Method for grinding material to be ground

Abstract

A method for grinding material by means of at least one grinding mill in a coffee machine is described, the method comprising: determining an actual degree of grinding of the grinding mill; determining a target degree of grinding of the grinding mill; automatically comparing the target degree of grinding with the actual degree of grinding; and automatically outputting instructions to a user of the grinding mill based on the comparison of the target degree of grinding with the actual degree of grinding.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for grinding a material to be ground by means of at least one grinding mill in a coffee machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Grinding mills in coffee machines are known which include an adjustment device for setting the grinding degree of the grinding mill. Usually, the adjustment of the grinding degree can be set manually or automatically, for example to achieve a certain coffee powder fineness. In some grinding mills, the setting or adjustment of the grinding mill can be performed by the grinding mill user himself.

[0003] Furthermore, devices are known, for example coffee machines or fully automatic coffee machines, which include both one or more grinding mills and also a means for processing the ground material. For example, the device can use the ground material ground by one or more grinding mills to prepare a product, for example a specific coffee product. In this case, different degrees of grinding may be optimal or recommended for different products to be prepared. For example, it is optimal or recommended to use different coffee powder finenesses for the preparation of different coffee products.

[0004] In order to offer the user of such an apparatus a large number of individual setting possibilities, the product to be prepared and the desired grinding degree may often each be selected or set separately by the user.

[0005] In this case, the problem may arise that the set degree of grinding does not correspond to the optimum or recommended degree of grinding for the particular product to be prepared, which may result in a decrease in product quality and thus in a decrease in the user-friendliness of the device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve the user-friendliness of a method for grinding materials while providing for individual setting of the grinding process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The solution to the above-mentioned problem is a method for grinding a material to be ground by means of at least one grinding mill in a coffee machine as mentioned at the beginning, which in particular comprises determining an actual degree of grinding of the grinding mill, determining a target degree of grinding of the grinding mill based on a coffee product selected by a user, automatically comparing the target degree of grinding with the actual degree of grinding and automatically outputting instructions to a user of the grinding mill based on this comparison between the target degree of grinding and the actual degree of grinding.

[0008] This allows the user of the grinding mill to be informed of the actual grinding degree set for the grinding mill, which improves the user-friendliness of the grinding mill and at the same time ensures individual settling of the grinding mill, especially when the actual grinding degree does not correspond to the setpoint grinding degree.

[0009] The actual degree of grinding can be determined, for example, via the settings of a grinding mill. In particular, the actual degree of grinding can be determined via the relative distance of two grinding or cutting tools. Additionally or alternatively, the actual degree of grinding can be determined via the position or setting of an adjustment device for setting the degree of grinding.

[0010] The target grinding degree is determined based on a coffee product selected by a user. Additionally or alternatively, the target grinding degree may be pre-determined or determinable. The target grinding degree may be stored in or queriable by, for example, a (machine) control of the grinding mill or a (machine) control of an apparatus including the grinding mill. The target grinding degree may be associated with one or more specific products to be prepared with the ground material of the target grinding degree. The target grinding degree may be determined or determinable based on a user selection of a product to be prepared with the ground material.

[0011] The automatic comparison of the actual and target grinding degrees can be carried out, in particular before the grinding of the material to be ground, and can be carried out by the (machine) control of the grinding mill or of the device which contains the grinding mill, or by an external (machine) control.

[0012] The instructions automatically output to the user of the grinding mill may be, for example, visual, tactile and / or audio instructions.

[0013] In one configuration, it is contemplated that the method further includes receiving a first user input and identifying a target grinding degree based on the received first user input.

[0014] For example, the first user input is for the selection of a product to be prepared based on or using the ground material. For example, the grinding mill is a coffee grinding mill in a coffee machine. In this example, the target grinding degree can be identified based on the selection of a coffee product. This can indicate to the user of the grinding mill the recommended or optimal grinding degree for the selected product. This helps to support the user in preparing a high quality product, further improving the user-friendliness of the method.

[0015] In one configuration, the method further includes outputting instructions to a user of the grinding mill if the actual grinding degree does not match the target grinding degree, and in particular it is envisaged that an automatic output be provided as to whether the actual grinding degree should be increased or decreased and / or how much more or less the actual grinding degree should be in order to achieve the target grinding degree.

