Hopper for food products and machine comprising such hopper

Abstract

A hopper (10) for a food product in the form of grain, legume, powder or the like, comprising: a container (11) for the food product having a feed opening (13) and a discharge opening (12); attachment means (19) configured to selectively and detachably connect the container (11) to a machine (200) for processing food products; a pneumatic connection (20) configured to draw air from the container (11); and a closing device (15, 17) configured to selectively and hermetically seal the container (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hopper for containing and feeding food products (e.g., grains, beans, seeds, soluble and insoluble powders, etc.), and a machine for processing said food products comprising the hopper. For example, the hopper and the machine of the present invention can be applied in the field of household or professional appliances for processing coffee beans, for example, coffee grinders and / or machines for making coffee drinks using coffee beans as raw material. Background Art

[0002] It is well known that certain environmental conditions can cause or accelerate the deterioration of certain food products, such as roasted coffee beans.

[0003] In fact, roasted coffee beans will deteriorate rapidly if stored in contact with air, which triggers the oxidation of the fatty acids contained in the beans and produces the rancid taste of oxidized coffee.

[0004] Other parameters that accelerate the deterioration of roasted coffee beans include the temperature and humidity of the storage environment, as well as light exposure. Therefore, in some cases, coffee beans are stored in refrigerators or other similar places.

[0005] However, if the coffee beans will not be used for a long time, storage in the refrigerator may not be sufficient.

[0006] In addition, the so-called "coffee producers and marketers", that is, consumers who not only pursue tasting experience but also compare coffee made from coffee beans of different origins, different roasting degrees, etc., are increasing.

[0007] For these and other consumers, there is a need, on the one hand, to store different types of coffee, even for long periods of time, under conditions that prevent the beans from spoiling; and, on the other hand, to prepare coffee drinks in a simple way, with a different type of coffee bean each time, and to limit or eliminate coffee waste.

[0008] A known solution is a machine for preparing beverages with coffee beans as raw material, comprising a fixed coffee bean hopper, which communicates with an intermediate chamber arranged downstream of a grinding device through a closable or openable door, allowing the coffee beans to fall into the intermediate chamber under the effect of gravity. The hopper is connected to a suction member configured to extract the air contained in the hopper.

[0009] This solution, while slowing down the oxidation of the coffee beans in the hopper, does not allow the user to easily and frequently change the type of coffee beans between making one drink and the next. Furthermore, this solution does not preserve the aroma of the coffee beans present in the intermediate chamber or in the grinding device itself, which therefore deteriorates by remaining in contact with the ambient air.

[0010] The document ITUA20162864A1 describes a device for storing and distributing coffee beans, the device comprising a storage hopper and a coffee bean collecting and processing device, the coffee bean collecting and processing device selectively communicating with the storage hopper through a distributing device (essentially serving as a closing element). The device also comprises a connection piece for connecting a device for generating a vacuum arranged at the bottom of the storage hopper.

[0011] WO2006 / 120560A1 describes a coffee dispenser comprising a storage container and a dispensing chamber, the dispensing chamber being arranged below the storage container and connected to the storage container via an opening associated with a slide. In this solution, both the storage container and the dispensing chamber are connected to an electrical circuit to generate a vacuum. The solution described in WO2006 / 120560A1 does not allow the coffee dispenser to be separated from the electrical circuit while keeping the container in a vacuum state.

[0012] Document US 2004 / 025703 A1 describes a coffee brewing device having a fixed and non-detachable hopper which is connected to a vacuum generating device.

[0013] US 2015 / 135966 A1 describes a known beverage preparation machine which does not have a vacuum generating device.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need to improve a hopper for food products and a machine for grinding food products including the hopper to overcome at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0015] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a hopper for food products which eliminates or at least reduces the deterioration of the food products and which can be conveniently associated with a machine for processing the food products in a simple and removable manner.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hopper for food products that maintains optimal preservation conditions for the food products even when disconnected from the machine that processes the food products.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a processing machine suitable for processing only the required amount of product at a time.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine and method for processing food products, which can easily and frequently change the type of product to be processed and avoid contamination by the previous product.

[0019] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to obtain the above and other purposes and advantages. Summary of the invention

[0020] The invention is set forth and defined with particularity in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0021] According to the above objects, a hopper for feeding food products in the form of beans, grains, seeds, powders or the like is realized, which comprises a container for such food products, the container having a feeding hole for inserting the food products and a discharge hole for removing the food products.

[0022] The hopper includes an attachment arrangement configured to allow selective and removable attachment of the container to a machine for processing food products.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the hopper further comprises a closure device configured to selectively seal the container in a leaktight manner and a pneumatic connection configured to extract air from the container.

[0024] When the hopper is mounted on a machine, the pneumatic connection can advantageously be connected to a suction element of the machine.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, a pneumatic connection is associated with the suction port of the container and includes a normally closed valve.

[0026] Thanks to the valve, the hopper remains vacuumed even when it is removed from the machine, thus optimally preserving the food product present inside the hopper.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, the valve is configured to alternately be in a closed position or an open position, wherein, in the closed position, the valve sealingly closes the suction hole; in the open position, the valve allows air to pass through the suction hole and is maintained in the closed position by elastic return.

