Coffee grinding machine with improved hopper engagement and opening / closing device

Abstract

A coffee grinding machine (1) is described, said machine comprising a hopper (2) for containing coffee beans to be ground and an engagement seat (15) configured to enable the hopper to be connected to the coffee grinding machine, the hopper comprising an outlet (2B) and a device (20) for opening and closing the outlet, the device for opening and closing the outlet comprising a fixed member (30) substantially integral with the hopper and a movable shutter member (40, 50) having a manual control member (46) for operating the shutter member to an open or closed position, the manual control member being configured to interact with the engagement seat (15, 151) and / or the fixed member (30) to close the movable shutter member while rotating the hopper in a first direction to disengage the hopper from the engagement seat.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for grinding coffee beans, which can be a stand-alone machine or can be incorporated into an at least partially automatic machine for the production of coffee-based beverages. Such machines are also known simply as "coffee grinding machines," "coffee grinders," or "mills." In particular, the present invention relates to a coffee grinding machine with an improved device for engaging and opening the hopper. [Background technology]

[0002] Two categories of coffee grinding machines are known, one category uses volumetric dosing means and has a storage container, the other category is of the "on-demand" type, i.e., immediate dosing and does not store ground coffee. The present invention relates to both categories of machines, but preferably to coffee grinding machines of the "on-demand" type, i.e., immediate dosing and does not store ground coffee.

[0003] In coffee grinding machines, the coffee beans to be ground are contained in a hopper located at the top of the machine. The hopper is filled with coffee beans through a top opening and also has a bottom opening that allows the coffee beans to reach the grinding chamber by gravity.

[0004] Typically, the hopper is a component that is removable from the rest of the coffee grinding machine so that it can be engaged or disengaged, for example, to clean the hopper or to store the coffee beans in a cool place.

[0005] In known coffee grinding machines, the engagement of the hopper is effected by vertical insertion, by form-fit coupling or by rotation.

[0006] However, ensuring that the coffee grinder only operates with the hopper engaged is not necessarily achieved by the operation of a microswitch or other sensor - this is often achieved by a mechanical locking system that requires the use of a tool to remove.

[0007] Existing applications use a plastic or metal tongue or spoon-like element that is rotated relative to the hopper opening.

[0008] Patent document 1 discloses a coffee grinding machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Australian Patent Application Publication No. 2009240812(A1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The applicant has carried out a thorough investigation of known coffee grinding machines.

[0011] The tongue solution allows the hopper to be opened or closed by engagement or disengagement of the tongue into / from the coffee passage.

[0012] The solution with the spoon-shaped part allows instead to open and close the hopper by rotating it between an opening point and a closing point.

[0013] The Applicant believes that the system for engaging and opening the hopper plays a very important role in a domestic or commercial coffee grinder.

[0014] In particular, the applicant has set himself the objective of achieving at least one of the following characteristics: - Preventing the coffee grinding machine from starting unless the hopper is properly engaged; - preventing the hopper from disengaging unless the bottom opening has been previously closed; - minimizing the amount of coffee grounds remaining between the hopper closure and the grinding chamber entrance; the downstream hopper channel can be emptied by grinding even when the hopper is closed; - User-friendliness for the user of the hopper and, more generally, the coffee grinding machine.

[0015] In order to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned characteristics, the applicant has set out to provide a hopper engagement system that is simple and easy to operate while at the same time meeting the safety and operational requirements of the equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] According to the present invention there is provided a coffee grinding machine comprising a hopper for containing coffee beans to be ground and an engagement seat configured to enable the hopper to be connected to the coffee grinding machine, the hopper comprising an outlet and a device for opening and closing the outlet, the device for opening and closing the outlet comprising a fixed member substantially integral with the hopper and a movable shutter member having a manual control member for operating the shutter member to an open or closed position, the manual control member being configured to interact with the engagement seat and / or the fixed portion to close the movable shutter member while rotating the hopper in a first direction to disengage the hopper from the engagement seat.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the shutter member comprises a plurality of tongues movable between a first position and a second position, whereby the opening at the bottom of the fixed part is closed to prevent coffee beans from entering the grinding group of the coffee grinding machine.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the shutter member comprises a movable part configured to undergo a rotational movement relative to a fixed part to displace the shutter tongue from a first position to a second position and vice versa.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the manual control member comprises a control lever integral with the movable part of the shutter member.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the engagement seat comprises a first stop and a second stop for limiting the rotational movement of the control lever and for causing the control lever to place the tongue in the closed position.