[0016] In particular, the actual grinding degree does not correspond to the target grinding degree if the actual grinding degree or the actual grinding degree range associated with the actual grinding degree does not correspond to the target grinding degree range associated with the target grinding degree or does not at least partially correspond to the target grinding degree range. The actual grinding degree range and / or the target grinding degree range may be pre-specified or may be specifiable. In particular, the size or width of the actual grinding degree range and / or the target grinding degree range may be specified based on a user input, for example based on the product to be prepared, selected by the user. In this way, the instruction may be for increasing or decreasing the actual grinding degree, thereby directly or indirectly requesting the user to realize the change of the actual grinding degree to the target grinding degree. This further improves the user-friendliness of the grinding method.

[0017] In one configuration, it is envisaged that the method further includes grinding the material to be ground with the actual grinding degree if the actual grinding degree corresponds to the target grinding degree, and / or grinding the material to be ground with the actual grinding degree if the actual grinding degree does not correspond to the target grinding degree, and / or adjusting the actual grinding degree to set the target grinding degree if the actual grinding degree does not correspond to the target grinding degree.

[0018] For example, the method may include grinding the material to be ground with the actual grinding degree only if the actual grinding degree corresponds to the target grinding degree. In this way, the preparation of a product with ground material having a non-optimal grinding degree is prevented. Furthermore, the method may include grinding the material to be ground with the actual grinding degree even if the actual grinding degree does not correspond to the target grinding degree. This allows the user to set individual settings of the grinding mill that do not correspond to the recommended settings or the objectively optimal settings according to the user's perception. Furthermore, the method may include adjusting the actual grinding degree in order to set the target grinding degree if the actual grinding degree does not correspond to the target grinding degree. In this way, the user-friendliness of the method is further increased by, for example, setting the optimal target grinding degree before a product associated with the target grinding degree is prepared under the indication of a non-optimal actual grinding degree.

[0019] In one configuration, it is envisioned that the method further includes receiving a second user input, and in response to receiving the second user input, grinding the material to be ground according to the actual grinding degree and / or adjusting the actual grinding degree. For example, the second user input is received following and / or in response to outputting the instructions to the user.

[0020] In particular, the second user input is a response to an instruction or a confirmation of an instruction by the user. The second user input may in particular be for a confirmation that the grinding of the material to be ground should be performed with the actual grinding degree, despite a discrepancy between the actual grinding degree and the target grinding degree. Alternatively, the second user input may in particular be for a confirmation that the grinding of the material to be ground is performed with the target grinding degree instead of grinding the material to be ground with the actual grinding degree. Additionally or alternatively, the second user input may be for a (automatic) adjustment or a confirmation of a desire to adjust the grinding degree from the actual grinding degree to the target grinding degree.

[0021] In one configuration, it is envisaged that grinding of the material to be ground with the actual grinding degree and / or the target grinding degree is performed in response to expiry of one or more first time intervals, preferably pre-specified, from a first user input, a second user input, adjustment of the grinding degree, adjustment of an operating element and / or output of instructions to the user.

[0022] For example, the user may be given time from a user input or from a user instruction to make a decision regarding the degree of grinding, in particular whether or not an adjustment of the degree of grinding should be made, in particular what adjustment of the degree of grinding should be made. Furthermore, the method may carry out the grinding process with the actual degree of grinding or the target degree of grinding if a pre-specified time interval has expired or has passed. In other words, an expired time interval without a user input is evaluated as a user's consent. This further increases the user-friendliness of the method.

[0023] In one configuration, it is envisaged that the adjustment of the actual grinding degree is carried out in particular in response to the expiration of one or more second time intervals, preferably prespecified, from a first user input, a second user input, the adjustment of the above-mentioned operating element or an operating element and / or the output of an instruction to the user. In this way, the adjustment of the grinding degree can be carried out automatically, without the user being able to grind the material with a (non-optimal, non-recommended or non-preset) actual grinding degree.

[0024] In one configuration, it is envisaged that the instructions to a user of the grinding mill include a report of the actual grinding degree and / or the target grinding degree and / or that the instructions to a user of the grinding mill include a report of a desired setting of an operating element of the grinding mill for setting the grinding degree.

[0025] In this way the user can be informed about the set (actual) grinding degree and / or the recommended (target) grinding degree, in particular about the possibilities for setting the recommended grinding degree, which is an improved support for the user when selecting the grinding degree, in particular for the particular product to be prepared.

[0026] In one configuration, it is envisaged that the instructions for the user of the grinding mill comprise reference values ​​for setting the target grinding degree and / or reference values ​​for adjusting operating elements of the grinding mill, e.g. the settings of the operating elements leading to the setting of the target grinding degree are visually displayed to the user.

[0027] The adjustment direction of the operating element can likewise be indicated to the user, via which the setting of the target grinding degree can be achieved. The indication or indication can be formed, for example, visually, tactilely and / or visually.