[0028] In particular, the valve may cooperate with a suction member of the machine in an open position.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, the closing device comprises a first closing member for selectively sealing the feed hole in an airtight manner, and a second closing member for selectively sealing the discharge hole in an airtight manner.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second closing member includes a closing wall that is movable so that the closing wall can be positioned at a position overlapping the discharge hole.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the closing wall may be moved manually by a user.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, the closure member includes a drive member for selectively moving the closure wall and positioning it in a position overlapping the discharge opening.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, the hopper includes a feeding device disposed at least partially inside the container and configured to selectively feed a quantity of the food product toward the discharge opening.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, the feed device is configured to receive movement from associated drive means of the machine.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, the suction hole is provided on the side wall of the container.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first closure member is provided with an upper hole, into which a movable seal is inserted, and the movable seal is configured to slide relative to the upper hole in a manner proportional to the vacuum generated or present inside the container. In this way, the user can know the vacuum level inside the container by simply observing the position of the movable seal relative to the closure member.

[0037] The invention also relates to a machine for processing a food product, comprising a frame defining a compartment for housing a hopper, a suction member and a grinding device having an inlet orifice for the food product.

[0038] A retaining device is disposed in the compartment and is configured to cooperate with the attachment device of the hopper so that the attachment device is movably connected to the compartment.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, when the hopper is received in the compartment, the discharge opening overlaps the inlet opening.

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, the machine further comprises drive means configured to drive the feeding means of the hopper when the drive means are connected to the first holding means.

[0041] According to another aspect of the invention, the machine further comprises means for detecting the presence of a hopper in the compartment.The machine further comprises means for detecting the closure of the discharge opening.

[0042] Furthermore, the machine comprises a control unit which communicates with the first detection device and the second detection device, and the control unit is configured to control the operation of the suction member according to at least one electrical signal transmitted by the first detection device and the second detection device.

[0043] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of operating a machine for preserving food products in the form of cereals or pulses according to the invention comprises:

[0044] - placing the hopper in the compartment and connecting the attachment means to the holding means;

[0045] - Connect the pneumatic connection to the suction element;

[0046] - hermetically seal the container by means of a closure device;

[0047] - Activate the suction element to extract the air contained in the container.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises:

[0049] - disconnecting the pneumatic connection from the suction member so that the valve moves to the closed position to seal the suction hole;

[0050] - Disconnect the hopper from the holding device to remove the hopper from the compartment.

[0051] The hopper can thus advantageously be removed from the machine and stored in a pantry or refrigerator, for example, so that the food products stored therein can be optimally preserved even for a long period of time, such as weeks or even months.

[0052] According to one aspect of the present invention, before starting the suction member, the method comprises:

[0053] - Verify that the hopper is connected to the holding device;

[0054] - Verify that the discharge hole is closed airtight.

[0055] According to another aspect of the invention, before activating the suction member, the method comprises: verifying whether the pneumatic connection member is connected to the suction member.

[0056] According to another aspect of the invention, the method comprises regulating the operation of the suction member to achieve specific different vacuum levels inside the container in relation to an indication of machine downtime provided by a user via a user interface.

[0057] According to another aspect of the invention, the method comprises monitoring the downtime of the machine and activating the suction member according to the detected time value to define a gradually higher vacuum degree in the container to extend the shelf life of the food product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, which is given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0059] - Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a hopper according to some embodiments of the present invention associated with a machine for processing food products in the form of grains, pulses, powders or the like;

[0060] - Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a hopper according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] - Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A magnified image of

[0062] - Figure 5 is associated with the machine according to the invention Figure 1 3D view of the hopper;

[0063] - Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Fig. 9 is an exploded schematic view of a hopper according to a second embodiment of the invention associated with a machine for processing food products in the form of cereals, pulses or powders or the like;

[0064] - Figure 8 and Fig.10 They are Figure 7 and Fig. 9 A magnified image of

[0065] - Fig.11 is a block diagram of a method according to the present invention.

[0066] It should be noted that the words and terms used in this specification, as well as the drawings described, are only for better illustrating and explaining the present invention, and their function is to provide non-limiting examples of the present invention itself, because the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0067] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals have been used in the figures to identify the same common elements where possible. It is understood that elements and features in one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated with elements and features in other embodiments without further explanation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] With reference to the figures, there is depicted a hopper 10 for receiving and feeding a processing device 202 of a machine 200 for processing food products, such as pulses, grains, seeds, powders or the like.

[0069] In the present description and the appended claims, the term "food product" refers to beans and / or seeds and / or powders, such as but not limited to those suitable for preparing beverages. In particular, the food product may be coffee beans or parts thereof, but also coffee powder. However, other types of food substances are not excluded, such as seeds, grains, barley, salt or pepper.

[0070] In addition, in the example given here, the processing device 202 is a grinding device, and in the case where the food product is beans or grains, it is configured to receive the food product at the inlet and grind it to obtain a dose of coffee powder. However, in other embodiments, if the processed food product is in powder form, the processing device 202 can be a chamber for containing coffee beans, or a brewing device, or a mixing device, or another type of device.

[0071] The machine 200 comprises a frame 201 to which is fixed a grinding device 202. The frame is of a known type per se and will not be described in detail, having an inlet opening 204 for the entry of the food product.

[0072] The frame 201 also defines a compartment 203 having a first retaining device 206 configured to allow for selective and reversible connection of the hopper 10 to the machine 200, as will be described in detail below.

