Hopper for feeding a dose of coffee beans, corresponding machine and corresponding method for preparing a beverage

Abstract

A hopper (10) for feeding a predetermined dose of coffee beans comprises a container (11) for the beans and a dosing device (15) arranged inside the container (11), the container (11) being provided with a lower aperture (12) associated with a closing base plate (13) arranged so as to be able to rotate with respect to the container (11) to selectively open and close a passage aperture (14) for the beans. The invention also relates to a machine and a method for preparing a coffee beverage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hopper for feeding a predetermined dose of beans (particularly, but not limited to, coffee beans). The hopper can be detachably connected to a machine for preparing coffee beverages, particularly to the grinding device of the machine. The invention also relates to a method for preparing coffee beverages. Background Technology

[0002] Machines for preparing coffee beverages are known, which have a brewing chamber into which a certain amount of product is fed at a time. A hopper may be associated with the brewing chamber and is suitable for holding coffee beans or pre-ground coffee powder to be fed to a grinding device.

[0003] Machines with detachable hoppers are becoming increasingly common, allowing consumers to change the type of coffee beans they wish to use. In these cases, known hoppers include a container with an outlet for coffee beans and a sealing element with a closure adapted to close the outlet at least when the hopper is disconnected from the machine.

[0004] In these known solutions, a certain amount of coffee powder and a certain amount of coffee beans remain in the grinding device when the hopper is removed from the machine.

[0005] Therefore, when changing the hopper or the type of beans to be used, in order to avoid contamination between different types of beans, or more simply to avoid product spillage, it is necessary to empty the grinding device manually or by using the remaining type of beans to prepare a beverage.

[0006] Another drawback is that if the machine is not working, the remaining powder and / or beans will lose their properties because the grinding device is not waterproof.

[0007] Another drawback is that the amount of coffee beans supplied to the grinding device does not precisely correspond to the amount of product powder needed to deliver the beverage.

[0008] Known solutions provide a metering feeder positioned between the hopper and the grinding unit, which selectively delivers a measured amount of coffee beans from the hopper to the grinding unit. Even in these cases, the aforementioned residue problem and its consequences are not eliminated.

[0009] EP2364624A describes an apparatus for preparing a beverage, comprising a container for beans, the interior of which is provided a rotatable conveying member including a bottom wall and side walls, the bottom wall and side walls extending radially and defining corresponding sections with openings in the upper portion. The conveying member in EP'624 primarily functions to rotate the coffee beans to provide them with centrifugal acceleration, thereby facilitating the exit of the coffee beans through a lateral offset orifice and into a measuring chamber having a volume defining the amount of coffee beans used for beverage preparation. A drawback of this solution is that, since the total dose of beans used for beverage preparation corresponds to the amount of beans that can be contained in the measuring chamber, this dose cannot be modified as needed.

[0010] FR2755431 describes a manually actuated device for delivering a dose of a product in granular or powder form from a container. The device includes a fixed portion with an inlet orifice, a movable portion disposed within a space defined by the fixed portion, and a closed plate connected to the fixed portion and having an outlet orifice. The movable portion can rotate 90° relative to the fixed portion in one sense and another, thereby displacing the discharge chamber of the movable portion from a first position aligned with the inlet orifice to a second position aligned with the outlet orifice. A disadvantage of this solution is that it does not allow for the continuous and rapid delivery of multiple doses, as the movable portion needs to be restored after the first dose is delivered. This aspect makes it unsuitable for use in conjunction with machines used for beverage preparation.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to improve a hopper for feeding a predetermined dose of beans, which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0012] Therefore, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of providing a hopper that can be selectively connected and disconnected from the machine and can supply the desired amount of coffee beans each time for beverage preparation, avoiding residues in the grinding device.

[0013] In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a hopper suitable for selectively supplying a predetermined dose of beans at the outlet until a desired amount is reached.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hopper and a machine for preparing beverages that allows for changing the type of beans to be used and avoids contamination between previous and subsequent products.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for preparing beverages, which is suitable for feeding the correct amount of beans according to the type of beverage selected.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine that is easy for users to use.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing beverages that allows the grinding apparatus to remain substantially empty between two consecutive beverage preparations.

[0018] The applicant has designed, tested and implemented the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0019] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variations of the main inventive concept.

[0020] In accordance with the above objectives, and in order to solve the aforementioned technical problems in a novel and original manner, and to have considerable advantages over existing technologies, a detachable hopper for containing coffee beans comprises:

[0021] - A container suitable for holding beans and equipped with a bottom hole;

[0022] - A closed substrate, associated with a lower hole and configured to rotate relative to the container to selectively open and close the outlet hole of a metering feeder disposed in the container;

[0023] - A volumetric metering feeder, located inside a container, is provided with multiple separate sections, each section being suitable for holding a defined dose of beans. These multiple sections are rotatable relative to a rotation axis, wherein the metering feeder can be driven to rotate the sections and selectively align one of the sections with an outlet orifice.