[0028] In one configuration, it is envisaged that determining the actual grinding degree comprises determining an actual value or an actual value range for the set grinding degree, determining the target grinding degree comprises determining a target value or a target value range for the target grinding degree, and outputting an instruction to a user of the grinding mill comprises outputting an instruction to a user of the grinding mill if the target value or the target value range does not at least partially correspond to the actual value or the actual value range. The actual value, the actual value range, the target value and / or the target value range may be pre-specified or may be specifiable. The actual value range and / or the target value range, in particular their width, may be related to the actual value and / or the target value, in particular their level. In this way, a tolerance range can be specified within which the actual grinding degree is considered to correspond to the target grinding degree.

[0029] In one configuration, it is envisaged that determining the actual grinding degree comprises determining a position of an operating element of the grinding mill and / or determining a position of an adjustable grinding mill element of the grinding mill, in particular determining a position of a first grinding mill element of the grinding mill relative to a second grinding mill element of the grinding mill.

[0030] For example, the operating element is a rotary switch that can be operated by the user. The actual degree of grinding can be determined in this example by detecting the rotational position of the rotary switch. The first grinding mill element and the second grinding mill element can be a first grinding tool and a second grinding tool. The first grinding mill element can be, for example, a grinding cone and the second grinding mill element can be, for example, a grinding ring, or the first grinding mill element can be, for example, a grinding ring and the second grinding mill element can be, for example, a grinding cone. The first grinding mill element and the second grinding mill element can have cutting edges and in particular form a grinding gap defined by the respective cutting edges. Depending on the relative spacing of these grinding mill elements, the grinding gap can be relatively large or relatively small. Via the size or width of the grinding gap, a certain degree of grinding can be set or a grinding of the material to be ground with a certain degree of grinding can be achieved.

[0031] In one configuration, it is assumed that the grinding mill comprises a sensor and that the determination of the actual grinding degree, in particular the position of the operating element of the grinding mill, in particular the position of the operating element of the grinding degree, preferably manually actuable and / or mechanical, adjusting device and / or the position of the grinding mill element of the grinding mill, is performed on the basis of sensor data of the sensor. The sensor may, for example, comprise one or more (mechanical) push buttons, in particular micro push buttons. The grinding mill, the one or more grinding mill elements, the operating element and / or the adjusting device may have a ridge or other push means for differently activating the push button or activating different push buttons depending on the setting position. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may comprise an (electronic) magnetic sensor.

[0032] In one configuration, it is envisaged that the visual output of instructions to a user of the grinding mill is preferably effected via a display and / or via illumination of at least one area of ​​the operating element, for example an area or individual areas of the operating element can be illuminated in order to indicate the setting of the operating element or the adjustment direction of the operating element.

[0033] In one configuration, it is envisaged that the method includes grinding the material to be ground by a plurality of grinding mills, and outputting instructions to a user of the grinding mills based on a comparison of the respective actual grinding degrees with the respective target grinding degrees includes outputting respective instructions, in particular different instructions. For example, the instructions for each grinding degree of the grinding mills may be the same, in particular indicating the same actual grinding degree and / or the same target grinding degree. Additionally or alternatively, the instructions for each grinding degree of the grinding mills may be different, in particular indicating different actual grinding degrees and / or different target grinding degrees. In this way, the target grinding degree of a particular grinding mill may be determined based on the material to be ground by the particular grinding mill. For example, the material to be ground by the particular grinding mill may be determined in advance. Additionally or alternatively, the material to be ground by the particular grinding mill may be determined, for example, via a sensor, which detects a characteristic (e.g. size and / or color) of the material to be ground, thereby identifying the material to be ground.

[0034] In one configuration, it is envisioned that the grinding mill is a coffee grinding mill and the first user input is tied to a selection of a coffee product.

[0035] In one configuration, it is envisaged that the method further comprises activating a cleaning process for cleaning the grinding mill, preferably in response to or during the output of the instructions, in particular if the actual grinding does not correspond to the target grinding. For example, activating the cleaning process comprises adjusting the actual grinding to set a transition grinding degree different from the target grinding degree, preferably coarser than the actual grinding degree and / or the target grinding degree. In particular, the transition grinding degree can be set in case the target grinding degree is finer than the actual grinding degree. The transition grinding degree can be coarser than the actual grinding degree and the target grinding degree.