[0073] In some embodiments, the machine 200 may further include other components not described, for making a beverage by brewing a powder mixture prepared by the grinding device 202. In some embodiments, the grinding device 202 may be a device configured to convert the food product contained in the hopper 10 into a beverage, for example, when the food product is in powder form, the grinding device 202 may be a brewing unit, etc.

[0074] The hopper 10 is configured to contain food products to be fed to the grinding device 202 and comprises a container 11 for food products having a feed hole 13 and a discharge hole 12 for the food products. The hopper 10 also comprises a closing device configured to allow the feed hole 13 and the discharge hole 12 to be hermetically sealed.

[0075] The closing device comprises a first closing member 15 for selectively sealing the feed hole 13 and a second closing member 17 for selectively sealing the discharge hole 12 .

[0076] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the embodiment of the invention, the first closure member 15 comprises a lid hinged on the wall 21 of the container 11, associated with a hook 14 suitable for pressing it against the periphery of the feed hole 13. Furthermore, preferably, a pressing member 18 is provided between the hinged lid and the periphery of the feed hole 13 to ensure the tightness.

[0077] exist Figures 6 to 10 In the embodiment, the first closing member 15 comprises a lid which is interference-connected with the container 11 , and the lid has a sealing pressing member 118 which abuts against the periphery of the feed hole 13 .

[0078] In other embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, the first closure member 15 may include a lid provided with a first flexible sealing device, which is configured to be in sliding contact with the inner surface of the wall 21 of the container 11 so as to close the container in a sealed manner and prevent any air from entering from outside the feed hole 13.

[0079] For example, the sealing means comprises a flexible ring configured to contact the inner surface of the wall 21 of the container 11. In these embodiments, the lid can be configured to rest on the surface defined by the food product present in the container 11, thereby limiting the space not occupied by the food product.

[0080] The hopper 10 further comprises a feeding device 16 which is at least partially located inside the container 11 and which is selectively driven to move the food product from the lower portion of the container 11 towards the discharge opening 12 .

[0081] The hopper 10 of the present invention may be selectively connected to the machine 200 in a removable manner by means of an attachment device 19 which is configured to cooperate with a retaining device 206 in the compartment 203 .

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the hopper 10 also comprises a pneumatic connection 20 configured to allow the air present inside the container 11 to be extracted by means of a suction member 210 .

[0083] Preferably, the pneumatic connection 20 is of a normally closed type, that is, if not driven, the pneumatic connection 20 will prevent the fluid from flowing from the container 11 to the outside, and vice versa.

[0084] In the embodiment to be described below, the suction member 210 is located outside the hopper 10 , ie it is not contained in the hopper but is mounted on the machine 200 .

[0085] In some embodiments, the suction member 210 can be fixed to the machine 200. In other embodiments, the suction member 210 can be moved relative to the machine 200, for example, between an operating position and a non-operating position, or it can be extracted from the outer body of the machine 200.

[0086] In other embodiments, it is not excluded that the hopper 10 may have its own suction element, which is connected to the pneumatic connection 20 or is included therein.

[0087] Advantageously, the hopper 10 of the present invention is capable of both allowing air to be drawn from the container 11 and forming a vacuum therein, and of hermetically sealing the container 11 via the closure members 15 , 17 and the pneumatic connection 20 .

[0088] This prevents food products, especially coffee beans or coffee powder, from spoiling due to fatty acid oxidation, thereby improving the retention of coffee aroma and increasing end-user satisfaction.

[0089] Since the pneumatic connection 20 is of the normally closed type, the vacuum state in the container 11 can be maintained while the hopper 10 is disconnected from the machine 200 .

[0090] In this way, the quality of the food product can be perfectly preserved even if the hopper 10 is stored away from the machine 200. For example, the hopper 10 of the present invention can be disconnected from the machine 200 and placed in a refrigerator or other place suitable for preserving the coffee aroma, and can be reconnected to the machine 200 only when necessary.

[0091] In this way, the exposure of the hopper 10 (and therefore the food product contained in the container 11) to temperature variations in the location of the machine 200 can be limited.

[0092] This allows the user to have multiple hoppers 10, each containing a different kind of coffee beans or ground coffee, and to connect them alternately to the machine 200 to try making different kinds of coffee while always maintaining perfect preservation conditions for the coffee in each hopper 10.

[0093] Reference Figures 2 to 5 In the embodiment shown, the container 11 is defined by a plurality of walls 21 and comprises at least one suction orifice 22 associated with the pneumatic connection 20 .

[0094] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the container 11 is defined by a side wall and comprises at least one suction orifice 22 associated with a pneumatic connection 20 .

[0095] Preferably, the suction hole 22 is provided on the side wall 21 of the container 11 .

[0096] exist Figures 2 to 5 In a first embodiment, the pneumatic connection 20 includes a normally closed valve 23, which is configured to pass from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the pneumatic connection 20 hermetically seals the suction hole 22, and in the open position, the pneumatic connection 20 allows air to pass through the suction hole 22.

[0097] The valve 23 is held in the closed position by means of a resilient device 25 which is configured to store energy when the valve moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0098] Preferably, the valve 23 is inserted into a vertical pipe 26 included in the container 11, the end of which corresponds to the suction hole 22. The valve 23 includes a central body 27 having a disc-shaped protrusion 29 protruding in the radial direction, and the disc-shaped protrusion 29 is located between the two ends of the central body 27. When the valve 23 is in the closed position, the disc-shaped protrusion 29 is configured to press a pressing member 30 associated with the central body 27 on the periphery of the suction hole 22 accordingly.

