Coffee grinder with revolution counter unit

Abstract

A coffee grinder (100) comprising: adjustment means (17) adapted to adjust a distance (D) between blades (12, 13); an adjustment knob (2) rotatably mounted on the body (1) of the coffee grinder such that rotation of the adjustment knob (2) determines activation of the adjustment means (17) to adjust the distance (D) between the blades; and the revolution counter unit (3) is arranged on the adjusting knob (2) and is used for counting the revolution of the adjusting knob and indicating the revolution of the adjusting knob to a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coffee grinder provided with an adjusting knob for adjusting the distance between blades and a revolution counter for counting the revolutions of the adjusting knob. Background Art

[0002] A conventional coffee grinder includes a hopper into which coffee beans are placed. The coffee beans fall from the hopper under the force of gravity into a grinding chamber below the hopper.

[0003] A grinding unit is provided in the grinding chamber. The grinding unit includes two blades for grinding coffee beans to obtain coffee powder. The two blades are separated from each other to form a gap. The coffee beans are placed in the gap to be ground.

[0004] The delivery conduit is communicated with the grinding chamber and the outlet, so that the ground coffee powder is distributed from the coffee grinder. A container, such as a filter holder, can be arranged below the delivery conduit outlet to collect the coffee powder.

[0005] The distance between the two blades, that is, the width of the gap between the two blades, determines the particle size of the ground coffee.

[0006] Prior art coffee grinders include a device for adjusting the distance between the blades, which allows an axial displacement of one blade relative to the other.

[0007] The adjustment device includes a mechanical mechanism, such as a nut-thread assembly, a gear-screw assembly, or a rod-pull rod assembly, which allows one of the two blades to translate along the blade's axis of rotation, thereby moving the translating blade closer to or further away from the non-translating blade.

[0008] WO2019076871A1 and US7874505 describe embodiments of the adjustment device.

[0009] The user can manually rotate the adjustment knob to control the adjustment device to adjust the distance between the blades.

[0010] The adjustment knob may have a scale, in which case a pointer is provided on the body of the coffee grinder to which the adjustment knob is mounted, for indicating the rotation of the adjustment knob relative to the initial position.

[0011] It should be considered that the distance between the blades can be adjusted from a minimum value where the two blades touch each other to a maximum value where the gap width between the two blades is about 2 mm.

[0012] However, to reach the maximum value from the minimum value, the adjustment knob must be turned more than one turn, usually three or four turns.

[0013] At this time, the scale of the adjustment knob indicates the rotation angle of the knob relative to the initial position, and does not indicate how many turns the knob has been turned. Therefore, the user cannot determine whether the knob has been turned more than one turn by observing the scale indication of the adjustment knob.

[0014] The distance between the blades is set from time to time depending on the type of coffee beans and environmental parameters such as humidity. The optimal distance between the blades can only be found after several empirical tests on the ground coffee. Therefore, once the optimal distance between the blades is found, it becomes crucial for the user to remember this optimal distance correctly. To do this, the user must know exactly how many turns the adjustment knob has been turned, otherwise the user cannot remember the optimal distance obtained after much effort. Summary of the invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a coffee grinder capable of counting the number of turns of the adjustment knob.

[0016] Another object is to provide a coffee grinder with a system capable of counting the number of turns of the adjustment knob, which is efficient, accurate, reliable, economical, space-saving and versatile.

[0017] These objects are achieved according to the invention having the features of the attached independent claims.

[0018] Advantageous results of the invention emerge from the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Further features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which makes reference to purely illustrative and therefore non-limiting embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a coffee grinder according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the upper part of a coffee grinder with an exploded view of a revolution counter unit;

[0022] Figure 3 For Figure 2 The same view with the revolution counter unit mounted on the adjustment knob;

[0023] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 Axial cross-sectional view of section IV-IV;

[0024] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing various components of the revolution counter unit;

[0025] Figure 5A yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of the revolution counter unit in FIG.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a bottom perspective view showing a support frame of the revolution counter unit.

[0027] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the revolution counter unit in the assembled state.

[0028] Figure 8 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the components of the revolution counter unit.

[0029] Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the revolution counter unit with the indicator plate omitted;

[0030] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of a revolution counter unit according to a horizontal section, wherein a gear of the revolution counter and a shank of a driving tooth with an indicator plate have been cut away;

[0031] Fig.11 is a top view showing the revolution counter mounted on the indicator plate; and

[0032] Fig.12 The revolution counter unit is shown in a top view in the assembled state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] A coffee grinder according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, generally indicated by the reference numeral 100 .

