Apparatus for dispensing and / or preparing the medium to be prepared, containers for receiving and dispensing components, containers for receiving and dispensing fluids, and corresponding systems

Abstract

This enables simplified administration and / or preparation of baby food, particularly baby milk or baby food, coffee and / or tea, and other media used in its preparation. [Solution] Apparatus 1 for dispensing and / or preparing a medium to be prepared, in particular baby food, in particular baby milk or baby mash, coffee and / or tea, comprises a housing 3 having a first receiving area 5 and a second receiving area 7, wherein the first receiving area 5 receives a first container 9 for a first component of the medium to be prepared, the second receiving area 7 receives a second container 11 for a fluid and comprises a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the fluid and a dispensing device 29 for dispensing the first component, the first receiving area 5 comprises a dispensing device receiving area 27 for receiving the dispensing device 29, and an actuation and / or drive device for the dispensing device 29 is located in the dispensing device receiving area 27.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to an apparatus for dosing and / or preparing a medium to be prepared, particularly baby food, particularly baby milk or baby food, coffee and / or tea, a component for preparing the medium, particularly a container for receiving and dosing baby milk or baby food, coffee and / or tea, and a container for receiving and dosing a fluid for preparing the medium to be prepared. Particularly baby food, particularly baby milk or baby food, coffee and / or tea, and an apparatus for administering and / or preparing the medium to be prepared, a container for receiving and administering components for preparing the medium, and a system comprising a container for receiving and administering a fluid for preparing the medium to be prepared.

Background Art

[0002] Particularly, in a medium that must mix a fluid such as liquid or water with components such as powder or concentrate, accurate and precise dosing plays an important role. For example, when preparing baby food from concentrated baby food, before administering the baby food, the corresponding amount of powder or concentrate is weighed or dosed and mixed with water. Also, for example, when preparing coffee, it is necessary to weigh or dose the corresponding amount of coffee powder or coffee beans and mix with the desired amount of water.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Starting from the prior art, the object of the present invention is to enable a simplified dosing and / or preparation of a medium for preparing particularly baby food, particularly baby milk or baby food, coffee and / or tea.

[0004] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments result from the dependent claims.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for administering and / or preparing a medium to be prepared, particularly baby food, especially baby milk, baby food, coffee, and / or tea, the apparatus having the following configuration: a housing having a first receiving area and a second receiving area, wherein the first receiving area is designed to receive a first container for a first component of the medium to be prepared, and the second receiving area is designed to receive a second container for a fluid; a conditioning device for conditioning the fluid; and a dispensing device for dispensing the first component, wherein the first receiving area has a dispensing device receiving area for receiving the dispensing device, and an actuator and / or drive for the dispensing device is located in the dispensing device receiving area.

[0006] Preferably, the second container can be connected to a fluid reservoir, and the second container and / or fluid reservoir are replaceable and designed as disposable products.

[0007] Preferably, the administration device is connected to the first container, and the first container and the administration device are interchangeable and designed as disposable products.

[0008] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a container for receiving and administering ingredients for preparing a medium, particularly baby food, particularly baby milk or baby food, coffee and / or tea, the container comprising: a housing having an interior for receiving the ingredients; and an outlet having fluid communication with the interior, the outlet being connectable to an inlet of a dispensing device, the dispensing device having the outlet such that, upon operation of the dispensing device, a dose of the ingredients is discharged through the outlet, the dispensing device being connected to or connectable to the container, and the container and / or the dispensing device being designed as replaceable and disposable articles.

[0009] Preferably, the container for receiving and administering the medium, in particular baby food, especially baby milk or baby food, coffee and / or tea ingredients, can be supplied with the ingredients pre-filled.

[0010] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a container for receiving and dispensing a fluid for the preparation of a medium to be prepared, particularly baby food, especially baby milk or baby food, coffee and / or tea, the container comprising: a housing having an internal space for receiving a fluid; an inlet fluidly communicating with the internal space; and an outlet fluidly communicating with the internal space, wherein the inlet is connectable to the outlet of a fluid reservoir; the dosage of the fluid for preparing the medium to be prepared is supplied through the outlet of the container; and the container is replaceable and designed as a disposable item.

