COFFEE GRINDER AND METHOD FOR THE USER-FRIENDLY FIXING OF A GRINDING MECHANISM OF SUCH A GRINDER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coffee grinder with a coffee grinder unit, wherein the coffee grinder unit has a coffee bean container, a grinder unit having a bevel gear, a drive unit driving the grinder unit and a coffee ground ejector, wherein the grinder unit has a stator outer ring and a rotor rotating cone mounted on a rotatable shaft.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the user-friendly fixing of a grinding unit of such a coffee grinder, which has a stator outer ring and a rotor cone mounted on a rotatable shaft and is mounted floating in the z-direction.

[0003] Such coffee grinders are generally designed to produce ground coffee from coffee beans, in particular for subsequent use in coffee machines, for the production of coffee or coffee-like beverages.

[0004] The first type of coffee grinder is based on rotating blades that grind coffee beans in a storage container by cutting or crushing them. With such coffee grinders, not only is the grinding noise particularly unpleasant, but the storage container cannot be easily emptied completely. Therefore, a residue of ground coffee regularly remains in the storage container, which is subject to aging. Furthermore, the crushing process is also detrimental to the aroma, not least due to the high heat generated by the crushing.

[0005] A second type of coffee grinder is not based on cutting or rotating wing blades, but has a conical grinder. This comprises a stator and a rotor that form a grinder unit. With this type of coffee grinder, the degree of grinding, defined as the fineness of the ground coffee beans, is adjusted by varying the distance between the stator and the rotor in the grinder unit. To do this, for example, the stator can be moved continuously towards or away from the rotor using a thread. A disadvantage of these types of coffee grinders based on a conical grinder, however, is that after adjusting the distance between the stator and rotor to determine the degree of grinding, the stator must be fixed. Otherwise, the stator would rotate undesirably when the rotor rotates, which would counteract the desired grinding process or result.

[0006] Such a previously known coffee grinder is disclosed in patent DE 102015 003 806 B3 and in patent GB 2 452 966 A. After the stator has been brought into the correct position relative to the rotor by means of an external thread, i.e., to the desired distance corresponding to the degree of grinding to be set, the stator must be fixed before the grinding process by means of a specially provided and actuated fixing device so that it does not rotate when the rotor rotates.

[0007] Based on this discussed prior art, the invention is based on the device-related object of creating a coffee grinder that, after setting a desired grinding degree, allows the grinding process to be started immediately, without the need for a further fixing step to prevent the stator outer ring from twisting during the grinding process. In this respect, the goal is a coffee grinder that both simplifies handling and significantly reduces the time required to start the grinding process.

[0008] Based on this discussed prior art, the invention is based on the method-related object of proposing a method for the user-friendly fixing of a grinding unit of such a coffee grinder, which has a stator outer ring and a rotor rotary cone mounted on a rotatable shaft and is mounted floating in the z-direction.

[0009] This device-related task is solved by a grinder unit which is mounted in a floating manner in the z-direction in such a way that, in order to adjust the axial distance between the stator outer ring and the rotor rotary cone in order to set the degree of grinding, the stator outer ring is connected to a connecting means, in particular a fixing pin, which is displaceable in the z-direction and fixed in the direction of rotation of the rotor rotary cone, and this connecting means engages with a penetration depth which varies as a result of the setting of the degree of grinding, in a guide receptacle of a guide element of the grinder unit, wherein the stator outer ring is connected to a lens adjustment unit, wherein the lens adjustment unit is connected to the coffee bean container via a fine thread so as to be displaceable in the z-direction.

[0010] This method-related problem is solved by a method for the user-friendly fixing of a grinder unit of such a coffee grinder, said grinder unit having a stator outer ring and a rotor rotary cone mounted on a rotatable shaft and mounted so as to float in the z-direction, wherein in order to adjust the axial distance between the stator outer ring and the rotor rotary cone in order to set the degree of grinding, the stator is connected to a connecting means, in particular a fixing pin, which is displaceable in the z-direction and fixed in the direction of rotation of the rotor rotary cone, and said connecting means is brought into engagement with a guide receptacle of a guide element of the grinder unit at a penetration depth which varies as a result of the setting of the degree of grinding, wherein the stator is connected to a lens adjustment unit, wherein the lens adjustment unit is connected to the coffee bean container via a fine thread so as to be displaceable in the z-direction.