[0036] Likewise, operating the cleaning process may comprise operating the grinding mill in a backward direction, preferably opposite to the grinding direction. For example, the grinding mill is operated in a first (rotational) direction to grind the material to be ground. The backward direction is in this example a second (rotational) direction opposite to the first direction. Operating the grinding mill in the first and / or second direction may comprise operating a first grinding element of the grinding mill relative to a second grinding element of the grinding mill. The first and second grinding elements may be, for example, cutting tools or other grinding tools for grinding the material to be ground. In other words, the method comprises a cleaning rotation of the grinding mill, which may in particular be triggered simultaneously with the automatic output of the instruction.

[0037] In this way, the grinding mill can be cleared of the material to be ground or the ground material between the grinding tools, in particular before the finer grinding degree is set. In particular, the material to be ground or the ground material can be cleared between the cutting edges or can be removed from the grinding gap. In other words, the grinding mill is relaxed before the finer grinding degree is set. This allows or facilitates the setting of the finer grinding degree or prevents damage to the grinding mill elements when setting the finer grinding degree. Furthermore, this allows the user of the grinding mill to carry out adjustments of the grinding mill, in particular the setting of the finer grinding degree, outside the grinding process.

[0038] In another, possibly independent, configuration, a coffee machine is provided with a grinding mill and a processor, the processor being configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, in particular the coffee machine having a preferably manually operable and / or mechanical adjustment device for the grinding degree and / or an optically readable display device, preferably a display and / or a controlled illuminateable area.

[0039] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to several preferred embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of a first method for grinding an object to be ground by at least one grinding mill. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of a second method for grinding material by means of at least one grinding mill. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows a first operation interface of the grinding mill. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a second operation interface of the grinding mill. [Diagram 5] A three-dimensional view of the device for setting and monitoring the grinding degree of the grinding mill. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side view of an apparatus for setting and monitoring the grinding degree of a grinding mill. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an apparatus for setting and monitoring the grinding degree of a grinding mill. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged portion of a side view of an apparatus for setting and monitoring the grinding degree of a grinding mill. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the transmission elements and sensors of the device for setting and monitoring the grinding degree of a grinding mill. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of a first method 100 for grinding material by at least one grinding mill. The method 100 is a method for grinding coffee beans by at least one coffee grinding mill. The grinding mill or one of the grinding mills is in a standby or idle state in a first step 110. The method 100 includes receiving a first user input in a second step 120. The first user input is for a selection of a particular coffee product. For example, the first user input is for a coffee product from an assortment that includes (standard) coffee, cold brew beverages and espresso. Based on the received first user input, the coffee product selected by the user is identified. For example, in step 130A, the selected coffee product is identified as coffee or cold brew beverage. Alternatively, in step 130B, the selected coffee product is identified as espresso. Based on the selected coffee product, a target grinding degree of the grinding mill is further identified in step 130A or step 130B. The target grinding degree of a grinding mill is the grinding degree of the material to be ground, here the coffee beans to be ground, which is optimal, pre-specified and / or recommended for preparing a selected coffee product. For example, for preparing coffee or cold brew beverages, a different, in particular coarser, coffee powder fineness is required than for preparing espresso.

[0042] Following step 130A or 130B, in step 140A or 140B, the actual grinding degree of the grinding mill is determined. The actual grinding degree of the grinding mill is the set grinding degree, i.e. the grinding degree to which the grinding mill is set at the current time or at a specific time. The actual grinding degree is determined, for example, via the setting of the operating elements of the grinding mill, in particular via the operating elements for setting the grinding degree. Similarly, the actual grinding degree can be determined via the setting of certain grinding mill elements of the grinding mill, in particular relative to other grinding mill elements of the grinding mill. To determine the actual grinding degree, sensors can be used, which are, for example, attached to the operating elements and / or the certain grinding mill elements or which interact with the operating elements and / or the certain grinding mill elements.

[0043] Furthermore, in step 140A or 140B, the actual grinding degree is automatically compared with the target grinding degree. This comparison of the actual grinding degree with the target grinding degree allows to determine whether the actual grinding degree corresponds to the target grinding degree or not. For example, the actual grinding degree corresponds to the target grinding degree if the actual grinding degree is included in the target grinding degree range that is specifically associated with the target grinding degree. For example, not only one specific grinding degree but multiple specific grinding degrees and / or specific grinding degree ranges are optimal, recommended and / or pre-specified for the preparation of a specific coffee product.

[0044] If the actual grinding degree corresponds to the target grinding degree, step 140A or step 140B is followed by step 180 which includes dispensing the ground material. Dispensing the ground material in step 180 includes grinding the ground material with the set grinding degree or the actual grinding degree. Dispensing the ground material in step 180 may further include preparing the coffee product selected in step 120 with the ground material.