[0011] Preferably, the container for receiving and administering the fluid to be prepared, particularly baby food, especially baby milk or baby food, coffee and / or tea, can be supplied with the fluid pre-filled.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a medium to be prepared, such as baby food, particularly baby milk or baby food, coffee and / or tea, and a system comprising a first container for receiving and dispensing ingredients for preparing the medium, and / or a second container for receiving and dispensing a fluid for preparing the medium to be prepared, such as baby food, particularly baby milk or baby food, coffee and / or tea.

[0013] The present invention will first be described in terms of an apparatus for weighing and grinding coffee beans, and / or an apparatus for preparing coffee, particularly filter coffee. Subsequently, the present invention will be described in terms of an apparatus for weighing and / or preparing baby food, particularly baby milk or baby food, or coffee. Thus, the invention will be described in terms of coffee and baby food as the medium to be prepared. The medium to be prepared may also be other mediums, such as tea or soup.

[0014] There are various methods for preparing filter coffee. For example, one method involves using a Chemex filter and brewing the coffee in a Chemex carafe, or using a Carlsweder jug ​​with a fine double-walled porcelain sieve. Furthermore, there are so-called drip coffee makers available, in which cold water is slowly seeped into the coffee grounds through a paper filter, accumulating in a glass jug below as iced coffee. Depending on the method, the filter, grind size, temperature, mixing ratio, steeping time, and water flow rate will vary.

[0015] To bring out the best aroma in filter coffee, freshly ground coffee is ideal, as the aroma will dissipate if the coffee is not ground properly. Until now, a coffee grinder specifically for filter coffee has been used. With manual methods, the ground coffee must be weighed, and a specific mixing ratio between the ground coffee and water or other liquid must be maintained according to the desired amount and type of coffee, so that the coffee releases a particularly good aroma.

[0016] Filter-type coffee machines that include such coffee grinders are known. These coffee machines, known from prior art, can grind coffee beans, heat them, and brew coffee, but these coffee machines must be cleaned regularly. Coffee residues, such as oil residues, can worsen the taste of the coffee and can lead to residues contaminated with germs and bacteria. Furthermore, coffee machines calcify over time, resulting in irreparable damage, and this calcification then negatively affects the aroma of the coffee. Therefore, conventional coffee makers with built-in grinders need to be cleaned and de-calcified regularly. The lines that supply the liquid for making coffee must also be cleaned, for example, to avoid biofilm formation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The present invention aims to provide a device for weighing and grinding coffee beans and coffee, which allows for the easy preparation of aromatic coffee.

[0018] Preferably, an apparatus for weighing and grinding coffee beans, and / or an apparatus for preparing coffee, particularly filter coffee, is provided. The apparatus comprises a housing having a first receiving area and a second receiving area, the first receiving area being designed to receive a first container for coffee beans, and the second receiving area being designed to receive a second container for a fluid; a tempering apparatus for controlling the temperature of the fluid; and a dosing and grinding apparatus for dosing and grinding coffee beans, the first receiving area being a dosing and grinding apparatus receiving area for receiving a dosing and grinding apparatus having a grinding apparatus, and an actuator and / or drive for the dosing and grinding apparatus being located in the dosing and grinding apparatus receiving area.

[0019] The apparatus according to the present invention is for loading and grinding coffee beans, or for preparing coffee, particularly filter coffee.

[0020] The apparatus may have a first receiving area designed to receive a first container containing coffee beans. Furthermore, the first receiving tray of the apparatus is equipped with a quantification and grinding device receiving tray, which is a tray capable of receiving a quantification and grinding device for quantifying and grinding the coffee beans. In this way, the first container containing the coffee beans and the dispensing and grinding device can be received, at least partially, into the first receiving tray. This is advantageous as it allows the dispensing and grinding device to interact with the first container. In particular, the correct dispensing of the coffee beans can be performed by the dispensing and grinding device. This is made possible by the fact that the dispensing and grinding device is driven by a drive mechanism also located in the dispensing and grinding device receiving area.