[0099] The elastic device 25 includes a spring 31 coaxial with the central body 27 , one end of the spring 31 contacts the disc-shaped protrusion 29 , and the other end of the spring 31 contacts the base portion 32 of the vertical pipe 26 .

[0100] Therefore, the spring 31 is confined between the disc-shaped protrusion 29 of the central body 27 and the base portion 32 of the vertical pipe 26, whereby the movement of the central body 27 relative to the vertical pipe 26 causes the compression of the spring 31, and the spring 31 pushes the disc-shaped protrusion 29 and the pressing member 30 back to the periphery of the suction hole 22 through elastic return, thereby returning the valve 23 to the closed position.

[0101] One end 33 of the valve 23 has a movable portion 35 that protrudes outward from the suction hole 22 .

[0102] The movable portion 35 is configured to switch the valve 23 from the closed position to the open position when it is connected to the suction member 210 .

[0103] In this case, the movable portion 35 is in the shape of an inclined plane, and when the valve 23 is in the closed position, its starting end 37 is arranged flush with the suction hole 22, and its terminal end 39 protrudes outward from the suction hole 22.

[0104] The pneumatic attachment device 20 also comprises a generally cylindrical fixed outer body 40 which projects from the wall 21 of the container 11 at a position corresponding to the suction orifice 22 .

[0105] The fixed outer body 40 is configured to accommodate the connecting body 241 of the suction piece 210 therein, and the connecting body is further configured and constructed to be able to act on the movable part 35 .

[0106] Preferably, a pressing member 244 is provided between the fixed outer body 40 and the connecting body 241 .

[0107] Specifically, when the connecting body 241 is fully inserted into the fixed outer body 40, it abuts against the movable part 35 and triggers the central body 27 to translate in the vertical pipe 26, so that the disc part 29 and the pressing member 30 are lifted from the periphery of the suction hole 22, thereby switching the valve 23 from the closed position to the open position.

[0108] A through suction pipe 242 is formed inside the connecting body 241 , so that when the connecting body 241 is inserted into the fixed outer body 40 , a fluid connection can be established to allow the interior of the container 11 to communicate with the suction hole 22 and the suction pipe 242 .

[0109] Preferably, the attachment means 19 and the retaining means 206 of the machine 200 are positioned so that the connecting body 241 is inserted into the fixed outer body 40 when the hopper 10 is connected to the machine 200 .

[0110] In the first embodiment, the feeding device 16 is partially arranged inside the container 11 and is configured to be driven by a matching driving device 211 of the machine 200. However, in other embodiments not shown, the driving device 211 can be arranged on the hopper 10.

[0111] In addition, in the first embodiment, see Figure 2 The feeding device 16 is arranged corresponding to the lower hole 45 of the container 11 and includes a feeding channel 46.

[0112] An auger 47 is disposed inside the feeding channel 46 and is configured to selectively feed the food product from the lower hole 45 toward the discharge hole 12 and further toward the grinding device 202 .

[0113] At the end of the auger 47 opposite to the discharge hole 12 , a connecting element 49 is provided, which is configured to cooperate with the driving device 211 , receive motion from the driving device and transmit it to the auger 47 .

[0114] According to some variants, the connection element 49 comprises one or more transmission gears (not shown in the figures) suitable for mechanically coupling with a transmission shaft of the drive device 211 .

[0115] According to some variants, the connection element 49 comprises one or more magnetic traction elements (not shown in the figures) suitable for being magnetically attracted by a matching magnetic traction element of the drive device 211 .

[0116] The feed channel 46 includes a hole or aperture 50 which defines an outlet opening 12 which faces an inlet opening 204 of the grinding device 202 when the hopper is connected to the machine 200 .

[0117] It should be noted that there may be some intermediate components between the discharge hole 12 of the hopper 10 and the inlet hole 204 of the grinding device 200, such as a conveying device or a collecting chamber (not shown).

[0118] In the first embodiment, see Figure 2The second closing member 17 is arranged at a corresponding position of the hole 50 of the feeding channel 46 and includes a rotatable closing wall 51 so as to pass from an open position to a closed position, in which the closing wall 51 closes the hole 50 airtightly.

[0119] Preferably, a pressing member 28 is provided on the second closing member 17. The pressing member 28 may be, for example, an O-ring, which may be placed at an angle to ensure a correct seal.

[0120] The second closure member 17 may be manually positioned between the open position and the closed position by a user.

[0121] Alternatively or additionally, the second closing member 17 can also be automatically positioned between the above positions by a driving member (not shown).

[0122] The hole 50 can be selectively closed, thereby closing the discharge hole 12 of the food product. This has the advantage of being able to easily replace the hopper 10 without causing unnecessary food products to fall, and maintaining the sealing of the container 11 to prevent internal air leakage.

[0123] In the second embodiment, if Figures 6 to 10 As shown, the hopper 10 is configured to be fixed to the machine 200 by means of a bayonet-type connection mechanism known per se and which will not be described in detail.

