that no or as little as possible of the coffee powder sliding along the chute 26 misses the portafilter 30 supported by the holder 28, the coffee grinder 10 has a counter-holder 34 arranged in the shaft 14 and opposite the holder 28, particularly with respect to the operating position of the coffee grinder 10 in the vertical direction. This counter-holder 34 is rotatably mounted on the base element 38 about a first axis of rotation 36 relative to the holder 28 and relative to a base element 38 of the coffee grinder 10. The base element 38 is, for example, a component of the housing 12, and it is particularly conceivable that the base element 38 is a housing part of the housing 12. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the base element 38 is formed separately from the housing 12 and is connected to the housing 12 at least indirectly, and in particular directly.For example, the base element 38 can be arranged inside the housing 12. Looks particularly good. Fig. 4 can be seen that in the embodiment shown in the figures, the base element 38 is a component, in particular a housing part, of the housing 12.

[0033] The counter-holder 34 has a first support surface 40, which is spaced a first distance from the axis of rotation 36, the first distance extending along a first straight line perpendicular to the axis of rotation 36. The portafilter 30, particularly in a state where it is supported on the holder 28, can be supported on the first support surface 40, particularly directly, in order to hold the portafilter 30 on the holder 28. The counter-holder 34 also has a second support surface 42, which is spaced a second distance from the axis of rotation 36, the second distance extending along a second straight line perpendicular to the axis of rotation 36 and obliquely or perpendicular to the first straight line. The portafilter 30, particularly in the aforementioned state, can be supported on the second support surface 42, particularly directly, in order to hold the portafilter 30 on the holder 28.The second distance is greater than the first. This means that the support surfaces 40 and 42, which are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the counter-holder 34 around the axis of rotation 36, are spaced at different distances from the axis of rotation 36, whereby the sieve carrier 30, when supported on the holder 28, can be optionally supported on either the support surface 40 or the support surface 42. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shows that a second sub-section 44 of the portafilter 30, which is directed away from the respective sub-section 33, can be supported, in particular directly, on the respective support surface 40, 42. Furthermore, it is evident from Fig. 5 and Fig. It can be seen that, with respect to the operating position of the coffee grinder 10, the respective support surface 32 points vertically upwards. The counter-support 34 is rotatable about the axis of rotation 36 relative to the base element 38, the housing 12, and the holder 28 in at least two support positions D1 and D2, and can be locked in support positions D1 and D2 relative to the base element 38, the housing 12, and the holder 28. In the first support position D1, the first support surface 40 of the counter-support 34 faces the holder 28, so that in the first support position D1 the portafilter 30, in particular the section 44, can be supported, in particular directly, on the first support surface 40. With respect to the operating position of the coffee grinder 10, the first support surface 40 points vertically downwards in the first support position D1.In the second support position D2, the second support surface 42 of the counter-holder 34 faces the holder 28, so that in the second support position D2 the portafilter 30, in particular the section 44, can be supported, especially directly, on the second support surface 42. With respect to the operating position of the coffee grinder 10, in the second support position D2 the second support surface 42 of the counter-holder 34 points downwards in a vertical direction. Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows that by supporting the portafilter 30 against the holder 28 on one side and the support surface 40 on the other, a first inclination N1 of the portafilter 30 relative to the coffee grinder 10 can be set. In other words, the portafilter 30 can be held at the first inclination N1 of the portafilter 30 relative to the coffee grinder 10 by supporting it against the holder 28 on one side and the first support surface 40 on the other. By supporting the portafilter 30 against the holder 28 on one side and the second support surface 42 on the other, a second inclination N2 of the portafilter 30 relative to the coffee grinder 10, which is greater than the first inclination N1, can be set. In other words, by supporting the portafilter 30 on the holder 28 on one side and on the support surface 42 on the other, the portafilter 30 is held or held in the second inclination N2 of the portafilter 30 on the coffee grinder 10.This means that by rotating the counter-holder 34 into the support positions D1 and D2, the inclinations N1 and N2 of the portafilter 30 relative to the coffee grinder 10 can be adjusted, thus enabling the portafilter 30 to be positioned relative to the chute 26 as needed. Therefore, the first inclination N1 and the second inclination N2 of the portafilter 30 can be selectively adjusted relative to the coffee grinder 10 and, in particular, relative to the chute 26, in order to position the portafilter 30 relative to the chute 26 in such a way that no or only a minimal amount of coffee grounds misses the portafilter 30.