[0021] According to an embodiment, while rotating the hopper in a first direction to disengage the hopper from the engagement seat, the second stop and the control lever remain in contact with each other, thereby bringing the shutter tongue to the closed position.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the machine also includes a safety start and stop system that prevents operation of the coffee grinding machine if the hopper is not properly engaged.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the system comprises a reed safety sensor and a corresponding reed sensor activation magnet, the reed sensor activation magnet being integrated with a stationary portion of the device and the reed sensor being integrated with the machine.

[0024] According to an embodiment, each of the shutter tongues has a substantially triangular shape with a base and an apex.

[0025] According to an embodiment, each of the shutter tongues has a first rotating pin protruding downward, the first rotating pin being arranged substantially at one end of a side surface of each of the shutter tongues, and each of the shutter tongues is hingedly connected to the fixed member via each rotating pin engaging with a respective hole in the bottom of the fixed member.

[0026] According to an embodiment, each of the shutter tongues includes a second cam pin located substantially midway along the base of each shutter tongue, and each of the cam pins is configured to engage a slot in the movable shutter member.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the fixing member has teeth protruding radially from a side surface of the fixing member, and the engagement seat has longitudinal grooves configured to cooperate with the teeth, and the connection between the radially protruding teeth and the grooves determines the insertion and extraction positions of the hopper relative to the insertion seat.

[0028] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for disengaging a hopper from a hopper disengagement seat of a coffee grinding machine, the hopper comprising an outlet and a device for opening and closing the outlet, the device for opening and closing the outlet comprising a fixed member substantially integral with the hopper and a movable shutter member comprising a manual control member for operating the shutter member to an open or closed position, the manual control member being configured to interact with the engagement seat and / or the fixed portion, and when the shutter member is in the open position, the method includes rotating the hopper in a first direction such that the manual control member remains in contact with the engagement seat such that during rotation of the hopper, the movable shutter member rotates relative to the hopper to close the outlet.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the manual control member comprises a control lever integral with the movable part of the shutter member, the engagement seat comprises a window having a first stop and a second stop for limiting the movement of the control lever, and the step of rotating the hopper in the first direction comprises the step of rotating the hopper so that the control lever remains at the second stop to close the outlet of the hopper during rotation.

[0030] The invention will become more apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example and read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1.1] 1 shows an example of a coffee grinding machine according to the present invention; [Figure 1.2] Fig. 1.1 shows a longitudinal section of the machine. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a hopper and a hopper engagement and opening / closing device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a hopper engagement and opening / closing device according to the present invention. [Figure 4.1] FIG. 2 shows the fixed part of the device according to the invention. [Figure 4.2] FIG. 2 shows the fixed part of the device according to the invention. [Figure 5.1] 1 shows the movable parts of the device according to the invention; [Figure 5.2] 1 shows the movable parts of the device according to the invention; [Figure 6.1] FIG. 1 is an axonometric view from below of the movable part (with tongue) fixed at the outlet of the hopper. [Figure 6.2] 1 is an axonometric view from below of a device according to the invention fixed at the outlet of a hopper; FIG. [Figure 7.1] 10A-10C show steps of inserting the hopper. [Figure 7.2] FIG. 10 shows the steps of rotation to engage the hopper. [Figure 7.3] FIG. 10 shows the hopper fully engaged. [Figure 8.1] FIG. [Figure 8.2] FIG. [Figure 9.1] FIG. 10 illustrates a rotational movement for disengaging the hopper. [Figure 9.2] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the disengagement and automatic closing of the hopper mouth. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates how the hopper can only be removed if it is fully disengaged. [Figure 11.1]FIG. 1 is an axonometric view showing the operation of the start and stop system, seen from below, of a moving part (with tongue) fixed at the outlet of the hopper. [Figure 11.2] FIG. 1 is an axonometric view showing the operation of the start and stop system, seen from below, of a moving part (with tongue) fixed at the outlet of the hopper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Figure 1.1 shows, purely by way of example, a coffee grinding machine 1 according to the invention. Figure 1.2 shows a longitudinal section of the machine shown in Figure 1.1, showing some of the main components. Obviously, a machine according to the invention may take any form quite different from that shown in Figures 1.1 and 1.2. As the invention is directed only to some of the components of the machine, other components which are not essential for the understanding of the invention will not be described and / or shown.