[0124] In this case, the user can selectively place the hopper 10 in one of the following operating positions:

[0125] The unloading position, in which the hopper 10 is connected to the machine 200, and the discharge hole 12 of the food product is opened so that the food product can be unloaded into the grinding device 202 ( Figure 7 );

[0126] Suction position, in which the pneumatic connection 20 is connected to the suction member 210, and the discharge hole 12 is airtightly closed ( Fig. 9 );

[0127] The middle position, in which the discharge hole 12 is airtightly closed, the pneumatic connection 20 is disconnected from the suction member 210, and the hopper 10 can be disconnected from the machine 200.

[0128] In this case, the compartment 203 of the machine 200 comprises a substantially cylindrical cavity, and the retaining means 206 define a pre-established path for the second attachment means 19 of the hopper 10. Specifically, the path comprises a straight segment to allow the hopper 10 to be inserted into the compartment until a neutral position is reached. Furthermore, the path comprises two segments in the shape of an arc, which extend from the end portion of the straight segment in directions away from each other.

[0129] When the hopper 10 rotates from the neutral position along the first rotation direction, the hopper 10 enters the discharge position. In addition, when the hopper 10 rotates from the neutral position along the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the hopper 10 enters the suction position.

[0130] In this case, the second closure 17 comprises a closure wall (not shown) suitable for being attached to the compartment 203 of the machine 200 when the hopper 10 is in the neutral position and having an unloading aperture (not shown).

[0131] When the user moves the hopper 10 from the neutral position to the discharge position, he / she also rotates the container 11 relative to the closed wall so that the discharge hole 12 is aligned with the discharge hole of the closed wall. In addition, when the user moves the hopper 10 from the discharge position to the neutral position, he / she also rotates the container 11 relative to the closed wall so that the discharge hole 12 moves away from the discharge hole so that the discharge hole is closed by the closed wall.

[0132] Finally, when the user moves the hopper 10 from the neutral position to the suction position, he / she also rotates the container 11 relative to the closing wall, so that the discharge opening 12 is closed by the closing wall.

[0133] In the second embodiment, the feed device 16 may include any known type of metering device, for example, including a metering device equipped with one or more radial blades 148 ( Figure 6 ) is connected to the motor, so that every time the rotating element 147 rotates once, even if only a portion of the rotating element 147 rotates, a certain amount of food product will be obtained at the discharge hole 12.

[0134] Preferably, the rotating element 147 is equipped with a single radial blade 148 .

[0135] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the pneumatic connection 20 includes a normally closed valve 123 inserted in a pipe 125 that protrudes from the suction hole 122 toward the outside of the container 11 .

[0136] According to some embodiments, the pipe 125 may be L-shaped, and the valve 123 may be disposed in a horizontal section, but other possible solutions are not excluded.

[0137] The valve 123 includes a spring 126 that presses on a stopper portion 129 of the pipe 125 and a body 127 that includes a blocking portion 127a disposed in the pipe 125 and an actuating portion 127b protruding from a connection end 130 of the pipe 125, the blocking portion 127a correspondingly blocking the pipe at the connection end 130. Specifically, the connection end 130 is configured to be attached to the suction piece 210 of the machine 200 when the hopper 10 moves from the neutral position to the suction position.

[0138] In the rest position, the spring 126 pushes the main body 127 so that the shielding portion 127 a abuts against the shoulder 131 of the connecting end 130 , while the actuating portion 127 b protrudes out of the connecting end 130 .

[0139] When the connection end 130 is connected to the suction member 210, the body 127 is pushed into the interior of the conduit 125, compressing the spring 126 and moving the shielding portion 127a away from the shoulder 131, thereby opening a passage for air, which connects the interior of the container 11 with the suction member 210 fluid ( Fig.10 ).

[0140] When the connection end 130 is disconnected from the suction member 210, the spring 126 returns the shielding portion 127a of the body 127 to a position against the shoulder 131, where the shielding portion 127a blocks the pipe 125, allowing the interior of the hopper 10 to maintain the previously obtained vacuum degree.

[0141] Preferably, at least one pressing member 128 is disposed between the main body 127 and the inner wall of the pipe 125 , in particular, between the shielding portion 127 a and the shoulder 131 .

[0142] Another pressing member 132 may be further provided on the outside of the pipe 125 , and is configured to cooperate with the suction member 210 .

[0143] Likewise, in the second embodiment, the configuration of the valve 123 and the closure members 15, 17 allows both the airtight sealing of the container 11 during the suction of the suction member 210 and the keeping of the container 11 sealed after the suction operation is completed. In addition, the configuration of the valve 123 and the closure members 15, 17 also allows the hopper 10 to be disconnected from the machine 200 while keeping the container 11 airtightly closed, thereby maintaining the vacuum conditions generated by the suction member 210.

[0144] It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the hopper 10 can be connected to the machine 200 by any other known connection method (even different from the two examples described), so as to achieve a temporary and reversible connection.

[0145] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the structure of the closing member 17 may be different from the above description, but it should be understood that its function is to enable the discharge hole 12 of the hopper 10 to be airtightly closed.

[0146] In some embodiments that can be combined with the previously described embodiments, an upper hole 55 can be opened on the first closure member 15, and a movable seal 57 is inserted into the hole, and the movable seal 57 is configured to slide relative to the upper hole 55 in a manner proportional to the vacuum generated or present inside the container 11.