[0024] The quantitative feeding device includes an upper plate with an inlet hole for beans, a lower plate with an outlet hole for beans, and a conveyor component that can rotate between the upper and lower plates. The conveyor component is configured to selectively convey a certain amount of beans from the inlet hole to the outlet hole.

[0025] The conveyor component includes at least two blades that are rotatable about a rotation axis. The at least two blades extend radially and, together with two plates, define corresponding angled sections that are rotatable with an angular offset relative to each other.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the segment has a fixed volume and is configured to contain a dose of beans corresponding to its volume.

[0027] During use, the inlet and outlet holes of the quantitative feeding device are set to be offset from each other at an angle greater than the size of the segment, and are preferably set in fixed positions opposite each other in diameter.

[0028] The dimensions of the inlet and outlet orifices, as well as the number / size of the blades, ensure that at each position of the conveyor component around the axis of rotation, the two orifices are each positioned to communicate with a different section, preventing beans from being directly conveyed between the inlet and outlet.

[0029] Preferably, the conveyor component includes at least three blades; however, the number of blades may be higher depending on the amount of beans required to be contained in each dose.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the outlet hole is preferably misaligned with respect to the axis of rotation and extends at least partially in the sidewall of the lower plate, on which a concave-convex portion corresponding to the outlet hole may be provided to facilitate the passage of beans, the concave-convex portion having a concave surface on the inner side and a matching convex surface on the outer side.

[0031] The hopper may also include a conveyor component that is rotatable about a rotation axis and configured to engage with an upper plate and convey coffee beans toward the inlet opening to accelerate the filling of the section.

[0032] Preferably, the conveyor component and the transport component are keyed together on the same drive pin, which passes through corresponding holes in the two plates and the closed base plate and is provided with connecting members for connection to the rotating shaft of the motor during use.

[0033] According to some embodiments, at least one blade of the conveyor component or transporter component includes at least one flexible portion made of rubber, silicone, or other flexible, deformable, or pliable elastic material to move the beans without damaging them. The flexible portion can bend under the action of the beans, thereby reducing friction and interference, as well as the torque required for rotation of the conveyor component and / or transporter component. Therefore, structural stress is reduced, operating noise is decreased, and a lower-power geared motor can be used to drive the conveyor component and / or transporter component.

[0034] Some embodiments described herein also relate to a machine for preparing beverages, comprising a removable hopper according to the invention, a grinding device for grinding coffee beans, and a brewing unit.

[0035] The machine includes a housing with a compartment suitable for accommodating a hopper, which is positioned to communicate with a grinding device.

[0036] The compartment includes a connecting member and a clamping member, the connecting member being adapted to engage with the connecting member of the container to selectively clamp the hopper, and the clamping member being adapted to engage with a closing plate to clamp the closing plate in a fixed position when the container is rotated to open the channel hole for beans.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the machine further includes a drive component, such as a drive shaft connected to an electric motor, the drive component being adapted to engage with a connecting member of a drive pin and to rotate the conveyor component and the transport component (if present).

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention, the receiving compartment includes a cover door adapted to selectively close the receiving compartment when no hopper is inserted, thereby providing protection against dirt that may enter the receiving compartment and also protecting the user from touching the grinder.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the door includes a connecting member adapted to engage with a corresponding connecting member present on the container of the hopper, whereby rotation of the container in the receiving compartment causes the door to move simultaneously, thereby opening a passage for conveying beans toward the grinding device.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the resilient interference component can be associated with a door and adapted to hold the door in an open or closed position, thereby preventing any accidental movement of the door.

[0041] According to one possible embodiment, the resilient interference component can be disposed in the receiving compartment in a manner that axially engages with the interference member disposed on the door, so as to keep both the door and the container engaged with the door in a stable position and prevent any accidental movement.

[0042] Some embodiments described herein also relate to a method for preparing coffee beverages, the method being provided as follows:

[0043] - Insert the removable hopper, which includes a container, a metering device inside the container, and a closed substrate, into the compartment of the machine for preparing coffee beverages;

[0044] - Rotate the container to clamp the hopper in the compartment and align the channel hole of the substrate with the outlet hole of the metering feeder;

[0045] - Receive the order to prepare the beverage and determine the amount of coffee beans required and sufficient to prepare the selected beverage;

[0046] - The conveyor component of the metering feeder is driven to rotate multiple sections of the metering feeder about a rotation axis and selectively align one of the sections with an outlet orifice until a predetermined amount of coffee beans is supplied to the grinding device. The multiple sections have a predetermined volume and each section is adapted to hold a defined dose of beans.

[0047] - The drive grinding device thoroughly grinds the amount of beans and obtains powder to be fed into the brewing unit;

[0048] - Brew coffee powder and deliver beverages.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, once a sufficient dose of the selected beverage necessary to obtain the desired amount has been supplied, the method provides to stop the metering device when the section containing the final dose of coffee beans has been emptied.

