Hopper for a coffee grinder equipped with a lower closure device for preserving coffee beans and coffee grinder equipped with the hopper

Abstract

A hopper for a coffee grinder having a closure device comprising an actuating member, a shutter member, an actuating plane and a shutter plane, wherein the shutter plane is arranged below the actuating plane, wherein the shutter mechanism comprises a single fixed circular sector fixed relative to a lower hopper part, wherein the fixed circular sector comprises a central angle of less than 180° and a central hole, a movable circular sector pivoted at the central hole, wherein the movable circular sector is rotatable between a first position in which a bottom opening is open and at least two of the sectors are substantially stacked on top of each other in correspondence with the single fixed circular sector and a second position in which the lower opening is closed by the single fixed circular sector and the movable sectors arranged in circumferential succession.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machines for grinding coffee beans. Such machines for grinding coffee beans can be standalone machines or integrated into coffee beverage making machines. These machines for grinding coffee beans are also simply referred to as "coffee grinders," "coffee grinders," or "grinders."

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a hopper for a coffee grinder having a lower closing device configured to reduce the amount of coffee wasted during hopper removal operations. The invention also relates to a coffee grinder including said hopper. Background Technology

[0003] As is well known, to prepare espresso, a certain amount of ground coffee is used, commonly referred to as a dose. This dose of ground coffee is fed into a filter, typically cup-shaped, open at the top, and with a bottom containing micropores. Typically, the coffee dose is tampd down the filter to form a coffee puck. The filter is then supported by a filter holder constructed to removably engage with the dispensing assembly of an espresso machine. Espresso is obtained by forcing hot water under pressure through the coffee puck.

[0004] Coffee powder is obtained through a coffee grinder. In known coffee grinders, coffee particles are ground by passing them through grinding components. Flat, conical, or cylindrical grinding components are known. Typically, the grinding components of a coffee grinder consist of a stationary component and a component that rotates relative to the stationary component. For example, in a coffee grinder with a conical grinder, one grinder remains stationary while the other is rotated by a motor.

[0005] Coffee beans to be ground are typically placed in a container called a hopper, which is positioned above the grinding element. Typically, the coffee beans reach the grinding element by gravity.

[0006] The hopper has an upper opening, usually with a cover to close the upper opening, and a lower opening so that the coffee grounds can reach the grinding element.

[0007] The hopper can be removed from the coffee machine for a variety of reasons. For example, to clean the grinder and / or the hopper, or to empty the hopper and replace the coffee mixture it contains. Or, when it is not expected to be used for a considerable period of time (e.g., at night, at the end of the workday), to store the unground coffee in a cool and dry environment (e.g., in the refrigerator).

[0008] Because the hopper is at least partially filled with coffee beans when it is to be separated from the coffee grinder, it is equipped with a bottom sealing device. Before removing the hopper, the barista will close the bottom opening to prevent coffee beans from falling out and being wasted.

[0009] DE102007008911A1, DE102007008900A1 and D3 AU2009202486A1 disclose hoppers with closed systems. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The applicant has carefully observed the known lower closing device of the hopper for coffee grinders.

[0011] The applicant has observed that known bottom-closing devices for coffee grinders perform bottom-closing of the hopper at locations where a significant amount of coffee beans are sacrificed.

[0012] In other words, the applicant observed that a significant amount of uncrushed coffee grounds remained between the grinding element and the lower closure of the hopper. These coffee grounds were wasted (possibly because they were left "unused," i.e., not ground), or because it was difficult for baristas to collect them partially.

[0013] Waste of coffee, and indeed any food, is morally unacceptable, but should also be avoided for economic reasons. The applicant has actually calculated that at least approximately 20 grams of coffee beans are wasted each time the hopper is removed. Considering that the hopper can be removed once or multiple times a day, this amounts to several kilograms of coffee wasted annually.