[0021] Furthermore, all components of the described apparatus that come into contact with coffee beans or coffee grounds ground by the dispensing and grinding device, or with fluids, are particularly replaceable and can be easily removed from the apparatus. Replaceable components mean that the components are designed as disposable or single-use items. In particular, the first container for coffee beans, the dispensing and grinding device for dispensing and grinding coffee beans, and the second container for fluids are replaceable. The first container can be connected or fluidically connected to the dispensing and grinding device, and / or the second container can be connected or fluidically connected to the fluid reservoir. This is advantageous in that the apparatus for dispensing and grinding coffee beans, and / or the apparatus for preparing coffee, particularly the first and second receiving areas, do not come into contact with coffee beans and fluids. Since the apparatus, particularly the first and second receiving areas, are not contaminated with coffee or fluids, there is no need to clean the apparatus after preparing individual coffees. Furthermore, the apparatus and / or its individual components do not need to be decalcified.

[0022] Coffee beans are first dispensed by a dispensing and grinding device, and then ground into the dispensed amount of coffee powder. Next, the coffee powder and the supplied fluid can be introduced into a container, preferably a filter or filter container, in the correct mixing ratio. This is advantageous for the desired aroma of the prepared coffee.

[0023] The apparatus may consist of a preparation device for preparing coffee from coffee grounds and fluid ground by a dispensing and grinding device, but this preparation device may also be replaceable and can be designed as a disposable or single-use article. With this apparatus, ground coffee and fluid (e.g., liquid) are supplied from a second container to the preparation device in the correct mixing ratio, and the ground coffee and fluid can then be supplied to yet another container, in particular a filter and / or funnel container. This allows for the proper preparation of coffee, especially filter coffee, and has a favorable effect on the quality of the coffee's aroma.

[0024] Therefore, the preparation device may have a filter and / or funnel container or filter container into which coffee grounds and fluid can be introduced and / or mixed. Furthermore, the preparation device may have a container such as a coffee cup or coffee pot, and the preparation device may come into contact with or interact with a container such as a coffee cup or coffee pot. The coffee cup or coffee pot is positioned relative to the filter and / or funnel container so that coffee can be introduced or filled from the filter and / or funnel container as a result of gravity. The coffee cup or coffee pot is preferably positioned below the filter and / or funnel container.

[0025] Preferably, it is an apparatus for determining the presence and / or type of preparation apparatus.

[0026] The temperature of the liquid in the second container can be brought to a preparatory temperature suitable for the production of filtered coffee by a tempering device. The temperature suitable for the preparation of filtered coffee is preferably between 90°C and 100°C, particularly around 96°C. The tempering device can be designed as a heating plate that can bring the fluid in the second container to a constant temperature. This is possible in contrast to a flow heater. The tempering device, like a high-speed water quick boiler, can heat or heat the fluid inside the second container as a whole. Therefore, by designing the tempering device as a heating plate, the same effect as when pouring with a water quick boiler can be obtained, and particularly delicious coffee can be prepared. In particular, the swelling and blooming of the coffee powder in contact with the fluid from the second container become possible.

[0027] Preferably, the tempering device is controllable or adjustable. For this purpose, the device can include a control or regulation unit. It is conceivable that the tempering device is designed as a heating plate and / or a cooling plate, or that the annealing device is composed of at least one heating plate and / or at least one cooling plate. It is also possible to control, regulate, or operate different zones or areas of the tempering device, the heating plate, and / or the cooling plate.

[0028] The device for preparing coffee beans and / or coffee according to the present invention enables the automatic administration of a desired amount of fluid with which the coffee powder ground by the discharging and grinding device is mixed, whereby the desired coffee aroma can be automatically obtained. This means that, unlike a conventional coffee filter machine, there is no need to accurately measure the fluid with which the ground coffee powder is mixed and adjust it according to the amount of coffee powder, and the complete fluid in the fluid tank of the coffee filter machine can be consumed at the available stand. Since the comparison between the fluid and the coffee beans and / or the ground coffee powder is automated, there is no mistake in setting the correct mixing ratio of the fluid and the coffee powder, which also has an advantageous effect on the coffee aroma.