[0050] According to some embodiments, a control unit manages the rotation amount and stop position of the segment based on data received from a detection device disposed in the receiving compartment. The control unit cooperates with an identification element disposed on a metering feeder and associated with the segment to determine the corresponding position of the segment.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the method provides a section that rotates in the opposite direction to the direction in which the container is rotated to clamp the hopper in the machine. Thus, when the container is rotated in the unclamping direction to remove the hopper, the section adjacent to the last section that has just been emptied moves away from the outlet hole, thereby preventing accidental leakage of beans. Accidental leakage of beans could cause beans to become stuck between the outlet hole on the container and the channel hole on the substrate, resulting in a failure of the seal.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, rotation of the container in the receiving compartment causes the door covering the receiving compartment to move simultaneously, selectively opening and closing the passageway for beans toward the grinding device.

[0053] According to another aspect of the invention, the method provides for verifying whether the coffee powder fed to the brewing unit corresponds to the amount required for the selected beverage, and may correct the number of rotation steps of the section in subsequent beverage preparation.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, in order to perform verification, the method is provided to compact coffee powder fed into a brewing unit at a defined pressure and measure the height of the resulting coffee pile, verifying whether the amount of coffee powder fed into the brewing unit corresponds to the amount required for the selected beverage by comparing the height with a pre-stored expected value. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Referring to the accompanying drawings, these and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments given as non-limiting examples, wherein:

[0056] - Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a machine for preparing coffee beverages according to some embodiments described herein;

[0057] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A detailed partial schematic diagram;

[0058] - Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the hopper according to the present invention;

[0059] - Figures 3a to 3f It is shown according to different directions Figure 3 The various components of the hopper are shown to better visualize some details;

[0060] - Figure 4a This is a three-dimensional view of a variation of the conveyor component according to the present invention;

[0061] - Figure 4b yes Figure 4a A schematic diagram of the conveyor components in operation;

[0062] - Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of some components of the hopper in its assembled state;

[0063] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 The schematic top view shows... Figure 5 The closed base plate of the hopper and the quantitative feeding device are relative to each other under different operating conditions. Figure 1 The reciprocal location of the machine's accommodating compartments;

[0064] - Figure 8 This is a bottom view of the hopper according to the invention in an assembled state, wherein the hole for the beans to pass through is in the open state;

[0065] - Figure 9 It is cut along a plane offset relative to the intermediate plane. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the machine's housing compartments;

[0066] - Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The machine's housing compartment is cut in the middle plane and relative to... Figure 9 A three-dimensional view with cross-sections facing opposite directions, in which the interference component is in the first operating position;

[0067] - Figure 10a yes Figure 10 A detailed view of a portion of the image, showing the interfering component in the second operating position;

[0068] - Figure 11 This is a schematic bottom view of the closed door according to the first embodiment;

[0069] - Figure 12 This is a schematic top view of the closed door according to the second embodiment;

[0070] - Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the hopper and receiving compartment of the machine according to the invention in an unconnected state is shown;

[0071] - Figure 14It shows Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the hopper and the containing compartment in a connected state.

[0072] We must clarify that the wording and terminology used in this specification, as well as the figures in the accompanying drawings, serve only to better illustrate and explain the invention. Their function is to provide non-limiting examples of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0073] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same common elements in the figures where possible. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a detachable hopper 10 according to the invention is described, which is suitable for supplying a predetermined dose of beans ( Figures 3 to 8 ).

[0075] In this and the following description, we use the term "bean" specifically to refer to coffee beans; however, other types of products, such as seeds, grains, salt grains, or peppercorns, are not excluded.

[0076] The present invention also relates to a machine 80 for preparing beverages. Figures 1 to 2 , Figures 9 to 12 The hopper 10 is provided with a receiving compartment 20, into which the hopper 10 can be inserted and detachably connected by means of corresponding interconnecting and clamping members 51, which will be described below.

[0077] The hopper 10 includes a container 11 for holding beans, the container 11 having a lower hole 12 and a closed substrate 13, the closed substrate 13 being rotatable relative to the container 11.

[0078] The lower hole 12 is associated with the lower plate 33, which at least partially closes the container 11 and is provided with an outlet hole 34 for beans.

[0079] The substrate 13 is rotatable relative to the container 11 and to the lower plate 33 integral therewith, so as to selectively open and close the bean outlet hole 34.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the hopper 10 includes a volumetric metering feeder 15 disposed within the container 11 and configured to selectively supply a predetermined dose of beans corresponding to the outlet orifice 34.

[0081] The container 11 includes a generally cylindrical sidewall 16 and is provided with a lower hole 12 and an upper hole 17. The container 11 can be substantially sealed by means of a lid 18.