[0033] The machine 1 according to the invention comprises a hopper 2 for receiving the coffee beans to be ground, a grinding group 3 for grinding the coffee beans received from the hopper 2, a passage channel 4 for the ground coffee and an outlet channel 5 for the ground coffee for conveying the coffee powder to a receiving container, which is typically a filter 10 in a filter holder 11.

[0034] The machine 1 according to Figures 1.1 and 1.2 also comprises a ring nut 12 for adjusting the particle size of the ground coffee.

[0035] Also shown in the aforementioned figures is a machine body 8 and a motor 6 with a drive belt 7 for rotating the bars relative to one another. The machine body 8 may be at least partly made of metal.

[0036] The coffee grinding machine 1 may comprise a support 13 for supporting the filter holder 11 in the correct position so that the ground coffee is directed onto the filter 10 supported by the filter holder 11. The support 13 may be adjustable in height, as shown by the double arrow in Figure 1.1.

[0037] The hopper 2 is configured to contain the coffee beans to be ground. The hopper 2 can take any form, but typically has a top loading opening 2A for loading the coffee beans and a bottom outlet 2B for delivering the coffee beans towards the bar group 3.

[0038] At the outlet 2B of the hopper 2, a device 20 is arranged for opening and closing the outlet 2B.

[0039] 2 and 3, the closure device 20 comprises three main parts: (i) a fixed part 30 that is substantially integral with the hopper 2; (ii) a movable part 40 that rotates freely within the fixed part 30 and is operable by a user; and (iii) shutter tongues 50 that are operated by the movable part 40 and form a shutter-type closure system for the area through which the coffee beans pass. According to one embodiment, six shutter tongues 50 are provided. However, according to other embodiments, the number of shutter tongues 50 may be greater or less.

[0040] Figures 4.1 and 4.2 show two images of the fixed part 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed part 30 has a generally cup-shaped upper edge 31 that protrudes outward. The bottom 32 of the fixed part 30 includes a central hole 33. A plurality of holes 34 (e.g., blind holes), the function of which will be described below, are arranged circumferentially and angularly spaced from one another around the central hole 33. A portion of the side wall 35 of the fixed part 30 is open, forming a first window 36. The side faces of the window 36 are designated by the reference numerals 361 and 362.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4.1 and 4.2, the fixing portion 30 may also comprise one or more teeth 37 projecting radially from the side surface 35, for example in the vicinity of the protruding edge 31.

[0042] Finally, the fixed part 30 may also include a snap-engagement fastener 38 for engaging the outlet 2B of the hopper 2 and holding the movable part 40 in place.

[0043] The movable part 40 is housed within the fixed part 30 and has a generally annular shape with a circular opening 43 in a bottom part 42. A number of slots 49 are also provided in the bottom part 42 around the circular opening 43. The number of slots 49 corresponds to the number of tongues 50.