[0014] The problem faced by the applicant is limiting coffee waste when the hopper is removed and providing a larger orifice than known devices. According to the applicant, the problem lies in the fact that known sealing devices operate in a location far from the grinding element. Typically, the sealing occurs a few centimeters away from the grinding element. The loss is precisely the volume of coffee between the grinding element and the sealing device.

[0015] According to the applicant, the problem of reducing coffee waste when the hopper of a coffee grinder is removed can be solved by providing a closing device having an actuating member defining an actuating plane and a baffle member defining a baffle plane. The actuating plane does not coincide with the baffle plane, and the actuating plane is higher than the baffle plane.

[0016] The relative position between the operating plane and the baffle plane is evaluated with the hopper in an upright position and the opening for loading coffee beans to be ground facing upwards.

[0017] Preferably, actuation is performed by rotational motion about a vertical or substantially vertical axis.

[0018] In this way, the actual closed plane (baffle plane) is near the grinding member. Therefore, compared with known systems, the coffee volume between the top of the grinding member and the actual closed plane is significantly reduced, thereby reducing the amount of coffee wasted and unused when the hopper is removed.

[0019] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a hopper for a coffee grinder, comprising:

[0020] A container body for holding coffee beans to be ground, wherein the body includes an upper loading opening;

[0021] The hopper section includes a bottom opening to allow coffee beans to reach the grinding mechanism.

[0022] A closing device for closing the bottom opening, wherein the closing device includes an actuating member, a baffle member, an actuating plane, and a baffle plane, wherein the baffle plane is disposed below the actuating plane, and wherein the baffle member includes:

[0023] A single fixed circular fan segment fixed relative to the hopper portion, wherein the fixed circular fan segment includes (i.e. forms) a central angle and a central hole of less than 180°;

[0024] A movable circular sector is hinged at the central hole, wherein the movable circular sector is rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the bottom opening is open and at least two of the sector segments are stacked on top of each other, substantially corresponding to a single fixed circular sector segment. In the second position, the bottom opening is closed by a single fixed circular sector segment and movable sector segments arranged in succession along the circumference.

[0025] Essentially, the movable segments move, meaning they open like folding fans. When referring to the segments of the baffle member, the statement "they move like folding fans" means that there are circular segments (also called petals or clover petals) hinged at the center, i.e., near the tip. The circular segments can be stacked entirely on top of each other; in this case, the opening is fully open except for the stacked portions of the circular segments. To close the opening, the circular segments can be arranged consecutively along the circumference. In this position, two consecutive circumferential segments may overlap minimally with their respective adjacent circumferential edges. A partially closed (or open) intermediate position can also be provided.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the fixed circular sector includes (i.e. forms) a central angle of less than 90°.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the fixed circular sector is shaped to protrude from the top toward the inside of the hopper, preferably forming a double chute.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the sealing device includes a cup-shaped body and a tubular body that protrudes downward from the hopper at a bottom opening, wherein the baffle plane substantially corresponds to the bottom of the cup-shaped body.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the bottom of the cup-shaped body includes a bottom circular sector with a central angle of less than 180°, for example less than 90°, wherein the bottom circular sector of the cup-shaped body is hinged and can rotate relative to a single fixed circular sector.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the baffle component includes a first movable sector and a second movable sector, which can be rotated by rotating the bottom circular sector of the cup-shaped body.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the bottom circular sector of the cup-shaped body includes a groove extending into a circumferential arc, wherein the first movable sector includes a first tooth, and wherein the groove is configured to cooperate with the first tooth of the first movable sector.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the first movable sector further includes a second tooth configured to cooperate with the second movable sector.

[0033] According to an embodiment, a slit is provided at least along a portion of the thickness of the column.

[0034] According to an embodiment, a downwardly projecting blocking edge is provided at least along a portion of the thickness of the column.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the cup-shaped body includes a ring collar for rotating the cup-shaped body relative to the cylindrical body.