[0034] The aforementioned circumferential direction of the holder 28, which runs around the axis of rotation 36, is in Fig. Figure 3 is illustrated by a double arrow 46. The support surfaces 40 and 42 are arranged consecutively and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the holder 28, the support surfaces 40 and 42 being formed by an outer circumferential surface 48 of the counter-holder 34. The outer circumferential surface 48 is an outer skin of the counter-holder 34, the outer skin of which can be perceived visually and haptically by a person in the vicinity 18, i.e., seen and touched. The aforementioned lines and the circumferential direction run in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 36, the support surfaces 40 and 42 being spaced at different distances from the axis of rotation 36 when viewed in this plane.For example, the outer circumferential surface 48 is designed as a non-circular shape when viewed in the plane, so that, for example, the counter-support 34, in particular the outer circumferential surface 48, is designed as an eccentric shape, at least when viewed in the plane, and is therefore eccentrically designed.

[0035] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the counterholder 34 has a third support surface 50 spaced from the axis of rotation 36 by a third segment which extends along a third straight line perpendicular to the axis of rotation 36 and in the said plane, on which the portafilter 30, in particular the partial area 44, can be supported to hold the portafilter 30 on the holder 28, wherein the said straight lines run in the plane and run obliquely or perpendicularly to each other in pairs, and wherein the third segment is larger than the first segment and smaller than the second segment.Thus, for example, the counter-support 34 can be rotated about the axis of rotation 36 relative to the base element 38, and therefore relative to the housing 12 and relative to the holder 28, into a third support position, whereby the counter-support 34 can be locked, i.e., fixed, in the third support position relative to the holder 28, relative to the housing 12, and relative to the base element 38. With reference to the operating position of the coffee grinder 10, the third support surface 50 points downwards in the vertical direction in the third support position. This means that in the third support position, the third support surface 50 faces the holder 28.By supporting the portafilter 30 against the holder 28 on one side and against the third support surface 50 on the other, a different inclination of the portafilter 30 relative to the coffee grinder 10 can be set, for example, a weaker inclination than N2 and a stronger inclination than N1. This allows the portafilter 30 to be aligned, i.e., positioned, particularly as required relative to the coffee grinder 10, especially relative to the chute 26. Specifically, the respective inclinations N1, N2, and the third inclination refer to the horizontal and the operating position of the coffee grinder 10.

[0036] The counter-holder 34 can only be rotated into the support positions D1, D2, and the third support position by rotating it around the axis of rotation 36 relative to the holder 28, the base element 38, and the housing 12, and then locked in the respective support positions D1, D2, and the third support position relative to the holder 28, the housing 12, and the base element 38. This means that a person in the vicinity 18 can, for example, grasp the counter-holder 34 with their hand and then manually rotate it around the axis of rotation 36 into the respective support position, whereupon the counter-holder 34 remains in the respective support position without any further action from the person, thus being locked or fixed in the respective support position relative to the base element 38, the holder 28, and the housing 12.This means that after rotating the counter-support 34 into the desired support position, the person can simply release it, and the counter-support 34 will remain in that position. This allows for easy and convenient adjustment of the support position. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the counter-support 34, viewed along its circumferential direction around the axis of rotation 36 and illustrated by the double arrow 46, is formed as a non-circular shape on its outer circumference when viewed in the aforementioned plane. Furthermore, the counter-support 34 is formed in one piece, i.e., as a single unit. This means that, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the counter-support 34 is made from a single piece.

[0037] The respective support surface 32 of the holder 28 is a respective holding surface facing the counter-holder 34, on which the portafilter 30, in particular the respective sub-area 44 of the portafilter 30, can be supported, in particular directly, in a support direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation 36 and pointing away from the axis of rotation 36, which, with respect to the operating position of the coffee grinder 10, runs vertically downwards and is illustrated by an arrow 52.

[0038] In order to position the holder 28, and thus the portafilter 30, relative to the chute 26 in a particularly efficient manner, it is preferably provided that the holder 28 is movable in the shaft 14 relative to the housing 12, relative to the counter-holder 34, relative to the chute 26, and relative to the base element 38 along a movement axis 54 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 36 into at least two different positions, also referred to as height positions, and can be locked in these height positions relative to the housing 12, the counter-holder 34, the chute 26, the grinder 22, and the base element 38. With respect to the operating position, the movement axis 54 runs in a vertical direction.