[0029] An apparatus for blending coffee beans and / or coffee can introduce different first containers containing different types of coffee beans into a first receiving area by means of replaceable components, so that different types of coffee can be blended by the apparatus. Advantageously, the first container designed as a disposable or single-use product and the dosing and grinding device designed as a disposable or single-use product can avoid remaining in the individual components of the apparatus from the previous type of coffee. This means that no cleaning is required and the aroma of freshly prepared coffee is not impaired by residues of previously prepared coffee. Different types of coffee can be prepared or processed infinitely without leaving behind the apparatus for weighing and grinding coffee beans or the apparatus for preparing coffee and without cleaning.

[0030] Preferably, the dosing and grinding device can be connected to the first container.

[0031] The dosing and grinding device can be connectable to the first container. That is, by connecting the dosing and grinding device to the first container, the dosing and grinding device and the first container can be introduced into the receiving area together and removed again. For example, the dosing and grinding device can be firmly connected to the first container (e.g., by adhesion and / or welding) so that the dosing and grinding device and the first container are firmly connected to each other. However, it is also conceivable that the dosing and grinding device and the first container are detachably connected to each other.

[0032] This allows the first container containing coffee beans and the dispensing / grinding device to be introduced into the first receiving area in a simplified manner and received at least partially in the first receiving area. At the same time, the dispensing / grinding device can be securely engaged with the drive unit to introduce or dispense the intended amount of coffee beans from the first container into the dispensing / grinding device and then grind them into coffee powder. However, it is also conceivable that the dispensing / grinding device and the first container are not connected to each other, and that the introduction into and / or removal from the first receiving area is performed separately from each other.

[0033] Preferably, the drug dispensing and grinding device consists of a grinding device, and the grinding device is designed for drug dispensing and grinding.

[0034] The grinding device can consist of a grinder. By operating the grinder, coffee beans can be fed in and ground simultaneously. This eliminates the need for other feeding devices such as the screw conveyor described later.

[0035] Preferably, the defined amount of coffee is controlled or regulated or administered by the control or adjustment of the grinding device or grinder.

[0036] For example, by operating a grinder, a defined amount of coffee beans can be ground over a certain period of time, and as a result, a defined amount of coffee or ground coffee can be administered simultaneously. This allows for the simultaneous grinding of coffee beans and the administration of a defined amount of ground coffee.

[0037] Preferably, the control or adjustment parameter is a signal from a sensor device, which consists of a scale and / or a timer.

[0038] The sensor device may include a timer. The timer can emit signals to control or adjust the duration of grinding and dispensing. By operating the grinder for a set period of time via the timer, a defined or predetermined amount of coffee beans can be ground and a fixed amount of coffee powder can be dispensed. Alternatively, or simultaneously, the sensor device may constitute a scale, such as a platform scale. The scale can measure the weight of the container by, for example, placing it beneath the container filled with ground coffee powder. When a certain or desired weight is reached, the scale sends a signal to the grinder, allowing grinding and dispensing to stop. This will result in the desired dosage. The scale may be placed to the side or above the container filled with ground coffee powder and may be designed, for example, as a suspended scale. For example, the scale can be suspended and placed above the container of coffee beans. By suspending or placing the container of coffee beans above the scale, the desired dosage can be determined by the weight or weight decrease of the container.

[0039] Preferably, the grinder can be inserted into the outlet of the first container, preferably along its entire length, and is rotatably positioned therein so that the grinder and the outlet extend around a common longitudinal axis.

[0040] In particular, the grinder can be positioned at least partially at the outlet of the first container holding the coffee beans. In this way, the coffee beans in the first container can be supplied to the outlet by gravity and ground. This arrangement eliminates the need for the screw conveyor described later. The coffee beans are transported to the grinder by gravity alone. The grinder grinds the coffee beans, which have been transported by gravity, to produce coffee powder.

[0041] Preferably, the grinder is rotatably positioned at the outlet of the first container. The grinder is connected to or can be connected to the container. For example, the grinder can be bonded to the outlet of the container or to the inner wall of the outlet. However, it is also conceivable that the grinder is integrally connected to the container.

[0042] When inserted into the outlet, the grinder and the outlet can extend around the same longitudinal axis. The grinder can be actuated and / or driven by an actuator and / or drive mechanism. Actuated and / or driven, the coffee beans from the first container are ground by the grinder, and the ground coffee can be discharged from the container or grinder through the outlet of the first container.