[0045] If the comparison of the actual grinding degree with the target grinding degree in step 140A or step 140B determines that the actual grinding degree does not match the target grinding degree, for example that the actual grinding degree is not within the target grinding degree range or is not included in the target grinding degree range, an instruction is automatically output in step 150 to the user of the grinding mill. The instruction may be for the actual grinding degree, the target grinding degree and / or the mismatch between the actual grinding degree and the target grinding degree or the target grinding degree range. The instruction may further be for requesting the user of the grinding mill to change the actual grinding degree, in particular to change it to the target grinding degree, for example to make it larger or smaller. In particular, the instruction may be related to how much the actual grinding degree should be made larger or smaller in order to achieve the target grinding degree.

[0046] In step 160, the grinding mill is relaxed. The relaxation of the grinding mill may include the adjustment of the actual grinding degree to a transition grinding degree, which is coarser than the actual grinding degree. The relaxation of the grinding mill may additionally or alternatively include a back-run of the grinding mill. The relaxation of the grinding mill may be advantageous in particular when the specified target grinding degree or the specified target grinding degree range is finer than the specified actual grinding degree, because if the material to be ground and / or the ground material to be ground is located in the grinding mill, in particular between the grinding mill elements, for example in the grinding gap, the adjustment from the first grinding degree to the second grinding degree (where the second grinding degree is finer than the first grinding degree) may be difficult or may be hindered and / or may cause damage to the grinding mill or to individual grinding mill elements.

[0047] Step 160 may, for example, be performed following (directly) step 150 or simultaneously with step 150. The relaxation of the grinding mill allows the user of the grinding mill, after noticing the instructions, to adjust the grinding mill at any time if desired, without having to apply excessive force or damaging the grinding mill.

[0048] In step 170, a second user input of a user of the grinding mill is received. The second user input can be for adjusting the actual grinding degree, in particular to the target grinding degree. For example, the second user input can be for a desire to change the set actual grinding degree and / or for having changed the set actual grinding degree. Furthermore, the second user input can be a grinding mill adjustment made by the user. Similarly, the second user input can be for confirmation of a desire to automatically adjust or have the grinding mill adjusted. Furthermore, the second user input can be for confirmation of or consent to a grinding degree adjustment from the actual grinding degree to the target grinding degree, which has already been automatically performed, for example after step 140A, step 140B, step 150 or step 160. Alternatively, the second user input can be for a desire to grind the material to the actual grinding degree despite a discrepancy between the target grinding degree or the target grinding degree range and the actual grinding degree, or for a desire to prepare a selected product based on the material ground to the actual grinding degree.

[0049] The second user input can also be received without active user assistance, for example by specifying the expiry of the first time interval. In this way, the user can confirm the grinding mill adjustment that is or should be automatically performed, for example by allowing the first time interval to elapse or by being inactive during the first time interval. Additionally or alternatively, the second user input, for example by an active user input or the inactive elapse of the first time interval, can be for the user's confirmation that the material to be ground is ground with the set or changed actual grinding degree, despite a discrepancy between the actual grinding degree and the target grinding degree or the target grinding degree range. Furthermore, the second user input, for example by an active user input or the inactive elapse of the first time interval, can be for the user's confirmation that the material to be ground is ground with the target grinding degree.

[0050] In other words, the method can predetermine a time interval or delay to be elapsed before the pouring out of the material to be ground or the grinding of the material to be ground with the actual or target grinding degree in step 180. The first time interval to be elapsed can be initiated, for example, by the receipt of a first or second user input, by an automatic adjustment of the grinding degree or by a user adjustment of the grinding degree, for example by adjusting an operating element, by the determination of the actual and / or target grinding degree or by the output of instructions to the user. In this way, it is ensured that the user is given sufficient time to adjust the grinding degree of the grinding mill before the start of the grinding process or the pouring out of the material to be ground.

[0051] Similarly, the method can prescribe a second time interval or delay to elapse before the automatic adjustment of the actual degree of grinding. The second time interval can be initiated, for example, by receiving a first or a second user input, by an automatic adjustment of the degree of grinding or by an adjustment of the degree of grinding by a user, for example by adjusting an operating element, by specifying the actual degree of grinding and / or the target degree of grinding or by outputting instructions to the user. In this way, the user is given sufficient time to confirm the execution of the grinding process with the target degree of grinding, to set a desired alternative degree of grinding or to confirm the execution of the grinding process with an actual degree of grinding different from the target degree of grinding.

[0052] Step 180, as described above, follows step 170. For example, step 180 may commence after expiration of the first time interval and / or the second time interval.