[0011] A coffee grinder according to the invention has a coffee grinder unit. This coffee grinder unit comprises a coffee bean container for holding coffee beans, a grinder unit having a bevel gear, and a drive unit that drives the grinder unit. The grinder unit has a stator outer ring and a rotor cone mounted on a rotatable shaft, which are responsible for the actual coffee grinding process. The coffee grinder unit also comprises a ground coffee ejector through which the ground coffee produced by the grinding process is removed from the coffee grinder as completely as possible. It is understood that the operator of the coffee grinder collects the produced ground coffee in a corresponding collecting container, in particular for further processing in a coffee machine or for temporary storage.

[0012] An advantage of the coffee grinder according to the invention is that a separate fixing step is avoided to prevent the adjustment of the distance between the rotor and stator when the coffee grinder is operated, whereby the rotor rotates.

[0013] For this purpose, the grinder unit is mounted floating in the z-direction, i.e. in the vertical direction. In order to adjust the axial distance between the stator outer ring and the rotor cone to set the grinding level, the stator outer ring is connected to a fixed connection element that can be moved in the z-direction. The connection element is fixed in the direction of rotation of the rotor cone, although it can also be fixed in the z-direction. Because the connection element is fixed in the direction of rotation of the rotor cone, rotation of the stator outer ring when the coffee grinder is operated is prevented by the connection element (and thus also the stator outer ring connected to it) engaging in a guide recess of a guide element of the grinder unit. The stator is connected to a lens adjustment unit, whereby the lens adjustment unit is connected to the coffee bean container via a fine thread that can be moved in the z-direction.As a result, the grinder unit is mounted in a floating manner in the z-direction, with the connecting means engaging the guide mount with a penetration depth that varies depending on the setting of the grinding degree. This enables precise adjustment of the grinding degree using the fine thread of the lens adjustment unit, while, according to the invention, a fixing step for determining the distance between the stator outer ring and the rotor cone is precisely avoided. This is achieved by the connecting means transmitting the forces in the rotational direction of the rotor cone, which act on the stator outer ring, to the guide element through the engagement of the connecting means in the guide mount or supporting itself there.The particularly intelligent floating bearing in the z-direction maintains the required displacement in the z-direction for adjusting the grinding degree, while simultaneously ensuring the support and thus the fixation of the stator outer ring to maintain the set grinding degree, without any separate fixing step required by the coffee grinder operator. This significantly improves user-friendliness compared to previously known coffee grinders.

[0014] A further advantage of the above-described floating grinder unit according to the invention is that the grinding degree adjustment achieved via the fine thread of the lens adjustment unit virtually eliminates the need for a compression spring, which is common in the prior art. This further improves the fineness and tactile feel for the operator when adjusting the grinding degree, which also contributes to improved user-friendliness.

[0015] Such a connecting means according to the invention is preferably designed as a fixing pin. This has a substantially cylindrical shape, whereby the two ends can also be chamfered to facilitate insertion into the guide receptacle. It is understood that the guide receptacle of the guide element is designed to complement the connecting means, so that the connecting means is secured in the guide receptacle (and thus also the stator outer ring) without play in the direction of rotation of the rotor cone.

[0016] According to a particularly preferred and compact embodiment of the coffee grinder according to the invention, the grinder unit is integrated into the coffee bean hopper. This not only achieves efficient use of installation space, but also means that the technical details of the grinder unit are not visible from the outside, since the necessary components for the grinder unit are completely or at least largely enclosed by the coffee bean hopper. This not only avoids the need to cover the grinder unit to shield moving parts, but also makes the coffee grinder's appearance significantly more elegant.

[0017] According to a further development of the above-described embodiment of the coffee grinder according to the invention, the rotor cone is driven by an axle, wherein the axle is arranged such that it serves to transport coffee beans from the coffee bean container to the stator outer ring and the rotor cone. This particularly advantageously ensures the continuous supply of coffee beans to the rotor cone or the stator outer ring, so that the grinding process can be further homogenized. The axle is arranged, in particular, concentrically with respect to the stator outer ring, so that the coffee beans are optimally positioned for a homogeneous grinding process.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the coffee grinder according to the invention, it comprises a weighing and control system for providing a defined amount of ground coffee. This is accompanied by a significant increase in user-friendliness, as the process of separately weighing coffee beans, which would otherwise be required for the operator, is eliminated.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the coffee grinder according to the invention, the drive unit that powers the grinder unit comprises a manual flywheel with a handle. This allows the grinding process to be carried out particularly gently and in a controlled manner – without generating significant waste heat.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment of the coffee grinder according to the invention with respect to the above embodiment, the drive unit driving the grinder unit comprises an electric motor.