[0036] According to another aspect, a coffee grinder is provided, comprising a body, a grinding chamber having grinding components, and a hopper, wherein the hopper comprises:

[0037] A container body for holding coffee beans to be ground, wherein the body includes an upper loading opening;

[0038] The hopper section includes a bottom opening to allow coffee beans to reach the grinding mechanism;

[0039] A closing device for sealing a bottom opening, wherein the closing device includes an actuating member, a baffle member, an actuating plane, and a baffle plane, wherein the baffle plane is disposed below the actuating plane, and wherein the baffle member includes:

[0040] A single fixed circular sector segment fixed relative to the hopper portion, wherein the fixed circular sector segment includes (i.e. forms) a central angle and a central hole of less than 180°;

[0041] A movable circular sector hinged at the central hole, wherein the movable circular sector is rotatable between a first position and a second position, in the first position the bottom opening is open and at least two of the sector segments are stacked on top of each other substantially corresponding to a single fixed circular sector segment, and in the second position the bottom opening is closed by a single fixed circular sector segment and movable sector segments arranged in succession along the circumference.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the distance d between the baffle plane and the grinding member is less than or equal to about 15 mm.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the distance D between the baffle plane and the actuation plane is greater than approximately 20 mm.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the closure device is configured to be actuated by rotational movement about a vertical axis. Attached Figure Description

[0045] A detailed description of the invention is now given by way of non-limiting example, to be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a coffee grinder with a hopper according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 It is a side view of a hopper with a baffle plane (actual closed plane) with a bottom opening, the baffle plane being in a lower position relative to the operating plane of the closing device;

[0048] Figure 2A yes Figure 2 An isometric view of a hopper, wherein the hopper lid is closed;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a cross-section of an embodiment of a device for sealing the lower opening of the hopper of a coffee grinder;

[0050] Figure 4 This is an isometric view taken from the bottom of the hopper, with the closing device in its fully closed position;

[0051] Figure 4A This is an isometric view taken from the bottom of the hopper, with the closing device in its fully closed position;

[0052] Figure 5 This is an isometric view taken from below the hopper, with the sealing device in the fully open position;

[0053] Figure 5A This is a view of the fully open, enclosed device as seen from the inside of the hopper;

[0054] Figure 5BThis is a plan view of the fully opened closure as seen from below, showing the maximum opening angle;

[0055] Figure 6 It is an exploded view of the closed device;

[0056] Figure 7 and 8 The two movable sections of the enclosure are shown.

[0057] Figure 9 It is an isometric drawing of a partially enclosed device; and

[0058] Figure 10 It is an isometric view of the bottom of the hopper, which has two movable sections to close the bottom opening. Detailed Implementation

[0059] exist Figure 1 The image shows a coffee grinder M, with a hopper 10 mounted on its upper part, only as an example.

[0060] Figure 2 and 2A The basic principle of the invention is illustrated from a very illustrative perspective. According to the invention, the closure of the bottom opening of the hopper 10 does not occur at the control member that closes the lower opening of the hopper. In fact, the actual closure of the hopper 10 occurs at the baffle plane S, below the actuation plane A. Advantageously, the actual closure occurs closer to the grinding member G. Thus, the volume of coffee beans that have been released from the hopper 10 and are therefore unusable is practically zero or, in any case, very small. Closing (and reopening) is achieved via a rotational movement about a vertical or substantially vertical axis V, through a mechanism such as… Figure 1 The clockwise and / or counterclockwise rotations indicated by the arrows in the diagram occur.

[0061] According to an advantageous embodiment, the closure of the bottom opening of the hopper 10 occurs by rotational motion.

[0062] Preferably, the rotation is manual, i.e., performed by a human operator when necessary. Alternatively, it can be controlled automatically, for example, by an electric motor. In this case, a sensor (e.g., a proximity or contact sensor) can be provided that commands the hopper to close even if the hopper 10 is raised a very small distance. This avoids the risk that the operator might forget to close the opening at the bottom of the hopper before separating it from the coffee grinder M.