[0147] In the example given here, the seal 57 comprises a pin 58 inserted in the upper hole 55 and a sealing element 59, one end 60 of the sealing element 59 being connected to the first closure element 15 and the other end 61 of the sealing element 59 being connected to the pin 58. The sealing element 59 is configured in a bellows shape and in a static state, i.e. when there is atmospheric pressure inside the container 11, the sealing element 59 positions the pin 58 in a neutral position, in which half of the extension of the pin 58 is located outside the upper hole 55 and the other half of the extension is located inside the container 11.

[0148] On the other hand, if a vacuum is generated inside the container 11, the pin 58 will move towards the inside of the container 11, and the amount of movement is proportional to the vacuum generated. Preferably, the sealing element 59 is designed to be fully extended when the absolute pressure inside the container 11 substantially corresponds to the minimum achievable pressure, so as to position the upper part of the pin 58 flush with the first closure 15. In this way, the user can always know the vacuum level inside the container 11 even if the hopper 10 is disconnected from the machine 200.

[0149] The invention also relates to a machine 200 for processing food products in the form of seeds, grains, pulses or powders, to which the hopper 10 according to the invention can be selectively connected.

[0150] The machine 200 also comprises first means 212 for detecting the presence of a hopper 10 in the compartment 203 , which means communicate with a control unit 213 , for example of programmable type.

[0151] For the hopper 10 in the first embodiment, the first detection device 212 may be associated with the first holding device 206 of the machine 200 , for example, and configured to transmit an electrical signal to the control unit 213 , the electrical signal indicating whether the hopper 10 is connected to the machine 200 .

[0152] For the hopper 10 in the second embodiment, the first detection device 212 can be associated with the first holding device 206 of the machine 200, for example, and is configured to transmit an electrical signal to the control unit 213, which indicates both whether the hopper 10 is connected to the machine 200 and in which operating position the hopper 10 is.

[0153] The machine 200 also comprises second means 215 for detecting the position of the second closure element 17 , which means are also in communication with the control unit 213 and are configured to transmit a signal to the control unit 213 indicating whether the discharge opening 12 is airtightly closed.

[0154] The control unit 213 is also configured to detect whether the hopper 10 is in a state where air can be extracted from the container 11 and a vacuum can be generated inside it. For example, this state is satisfied when the discharge hole 12 is airtightly closed by the second closure member 17 and when the pneumatic connection member 20 is connected to the suction member 210. This detection can be achieved through communication between the control unit 213 and the first detection device 212 and the second detection device 215.

[0155] In addition, the control unit 213 is further configured to activate the suction member 210 when recognizing that the hopper 10 is in a state where a vacuum can be generated inside the container 11 .

[0156] The suction member 210 can be activated automatically, for example, after the machine 200 has been stopped for a period of time. Alternatively, the user can also manually activate the suction member 210 via a user interface 214 connected to the control unit 213.

[0157] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a user may interact with the user interface 214 to control the operation of the suction member 210 , thereby adjusting the degree of vacuum it creates inside the container 11 .

[0158] For example, the user interface 214 may include a button that, when pressed by the user, activates the suction member 210 for the entire time the button remains pressed, and stops the suction member 210 when the user stops pressing. Alternatively, the user interface 214 may include a touch screen or special buttons through which the user can set and / or select the desired vacuum level.

[0159] The machine 200 further comprises a pressure transmitter 216 configured to detect the absolute pressure inside the container 11 and transmit an electrical pressure signal proportional to the absolute pressure to the control unit 213. In this way, the operation of the suction member 210 can be adjusted.

[0160] For example, the operation of the suction member 210 can be adjusted as needed to achieve a specific vacuum degree inside the container 11.

[0161] For example, a first vacuum level may be associated with a relatively short downtime of the machine 200, such as a few hours. A second vacuum level may be associated with a medium downtime of the machine 200, such as a few days. And a third vacuum level may be associated with a relatively long downtime of the machine 200, such as at least a week.

[0162] Furthermore, in these cases, the user may select a desired vacuum level via the user interface 214 based on the downtime of the machine 200 .

[0163] In addition, the control unit 213 can process the pressure electrical signal transmitted by the pressure transmitter 216 and can issue a command to the user interface 214 to display an indication related to the shelf life of the food product on the user interface 214, which is related to the vacuum degree inside the container 11, or can be estimated based on the selected vacuum degree.

[0164] Optionally, the control unit 213 may also display an indication on the user interface 214 regarding the pressure value measured by the pressure transmitter 216. Alternatively or additionally, the machine 200 may also include a pressure gauge connected to the container 11 and visible to the user.

[0165] According to possible variations, the control unit 213 can also be configured to autonomously command one or both of the closing members 15 and 17 to close after the machine 200 stops for a certain time interval, and then activate the suction member 210. For example, in an embodiment with such a configuration, the control unit 213 can also be configured to activate a drive member (not shown) associated with the closing member 17 to close the discharge hole 12 in an airtight manner.

[0166] In these cases, the control unit 213 may further include a unit 217 for detecting downtime, which is configured to detect and / or control how long the machine 200 has not been used since the last use. In these cases, the downtime detection unit 217 transmits a signal related to the downtime of the machine 200 to the control unit 213. If the downtime exceeds a predetermined downtime value, the control unit 213 may automatically activate the suction member 210 to extract air from the interior of the container 11 in order to better preserve the food product.