[0034] refer to Figure 1 , the coffee grinder 100 comprises:

[0035] - Main body 1,

[0036] - a grinding chamber 11, which is arranged in the body 1,

[0037] - a hopper 10, which is mounted on the body 1 and communicates with the grinding chamber 11,

[0038] - two blades 12, 13 mounted in the grinding chamber for grinding the coffee beans and obtaining ground coffee, and

[0039] A transfer duct 15 communicating with the grinding chamber 11 for dispensing the ground coffee from the coffee grinder.

[0040] A gap 16 is provided between the blades 12, 13, the width D of which defines the distance between the blades and thus the particle size of the ground coffee.

[0041] At least one of the two blades can be moved axially. Like this, the distance D between the blades and the particle size of the ground coffee can be changed.

[0042] The adjustment device 17 adjusts the distance D between the blades. Such adjustment devices are known and will therefore not be described in detail.

[0043] An adjusting knob 2 is mounted on the main body 1 of the coffee grinder at a position accessible to a user, so that the user can operate the adjusting knob to control the adjusting device 17 to adjust the distance D between the blades 12 and 13 .

[0044] The adjusting knob 2 can be rotated, and the rotation of the adjusting knob 2 determines the activation of the adjusting device 17, thereby adjusting the distance D between the blades.

[0045] The adjustment knob 2 is usually mounted on the upper wall of the main body 1 of the coffee grinder and has a shaft 20 extending vertically downwards, thereby driving the mechanism of the adjustment device 17.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to the present invention, the coffee grinder 100 includes a revolution counter unit 3 mounted on the adjusting knob 2 for counting the revolutions of the adjusting knob and indicating the revolutions of the adjusting knob to the user.

[0047] refer to Figure 5 , the revolution counter unit 3 comprises:

[0048] - a support frame 4, which is mounted on the body 1 of the coffee grinder,

[0049] - a revolution counter 5 mounted on the support 4 near the adjustment knob 2, and

[0050] A driving tooth 60 which is integral with the adjusting knob 2 and is suitable for driving the revolution counter 5 with each rotation of the adjusting knob.

[0051] Preferably, the revolution counter 5 is a mechanical type. In this case, the revolution counter 5 includes a gear 50 rotatably supported by the support frame 4 and a display panel 51 disposed on the gear.

[0052] The gear 50 includes a plurality of teeth 52 , for example, the gear may include 10-14 teeth, preferably 12 teeth.

[0053] See also Figure 5A , revolution indications n0, n1, n2, n3, n4, n5 are provided at the peripheral positions of the display panel 51 of the revolution counter.

[0054] The revolution counter unit 3 includes an indicator I (displayed on the support frame 4), which indicates one of the revolution counter indications n0, n1, n2, n3, n4, and n5 according to the number of revolutions of the adjustment knob 2. The indicator I can be provided on the support frame 4 or on the main body 1 of the coffee grinder.

[0055] For example, the display panel 51 is provided with six indications n0, n1, n2, n3, n4, and n5 corresponding to the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 and the indication ND, respectively.

[0056] The indications n0, n1, n2, n3, n4, n5 are equiangularly spaced at an angle α to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, since there are six indications n0, n1, n2, n3, n4, n5, they are equiangularly spaced at an angle α equal to 60°.

[0057] The number of teeth 52 of the gear of the revolution counter is such that, with each rotation of the adjusting knob 2, the drive teeth 60 mesh with the teeth 52 of the gear (see Fig.10 ), so that the number of revolutions of the gear 50 is equal to the angles between the indications n0, n1, n2, n3, n4, n5 on the display panel 51 of the revolution counter.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the gear 50 has twelve teeth 52, so that for each rotation of the adjusting knob 2, the driving tooth 60 moves two teeth 52 of the gear, thereby rotating the revolution counter 5 by an angle α of 60°.

[0059] In order to lock the gear 50 of the revolution counter in place after being pushed by the drive tooth 60 , the revolution counter unit 3 comprises a spring mechanism 7 acting on the gear 50 .

[0060] The spring mechanism 7 is supported by the support frame 4 and has a thrust portion 70 that pushes the gear. The thrust portion 70 of the spring is U-shaped so that it is arranged in the groove between the two teeth 52 of the gear ( Fig. 9 ). In this way, the gear 50 rotates rapidly, so that the thrust portion 70 of the spring can continuously enter and exit the groove between the teeth 52 of the gear. In the case shown in the figure, the gear 50 will make two clicks every time the adjustment knob 2 rotates once.

[0061] The support frame 4 is L-shaped, and includes a side wall 40 and an upper wall 41 suitable for being arranged above the adjusting knob 2 .