[0021] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the coffee grinder according to the invention, due to its fine and smooth adjustment of the grinding degree, the lens adjustment unit comprises a cylindrical wheel. This allows for quasi-continuous fine adjustment of the grinding degree with an accuracy of 1:1000. It is preferred if the grinding degree adjustment is performed without detent, so that the operating feel is particularly smooth and fine, similar to that of a camera lens.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the coffee grinder according to the invention, the coffee grinder unit and / or the grinder unit are made of stainless steel and / or aluminum. This not only provides durable and hygienic materials, but also effectively dissipates any waste heat generated during the grinding process, ensuring that the coffee grounds heat up as little as possible.

[0023] In another embodiment of the coffee grinder according to the invention, the ground coffee ejector is located in the lower section of the coffee grinder. The ground coffee ejector has a discharge cylinder for efficient discharge of ground coffee. This contributes to the efficient and hygienic use of the coffee grinder according to the invention.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the discharge cylinder can be magnetically coupled to the coffee grinder. For this purpose, the coffee grinder has at least one first holding magnet, and the connectable discharge cylinder has at least one second holding magnet. Individual holding magnets or a ring-shaped first and second holding magnet can be used, with ring-shaped holding magnets enabling particularly tight coupling and positioning of the discharge cylinder.

[0025] In one embodiment of the coffee grinder according to the invention, it is particularly advantageous if the discharge cylinder comprises at least one internal propeller wheel. The rotating propeller wheel acts as a coffee ground scraper, invisible to the operator, preventing the accumulation of old coffee grounds due to adhesion forces on the walls of the discharge cylinder. This further improves hygiene, the taste of the coffee produced from the ground coffee, and the efficient use of the coffee beans.

[0026] Advantageously, the propeller wheel according to the invention is made of polymethyl methacrylate or anodized aluminum, since these two materials offer particularly high mechanical and chemical resistance and minimize adhesion of the coffee grounds.

[0027] To ensure a continuous flow of coffee beans, which improves the homogeneity of the grinding process, in one embodiment of the invention the coffee grinder has a coffee bean feed zone above the stator outer ring and the rotor rotating cone, which in particular has a funnel-shaped design.

[0028] In a particularly practical and compact embodiment of the coffee grinder according to the invention, the coffee grinder is connected to a base suitable for accommodating a coffee grounds collection container. The base can, in particular, have a rounded area suitable for accommodating a coffee grounds collection container. At the same time, such a base ensures that the coffee grinder is held comfortably in position during operation, without the operator having to secure the coffee grinder in any other way, for example, to a wall.

[0029] The invention further relates to a method for the user-friendly fixing of a grinder unit of a coffee grinder according to the invention, said grinder unit comprising a stator outer ring and a rotor cone mounted on a rotatable shaft, which is mounted floatingly in the z-direction. To adjust the axial distance between the stator outer ring and the rotor cone to set the grinding degree, the stator outer ring is connected to a connecting means, in particular a fixing pin, which is displaceable in the z-direction and fixed in the rotation direction of the rotor cone, and this connecting means is engaged with a guide receptacle of a guide element of the grinder unit at a penetration depth varying as a result of the setting of the grinding degree. The stator outer ring is connected to a lens adjustment unit, wherein the lens adjustment unit is connected to the coffee bean container via a fine thread so that it can be moved in the z-direction.

[0030] This method is characterized by its particular user-friendliness, so that the fixing step known and required from the prior art for determining the set grinding degree is advantageously avoided.