[0167] Optionally, the vacuum degree automatically generated by the suction member 210 can vary with the downtime of the machine 200. Specifically, it can be set that the longer the downtime of the machine 200 detected by the downtime detection unit 217, the greater the vacuum degree generated inside the container 11 by the suction member 210 automatically activated by the control unit 213.

[0168] For example, it can be set as follows: when a first predetermined time value is detected, the control unit 213 starts the suction member 210 to define a first vacuum degree in the container 11; and when a second predetermined time value is detected, the control unit 213 starts the suction member 210 to define a second vacuum degree higher than the first vacuum degree in the container 11, thereby extending the storage time of the food.

[0169] Furthermore, the machine 200 comprises drive means 211 for driving the feeding means 16 of the hopper 10 , these drive means being controlled by a control unit 213 and which may comprise any known means for transmitting their movement to the feeding means 16 of the hopper 10 .

[0170] Merely by way of example, the drive means 211 comprise an electric motor (not shown) driving a drive shaft connected to the feeding means 16 of the hopper 10 by mechanical or magnetic means.

[0171] According to other embodiments not shown, the machine 200 may include a weighing device, such as a weighing sensor associated with the compartment 203 or the grinding device 202, for weighing the food product released by the hopper 10 or accumulated in the grinding device 202, and the control unit 213 may control the operation of the feeding device 16 based on the data detected by the weighing device.

[0172] The hopper 10 of the present invention is used in combination with the machine 200 described above, corresponding to the method of the present invention, including the following steps.

[0173] The user places the hopper 10 in a position corresponding to the compartment 203 to allow attachment between the attachment means 19 and the retaining means 206 .

[0174] The feed hole 13 for adding the food product is closed airtightly by the first closing piece 15. It should be noted that when the hopper 10 is not connected to the machine 200, the closing step can also be performed by the first closing piece 15.

[0175] The second closure member 17 may be moved to open the discharge aperture 12 , thereby allowing the food product contained in the container 11 to be discharged into the grinding device 202 .

[0176] Then, in response to a request for a dose of coffee, the control unit 213 commands the drive means 211 to transmit a movement to the feeding means 16 which move a quantity of food product towards the discharge opening 12 .

[0177] After the dose of coffee is delivered from the container 11 to the grinding device 202 , the discharge opening 12 can be closed by the second closing member 17 .

[0178] At this time, air may be extracted from the interior of the container 11 to improve the storage conditions of the food product and prevent it from deteriorating.

[0179] The request to evacuate the interior of the container 11 may be performed manually by the user, or may be performed automatically after the machine 200 has not been used for a period of time.

[0180] In response to a pumping request ( Fig.11 ), the control unit 213 executes the first step to verify whether the hopper 10 is present on the machine 200.

[0181] This operation may be performed, for example, by the first detection device 212 .

[0182] If the presence of a hopper on the machine 200 is verified, the control unit 213 performs a second verification step to determine whether the hopper 10 is in a state where it can extract the air present in the container 11 .

[0183] This second verification step comprises at least determining whether the discharge opening 12 is closed airtightly and whether the pneumatic connection 20 is connected to the suction element 210 .

[0184] Subsequently, the control unit 213 performs a suction step to activate the suction member 210 to extract air from the hermetically sealed container 11 .

[0185] During the suction process, the absolute pressure inside the container 11 is detected by the pressure transmitter 216 .

[0186] When the absolute pressure inside the container 11 reaches a certain value (preferably, between 0 atmosphere and 1 atmosphere), the control unit 213 turns off the suction member 210 .

[0187] At this time, the container 11 is airtightly closed, and there is substantially no air inside, so that the food product contained therein can be preserved and prevented from deteriorating due to oxidation of fatty acids.

[0188] The user can then disconnect the hopper 10 from the machine 200 and maintain the airtight seal of the container 11 by means of the closures 15 , 17 and the pneumatic connection 20 .

[0189] Specifically, when the user disconnects the pneumatic connector 20 from the suction member 210, the valve 23 moves to a closed position to hermetically seal the suction hole 22 and allow the hopper 10 to be disconnected from the holding device 206, thereby removing the hopper 10 from the compartment 203 while maintaining the vacuum state inside the hopper 10.

[0190] In fact, it should be noted that the pneumatic connection 20 and the closures 15 , 17 allow the absolute pressure (or vacuum) level inside the container 11 to be maintained after the hopper 10 has been removed from the machine 200 , thanks to the action of the suction member 210 .

[0191] Optionally, disconnection with the suction device 210 and disconnection with the holding device 206 can be performed simultaneously. Alternatively, disconnection with the suction device 210 and disconnection with the holding device 206 can be performed at two different moments.

[0192] This allows hopper 10 to be located remote from machine 200 while keeping the food product in perfect preservation, and the machine 200 can be used in combination with a second hopper containing a different type of food product, for example a different type of coffee.

[0193] Obviously, modifications and / or additions of components may be made to the hopper 10, the machine 200 and the method as described above, without departing from the field and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0194] It should also be understood that, although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific examples, a person skilled in the art will be able to realize other equivalent forms of hoppers, machines and methods for feeding and preserving food products, all of which have the characteristics described in the claims and therefore fall within the field of protection defined by the invention.