[0053] If step 180 follows step 140A or step 140B as described above, then step 180 may likewise be initiated after expiry of the first, second or third time interval. For example, the third time interval is initiated upon receipt of a first user input or by the determination of the actual grinding degree and / or the target grinding degree. In this way, the user can adjust the grinding degree within the third time interval, in case the actual grinding degree corresponds to the target grinding degree or to the target grinding degree range, despite this correspondence, for example to use an individually preferred grinding degree.

[0054] In step 190, the grinding mill is transitioned to a standby or pause state, which may correspond to the standby or pause state of step 110.

[0055] The method 100 can be used for a plurality of grinding mills. For example, steps 110 to 190 are performed separately for each grinding mill or together for each grinding mill, in particular simultaneously, when grinding the material to be ground by a plurality of grinding mills. The plurality of grinding mills may, for example, contain different materials to be ground, which may lead to the specification of a specific target grinding degree for a specific grinding mill among the plurality of grinding mills, in particular the specification of different target grinding degrees for different grinding mills. Similarly, different actual grinding degrees may be set for different grinding mills, and therefore the result of the comparison in step 140A or step 140B may be different for different grinding degrees.

[0056] Figure 2 shows a flow chart of a second method 200 for grinding an object to be ground by at least one grinding mill, similar to the method 100 of Figure 1. The same or similar features or steps are given the same reference numbers.

[0057] The method 200 does not include step 160 of the method 100. In the method 200, step 160A follows step 180 described in connection with FIG. 1. In step 160A, the grinding mill is relaxed after the pouring out of the material to be ground or the grinding of the material to be ground in step 180. The relaxation of the grinding mill may take place or be performed as in step 160 of the method 100 shown in FIG. 1. Step 160A may in particular be performed after each step 180, i.e. after each grinding process. Alternatively, step 160A may be performed after several steps 180, i.e. after several grinding processes, in particular after several specifiable or prespecified grinding processes. This has the advantage that the user of the grinding mill can adjust the grinding mill at any time, in particular to a finer grinding degree at any time. For example, the user of the grinding mill can adjust the grinding mill before, during or after the selection of the product in step 120 or after receiving the instruction in step 150, for example via an operating element.

[0058] Following step 160A, the grinding mill is transitioned to a standby or idle state in step 190, as in method 100 of FIG.

[0059] In FIG. 3, a first operating interface 10 of a grinding mill or of a device including a grinding mill, for example a coffee machine, is shown. The first operating interface 10 comprises a first indicating display 11, in which or by means of which a selection of products is displayed. The displayed, selected product may be pre-specified or may be selected in advance by the user or may be selectable. The first operating interface 10 further comprises an operating element 12 for setting the grinding degree. The set grinding degree corresponds to the actual grinding degree. The first operating interface 10 further comprises a first grinding degree display, a second grinding degree display and a third grinding degree display 13, 14, 15. The operating element 12 can be set to one of the grinding degree displays 13, 14, 15 in order to select a particular grinding degree. The first grinding degree display 13 represents a first grinding degree or a first grinding degree range, in the example shown a coarse grinding degree or a coarse grinding degree range. The second grinding degree display 14 represents a second grinding degree or a second grinding degree range, in the example shown, a medium grinding degree or a medium grinding degree range that is finer than the first grinding degree or the first grinding degree range. The third grinding degree display 15 represents a third grinding degree or a third grinding degree range, in the example shown, a fine grinding degree or a fine grinding degree range that is finer than the second grinding degree or the second grinding degree range.

[0060] The first operating interface 10 further comprises a second indication display 16. By means of the second indication display 16, an indication can be visually output to the user. For example, an indication may be output to the user if the set actual grinding degree does not correspond to the selected (and displayed by the indication display 11) product or does not match a pre-specified, optimal and / or recommended target grinding degree or target grinding degree range for the selected product. In the shown example, the user is requested by the indication displayed on the indication display 16 to adjust the actual grinding degree, i.e. to a fine grinding degree. In the shown example, the actual grinding degree is coarser than the target grinding degree. The actual grinding degree is set to a medium grinding degree and the target grinding degree corresponds to a fine grinding degree.