[0044] The mobile part 40 also comprises a control lever 46 for rotating the mobile part 40 relative to the fixed part 30. The amplitude of the rotation is determined by the window 36 in the side wall 35 of the fixed part 30.

[0045] Each of the shutter tongues 50 has a generally triangular shape with a base and an apex.

[0046] Each shutter tongue 50 has a first pivot pin 54 shown in Figures 3 and 6.1. The pivot pin 54 protrudes downward and is located substantially at one end of the side of each tongue 50. Each shutter tongue 50 is hinged to the fixed part 30 by each pivot pin 54 engaging in one of the holes 34 in the bottom 32 of the fixed part 30.

[0047] Each shutter tongue 50 also includes a second cam pin 59 that projects in the opposite direction from the rotation pin 54. The cam pin 59 is located at a substantially midpoint of the base of the tongue 50. Each cam pin 59 is configured to engage one of the slots 49 in the movable part 40. The shape of the slot 49 determines the path of the shutter tongue 50 and, therefore, the movement of the shutter tongue 50.

[0048] When the control lever 46 is rotated in one direction or the other, the movable part 40 and, with it, the tongues 50 rotate. In other words, when the control lever 46 is operated in a clockwise direction, the shutter tongues 50 move closer together (their peaks tend to converge) and substantially close the central hole 33 in the fixed part, while when the control lever 46 is operated in a counterclockwise direction, the shutter tongues 50 move farther apart (their peaks tend to move apart) and the central hole 33 in the fixed part 30 is opened.

[0049] The coffee grinding machine 1 according to the invention comprises an engagement seat 15 adapted to receive the hopper 2, in particular the device 20 for opening and closing the outlet of the hopper 2. The engagement seat 15 comprises an essentially upwardly protruding circular collar, as shown in Figures 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3, which comprises a front window 151 adapted to essentially overlap the opening 36 of the fixed part 30 when the hopper 2 is correctly engaged.

[0050] The engagement seat also includes longitudinal grooves 157 on the inner wall of the circular collar, the number, position and size of the longitudinal grooves 157 substantially corresponding to the number, position and size of the teeth 37 projecting radially from the side surface 35 of the fixed part 30.

[0051] As will become apparent below, the engagement between the radially projecting teeth 37 and the grooves 157 determines the position for insertion and withdrawal of the hopper into and from the engagement seat 15 .

[0052] Figure 7.1 shows the step of inserting the hopper 2 into the engagement seat 15. This movement is simple and consists only of a downward displacement, as indicated by the arrow V.

[0053] Figure 7.2 shows the configuration once clockwise rotation of Hopper 2 has begun to engage it with Machine 1. Again, the operation is simple for the user as it consists of a screwing motion with a few degrees of rotation.

[0054] Figure 7.3 shows the hopper 2 in a fully engaged configuration.

[0055] As is clear from a comparison of Figures 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3, when the hopper 2 is inserted and before it is engaged by rotating it clockwise, the control lever 46 is at the right end of the window 151. When the hopper 2 is fully engaged, taking into account that the hopper 2 has been rotated clockwise (keeping the control lever 46 stationary relative to the hopper 2), the control lever 46 will be at the left end of the window 151.

[0056] From the position shown in Figure 7.3, i.e. with the hopper 2 engaged and the tongue 50 in the closed position, it is sufficient to rotate the control lever 46 counterclockwise, as indicated by the right-pointing arrow in Figure 8.1, to open the mouth of the hopper and thereby allow the coffee beans to reach the burr group 3. Counterclockwise rotation moves the control lever 46 from the left contact position (end stop of travel 151a) to the right contact position (end stop of travel 151b). At the bottom of Figure 8.1, the tongue 50 is shown to be retracted towards the periphery of the circular opening 43, opening said opening, after counterclockwise rotation of the control lever 46.

[0057] To close the outlet opening of the hopper 2, the control lever 46 must be rotated clockwise, as shown by the left-pointing arrow in Figure 8.2, to the left stop position 151a of the window 151. In this position, the tongue 50 substantially completely closes the circular opening.