[0063] According to the invention, the closing device 20 closes the bottom opening by means of a "folding fan-like" movement, which is the opposite of known solutions that use a butterfly-style closure.

[0064] Unlike known solutions, this embodiment features circular fan segments that the barista can rotate from an open position to a closed position. In the open position, the segments are substantially stacked, while in the closed position, each segment partially closes the opening, and collectively, the segments substantially completely close the opening. This movement is similar to that of a folding fan, as it moves from a folded, stationary position to a fully unfolded position.

[0065] Refer to the accompanying drawings, especially the ones attached. Figure 6 The exploded view shows that the hopper portion 13 of the hopper 10 is formed to include a downwardly projecting tubular portion (or tubular body) 131. The bottom opening of the hopper 10 is the tubular portion 131. The tubular portion 131 preferably has a circular cross-section.

[0066] The tubular portion 131 is substantially fully open, but is closed by a fixed circular sector 15. The fixed circular sector 15 of the tubular portion 131 is substantially triangular and has a base along a portion of the edge of the tubular portion 131. The fixed circular sector 15 of the tubular portion 131 includes a central hole 16. Preferably, the central hole 16 is threaded.

[0067] The fixed circular sector 15 has a central angle α (alpha) of less than 180°. In an embodiment, the angle α at the center is approximately equal to or less than 90°. For example, it is between 80° and 85°, such as 84°.

[0068] Preferably, the fixed circular segment 15 of the tubular body 131 is flat on its lower surface. Preferably, the fixed segment of the tubular body has a shape that protrudes upward toward the inside of the hopper 10. As will become clear below, this protruding shape facilitates the sliding of coffee beans toward the opening and prevents the coffee beans from locking onto the fixed circular segment 15.

[0069] When the hopper 10 is made of plastic material, the fixed circular sector 15 can be substantially hollow inside, as shown in the various figures.

[0070] For reasons that will be explained below, a slit 17 is preferably present along a portion of the thickness of the tubular body 131.

[0071] Preferably, for reasons that will be explained below, a downwardly projecting blocking edge 18 is provided at least along a portion of the thickness of the tubular body 131.

[0072] According to the present invention, the closure device 20 for the bottom opening of the hopper includes a cup-shaped body 30 that cooperates with the tubular body 131.

[0073] The cup-shaped body 30 has an internal cross-section that substantially corresponds in shape and size to the external cross-section of the tubular body 131. The cup-shaped body 30 includes a ring 31 in its upper part, the ring having teeth to facilitate gripping (and thus rotation) by the barista.

[0074] Similar to the tubular body 131, the cup-shaped body 30 includes a bottom circular sector 35. The bottom circular sector 35 of the cup-shaped body 30 is substantially triangular and has a base along a portion of the edge of the cup-shaped body 30. The bottom circular sector 35 of the cup-shaped body includes a central hole 36. Preferably, the central hole 36 is a through hole.

[0075] Preferably, the bottom circular sector 35 of the cup-shaped body 30 is flat.

[0076] Preferably, the bottom circular sector 35 includes a groove 37 with an arc, which is formed near the edge of the cup-shaped body 30.

[0077] exist Figure 6 The exploded view shows other elements of the closure device 20 according to the invention. In particular, two movable circular fan segments 40, 50, also referred to as "lobes", can be seen.

[0078] The cup-shaped body 30 is connected to the tubular body 131 by a screw 38, which passes through the central hole 36 of the cup-shaped body 30 and is screwed into the central hole 16 of the tubular body 131. Flaps 40, 50 and possibly washers 60 are inserted between the cup-shaped body 30 and the tubular body 131.

[0079] Each lobe 40, 50 has a roughly triangular shape with a curved base.

[0080] Each lobe 40, 50 includes a central hole 46, 56, which is preferably a through hole.