[0082] The container 11 may include a lower portion 19a, in which the device 15 is disposed. The lower portion 19a has a smaller cross-section than the upper portion 19b, and beans are introduced into and contained in the upper portion 19b.

[0083] A support flange 21 may be provided inside the container 11, which is configured to cooperate with the metering feeder 15 and hold it in a predetermined position.

[0084] The substrate 13 includes a bottom wall 22 in which a channel hole 14 for beans is formed. In the open state, the channel hole 14 is aligned with the outlet hole 34 of the beans, while in the closed state, the channel hole 14 is offset relative to the outlet hole 34 and the outlet hole 34 is closed by the bottom wall 22.

[0085] The bottom wall 22 may also be provided with a central hole 23, through which a drive pin 24 is configured to pass during use, so as to drive the metering feeder 15 from the outside of the container 11. The pin 24 is disposed inside the hopper 10 and has a connecting member 47 at the lower part for connection to the drive component 70 during use.

[0086] The substrate 13 may also include a sidewall 27, and the channel hole 14 may be defined by the sidewall 27 or may pass through the sidewall 27.

[0087] The substrate 13 may be provided with a first clamping member (in this particular case, a side hole 25) adapted to engage with a corresponding second clamping member (in this particular case, a bolt 26) present in the compartment 20 to clamp the substrate 13 and allow the container 11 to rotate relative to the substrate 13 in order to open the channel hole 14, as will be better described below.

[0088] The bottom wall 22 may include at least one portion 28 made of or coated with rubber or other deformable material suitable for ensuring the sealing closure of the hopper 10 when the substrate 13 is in a closed state.

[0089] The metering device 15 includes multiple sections 30 that are separate from each other and rotatable about a rotation axis X, each section being adapted to hold a predetermined dose of beans. Figures 5 to 7 ).

[0090] Each segment 30 has a defined and substantially enclosed volume, such that the amount of beans contained in each segment can be known by knowing the size of the segment. The amount of beans in the segment 30 defines a dose with a substantially fixed volume, which is preferably less than the amount required to prepare the beverage, such that the total amount of coffee beans that must be ground each time a beverage is prepared can be varied depending on the number of segments 30 corresponding to the outlet orifice 34.

[0091] refer to Figures 3 to 8 The quantitative feeding device 15 may include an upper plate 31 with an inlet hole 32 and a lower plate 33 with an outlet hole 34. The upper plate 31 and the lower plate 33 are spaced apart from each other and are substantially parallel to each other, thereby defining a section 30 at the upper and lower parts.

[0092] The metering device 15 also includes a rotatable conveyor component 35 disposed between two plates 31 and 33, which is configured to selectively convey a certain amount of coffee beans contained in one of the sections 30 from the area aligned with the inlet orifice 32 toward the outlet orifice 34.

[0093] The conveyor component 35 includes at least two blades 36, 136, which, together with two plates 31, 33 and possibly a sidewall 41, define a section 30. Thus, the section 30 is defined substantially on all sides, except when the section 30 is positioned corresponding to the inlet hole 32 and the outlet hole 34, such that once the section 30 has been filled with a certain amount of beans in the area corresponding to the inlet hole 32, that amount of beans is conveyed toward the outlet hole 34 without modification.

[0094] exist Figure 3 , Figure 3c In the example of Figure 4, the conveyor component 35 includes four blades 36, 136; however, the number of blades may vary depending on the amount of beans that each section 30 must hold and the overall size of the hopper 10.

[0095] According to some embodiments, the blade 36 may be made of a rigid plastic material.

[0096] according to Figure 4a and Figure 4b In the variant shown, blade 136 may include at least one flexible portion 137 made of rubber, silicone, or other flexible, deformable, or pliable elastic material. Preferably, the flexible portion 137 faces the upper plate 31 during use and may have a smaller thickness than the support portion 138, which may be made of a rigid, non-flexible material to define section 30. For example, the flexible portion 137 may be inserted into a base of the support portion 138 or connected to the support portion 138 by means of a connecting member of the same shape, or even glued to the support portion 138.

[0097] According to possible variations not shown, the entire blade 136 may also be made of a flexible material, and the thickness may decrease towards the top.

[0098] When the blade 136 approaches the edge of the inlet hole 32, if a bean corresponding to the blade 136 is present, the flexible portion 137 can advantageously bend to allow the bean to pass through without damaging it. Figure 4bThis significantly reduces friction and interference between the components and the beans, and thus reduces the torque required to rotate the conveyor component 35.

[0099] The dimensions of the inlet hole 33 and the outlet hole 34, as well as the number / size of the blades 36, 136, are such that at each position of the conveyor component 35 around the axis of rotation X, the two holes 32, 34 are each positioned to communicate with different sections 30, preventing beans from being directly conveyed between the inlet and the outlet.

[0100] Blades 36 and 136 extend radially relative to a central hub 37, which is provided with a forming hole 77, which may be formed by, for example, slotting or in any case having a non-circular cross section, by means of the forming hole 77, the conveyor component 35 can be keyed to the drive pin 24.