[0062] See also Figure 6 A first seat 42 facing downward is provided in the upper wall 41 of the support frame for accommodating the revolution counter 5. A supporting mechanism 43 is provided in the first seat 42 of the support frame for rotatably supporting the revolution counter 5.

[0063] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the support mechanism 43 is preferably an elastic sheet 43a, which is inserted into the axial hole 53 of the revolution counter. Specifically, each elastic sheet 43a has a stopper tooth 43b, which abuts against the flange 53b of the axial hole of the revolution counter.

[0064] In this case, the indicator I is obtained as a window in the upper wall 41 of the support frame, allowing the user to see only one of the indications n0, n1, n2, n3, n4, n5 of the display panel 51 of the revolution counter.

[0065] See also Figure 6 In the upper wall 41 of the support frame, a second seat 44 is provided, which faces downward and is used to accommodate the spring 7. In the second seat 44 of the support frame, a support mechanism 45 is provided for supporting the spring 7. The spring 7 has a U shape, and its thrust portion 70 faces the gear 50 of the revolution counter.

[0066] Although a mechanical revolution counter is shown in the figure, the revolution counter 5 may be an electronic revolution counter with a display screen to show the revolutions of the adjustment knob.

[0067] In the case of an electronic revolution counter, the revolution counter 5 may include an encoder with a detection mechanism capable of detecting a drive tooth 60 integral with the adjustment knob 2 at each rotation of the adjustment knob. In this case, the drive tooth 60 may be a magnet and the detection mechanism may be a magnetic sensor. Alternatively, an optical detection mechanism suitable for detecting the drive tooth 60 may be provided.

[0068] Back to Figure 5 Advantageously, the revolution counter unit 3 comprises an indicator plate 6, on which a drive tooth 60 is provided. The indicator plate 6 is integrally mounted on the adjusting knob 2. To this end, the indicator plate 6 has a radial hole 61 into which a nut 62 is screwed and engages in the adjusting knob.

[0069] The indicator plate 6 has a scale 63. The revolution counter unit 3 includes a second indicator I2 (shown in the support frame 4), which indicates the scale 63 of the indicator plate. The second indicator I2 can be set in the support frame 4 or in the main body 1 of the coffee grinder. As shown in the figure, the second indicator I2 is a pointer set at one end of the upper wall 41 of the support frame.

[0070] The scale scale 63 of the indicator plate includes a plurality of notches 63a and numbers 63b arranged at equal angles along the periphery. For example, the indicator plate 6 includes 60 notches 63a, thereby indicating the rotation of the adjustment knob with an accuracy of 6°.

[0071] The indicator plate 6 has a central stem 64 protruding upward, the driving teeth 60 radially protrude from the central stem 64, and an axial hole 65 axially penetrates the central stem 64 of the indicator plate.

[0072] See also Figure 6 A third seat 46 is provided on the upper wall 41 of the support frame, and the third seat 46 faces downwards and is used to accommodate the central handle 64 of the indicator plate. A fixing mechanism 47 is provided in the third seat 46 of the support frame, and the fixing mechanism 47 protrudes downwards so as to enter the axial hole 65 of the indicator plate, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown.

[0073] The fixing mechanism 47 of the third seat of the support frame is an elastic sheet 47a, which is engaged in the axial hole 65 of the display panel. Specifically, each elastic sheet 47a has a stopper 47b, and the stopper 47b abuts against the flange 65b of the axial hole of the display panel. In this way, the indicator panel 6 can rotate but cannot translate axially.

[0074] refer to Fig.11 , the diameter of the revolution counter 5 is smaller than the diameter of the indicating plate 6. For example, the diameter of the revolution counter 5 is smaller than 1 / 3 of the diameter of the indicating plate 6. Therefore, the revolution counter 5 can be arranged above the indicating plate 6, at a peripheral position relative to the center of the indicating plate.

[0075] See also Fig.12 , the upper wall 41 of the support frame completely covers the revolution counter 5. In this way, only one of the indications n0, n1, n2, n3, n4, n5 of the revolution counter can be seen through the indicator I of the support frame 4, which is composed of a window on the upper wall of the support frame. The second indicator I2 is in the form of a pointer, located at the end of the upper wall 41 of the support frame 4, above the notch 63a corresponding to the number 63b of the indicator plate 6, pointing to the notch and number of the scale 63 of the indicator plate.

[0076] See also Figure 5 The revolution counter unit 3 further comprises a base 8, and the support frame 4 is mounted on the base 8. The base is L-shaped and comprises a bottom wall 80 and a side wall 81. The side wall 40 of the support frame is arranged on the side wall 81 of the base, so that the assembly including the revolution counter 5 and the indicator plate 6 is located between the bottom wall 80 of the base and the upper wall 41 of the support frame.