[0195] In the following claims, reference signs in parentheses are for the sole purpose of facilitating reading and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A hopper (10) for food products, comprising a container (11) having an inlet opening (13) and an outlet opening (12) for the food products, and an attachment device (19) configured to selectively and detachably attach the container (11) to a machine (200), characterized in that: The hopper (10) comprises a pneumatic connection (20) which can be selectively opened or closed, the pneumatic connection (20) being configured to allow air to be extracted from the container (11), the container (11) being selectively and airtightly sealed by means of a closing device (15, 17), wherein the pneumatic connection (20) is associated with a suction orifice (22) of the container (11) and comprises a normally closed valve (23, 123).

2. The hopper (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve (23, 123) is configured to alternately be in a position where the valve air-tightly closes the suction hole (22), or in a position where the valve allows air to pass through the suction hole (22) and is held in a closed position by elastic return.

3. The hopper (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The closing device comprises a first closing member (15) for selectively sealing the feed hole (13) in an airtight manner, and a second closing member (17) for selectively sealing the discharge hole (12) in an airtight manner.

4. The hopper (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second closure member (17) comprises a closure wall (51, 151) which can be manually manipulated by a user to position the closure wall to overlap the discharge opening (12).

5. The hopper (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The second closing member (17) comprises a drive member for selectively moving the closing wall (51, 151).

6. A hopper (10) according to any preceding claim, characterised in that The suction hole (22) is arranged on the side wall of the container (11).

7. A hopper (10) according to any preceding claim, characterised in that The hopper (10) comprises a feeding device (16), which is at least partially arranged inside the container (11), and the feeding device (16) is configured to selectively feed a certain amount of the food product toward the discharge hole (12), and is characterized in that the feeding device (16) is configured to receive movement from a matching drive device (211) of the machine (200).

8. A hopper (10) according to any preceding claim, characterised in that The first closing member (15) is provided with an upper hole (55), into which a movable seal (57) is inserted. The movable seal (57) is configured to slide relative to the upper hole (55) in a manner proportional to the vacuum generated or existing inside the container (11).

9. A machine (200) for processing food products, characterized in that The machine (200) comprises a compartment (203) for accommodating a hopper (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, a holding device (206) configured to cooperate with an attachment device (19) to selectively and detachably connect the hopper (10) to the machine (200), a suction piece (210) configured to be connected to a pneumatic connection (20), and a handling device (202) having an inlet opening (204) for the food product.

10. The machine (200) according to claim 9, characterized in that When the hopper (10) is connected to the first retaining device (206), the discharge hole (12) is in communication with the inlet hole (204).

11. The machine (200) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The hopper (10) comprises a feeding device (16), which is at least partially arranged inside the container (11), and the feeding device (16) is configured to selectively feed the food product toward the discharge hole (12), characterized in that the machine (200) comprises a driving device (211), and the driving device (211) is configured to drive the feeding device (16) when the hopper (10) is arranged in the compartment (203).

12. The machine (200) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that The machine (200) comprises a device (212) for detecting whether the hopper (10) is present in the compartment (203), a device (215) for detecting whether the discharge hole (12) is closed, and a control unit (213) communicating with the detection device (212, 215), wherein the control unit (213) is configured to control the operation of the suction member (210) based on at least one electrical signal transmitted by the detection device (212, 215).

13. The machine (200) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that The machine (200) comprises a user interface (214) connected to the control unit (213), and the user interface (214) is configured to allow a user to select a predetermined vacuum degree to be generated inside the container (11) by the suction member (210).

14. The machine (200) according to claim 13, characterized in that The machine (200) further comprises a pressure transmitter (216), which is in communication with the container (11) and connected to the control unit (213) so as to transmit to the control unit (213) a pressure electric signal related to the pressure detected inside the container (11), and is characterized in that the control unit (213) is also configured to process the pressure electric signal and issue a command to the user interface (214) so ​​as to display an indication of the storage time of the food product inside the container (11) on the user interface (214).

15. A method for operating a machine (200) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that: The method is used to preserve food products in a hopper (10), the method comprising: - connecting the hopper (10) by coupling the attachment means (19) to the holding means (206); - Connecting the pneumatic connection piece (20) to the suction piece (210); - airtight sealing of the container (11) by means of closing means (15, 17); - activating the suction member (210) to extract the air contained in the container (11) to create a vacuum inside the container (11).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The pneumatic connection (20) is associated with a suction hole (22) of the container (11), the pneumatic connection (20) comprising a normally closed valve (23, 123), wherein the method comprises: - disconnecting the pneumatic connection (20) from the suction member (210), so that the valve (23) moves to a closed position to seal the suction hole (22); - disconnecting the hopper (10) from the holding device (206) while maintaining the vacuum level generated inside the container (11).

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that Before starting the suction member (210), the method comprises: verifying whether the hopper (10) is connected to the holding device (206), and verifying whether the discharge hole (12) is airtightly closed by the closing device (17).

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that Before activating the suction member (210), the method comprises: verifying whether the pneumatic connection (20) is connected to the suction member (210).

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that The method comprises adjusting the operation of the suction member (210) to achieve specific different vacuum levels inside the container (11) in relation to an indication of downtime of the machine (200), the indication of downtime of the machine (200) being provided by a user via a user interface (214).

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that The method comprises: monitoring the downtime of the machine (200) and activating the suction member (210) according to the detected time value to gradually define a higher vacuum degree in the container (11) to extend the shelf life of the food product.

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