[0039] Looks especially good Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show that a stop element 56 is rotatably mounted on the holder 28 about a second axis of rotation 58 relative to the holder 28. Fig. Figure 2 shows that the axes of rotation 36 and 58 run parallel to each other. The stop element 56 has a stop surface 60 against which the portafilter 30, in particular a third part of the portafilter 30, can be supported in a horizontal direction relative to the operating position of the coffee grinder 10, and thus in particular along the second axis of rotation, especially directly. The stop element 56 is movable about the second axis of rotation 58 and relative to the holder 28 in a horizontal direction relative to the operating position of the coffee grinder 10, and thus along the axis of rotation 58 relative to the holder 28, into at least two different stop positions.For example, a person located in the vicinity 18 can grasp the stop element 56 with their hand, in particular grip it, and subsequently rotate it manually around the axis of rotation 58 relative to the holder 28, thereby manually rotating the stop element 56 into the respective stop position. It can be seen that in the respective stop position, the stop surface 60, viewed along the axis of rotation 58, projects from the holder 28, that is, from a surface area B of the holder 28 that is directly adjacent to the stop element 56, such that the stop surface 60 extends beyond the surface area B along the axis of rotation 58.In a first of the stop positions, the stop surface 60 is positioned a distance along the axis of rotation 58 from the surface area B, and in a second of the stop positions, the stop surface 60 is positioned a distance along the axis of rotation 58 from the surface area B, the second distance being greater than the first. Therefore, when the portafilter 30, in particular the third section of the portafilter 30, is supported against the stop surface 60, the stop element 56 is positioned further away from the surface area B along the axis of rotation 58 than when the stop element 56 is in the first stop position.This also allows different positions of the portafilter 30 to be set in a horizontal direction, i.e. along the axis of rotation 58 relative to the holder 28 and thus relative to the chute 26, so that a particularly high degree of accuracy can be achieved with regard to introducing the coffee powder into the portafilter 30.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the stop element 56 has a tool engagement 62, which in this case is designed as a slot, by means of which a tool, for example designed as a slotted screwdriver, can be coupled to the stop element 56 in a torque-transmitting manner, in particular in a rotationally fixed manner, in order to be able to rotate the stop element 56 about the axis of rotation 58 relative to the holder 28 by means of the tool and in particular to be able to rotate it into the respective stop position.

[0041] It is of course possible for a person in the vicinity 18 of the coffee grinder 10 to grasp and / or grip the stop element 56, in particular an outer circumferential surface of the stop element 56, with their hand and to manually, in particular purely manually, rotate the stop element 56 around the axis of rotation 58 relative to the holder 28, thereby enabling the person to manually, in particular purely manually, rotate the stop element 56 into the respective stop position. To achieve advantageous handling of the stop element 56, it is possible for the outer circumferential surface of the stop element 56 to be provided with a specifically manufactured structure, such as ribs and / or knurling, in particular running parallel to the axis of rotation 58.

[0042] Preferably, the stop element 56 can be rotated into the stop positions and locked in each stop position relative to the holder 28 only by rotating it about the axis of rotation 58 and relative to the holder 28. This means that once the stop element 56 has been rotated into the respective stop position, no further action is required to lock it in that position relative to the holder 28; instead, the stop element 56 remains in that position automatically. This allows the portafilter 30 to be positioned relative to the slide 26 particularly easily, conveniently, and as needed.

[0043] Fig. Figure 7 shows a support state of the portafilter 30. In this support state, the portafilter 30, in particular the respective first subsection 33, is supported vertically downwards, in particular directly, against the respective support surface 32 and thus against the holder 28, relative to the operating position of the coffee grinder 10. In the vertical upwards direction, the portafilter 30, in particular the subsection 44, is supported directly against the counter-holder 34 and, for example, against the first support surface 40. Furthermore, the portafilter 30, in particular the subsection 44, is supported vertically downwards. Fig. The third section of the portafilter 30, designated 7 with 64, is supported along the axis of rotation 58, in particular directly, on the stop surface 60 of the stop element 56, whereby the portafilter 30 is positioned particularly advantageously relative to the housing 12 and relative to the slide 26. Fig.The base element 38 is recognizable in Figure 7. For example, the holder 28 is translationally movable on the base element 38 relative to the housing 12, the counter-holder 34, the slide 26, the grinding mechanism 22 and the base element 38 along the axis of movement 54, i.e., it is held in a sliding position so that the holder 28 can be moved along the base element 38 to different height positions.