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, the operating interface 10 may include a third indication display 17. By means of the third indication display 17, an indication can be visually output to the user. The indication displayed by the indication display 17 indicates to the user the direction of adjustment of the actual grinding degree to a finer grinding degree. In this way, the user is requested to set the set actual grinding degree to a finer grinding degree, in particular to a fine grinding degree, as is done by the indication display 16.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, instructions to the user of the grinding mill can be output by lighting one or more of the grinding degree displays 13, 14, 15. For example, as depicted in the illustrated example, the second grinding degree display 14 can be visually emphasized relative to the first and third grinding degree displays 13, 15, i.e. for example illuminated more strongly, when the actual grinding degree corresponds to an intermediate grinding degree. In this way, instructions to the user of the grinding mill can include a report of the actual grinding degree.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, an instruction to the target grinding degree or the target grinding degree range can be outputted via a visual highlighting of one of the grinding degree displays 13, 14, 15. In the example shown, the user can be informed that the target grinding degree (range) is a fine grinding degree (range) by illuminating or visually highlighting the third grinding degree display 15. Similarly, the adjustment direction of the operating element 12 can be indicated by visually highlighting one or more of these grinding degree displays 13, 14, 15. For example, in the case where the operating element 12 is set to a coarse grinding degree, i.e. the first grinding degree display 13, first the second grinding degree display 14 and then the third grinding degree display 15 can be visually highlighted, for example illuminated, if a fine grinding degree corresponds to the target grinding degree. In this way, the instruction to the user of the grinding mill can include the output of the target grinding degree.

[0064] The output of the indication, preferably automatic, for example via the grinding degree displays 13, 14, 15 and / or the indication displays 16, 17 may take place, for example, in step 150 of the method 100 or method 200 of Figs. 1 and 2 .

[0065] In Fig. 4, a second operating interface 20 is shown for the selection of a product, in the illustrated example a coffee product, by a user of the grinding mill via user input, e.g. touch input. The user input for selecting a product may be performed, for example, in step 120 of the method 100 or the method 200 of Figs. 1 and 2. The product selected via the second operating interface 20 may be displayed on the first indication display 11 of the operating interface 10 shown in Fig. 3.

[0066] In figures 5 to 8 an apparatus 30 for setting and monitoring the grinding degree of a grinding mill is shown. Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of the apparatus 30. Figure 6 shows a side view of the apparatus 30. Figure 7 shows a top view of the apparatus 30. Figure 8 shows an enlarged portion 40 of the side view of figure 6. The same or similar features are given the same reference numbers.

[0067] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the device 30 has a setting element 31. The setting element 31 may include the operating element 12 of the operating interface 10 shown in Figure 3 or may be coupled to the operating element 12. By actuating the setting element 31, the grinding degree of the grinding mill can be adjusted or the actual grinding degree of the grinding mill can be set.

[0068] The device 30 further comprises a transmission element 32, which is configured to transmit the setting of the setting element 31 or the grinding mill to a sensor 33 of the device 30. The transmission element 32 comprises a first coupling means 32A, which can be coupled to a second coupling means 31A of the setting element 31 in order to transfer an adjustment or movement, in particular a rotation, of the setting element 31 into a corresponding adjustment or movement, in particular a rotation, of the transmission element 32. In the example shown, the gear-shaped coupling means 32A engages with a correspondingly shaped gear-shaped coupling means 31A.

[0069] The transfer element 32 further includes a roller 32B and a ridge or protrusion 32C attached to or included in the roller 32B. The ridges 32C are radially and / or axially spaced apart from one another on the outer periphery of the roller 32B.

[0070] The device 30 includes a sensor 33. The sensor 33 includes a number of micro push buttons 33A. Depending on the setting position of the transmission element 32 or roller 32B, a different micro push button 33A of the sensor 33 is activated by a raised portion 32C.

[0071] In Fig. 9, the transmission element 32 and the sensor 33 are shown in plan view. Identical or similar features are given the same reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 9, on the one hand, a number of ridges 33C may be arranged radially and axially offset on the roller 32B. On the other hand, these ridges 32C may have different widths or extend for different lengths along the circumference of the roller 32B. In other words, these ridges 32C may include or cover differently sized radial areas of the roller 32B.

[0072] By appropriately selecting the arrangement and configuration of these bumps 32C, the sensor 33 can, by means of the micro push button 33A, uniquely determine the setting or adjustment of the setting element 31, e.g. the actual degree of grinding, in particular over a specific rotation range, e.g. a rotation range greater than 360°. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10 First Operation Interface 11 First display 12 Operational elements 13 First grinding display 14 Second Grinding Display 15 Third grinding display 16 Secondary Indicating Display 17 Third display 20 Second Operation Interface 30 Device for setting and monitoring the grinding degree of a grinding mill 31 Configuration elements 31A First coupling means 32 Transmission Elements 32A Second coupling means 32B Lola 32C ridge 33 Sensors 33A Micro Push Button 100 A first method for grinding a material to be ground by at least one grinding mill 200 A second method for grinding a material to be ground by at least one grinding mill