[0031] The invention is described below with reference to various exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic cross-sectional view of the coffee grinder according to the invention with base, hand flywheel and handle, Fig. 2: a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the coffee grinder according to the invention with a relative position of the stator outer ring to the rotor rotary cone, which corresponds to a fine coffee ground, Fig. 3:a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the coffee grinder according to the invention with a relative position of the stator outer ring to the rotor rotary cone, which corresponds to a coarse coffee ground, Fig. 4: a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the coffee grinder according to the invention without a connected coffee bean container, in order to allow a view of the coffee bean feed zone, here with a funnel-shaped design, Fig. 5: a schematic side view of the coffee ground ejection according to the invention in the lower area of ​​the coffee grinder with a discharge cylinder and an internal propeller wheel, Fig. 6: a schematic perspective view of the coffee grounds ejection with (left) and without (right) magnetically coupled discharge cylinder and Fig. 7:a schematic perspective view of the coffee grounds ejection with (left) and without (right) magnetically coupled, cylindrical discharge cylinder.

[0032] In the various figures, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually named or mentioned only once.

[0033] Figure 1shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the coffee grinder K according to the invention. The coffee grinder has a coffee grinder unit KE, wherein the coffee grinder unit KE contains a coffee bean container B for receiving coffee beans. In addition, the coffee grinder unit KE comprises a grinder unit M having a bevel gear KG, wherein the grinder unit M has a stator outer ring S and a rotor rotary cone R mounted on a rotatable shaft. The stator outer ring S and the rotor rotary cone R rotate relative to each other, wherein the stator outer ring S is fixed in order to carry out the actual coffee grinding process between them, in particular on the mutually facing grinding surfaces. For this purpose, the stator outer ring S and the rotor rotary cone R have a wedge-like cross-sectional structure that receives and grinds the coffee beans flowing from the coffee bean container B. In addition, the Figure 1The illustrated coffee grinder K according to the invention has a drive unit AN that drives the grinder unit M. In the present case, the drive unit AN has a hand flywheel HS that can be operated via a handle H. The produced ground coffee leaves the coffee grinder K via a ground coffee ejector. The illustrated embodiment of the coffee grinder K according to the invention has a base SF that is suitable for receiving a ground coffee collecting container AB into which the ground coffee leaves the ground coffee ejector A.

[0034] What is special about the coffee grinder K according to the invention is that the grinding unit M is mounted floating in the z-direction in such a way that in order to adjust the axial distance between the stator outer ring S and the rotor rotary cone R in order to set the degree of grinding, the stator outer ring S is connected to a connecting means F, here: a fixing pin, which is displaceable in the z-direction and fixed in the direction of rotation of the rotor rotary cone R.

[0035] Since this connecting means F engages with a guide recess FA of a guide element FE of the grinding unit M with a varying penetration depth as a result of the setting of the grinding degree, the adjustment of the axial distance between the stator outer ring S and the rotor rotary cone R is not possible during the grinding process; rather, the set grinding degree is preserved against an undesired adjustment due to the grinding process.

[0036] Figure 1shows that the stator outer ring S is connected to a lens adjustment unit O, wherein the lens adjustment unit is connected to the coffee bean container B via a fine thread FG so that it can be moved in the z-direction. This enables the necessary displacement in the z-direction as a result of the operation of the lens adjustment unit O for adjusting the degree of grinding, while on the other hand the fixing of the stator outer ring S in the axial direction (or in the direction of rotation of the rotor rotary cone R) is ensured via the connecting means F, the fixing pin, which is in engagement with the guide receptacle FA of a guide element FE of the grinder unit M and is connected to the stator outer ring S.A separate fixing step to maintain the grinding degree (as is the case with conventional coffee grinders with bevel gears) is thus made unnecessary in an intelligent way, so that the user-friendliness of the K coffee grinder can be significantly increased.

[0037] By integrating the grinder unit M into the coffee bean hopper B, a coffee grinder K is created that is both compact and visually appealing, offering the additional advantage that moving parts are not visible from the outside. Furthermore, the axis X for driving the rotor cone R is arranged vertically, particularly concentrically with respect to the stator outer ring S, so that it serves to transport coffee beans from the coffee bean hopper B to the stator outer ring S and to the rotor cone R. This coffee bean guidance advantageously ensures a particularly continuous and homogeneous flow of coffee beans.

[0038] In Figure 2 1 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the coffee grinder K according to the invention, wherein a relative position of the stator outer ring S to the rotor rotary cone R has been adjusted by means of the lens adjustment unit O, which corresponds to fine coffee grounds. The circumferential gap formed by the stator outer ring S and the rotor rotary cone R is very small. Above the gap, the stator outer ring S and the rotor rotary cone R form a coffee bean receptacle BA which has a V-shaped structure in cross-section. This coffee bean receptacle BA adjoins a coffee bean feed zone BZ arranged above the stator outer ring S and the rotor rotary cone R.