[0101] The two plates 31 and 33 are connected to each other by means of their respective connecting members 38 and 39. The connecting members 38 and 39 can be directly connected to each other, or they can define a common base in which pins or other connecting parts (not shown) are inserted, such that the corresponding inlet hole 32 and outlet hole 34 are in fixed positions relative to each other and angularly offset by an angle greater than the dimension of section 30. According to a possible solution, the two holes 32 and 34 can be diametrically opposed and offset by approximately 180°.

[0102] According to some embodiments, the lower plate 33 includes a bottom wall 40, through which an outlet hole 34 passes.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the metering device 15 includes a generally cylindrical sidewall 41, which may be integrated into the lower plate 33 or defined by the inner surface of the container 11.

[0104] According to reference Figure 3 , Figure 3d and Figure 5 In the described possible embodiments, the sidewall 41 extends from one side of the bottom wall 40 away from the peripheral edge, surrounds the conveyor member 35 and engages with the ends of the blades 36, 136 of the conveyor member 35 to define the section 30 and define the volume of the section 30.

[0105] Preferably, the outlet hole 34 is misaligned with the rotation axis X and the center hole 42, and extends at least partially to the outside of the side wall 41. A concave-convex portion 43 corresponding to the outlet hole 34 may be provided on the side wall 41 to facilitate the passage of beans. The concave-convex portion 43 has a concave portion facing the outlet hole 34 and a convex portion facing outward.

[0106] Preferably, the outlet hole 34 has at least one portion configured to be aligned below the section 30, so that the beans can also fall by gravity.

[0107] The metering device 15 (particularly the lower plate 33 and the base plate 13) may include corresponding connecting and guiding components 44 configured to rotatably connect the two components together, for example including a circular base 45a disposed on the bottom wall 40 and adapted to receive the sidewall 27 of the base plate and engage with the protruding edge 45b of the connecting and guiding component 44. Figure 5 and Figure 12 ).

[0108] The hopper 10 may include a conveyor member 29, which is rotatable about a rotation axis X and configured to engage with an upper plate 31 and convey beans present in the upper portion 19b of the container 11 toward the inlet hole 32. The conveyor member 29 may include a central sleeve 49 and a plurality of blades 50, which extend radially from the central sleeve 49 and have shapes substantially matching the surface portions of the upper plate 31 that engage with them.

[0109] According to some embodiments, blade 50 may include at least one flexible portion 151 made of rubber, silicone, or other flexible or deformable elastic material to allow the beans to move without damaging them. At least one elastic portion 151 faces and mates with the upper plate 31. Similar to what has been described above regarding blade 136 of the conveyor member 35, the flexible portion 151 may be connected to a potentially rigid support portion 152, or the entire blade 50 may be made of a flexible material. Therefore, this embodiment also helps to generate less structural stress and reduce operating noise, and allows for the use of a lower-power geared motor.

[0110] Preferably, the conveyor component 29 and the conveyor component 35 are connected to the same drive pin 24 by key through corresponding holes 42, 46, 77, 23 in the plates 31, 33, the conveyor component 35 and the base plate 13.

[0111] A protective element 48, also known as a "finger guard", can be installed above the transporter component 29.

[0112] According to the reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some of the described embodiments, the hopper 10 and the receiving compartment 20 are provided with their respective connecting and clamping members 51, which are configured to engage with each other in a manner that allows them to be connected to each other in the axial direction along the axis of rotation X, while preventing them from rotating about each other.

[0113] These components 51 may include at least one flap 52 that protrudes radially from the side wall 16 of the container 11 and at least one mating chamber or groove 54 disposed in the receiving compartment 20, suitable for forming a bayonet connection.

[0114] Preferably, two flaps 52, 53 are provided, each flap being adapted to be inserted into its own chamber or recess 54, 55, the two flaps being set at an angle relative to each other and advantageously having different dimensions to allow for precise positioning of the hopper 10.

[0115] A microswitch 57 or other device suitable for detecting the presence of flaps 52, 53 can be disposed in at least one chamber 54, 55. Once flaps 52, 53 have been inserted into the corresponding chambers 54, 55, the pin 26 ( Figure 9 It engages with the side hole 25 and can rotate the container 11 by an angle of about 40°-50° to clamp the container 11 in the receiving compartment 20.

[0116] The rotation of container 11 causes alignment between the outlet hole 34 of metering device 15 and the channel hole 14 on substrate 13, thereby allowing beans to be conveyed through outlet hole 34 and channel hole 14.

[0117] During use, the conveyor component 35 is driven by means of the drive pin 24 so that the empty section 30 is aligned with the inlet hole 32 to receive beans and the full section 30 is aligned with the outlet hole 34 each time. Figure 10 ).