[0043] The grinding mechanism may have a first end and a second end on the opposite side, along the longitudinal axis of the grinding mechanism. The first end may protrude from the outlet of the first container and thus be located outside the first container. The second end may be located inside the first container. The first end of the grinder may be designed as the drive end of the grinder.

[0044] A coupling device can be positioned at the drive end of the grinding machine along the longitudinal axis of the grinding machine, and a coupling device can also be positioned at the first drive end. The coupling device can consist of a transmission, for example, a gear transmission with gears or pinions, which can drive the grinding machine or grinder.

[0045] Preferably, the grinder is a cone grinder. The cone grinder can be used for dosing and grinding at a low speed, preferably 30 to 240 rpm (revolutions per minute).

[0046] A grinder may have a grinder core having an essentially conical longitudinal cross-section in the direction of the grinder's longitudinal axis. The grinder core may extend between a first end and a second end of the grinder in the direction of the grinder's longitudinal axis. Corresponding to the conical longitudinal cross-section of the grinder core, the circumference of the grinder core, viewed lateral to the grinder's longitudinal axis, decreases from the first end towards the second end.

[0047] The grinder may have an inner ring adjacent to or near the second end. The inner ring may extend at least partially around the grinder core in the direction from the second end to the first end. The inner ring may surround the longitudinal axis of the grinding mechanism and preferably have a substantially conical longitudinal cross-section along the longitudinal axis of the grinding mechanism, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner ring may taper toward the second end.

[0048] The inner ring of a grinder, mounted on the grinder core or shaft, can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the grinder and towards the first and / or second ends of the grinder by an adjustment element. The adjustment element is positioned adjacent to or near the first end and concentrically surrounds the longitudinal axis of the grinding machine. Using the adjustment element, the inner ring is displaceable in the direction of the first and / or second ends of the grinding machine. This allows for setting the grinding degree in a simple manner.

[0049] The grinder may have an outer ring. This outer ring may have an essentially cylindrical cross-section and an inner circumference that is larger than the outer circumference of the inner ring and smaller than the inner circumference of the outlet of the first container. The outer ring may be positioned on the inner wall of the outlet of the first container, or adjacent to or near the inner wall of the outlet. The outer ring may be positioned on the inner wall of the outlet using a holding element, such as a hold-down device. The outer ring may be held in a fixed or stationary position within the outlet by the hold-down device.

[0050] By arranging the outer ring around the inner ring, the grinding mechanism drives the inner ring to rotate within the outer ring. By adjusting the grinding degree using adjustment elements, the position of the inner ring relative to the outer ring (when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the grinder) can be adjusted, and the gap between the inner and outer rings can be adjusted. Within this gap, coffee beans can be ground into coffee powder at the interface between the inner and outer rings. Coffee beans, transported by gravity to the discharge port and grinder, enter the space between the inner and outer rings, and are ground into coffee powder as the inner ring rotates within the outer ring. The inner and outer rings are positioned adjacent to or near the inner wall of the discharge port or the discharge port of the first container. This allows the coffee powder ground between the inner and outer rings to exit the first container through the discharge port.

[0051] The motor may be housed or positioned as part of the actuator and / or drive mechanism of the device's dosing receiving area. The motor consists of a gear wheel or pinion, and the motor's gear wheel or pinion may contact the gear wheel or pinion of the grinder's coupling device to drive the grinder or the motor.

[0052] The motor is preferably controlled or regulated by signals from a sensor device.

[0053] The motor can communicate with a sensor device, such as the aforementioned weighing scale, and can be switched off after the desired dosage has been reached. In this way, the device can be operated in an automated manner.

[0054] Preferably, the apparatus for dispensing and grinding coffee beans or preparing coffee is designed such that the housing has only one tray, which is designed to receive a first container for coffee beans. In other words, the apparatus does not include a second receiving area for receiving a second container for fluid. Thus, the apparatus can also be designed without a second container for fluid, eliminating the need for a conditioning device for conditioning the fluid.