[0077] Preferably, the support frame 4 has a hole 49, which vertically passes through the side wall 40 of the support frame and communicates with a hole 89 vertically passing through the side wall 81 of the base. In view of the above situation, a screw mechanism can be set in the holes 49 and 89 of the support frame and the base to fix the support frame and the base. Obviously, different fixing mechanisms can be set to fix the support frame to the base.

[0078] The base 8 may be removably fixed to the body of the coffee grinder, for example by means of a double-sided tape provided below the bottom wall 80 of the base.

[0079] It is within the purview of those skilled in the art that equivalent changes and modifications may be made to the present embodiments of the invention, which changes and modifications are still within the scope of the invention as expressed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A coffee grinder (100), comprising: - a subject (1), - a grinding chamber (11) arranged inside the body (1), - a hopper (10) disposed in the body (1) and communicating with the grinding chamber (11), - two blades (12, 13) arranged in the grinding chamber for grinding the coffee beans and obtaining coffee powder, - a transfer duct (15) communicating with the grinding chamber (11) for dispensing the ground coffee from the coffee grinder, - adjustment means (17) suitable for adjusting the distance (D) between the blades (12, 13), and - an adjusting knob (2) rotatably mounted on the body (1) of the coffee grinder, such that the number of rotations of the adjusting knob (2) determines the activation of the adjusting device (17) to adjust the distance (D) between the blades, Characterized in that it also includes A revolution counter unit (3) is mounted on the adjusting knob (2) to count the revolutions of the adjusting knob and indicate the revolutions of the adjusting knob to the user.

2. The coffee grinder (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The revolution counter unit (3) comprises: - a support frame (4) mounted on the body (1) of the coffee grinder, - a revolution counter (5) mounted on the support frame (4) near the adjusting knob (2), and - a driving tooth (60) which is integral with the adjusting knob (2) and is suitable for driving the revolution counter (5) with each rotation of the adjusting knob.

3. The coffee grinder (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The revolution counter (5) is of mechanical type.

4. The coffee grinder (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The revolution counter (5) comprises: a gear (50) rotatably supported by the support frame (4); and a display panel (51) disposed on the gear.

5. The coffee grinder (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The display panel (51) of the revolution counter includes indications (n0, n1, n2, n3, n4, n5) of the number of revolutions arranged at peripheral positions of the display panel, and the revolution counter unit (3) includes an indicator (I) which indicates one of the indications (n0, n1, n2, n3, n4, n5) of the revolution counter based on the number of revolutions completed by the adjustment knob (2).

6. The coffee grinder (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The indicator (I) is a window arranged on the support frame (4).

7. The coffee grinder (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The revolution counter unit (3) comprises a spring mechanism (7) acting on the gear wheel (50) of the revolution counter.

8. The coffee grinder (100) according to claim 7, wherein: The spring mechanism (7) is supported by the support frame (4) and has a thrust portion (70) that pushes between the teeth (52) of the gear.

9. The coffee grinder (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The revolution counter unit (3) comprises an indicator plate (6), the driving tooth (60) is arranged on the indicator plate (6); the indicator plate (6) is integrally mounted on the adjustment knob (2), and the indicator plate (6) has a scale (63), and the revolution counter unit (3) has a second indicator (I2), and the second indicator (I2) indicates the scale (63) of the indicator plate.

10. The coffee grinder (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The second indicator (I2) is a pointer located at one end of the support frame (4) of the revolution counter unit.

11. The coffee grinder (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The support frame (4) has an L-shape, and comprises a side wall (40) and an upper wall (41) suitable for being arranged above the adjusting knob (2); the upper wall (41) of the support frame comprises: a first seat (42) facing downwards for accommodating the revolution counter (5) and a support mechanism (43) protruding from the first seat (42) so as to rotatably support the revolution counter (5), a second seat (44), facing downwards, for accommodating the spring mechanism (7) and a support mechanism (45), the support mechanism (45) protruding from the second seat so as to support the spring mechanism (7), and - a third seat (46) facing downwards, adapted to house the central stem (64) of the indicator plate (6) and a fixing member (47) projecting from the third seat so as to enter the axial hole (65) of the central stem (64) of the indicator plate.

12. The coffee grinder (100) according to claim 11, wherein: The revolution counter unit (3) comprises a base (8) on which the support frame (4) is mounted; the base (8) has an L-shape and comprises a bottom wall (80) and a side wall (81); the side wall (40) of the support frame is arranged on the side wall (81) of the base, so that the assembly including the revolution counter (5) and the indicator plate (6) is located between the bottom wall (80) of the base and the upper wall (41) of the support frame.

13. The coffee grinder (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The revolution counter (5) is of electronic type.

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