[0118] Preferably, the member 35 rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the container 11 in order to clamp the hopper 10. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example, the container 11 is rotated clockwise F1 to clamp the container 11 in the receiving compartment 20, while the conveyor member 35 is rotated counterclockwise F2.

[0119] Thus, when the container 11 rotates along the unclamping direction F3 to remove the hopper 10, the full section 30 adjacent to the last section 30 that has just been emptied moves away from the outlet hole 34, thereby preventing the beans from accidentally leaking out. Accidental leakage of beans may cause the beans to get stuck between the outlet hole 34 and the channel hole 14, causing the seal to fail.

[0120] According to reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the described embodiment, the receiving compartment 20 may include a bottom wall 56, from which a bolt 26 extends, and an inlet 58 is provided in the bottom wall 56 for a bean conveying channel 59. The receiving compartment 20 may include a cover door 60 adapted to selectively close the channel 59 when the hopper 10 is not inserted.

[0121] The door 60 may include a first engaging member 61 adapted to engage with a corresponding second engaging member 62 present on the container 11 in such a way that rotation of the container 11 in the compartment 20 causes the door 60 to move simultaneously to open or close the entrance 58 of the passage 59.

[0122] The first engagement member 61 may include a protrusion 74 adapted to slide in a guide groove 63 passing through the bottom wall 56, and the second engagement member 62 may include a base 75 adapted to receive the protrusion 74, the base 75 being formed in, for example, at least one flap 53.

[0123] As container 11 rotates toward the open position, door 60 also rotates until the through hole 64 or recess 164 formed in door 60 is aligned with inlet 58. Figures 11 to 14 When container 11 rotates toward the closed position, the solid portion 60a of door 60 is positioned below entrance 58.

[0124] Therefore, the selective opening and closing of channel 59 occurs by manually rotating container 11 in one direction or the other.

[0125] According to some embodiments, an elastic interference member may be associated with door 60, configured to hold door 60 in a closed or open position to prevent accidental movement of door 60. The interference member may include an elastic element 65 (e.g., a spring) associated with pin 66, which interacts with a corresponding recess 67 present in door 60 and causes interference with sliding corresponding to the open and closed positions.

[0126] Interference components 65 and 66 are configured to axially engage with recess 67 in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X.

[0127] When the elastic member 65 pushes the pin 66 into the recess 67, the protruding part 74 remains pressed against the base 75 of the wing 53 present on the container 11, thereby helping to keep the hopper 10 fixed in a stable position.

[0128] A drive component 70 is disposed in compartment 20, and includes, for example, a drive shaft 71 connected to drive member 72. The drive component 70 is adapted to engage with the connecting member 47 of drive pin 24 to rotate it. Drive shaft 71 and drive member 72 may be directly connected to each other or connected to each other by means of one or more intermediate gears and transmission members 73.

[0129] At least one detection device 68 (e.g., a magnetic sensor) is disposed in or below compartment 20 and is configured to cooperate with an identification element 69 associated with section 30 (e.g., a magnet disposed on each blade 36, 136).

[0130] Returning to machine 80, it also includes, in a known manner, a grinding device 81, a brewing unit 82, and a container 83, with a receiving compartment 20 disposed within the container 83.

[0131] The machine 80 may include a user interface 84 and a control unit 85, wherein the interface 84 is capable of receiving commands for preparing beverages, and the control unit 85 is configured to determine the amount of coffee powder needed to prepare the desired beverage each time, and to command the drive unit 70 to drive the metering device 15 and supply only the required amount of beans to the grinding device 81.

[0132] The bean quantity is measured as described below. The drive member 72 is rotated at a known and constant speed by rotating the drive pin 24, and thus the conveyor member 35 and the transport member 29 (if present).

[0133] The beans fall by gravity through the inlet hole 32 and fill the section 30 aligned with the inlet hole 32 each time. Then, by means of the rotation of the conveyor member 35, the beans are conveyed toward the outlet hole 34, and the beans fall into the channel 59 under gravity through the outlet hole 34 and the channel hole 14 for conveying toward the grinding device 81, where the grinder 87 grinds the beans to obtain coffee powder with the desired particle size.

[0134] According to some embodiments, the grinding device 81 can be programmed or commanded by the control unit 85 to grind the entire amount of beans fed into it, so that no beans remain inside. To ensure that the grinding device 81 is completely emptied, it is kept running for an additional amount of time (e.g., approximately 2 seconds).

[0135] To determine when to stop the grinding device 81, a comparison can be made between, for example, the difference in electrical absorption of the motor 72 detected by means of a suitable sensor (not shown) or the difference in the rotational speed of the motor 72 or the grinder 87.