[0055] Preferably, the drug dispensing and grinding device comprises a grinding device and a drug dispensing device. The grinding device may consist of a grinder, and the dispensing device may consist of a screw conveyor. Furthermore, preferably, the dispensing and grinding device comprises a screw conveyor, a grinder, and a screw conveyor housing, wherein the screw conveyor is preferably introduced into and / or rotatably positioned or mounted therein along its entire length, and the grinder is preferably inserted into and rotatably positioned therein along its entire length, so that the screw conveyor, grinder, and screw conveyor housing extend around a common longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing.

[0056] Thus, the dispensing and grinding device consists of a screw conveyor housing in which a grinder and a screw conveyor are arranged. In other words, the dispensing and grinding device consists of a housing or dispensing and grinding device housing, which will be referred to as the screw conveyor housing below. The screw conveyor is designed to transport coffee beans to the grinder. The grinder is designed to grind the coffee beans after they have been transported to the grinder by the conveyor screw to form coffee powder.

[0057] A screw conveyor can be designed as a shaft around one or more helically wound flights, in the form of flat metal sheets and / or rubber flaps or wings, which essentially extend laterally from the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor in the form of screw threads. It is preferable that the screw conveyor be designed as a rigid screw conveyor. However, a screw conveyor may also be designed as a flexible, particularly bendable screw. The screw thread is either firmly connected to the shaft, for example by welding, or manufactured integrally with the shaft. The screw conveyor preferably has a continuous screw thread extending between opposing ends of the screw conveyor along the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor. This allows coffee beans to be conveyed using the screw conveyor, particularly along the longitudinal axis. The screw conveyor, and in particular the screw thread, can be rotated from a solid material, such as round steel, or manufactured as a cast or injection-molded part. The housing of the screw conveyor and / or screw conveyor is basically cylindrical.

[0058] Due to the configuration of the input and grinding device, coffee beans are guided from the first container to the input and grinding device and transported to the grinder along the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor within the screw conveyor housing. Since a certain amount of coffee beans can be transported with each rotation of the screw conveyor, the amount of coffee beans dispensed, and therefore the amount of coffee powder ground by the grinder, can be determined by the (partial) rotation speed.

[0059] This allows for accurate and easy dispensing of coffee grounds. This dispensing can be done automatically by a regulating or control device, or manually.

[0060] The input and grinding device can consist of a screw conveyor with a screw conveyor housing, and a grinding device for coffee beans can be placed in the screw conveyor housing adjacent to or near the screw conveyor. The screw conveyor can be connected to or connectable to the grinder so that the shaft can rotate the screw conveyor and the grinder simultaneously. The longitudinal axis of the grinding machine and the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor preferably extend in one plane or in a straight line.

[0061] The dispensing / grinding device and / or grinder can be designed as a disposable or single-use article. Therefore, the grinding surface or grinding knife of the grinder does not need to be ground or replaced after a certain period of use. Rather, by replacing the entire grinder with the dispensing / grinding device and packaging, high grinding and grinding quality can be reliably guaranteed.

[0062] Grinders, for example, are made of ceramic or composed of ceramics.

[0063] Preferably, the screw conveyor housing has an inlet with an inlet opening and an outlet with an outlet opening. Preferably, the inlet and outlet are located on opposite sides of the screw conveyor housing when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor.

[0064] Coffee beans are supplied from a first container to the interior of a screw conveyor housing through an inlet opening and are taken up by one or more helical flights of the screw conveyor. The apparatus for preparing coffee may include a shaking device that can cause the first container or its contents to oscillate. This can guide the coffee beans almost completely from the inlet opening of the first container into the interior of the screw conveyor housing, especially if the coffee beans do not slide on their own and are guided into the interior of the screw conveyor housing by gravity, for example. The shaking device may preferably be located in the first tray or in correspondence with the first tray. The apparatus for preparing coffee may include at least one sensor element or camera element. The sorting device or sorting function may be controllable or adjustable via a regulating device or control device and / or sensor element or camera element. A similar shaking device or function may also be provided in the container or filter container from which the ground coffee is supplied from the outlet of the screw conveyor housing so that the coffee grounds are uniformly dispersed in the container. Sensor elements or camera elements can be used to determine the time or period during which a desired amount of liquid has entered the container or filter container. Based on this time, the grind size can be adjusted automatically or manually. Since the grind size has a decisive impact on the quality and aroma of coffee, automatic adjustment allows for the preparation of particularly excellent or highly aromatic coffee.