Claims

[1] Coffee grinder (10) for grinding coffee beans, with a holder (28) on which a portafilter (30) can be supported to collect coffee powder resulting from grinding, characterized by a counter-holder (34) opposite the holder (28), which is rotatably held on the base element (38) about an axis of rotation (36) relative to the holder (28) and relative to a base element (38) of the coffee grinder (10) and has: - a first support surface (40) spaced from the axis of rotation (36) by a first distance which extends along a first straight line perpendicular to the axis of rotation (36), on which the portafilter (30) can be supported to hold the portafilter (30) on the holder (28); and - a second support surface (42) spaced from the axis of rotation (36) by a second segment which extends along a second straight line perpendicular to the axis of rotation (36), on which the portafilter (30) can be supported to hold the portafilter (30) on the holder (28), wherein the second straight line runs obliquely or perpendicular to the first straight line and wherein the second segment is larger than the first segment. [2] Coffee grinder (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the counter-holder (34) is rotatable about the axis of rotation (36) relative to the base element (38) and relative to the holder (28) in at least two support positions (D1, D2) and can be locked in the support positions (D1, D2) relative to the base element (38) and relative to the holder (28), wherein: - in one of the first support positions (D1, D2) the first support surface (40) faces the holder (28), so that in the first support position (D1) the portafilter (30) can be supported on the first support surface (40); and - in a second of the support positions (D1, D2) the second support surface (42) is facing the holder (28), so that in the second support position (D2) the portafilter (30) can be supported on the second support surface (42). [3] Coffee grinder (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the counterholder (34) has a third support surface (50) spaced from the axis of rotation (36) by a third segment which extends along a third straight line perpendicular to the axis of rotation (36), on which the portafilter (30) can be supported to hold the portafilter (30) on the holder (28), wherein the straight lines run obliquely or perpendicularly to each other in pairs, and wherein the third segment is larger than the first segment and smaller than the second segment. [4] Coffee grinder (10) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized by, that the counter-holder (34) is rotatable about the axis of rotation (36) relative to the base element (38) and relative to the holder (28) into a third support position and can be locked in the three support positions (D1, D2) relative to the base element (38) and relative to the holder (828), wherein in the third support position the third support surface (50) is facing the holder (28), so that in the third support position the portafilter (30) can be supported on the third support surface (50). [5] Coffee grinder (10) according to claim 2, according to claim 3 with reference to claim 2 or according to claim 4, characterized by , that the counterholder (34) can only be rotated into the support positions (D1, D2) by rotating the counterholder (34) around the axis of rotation (36) and relative to the holder (28) and the base element (38), and can be locked in the respective support position (D1, D2) relative to the holder (28) and relative to the base element (38). [6] Coffee grinder (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the counterholder (34) is considered to be formed as a non-circular shape on its outer circumferential side along its circumferential direction (46) running around the axis of rotation (36). [7] Coffee grinder (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the counterholder (34) is formed in one piece. [8] Coffee grinder (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the holder (28) has at least one holding surface (32) facing the counter-holder (34), on which the portafilter (30) can be supported in a support direction (52) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (36) and pointing away from the axis of rotation (36). [9] Coffee grinder (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the coffee grinder (10) has: - a grinder (22) for grinding the coffee beans; - a housing (12) by which a shaft (14) is bounded; and - a chute (26) leading into the shaft (14) for guiding the coffee powder into the shaft (14) in which the holder (28) and the counter-holder (34) are arranged. [10] Coffee grinder (10) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the holder (28) in the shaft (14) is translationally movable in at least two different positions relative to the housing (12), relative to the counter-holder (34), relative to the chute (26) and relative to the grinding mechanism (22) along a movement axis (54) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (36) and can be locked in the positions relative to the housing (12), relative to the counter-holder (34), relative to the chute (26) and relative to the grinding mechanism (22). [11] Coffee grinder (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a stop element (56) is rotatably mounted on the holder (28) about a second axis of rotation (58) relative to the holder (28), wherein: - the stop element (56) has a stop surface (60) against which the portafilter (30) can be supported in a horizontal direction in the operating position of the coffee grinder (10); and - the stop element (56) can be moved translationally into at least two different stop positions by rotating the stop element (56) around the second axis of rotation (58) and relative to the holder (28) in the operating position of the coffee grinder (10) in a horizontal direction relative to the holder (28). [12] Coffee grinder (10) for grinding coffee beans, with a holder (28) on which a portafilter (30) can be supported for collecting coffee powder resulting from grinding, characterized by , that a stop element (56) is rotatably mounted on the holder (28) about a pivot axis (58) relative to the holder (28), wherein: - the stop element (56) has a stop surface (60) against which the portafilter (30) can be supported in a horizontal direction in the operating position of the coffee grinder (10); and - the stop element (56) can be moved translationally into at least two different positions by rotating the stop element (56) around the axis of rotation (58) and relative to the holder (28) in the operating position of the coffee grinder (10) in a horizontal direction relative to the holder (28).

Citation Information

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