Claims

1. A method for grinding a material to be ground by means of at least one coffee grinding mill in a coffee machine, said method comprising the steps of: Determining the actual grinding degree of the grinding mill (140A, 140B); determining a target grinding degree for the grinding mill based on a coffee product selected by a user (130A, 130B), comprising receiving a first user input (120) and determining the target grinding degree based on the received first user input (130A, 130B), the first user input being linked to a selection of a coffee product; Automatically comparing the target grinding degree with the actual grinding degree (140A, 140B); automatically outputting instructions to a user of the grinding mill based on the comparison of the target grinding degree and the actual grinding degree (150); Receiving a second user input (170); and When the actual grinding degree is equal to the target grinding degree, grinding the material to be ground according to the actual grinding degree (180); If the actual grinding degree does not match the target grinding degree, grinding the material to be ground according to the actual grinding degree (180); or adjusting the actual grinding degree to set the target grinding degree. Contains In response to the reception of the second user input, grinding the object to be ground according to the actual grinding degree or adjusting the actual grinding degree. method.

2. The method further includes outputting (150) an indication to a user of the grinding mill if the actual grinding degree does not match the target grinding degree; In particular, automatically outputting whether the actual degree of grinding should be increased or decreased and / or how much the actual degree of grinding should be increased or decreased in order to achieve the target degree of grinding. The method of claim 1.

3. grinding (180) of the material to be ground with the actual grinding degree and / or the target grinding degree, in particular in response to expiry of one or more first time intervals, preferably prespecified, from the first user input, the second user input, the adjustment of the grinding degree, the adjustment of an operating element and / or the output of instructions to the user, The method of claim 1.

4. adjusting the actual grinding degree in particular in response to expiry of one or more second time intervals, preferably prespecified, from the first user input, the second user input, the adjustment of the operating element or an operating element and / or the output of an instruction to the user. The method of claim 1.

5. the instructions (150) to the user of the grinding mill include a report of the actual grinding degree and / or the target grinding degree; and / or the instructions (150) to the user of the grinding mill include a report of the desired settings of the operating elements (12) of the grinding mill for setting the grinding degree. The method of claim 1.

6. the instructions (150) for the user of the grinding mill include reference values ​​for setting the target grinding degree and / or reference values ​​for adjusting the operating elements (12) of the grinding mill; The method of claim 1.

7. The determining the actual grinding degree (140A, 140B) includes determining an actual value or an actual value range for the set grinding degree, Identifying the target grinding degree (130A, 130B) includes identifying a target value or a target value range for the target grinding degree; Outputting an instruction to a user of the grinding mill includes outputting an instruction to a user of the grinding mill when the target value or the target value range does not at least partially match the actual value or the actual value range. The method of claim 1.

8. said determining the actual grinding degree (140A, 140B) comprises determining a position of an operating element (12) of said grinding mill and / or determining a position of an adjustable grinding mill element of said grinding mill, in particular determining a position of a first grinding mill element of said grinding mill relative to a second grinding mill element of said grinding mill; The method of claim 1.

9. The grinding mill includes a sensor (33), the determination of the actual grinding degree (140A, 140B), in particular the determination of the position of the operating element (12) of the grinding mill, in particular the determination of the position of the operating element (12) of the preferably manually actuable and / or mechanical adjustment device (31) of the grinding degree and / or the determination of the position of the grinding mill elements of the grinding mill, is carried out on the basis of sensor data of the sensor (33); The method of claim 1.

10. visually outputting (150) instructions to a user of the grinding mill, preferably via a display and / or via illumination of at least one area (13, 14, 15) of the operating element; The method of claim 1.

11. The method includes grinding (180) a material to be ground with a plurality of grinding mills; Outputting (150) instructions to a user of the grinding mill based on the comparison (140A, 140B) of each actual grinding degree with each target grinding degree includes outputting (150) respective instructions, in particular different instructions. The method of claim 1.

12. The method further comprises activating (160) a cleaning process for cleaning the grinding mill, preferably in response to or during the automatic output of the instructions (150), in particular if the actual grinding degree does not correspond to the target grinding degree. The method of claim 1.

13. Activating (160) the cleaning process includes adjusting the actual grinding degree to set a transition grinding degree that is different from a target grinding degree, preferably coarser than the actual grinding degree and / or the target grinding degree.

13. The method of claim 12.

14. Operating the cleaning process (160) preferably includes operating the grinding mill in a backward direction opposite to the grinding direction.

13. The method of claim 12.

15. A coffee machine comprising a grinding mill and a processor, The processor is configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, In particular, said coffee machine has a preferably manually operable and / or mechanical adjustment device for the grinding degree and / or an optically readable display device, preferably a display and / or a controlled illuminable area, Coffee machine.

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