[0065] Preferably, the inlet is located adjacent to or near the screw conveyor, and the outlet is located adjacent to or near the grinder.

[0066] As a result of the rotation of the screw conveyor, after entering the screw conveyor housing, the coffee beans are essentially transported by the screw conveyor along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor screw to the grinder. After the coffee beans are ground by the grinder, the coffee grounds exit the screw conveyor housing through the outlet and can preferably come into contact with a fluid for preparing coffee.

[0067] Preferably, the grinder is a cone grinder. A cone grinder can grind at a low speed, preferably 30 to 240 rpm (revolutions per minute).

[0068] Preferably, the screw conveyor has a screw pitch diameter, i.e., an outer diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor, which is in the range of about 20 to 40 mm. The diameter of the screw flank is particularly preferably about 25 mm. Such a screw flank diameter dimension is advantageous for conveying or dispensing coffee beans.

[0069] Preferably, the length of the screw conveyor is in the range of about 50 mm to 120 mm. The length of the screw conveyor is particularly preferably between about 50 mm and 90 mm, and more preferably about 65 mm. The screw conveyor preferably has a diameter in the range of about 10 to 40 mm. The diameter is particularly preferably between about 20 mm and 30 mm, and more preferably the diameter of the screw conveyor is about 22 mm. Such a screw conveyor length is advantageous for conveying coffee beans. If the length of the screw conveyor is shortened, the coffee beans will bridge into one or more spirally wound flights, blocking the inlet opening and preventing any further coffee beans from being introduced through the inlet opening. Bridging occurs especially when the coffee beans are guided by gravity from the inlet opening into the screw conveyor housing.

[0070] Preferably, the screw conveyor housing has a length in the range of about 100 mm to 140 mm. The length of the screw conveyor housing is preferably between about 105 mm and 120 mm, more preferably about 110 mm. Preferably, the screw conveyor housing has a diameter at least the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the screw conveyor and / or grinder. Preferably, the diameter of the screw conveyor housing is in the range of about 25 to 50 mm. Particularly preferably, the diameter of the screw conveyor housing is about 27.5 to 35 mm, and more preferably, the diameter of the screw conveyor housing is about 30 mm.

[0071] By dimensionalizing the length of the screw conveyor and the diameter of the screw flank within the range of the values ​​mentioned above, a coffee bean dispensing rate of approximately 1 to 5 g (for example, approximately 2 g per rotation) can be achieved. Depending on the rotation speed (or rotation angle around the longitudinal axis), the desired amount of coffee beans are ground, and as a result, the desired amount of ground coffee is guided through the exit of the screw conveyor housing and exits the screw conveyor housing. This allows for precise dispensing of coffee beans or ground coffee for coffee preparation.

[0072] Preferably, the inlet opening is essentially elliptical and extends longitudinally. However, inlet openings of other shapes are also possible. The inlet opening has a length of about 20 mm to 60 mm (e.g., about 47 mm) in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor screw, and / or a length of about 10 mm to 40 mm (e.g., about 29 mm) in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor screw, and is particularly long when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor. Preferably, the outlet opening is essentially rectangular and extends longitudinally. However, other forms of outlet openings are also possible. The outlet opening has a length of about 20 mm to 50 mm (e.g., about 30 mm) in the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor, and / or a length of about 5 mm to 20 mm (e.g., about 10 mm) in the longitudinal direction, and is particularly long when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor. These dimensions of the inlet and outlet openings allow for particularly good introduction of coffee beans into the screw conveyor housing and particularly good discharge of ground coffee from the screw conveyor housing.

[0073] Preferably, the screw conveyor housing extends along the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing between a first end and a second end opposite to it, the grinder is positioned adjacent to or near the first end and extends along the longitudinal axis of the grinder, the screw conveyor is positioned adjacent to or near the second end and extends along the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor, the outlet is positioned adjacent to or near the first end and the inlet is positioned adjacent to or near the second end. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor, the longitudinal axis of the grinder, and the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing extend in a single plane or straight line.