[0136] For example, considering four sections 30, each approximately 90° and each section suitable for holding 5cc of volume corresponding to approximately 2gr of coffee, depending on the beverage, the metering device 15 can be driven according to the table below:

[0137] Beverage type Required grams Number of rotations Extra light coffee 4 grams Rotate 90° twice light coffee 6 grams Rotate 90° 3 times Regular coffee 8 grams Rotate 90° 4 times Espresso 10 grams Rotate 90° 5 times Espresso 12 grams Rotate 90° 6 times

[0138] The stop position and rotation amount of section 30 and conveyor component 35 may be managed by control unit 85 based on data received from detection device 68, so as to perform the correct number of rotations each time to supply the necessary amount of coffee.

[0139] Therefore, in the case of a conveyor component 35 with four blades 36, 136, the control unit 85 can accurately manage a rotating portion equal to 1 / 4 revolution, each rotating portion corresponding to a segment 30.

[0140] Generally, it is possible to provide each segment 30 with a volume between 3cc and 8cc, preferably between 4cc and 6cc.

[0141] Because beans (especially coffee beans) can have vastly different volumes and specific gravities even within the same source type and in mixtures of beans from different sources, machine 80 may include a detection sensor 88 configured to detect the amount of powder actually fed to brewing unit 82. In this case, the method according to the invention can provide coffee powder being compacted at a defined pressure and fed into chamber 86 of brewing unit 82, with the height H of the coffee pile measured by means of the detection sensor 88, and the height H compared to a pre-stored desired value to verify whether the amount of coffee powder fed to brewing unit 82 corresponds to the amount required for the selected beverage.

[0142] If the amount of coffee powder in the brewing unit 82 does not correspond to the required amount, the control unit 85 can perform feedback adjustment to adjust the number of rotations to prepare the subsequent beverage.

[0143] Alternatively, the control unit 85 can adjust the number of rotations of the metering device 15 according to the type of coffee beans to be used. For example, the control unit 85 can receive instructions about the type of coffee beans to be used via a user interface 84 and determine the number of rotations based on data and a predetermined table that correlates the volume and weight of a given type of coffee beans. The data and the predetermined table can be stored in a storage unit or accessed remotely.

[0144] It is clear that modifications and / or additions can be made to the hopper 10 and the machine 80 and method for preparing beverages as described above without departing from the scope and range of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0145] It is also clear that, although the invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art will certainly be able to realize many other equivalent forms of the hopper 10 and the machine 80 and method for preparing beverages, which have the features set forth in the claims and therefore all fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0146] In the following claims, the reference numerals in parentheses are for ease of reading only, and they should not be considered as factors that limit the scope of protection defined in the same claims.

Claims

1. A hopper (10) for feeding a predetermined dose of beans, comprising a container (11) for beans, the container (11) having a lower opening (12) associated with a sealing plate (13), the sealing plate (13) having a channel opening (14) and configured to be rotatable relative to the container (11) to selectively open and close an outlet opening (34) of a metering feeder (15) disposed within the container (11), characterized in that, The quantitative feeding device (15) includes a lower plate (33) with the outlet hole (34), an upper plate (31) with the inlet hole (32), and a conveyor member (35) disposed between the upper plate (31) and the lower plate (33) and including at least two rotatable blades (36; 136). When the outlet hole (34) is in the open position, it is aligned with the channel hole (14). The at least two rotatable blades (36; 136), together with the upper plate (31) and the lower plate (33), define at least two sections (30). The two sections (30) have a predetermined volume and are adapted to each contain a predetermined dose of beans. The conveyor member (35) can be driven to rotate the sections (30) relative to the axis of rotation (X), thereby selectively aligning one of the sections (30) with the outlet hole (34).

2. The hopper (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet hole (32) and the outlet hole (34) are set to be offset from each other at an angle greater than the size of the segment (30), and are in a fixed position relative to each other and relative to the container (11).

3. The hopper (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The hopper (10) includes a conveyor component (29) that is rotatable about the axis of rotation (X) and configured to engage with the upper plate (31) and convey beans toward the inlet hole (32). The conveyor component (29) and the conveyor component (35) are keyed together on the same drive pin (24), which is provided with a connecting member (47) passing through the base plate (13).

4. The hopper (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The blades (36; 136; 50) of at least one of the conveyor components (35) or the conveyor components (29) include at least one flexible portion (137; 151) made of rubber, silicone or other flexible, deformable or pliable elastic material.

5. The hopper (10) according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, characterized in that, The segment (30) is associated with the corresponding identification element (69).

6. The hopper (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The segment (30) is associated with the corresponding identification element (69).

7. A machine (80) for preparing coffee beverages, comprising a grinding device (81) for grinding beans and a brewing unit (82), characterized in that, The machine (80) includes a hopper (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a receiving compartment (20) provided with a connecting and clamping member (26; 51) and a drive member (70), and a control unit (85), the connecting and clamping member (26; 51) being configured to cooperate with the container (11) and the substrate (13) to clamp the hopper (10) and open the outlet hole (34), the drive member (70) being configured to drive the metering device (15), and the control unit (85) being configured to receive a beverage selection command and command the drive member (70) to rotate the section (30) and supply only the amount of beans necessary and sufficient for preparing the selected beverage to the grinding device (81).