[0039] Preferably, as in Figure 2As shown, the coffee bean feed zone BZ has a funnel-shaped design. For a particularly gentle haptic adjustment, the grinder unit M, as described above, is mounted floating in the z-direction, wherein the lens adjustment unit O is connected to the coffee bean container B via a fine thread FG so that it can be moved in the z-direction. The grinding degree is adjusted by the operator by manually turning the lens adjustment unit O clockwise or counterclockwise, whereby the lens adjustment unit O also moves up or down, similar to a camera lens. Conveniently, the coffee grinder K according to the invention, as shown in Figure 2 shown, have a scale for adjusting the degree of grinding and / or a ribbed surface structure G to achieve a special operating feel.

[0040] In Figure 3 is analogous to Figure 2a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the coffee grinder K according to the invention is shown, wherein a relative position of the stator outer ring S to the rotor rotary cone R has been adjusted by means of the lens adjustment unit O, which corresponds to a coarse coffee grind. Not only the opening gap between the stator outer ring S and the rotor rotary cone R is visible, but also that the lens adjustment unit O abuts with its upper end against a shoulder of the coffee bean container B. This also intelligently limits the grinding degree setting. Due to the floating grinding unit M mounted in the z-direction, the grinding unit M including the connecting means F moves upwards in the z-direction, wherein the connecting means F is lower in the z-direction compared to Figure 2, in which a fine grinding degree adjustment is shown, engages the guide recess FA. The stator outer ring S is fixed in all positions, i.e. grinding degrees, in the direction of rotation of the rotor cone R via the connecting means F connected to it, without the operator having to perform a separate fixing step.

[0041] In Figure 4 A schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the coffee grinder K according to the invention is shown, with the connected coffee bean container B not shown to allow a view of the coffee bean feed zone BZ, here with a funnel-shaped design. Due to the funnel-shaped coffee bean feed zone BZ, the coffee beans are given a preferred direction that points toward the stator outer ring S and the rotor rotating cone R.

[0042] Figure 5is a schematic side view of the coffee ground ejector A according to the invention, to be arranged in the lower area of ​​the coffee grinder K, with a discharge cylinder Z and an internal vane propeller P. By arranging the coffee ground ejector A in the lower area of ​​the coffee grinder K, gravity is used to eject the coffee grounds. The rotatable vane propeller P, which is arranged below the rotor cone R here, acts as a coffee ground scraper that is invisible to the operator, so that the accumulation of old coffee ground residue due to adhesion forces on the walls of the discharge cylinder Z is prevented. This further improves the hygiene, the taste of the coffee made from the ground coffee (since no old coffee grounds remain and mix with the new coffee grounds), and the efficient use of the coffee beans.Advantageously, the blade propeller wheel P according to the invention is made of polymethyl methacrylate or anodized aluminum, since these two materials offer particularly high mechanical and chemical resistance.

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the coffee grounds ejection unit A with (left) and without (right) the magnetically coupled discharge cylinder Z. For this purpose, the coffee grinder K has at least one first holding magnet HM, and the connectable discharge cylinder Z has at least one second holding magnet (not shown). This enables particularly easy removal and positioning of the funnel-shaped discharge cylinder Z.

[0044] As in Figure 7 analogous to the representation according to Figure 6As shown, in a further development of the invention, the magnetically coupled discharge cylinder Z is not funnel-shaped, but cylindrical. Such a cylindrical design of the discharge cylinder Z particularly advantageously prevents coffee grounds from accumulating on the inside of the discharge cylinder Z, since gravity removes the coffee grounds particularly effectively from the inside of the discharge cylinder Z, since the maximum vectorial component of gravity, here in the z-direction, is utilized to discharge the coffee grounds.