[0081] Preferably, each lobe 40, 50 includes a pair of teeth 41, 42, 51, 52 at the end of the curved base.

[0082] The first lobe 40, also known as the "lower lobe," includes a downward-facing first tooth 41 configured to engage a groove 37 in the bottom circular fan segment 35 of the cup-shaped body 30. The first tooth 41 is substantially at 90° relative to the lower surface of the first lobe 40. The second tooth 42 is substantially at 90° relative to the upper surface of the first lobe 40.

[0083] The second lobe 50, also known as the "upper lobe," includes a radially oriented third tooth 51 configured to cooperate with the second tooth 42 of the lower lobe 40. The fourth tooth 52 is substantially at 90° relative to the upper surface of the upper lobe.

[0084] In the configuration with the bottom opening open, the bottom circular sector 35 of the cup-shaped body 30 is substantially stacked on the fixed circular sector 15 of the tubular body 131 protruding from the hopper 10. In this open position, the upper petal 50 and the lower petal 40 are also stacked. This configuration is, for example, in... Figure 5 , 5A As shown in 5B.

[0085] like Figure 5B As shown, thanks to the folding fan solution, the opening angle is significantly higher than the typical 180° opening angle of known solutions. In this embodiment, the opening angle is preferably greater than 270°, for example... Figure 5B The 276° angle is shown in the illustration.

[0086] From the open position ( Figure 5 , 5A Beginning with 5B), to close the bottom opening 14, the barista rotates the cup-shaped body 30 and thus the bottom circular segment 35. During the first portion of this rotation, the first tooth 41 of the lower segment 40 extends through the groove 37 of the bottom circular segment 35. Continuing to rotate the cup-shaped body 30, the lower segment 40 is dragged by the engagement between the first tooth 41 and the end of the groove 37. Again, continuing to rotate the cup-shaped body 30 relative to the tubular body 131, the lower segment 40 causes the upper segment 50 to rotate due to the engagement of the second tooth 42 and the third tooth 51. Then, the second tooth 42 and the fourth tooth 52 slide into the groove 37 of the tubular body 131.

[0087] As described above, a downwardly projecting edge 18 is provided at least along a portion of the thickness of the cylindrical body. When the cup-shaped body 30 and / or the lobes 40, 50 are in a specific position, this edge 18 constitutes a barrier for precisely closing the bottom opening 14, thereby preventing a large amount of coffee or coffee powder from escaping.

[0088] Figure 4 and 4A The closure device is shown, with the bottom opening 14 completely closed.

[0089] Figure 5 , 5 Instead, 5B shows the closure of the bottom opening 14, which is fully open.

[0090] Figure 9 The closure device of the partially opened bottom opening 14 is shown. To illustrate the engagement of the second tooth 42 and the fourth tooth 52 in the groove 37, in Figure 10 The cup-shaped object 30 is not shown in the figure.

[0091] Therefore, advantageously, according to the invention, a device for closing the bottom opening of a hopper is provided, which greatly limits coffee bean waste while providing a significantly wider opening than known solutions. The percentage of the larger opening relative to known solutions can also be greater than 50%. In fact, it typically ranges from an opening angle of approximately 180° to an opening angle of over 270°.

Claims

1. A hopper (10) for a coffee grinder (M), comprising: A container body (11) for holding coffee beans to be ground, wherein the container body (11) includes an upper loading opening (12). The hopper section (13) includes a bottom opening (14) to allow coffee beans to reach the grinding member (G). A closing device for closing a bottom opening (14), wherein the closing device includes an actuating member, a baffle member, an actuating plane (A), and a baffle plane (S), wherein the baffle plane (S) is arranged below the actuating plane (A), and wherein the baffle member includes: A single fixed circular fan segment (15) fixed relative to the hopper section (13), wherein the single fixed circular fan segment (15) includes a central angle (α) of less than 180° and a central hole (16). A movable circular segment is hinged to the center hole (16) of the single fixed circular segment, wherein the movable circular segment is rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the bottom opening (14) is open and at least two of the movable circular segments are stacked on top of each other corresponding to the single fixed circular segment (15), wherein in the second position the bottom opening (14) is closed by the single fixed circular segment (15) and the movable circular segments arranged in succession along the circumference, wherein the closing device includes a cup-shaped body (30) and a tubular body (131) protruding downward from the hopper (10) at the bottom opening (14), and wherein the baffle plane (S) corresponds to the bottom of the cup-shaped body (30).