8. The machine (80) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The receiving compartment (20) includes a cover door (60) adapted to selectively close the conveying channel (59) for the beans toward the grinding device (81) when the hopper (10) is not inserted, wherein the door (60) includes a first engaging member (61) adapted to engage with a corresponding second engaging member (62) present on the container (11) in such a way that rotation of the container (11) in one direction or in another causes the door (60) to move simultaneously between an open state and a closed state.

9. The machine (80) according to claim 8, characterized in that, An elastic interference member (65; 66) is disposed in the receiving compartment (20) and is configured to axially engage with an interference member (67) disposed on the door (60) to keep the door (60) and the container (11) engaged with the door (60) fixed in a stable position to prevent accidental movement.

10. The machine (80) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The machine (80) includes at least one detection device (68) configured to cooperate with an identification element (69) disposed on the quantitative feeding device (15) to determine the position of the section (30) and supply the detected data to the control unit (85), which commands the drive component (70).

11. A method for preparing a beverage, said method comprising: - Insert the removable hopper (10) into the receiving compartment (20) of the machine (80). The hopper (10) includes a container (11), a metering feeder (15) inside the container (11), and a sealing plate (13), wherein, The quantitative feeding device (15) includes a lower plate (33) with an outlet hole (34), an upper plate (31) with an inlet hole (32), and a conveyor component (35) disposed between the upper plate (31) and the lower plate (33) and including at least two rotatable blades (36; 136), the at least two rotatable blades (36; 136) together with the upper plate (31) and the lower plate (33) defining at least two sections (30), each section (30) having a predetermined volume and suitable for each to hold a predetermined dose of beans; - Rotate the container (11) to clamp the hopper (10) in the receiving compartment (20) and align the channel hole (14) of the substrate (13) with the outlet hole (34); - Receive the order for preparing the beverage and determine the necessary and sufficient amount of beans for preparing the selected beverage; - Drive the conveyor component (35) to rotate the section (30) about the axis of rotation (X) and selectively align one of the sections (30) with the outlet hole (34) until a determined amount of beans has been supplied to the grinding device (81); - Drive the grinding device (81) to grind the amount of beans completely and obtain powder to be fed to the brewing unit (82); - The powder is brewed and the beverage is delivered.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method also provides to drive a conveyor member (29) cooperating with the upper plate (31) together with the conveyor member (35) to transport beans present in the container (11) toward the inlet hole (32).

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The rotation amount and stopping position of the section (30) are managed by the control unit (85) based on data received from the detection device (68), which is located in the receiving compartment (20) and cooperates with the marking element (69) located on the quantitative feeding device (15) to determine the position of the section (30).

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method provides that the section (30) is rotated in the opposite direction to the direction in which the container (11) is rotated to clamp the hopper (10), such that when the container (11) is rotated in the unclamping direction, the full section (30) adjacent to the last section (30) that has just been emptied moves away from the outlet hole (34), preventing the beans from leaking out accidentally.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method provides that the section (30) is rotated in the opposite direction to the direction in which the container (11) is rotated to clamp the hopper (10), such that when the container (11) is rotated in the unclamping direction, the full section (30) adjacent to the last section (30) that has just been emptied moves away from the outlet hole (34), preventing the beans from leaking out accidentally.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11, 12, and 15, characterized in that, The rotation of the container (11) in the receiving compartment (20) causes the door (60) covering the receiving compartment (20) to move simultaneously, selectively opening and closing the channel (59) for conveying beans toward the grinding device (81).

17. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The rotation of the container (11) in the receiving compartment (20) causes the door (60) covering the receiving compartment (20) to move simultaneously, selectively opening and closing the channel (59) for conveying beans toward the grinding device (81).

18. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The rotation of the container (11) in the receiving compartment (20) causes the door (60) covering the receiving compartment (20) to move simultaneously, selectively opening and closing the channel (59) for conveying beans toward the grinding device (81).

19. The method according to any one of claims 11, 12, 15, 17 and 18, characterized in that, The method provides a means of verifying whether the amount of powder fed to the brewing unit (82) corresponds to the amount required for the selected beverage, and may correct the amount of rotation of the segment (30) in subsequent preparations of the new beverage.

20. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method provides a means of verifying whether the amount of powder fed to the brewing unit (82) corresponds to the amount required for the selected beverage, and may correct the amount of rotation of the segment (30) in subsequent preparations of the new beverage.

21. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method provides a means of verifying whether the amount of powder fed to the brewing unit (82) corresponds to the amount required for the selected beverage, and may correct the amount of rotation of the segment (30) in subsequent preparations of the new beverage.

22. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method provides a means of verifying whether the amount of powder fed to the brewing unit (82) corresponds to the amount required for the selected beverage, and may correct the amount of rotation of the segment (30) in subsequent preparations of the new beverage.

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