[0058] From the position shown in Figure 8.2 (outlet closed, control lever 46 to the left, hopper 2 engaged), hopper 2 can be disengaged by simply rotating it counterclockwise without moving control lever 46. This state is shown in Figure 9.1.

[0059] After disengaging the hopper 2, the control lever 46 is still in a position in contact with the right edge 151b of the window 151 (thus the tongue 50 is in the closed configuration) and the hopper 2 can be extracted by displacing it upwards. This state is shown in Figure 9.2.

[0060] A particular aspect of the present invention lies in the fact that the hopper 2 cannot be withdrawn when the outlet is open. Indeed, if a user wants to disengage and withdraw the hopper 2 from the configuration shown in FIG. 8.1 (hopper engaged, outlet open, control lever 46 on the right), he / she must rotate the hopper 2 counterclockwise. During this counterclockwise rotation of the hopper 2, the control lever 46 remains in contact with the right edge of the window 151. Thus, during the rotation of the hopper 2, the movable part 40 moves relative to the fixed part 30, automatically closing the hopper's outlet. Withdrawal of the hopper 2 is only possible when the outlet is closed.

[0061] So, in essence, the hopper 2 can only be fully disengaged when it is closed. When the hopper is engaged, the hopper 2 can be opened or closed as required by simply moving the control lever 46 in either direction.

[0062] Figure 10 is a bottom view showing how the hopper 2 can only be extracted if it is completely disengaged and closed. From Figure 10 it can be seen that there must be a correspondence between the teeth 37 protruding from the side surface 35 of the fixed part 30 and the grooves 157 on the inner surface of the engagement seat 15.

[0063] The device 20 according to the invention has at least the following advantages: the hopper 2 cannot be disengaged unless the outlet opening has been closed beforehand; in fact, the tongue 50 closes automatically when disengaged, due to the contact of the movable part in the unlocking direction; - the arrangement is such that only a small amount of coffee beans remain between the hopper closure and the bar group 3; in fact, the device 20 is located at the substantially lowest point of the hopper and therefore always remains close to the bar group 3; - the downstream channel of hopper 2 can be emptied by grinding even when the hopper is closed; - The hopper 2, or more generally the coffee grinding machine 1, is simple and easy to use.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device 20 is equipped with a safety activation and shutdown system that prevents crushing unless the hopper 2 is properly engaged. This solution is shown in Figures 11.1 and 11.2. The system comprises a reed safety sensor 60 and a corresponding magnet 61 for activating the reed sensor. According to the embodiment shown, the reed sensor activation magnet 61 is integrated with the fixed part 30 of the device 20. The reed sensor 60 is integrated with the machine 1 at a predetermined position.

[0065] Figure 11.1 shows the position of the activation magnet 61 when the hopper 2 is inserted (Figure 7.1). In this position, the magnet 61 does not activate the reed sensor 60. Therefore, the motor 6 does not start when the push button 9 to activate the grinding process is pressed.

[0066] Figure 11.2 shows the position of the actuation magnet 61 when the hopper 2 is engaged (Figure 7.3). In this position, the magnet 61 can activate the reed sensor 60 and therefore the motor 6.

Claims

1. Coffee grinding machine (1) comprising a hopper (2) for containing coffee beans to be ground and an engagement seat (15) configured to allow the hopper to be connected to the coffee grinding machine (1), the hopper (2) comprising an outlet (2B) and a device (20) for opening and closing the outlet, the device (20) for opening and closing the outlet comprising a fixed part (30) substantially integral with the hopper (2) and a movable shutter member (40, 50) comprising a manual control member (46) for operating the shutter member to an open or closed position, the manual control member (46) being configured to interact with the engagement seat (15, 151) and / or the fixed part (30, 36) to close the movable shutter member (40, 50) during rotation of the hopper (2) in a first direction to disengage the hopper (2) from the engagement seat (15).