[0045] The invention is described using exemplary embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the applicable claims, numerous further possibilities for implementing it will become apparent to a person skilled in the art without the need for detailed explanation within the scope of these statements. List of reference symbols

[0046] A Coffee ground ejection AB Coffee ground collection container AN Drive unit BC Coffee bean container BA Coffee bean receptacle BZ Coffee bean feed zone F Connecting device FA Guide receptacle FE Guide element FGFine thread G Ribbed surface structuring H Handle HM Holding magnet HS Hand flywheel KK Coffee grinder KE Coffee grinder unit KG Bevel gear MM Grinder unit OLens adjustment unit PFannel propeller R Rotor cone SStator outer ring SF Stand Z Discharge cylinder

Claims

1. A coffee mill with a coffee mill unit (KE), the coffee mill unit (KE) having a coffee bean container (B), a grinder unit (M) having a bevel gear (KG), a drive unit (AN) driving the grinder unit (M) and a ground coffee ejector (A), wherein the grinder unit (M) has a stator outer ring (S) and a rotor rotary cone (R) mounted on a rotatable shaft, characterised in that the grinder unit (M) is mounted floatingly in a z-direction such that for adjusting the axial distance between the stator outer ring (S) and the rotor rotary cone (R) in order to set the degree of grinding, the stator outer ring (S) is connected to a connection means (F), in particular a fixing pin, which is displaceable in the z-direction and fixed in the direction of rotation of the rotor rotary cone (R), and this connection means (F) engages a guide receptacle (FA) of a guide member (FE) of the grinder unit (M) with a varying penetration depth as a result of the adjustment of the degree of grinding, wherein the stator outer ring (S) is connected to an objective adjustment unit (O), the objective adjustment unit (O) being connected to the coffee bean container (B) via a fine thread (FG) so as to be displaceable in the z-direction.

2. The coffee mill of claim 1, characterised in that the grinder unit (M) is integrated into the coffee bean container (B).

3. The coffee mill of claim 2, characterised in that the rotor rotary cone (R) is driven through an axis (X), wherein the axis (X) is arranged, in particular concentrically with respect to the stator outer ring (S), such that it serves to transport coffee beans from the coffee bean container (B) to the stator outer ring (S) and to the rotor rotary cone (R).

4. The coffee mill of any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the coffee mill comprises a weighing and controlling system for providing a defined quantity of ground coffee.

5. The coffee mill of any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the drive unit (AN) driving the grinder unit (M) comprises a manual flywheel (HS) with a handle (H).

6. The coffee mill of any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the drive unit (AN) driving the grinder unit (M) comprises an electric motor.

7. The coffee mill of any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the objective adjustment unit (O) has a cylindrical gear.

8. The coffee mill of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the coffee mill unit (KE) and / or the grinder unit (M) is made of stainless steel and / or aluminium.

9. The coffee mill of any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the ground coffee ejector (A) is arranged in the lower region of the coffee mill (K) and has a discharge cylinder (Z).

10. The coffee mill of claim 9, characterised in that the discharge cylinder (Z) is magnetically couplable to the coffee mill (K).

11. The coffee mill of any one of claims 9 or 10, characterised in that the discharge cylinder (Z) comprises at least one internal blade propeller wheel (P).

12. The coffee mill of claim 11, characterised in that blade propeller wheel (P) is made of polymethylmethacrylate or anodised aluminium.

13. The coffee mill of any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the coffee mill (K) has a coffee bean feeding zone (BZ), in particular with a funnel-shaped design, above the stator outer ring (S) and the rotor rotary cone (R).

14. The coffee mill of any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the coffee mill (K) is connected to a base (SF) suitable for accommodating a ground coffee collecting container (AB).

15. A method for operator-friendly fixing of a grinder unit (M) of a coffee mill (K) of any one of claims 1 to 14 having a stator outer ring (S) and a rotor rotary cone (R) mounted on a rotatable shaft and being mounted floatingly in a z-direction, wherein, for adjusting the axial distance between the stator outer ring (S) and the rotor rotary cone (R) in order to set the degree of grinding, the stator outer ring (S) is connected to a connection means (F), in particular a fixing pin, which is displaceable in the z-direction and fixed in the direction of rotation of the rotor rotary cone (R), and this connection means (F) engages a guide receptacle (FA) of a guide member (FE) of the grinder unit (M) with a varying penetration depth as a result of the adjustment of the degree of grinding, wherein the stator outer ring (S) is connected to an objective adjustment unit (O), the objective adjustment unit (O) being connected to the coffee bean container (B) via a fine thread (FG) so as to be displaceable in the z-direction.