2. The hopper (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The single fixed circular sector (15) includes a central angle (α) of less than 90°.

3. The hopper (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The single fixed circular sector (15) is shaped to protrude from the top toward the inside of the hopper (10).

4. The hopper (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the cup-shaped body (30) includes a bottom circular sector (35), wherein the bottom circular sector has a central angle of less than 180°, and wherein the bottom circular sector (35) of the cup-shaped body is hinged and is rotatable relative to the single fixed circular sector (15).

5. The hopper (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The bottom circular sector (35) has a central angle of less than 90°.

6. The hopper according to claim 5, wherein, The baffle component includes a first movable circular sector (40) and a second movable circular sector (50), which can be rotated by rotating the bottom circular sector (35) of the cup-shaped body (30).

7. The hopper according to claim 6, wherein, The bottom circular sector (35) of the cup-shaped body (30) includes a groove (37) that extends into a circumferential arc, wherein the first movable circular sector (40) includes a first tooth (41), and wherein the groove (37) is configured to cooperate with the first tooth (41) of the first movable circular sector (40).

8. The hopper according to claim 7, wherein, The first movable circular sector (40) also includes a second tooth (42) configured to cooperate with the second movable circular sector (50).

9. The hopper according to claim 1, wherein, A slit (17) is provided at least along a portion of the thickness of the tubular body (131).

10. The hopper according to claim 1, wherein, A downwardly projecting blocking edge (18) is provided at least along a portion of the thickness of the tubular body (131).

11. The hopper according to claim 1, wherein, The cup-shaped body includes a ring (31) for rotating the cup-shaped body relative to the tubular body (131).

12. A coffee grinder (M), comprising a body, a grinding chamber having grinding components (G), and a hopper (10), wherein, The hopper (10) includes: A container body (11) for holding coffee beans to be ground, wherein the container body (11) includes an upper loading opening (12). The hopper section (13) includes a bottom opening (14) to allow coffee beans to reach the grinding member (G). A closing device for closing a bottom opening (14), wherein the closing device includes an actuating member, a baffle member, an actuating plane (A), and a baffle plane (S), wherein the baffle plane (S) is arranged below the actuating plane (A), and wherein the baffle member includes: A single fixed circular fan segment (15) fixed relative to the hopper section (13), wherein the single fixed circular fan segment (15) includes a central angle of less than 180° and a central hole (16); and A movable circular segment is hinged to the center hole (16) of the single fixed circular segment, wherein the movable circular segment is rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the bottom opening (14) is open and at least two of the movable circular segments are stacked on top of each other corresponding to the single fixed circular segment (15), wherein in the second position the bottom opening (14) is closed by the single fixed circular segment (15) and the movable circular segments arranged in succession along the circumference, wherein the closing device includes a cup-shaped body (30) and a tubular body (131) protruding downward from the hopper (10) at the bottom opening (14), and wherein the baffle plane (S) corresponds to the bottom of the cup-shaped body (30).

13. The coffee grinder (M) according to claim 12, wherein, The distance (d) between the baffle plane (S) and the grinding member (G) is less than or equal to 15 mm.

14. The coffee grinder (M) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The distance (D) between the baffle plane (S) and the actuation plane (A) is greater than 20 mm.

15. The coffee grinder (M) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The closure device is configured to be actuated by rotational motion about a vertical axis (V).

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