2. 2. The coffee grinding machine (1) of claim 1, wherein the shutter member comprises a plurality of shutter tongues (50) movable between a first position and a second position, whereby an opening (33) at the bottom of the fixed part (30) is closed to prevent coffee beans from entering the grinding group (3) of the coffee grinding machine (1).

3. Coffee grinding machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein the shutter member comprises a movable part (40) configured to undergo a rotational movement relative to the fixed part to displace the tongue (50) from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

4. Coffee grinding machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said manual control member (46) comprises a control lever (46) integral with the movable part (40) of the shutter member.

5. Coffee grinding machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the engagement seat (151) comprises a first stop (151a) and a second stop (151b) for limiting the rotational movement of the control lever (46) and for causing the control lever (46) to position the tongue in the closed position.

6. 6. A coffee grinding machine (1) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the second stop (151b) and the control lever (46) remain in contact with each other while rotating the hopper (2) in the first direction to disengage the hopper (2) from the engagement seat (15), thereby bringing the shutter tongue (50) to the closed position.

7. Coffee grinding machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a safety start and stop system which prevents operation of the coffee grinding machine if the hopper (2) is not correctly engaged.

8. Coffee grinding machine (1) according to claim 7, wherein the system comprises a reed safety sensor (60) and a corresponding reed sensor activation magnet (61), the activation magnet of the reed sensor being integrated with the fixed part (30) of the device (20) and the reed sensor (60) being integrated with the machine (1).

9. Coffee grinding machine (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein each of said shutter tongues (50) has a substantially triangular shape with a base and an apex.

10. 10. The coffee grinding machine (1) of claim 9, wherein each shutter tongue (50) has a first rotating pin (54) protruding downward, the first rotating pin being arranged at substantially one end of a side surface of each shutter tongue (50), and each shutter tongue (50) is hingedly connected to the fixed member (30) via each rotating pin (54) engaging with a respective hole (34) in the bottom (32) of the fixed member (30).

11. Coffee grinding machine (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein each of the shutter tongues (50) comprises a second cam pin (59), the second cam pin (59) being arranged at a substantially midpoint of the base of each shutter tongue (50), and each of the cam pins (59) being configured to engage with a slot (49) of the movable shutter member (40).

12. Coffee grinding machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fixing element (30) comprises teeth (37) projecting radially from a side surface (35) of the fixing element, and the engagement seat (15, 151) comprises longitudinal grooves (157) configured to cooperate with the teeth (37), the coupling between the radially projecting teeth (37) and the grooves (157) determining the insertion and extraction positions of the hopper relative to the insertion seat (15).

13. A method for disengaging a hopper (2) from a hopper disengagement seat of a coffee grinding machine (1), the hopper (2) comprising an outlet (2B) and a device (20) for opening and closing the outlet, the device (20) for opening and closing the outlet comprising a fixed member (30) substantially integral with the hopper (2) and a movable shutter member (40, 50) provided with a manual control member (46) for operating the shutter member to an open or closed position, the manual control member (46) being wherein a manual control member (46) is configured to interact with the engagement seat (15, 151) and / or the fixed part (30, 36), and when the shutter member (40, 50) is in the open position, the method comprises the step of rotating the hopper (2) in a first direction such that the manual control member (46) maintains contact with the engagement seat (15, 151) so that during the rotation of the hopper (2), the movable shutter member (40, 50) rotates relative to the hopper and closes the outlet.

14. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the manual control member (46) comprises a control lever (46) integral with the movable part (40) of the shutter member, the engagement seat comprises a window (151) having a first stop (151 a) and a second stop (151 b) for limiting the movement of the control lever (46), and the step of rotating the hopper (2) in a first direction comprises the step of rotating the hopper (2) so that the control lever (46) remains at the second stop (151 b) to close the outlet of the hopper during rotation.

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