[0074] The inlet and outlet are preferably positioned at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor housing. By positioning the inlet adjacent to or near the second end of the screw conveyor housing and the outlet adjacent to or near the first end of the screw conveyor housing, the coffee beans enter the interior of the screw conveyor housing through the inlet opening, are received by one or more helical flights, transported to the second end of the screw conveyor housing by the rotation of the screw conveyor, picked up by the grinder and ground into coffee powder, so that the ground coffee powder can exit again through the outlet opening. In this way, a predetermined amount or a set amount of coffee beans can be transported per rotation, so that the dosage can be set (or controlled, adjusted) based on the number of rotations (or the angle of rotation around the longitudinal axis).

[0075] The first end of the screw conveyor housing is preferably designed to be open, and the second end of the screw conveyor housing is preferably designed to be closed. Thus, the screw conveyor can be fully inserted into the screw conveyor housing through the first end until it preferably reaches the second end. The grinder can then be fully inserted into the screw conveyor housing through the first end, preferably to one end of the screw conveyor. However, it is also conceivable that the screw conveyor and grinder be designed as an integral unit so that the screw conveyor and grinder can be fully inserted into the screw conveyor housing as a unit until it preferably reaches the second end. The second end may be provided with an insertion or removal element extending away from the second end. The insertion or removal element may be designed as a flap forming a surface about the size of a thumb. In particular, the insertion or removal element may have a length of about 3-4 cm and / or a width of about 2-3 cm. On the opposite side, the insertion or removal element may include a tactile corrugated structure. The corrugated structure is preferably made of a soft rubber material. However, it can also be made from the same material as the inserted or removed element.

[0076] The insertion element allows the dosing and grinding device to be held and / or introduced into the dosing and grinding device receptacle in the desired manner. Furthermore, the insertion element allows the dosing and grinding device to be easily removed again, especially when the first container becomes empty and needs to be replaced.

[0077] Preferably, the inlet is comprised of a flange with a peripheral wall that at least partially surrounds the inlet opening and extends (preferably substantially radially) from the screw conveyor housing, and a flange for connecting the dosing and grinding device to the first container and / or a flange for introducing the dosing and grinding device is comprised of a dosing and grinding device receiving area.

[0078] The peripheral wall of the inlet of the screw conveyor housing is designed to engage with the outlet of the first container, particularly the outlet of the first container. This allows coffee beans from the first container to be introduced into the screw conveyor housing in a particularly reliable manner. The peripheral wall can be manufactured integrally with the screw conveyor housing, or it can be manufactured as a cast or injection-molded part that can be connected to the screw conveyor housing.

[0079] The peripheral wall can extend from the edge of the inlet opening of the screw conveyor housing at angles different from essentially 0° or 180°, particularly in the lateral direction. Thus, the peripheral wall, like the inlet opening, can be essentially elliptical and extend in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor. However, other shapes are also possible for the peripheral wall. In particular, the peripheral wall may have essentially the same shape as the inlet opening. The peripheral wall can have a circumference in the range of about 100 mm to 130 mm (e.g., about 122 mm). The peripheral wall can also extend along the longitudinal axis of the center of the first peripheral wall, and this longitudinal axis can have a length in the range of about 30 mm to 60 mm (e.g., about 47 mm). Furthermore, the peripheral wall can extend along the longitudinal axis of the center of the second peripheral wall oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the center of the first peripheral wall, and / or have a length in the range of about 20 mm to 40 mm (e.g., about 29 mm). Other lengths are also possible. The length of the first central longitudinal axis of the circumferential wall is preferably greater than the length of the second central longitudinal axis of the circumferential wall. The aforementioned lengths of the first and second central longitudinal axes of the circumferential walls are particularly preferred for introducing coffee beans into the screw conveyor housing and / or for connecting the dosing and grinding device to the first container.

[0080] Preferably, the peripheral wall consists of a first contact surface and a second contact surface facing it, and the first and second contact surfaces are arranged parallel to each other.

[0081] The first and second contact surfaces can be positioned opposite the central longitudinal axis of the second peripheral wall. These contact surfaces allow the dispensing and grinding device to be introduced particularly easily into the dispensing and grinding device receiving area. In particular, during insertion into the dispensing and grinding device receiving area, the contact surfaces can slide along the lateral guide elements of the first receiving area, and after being received into the dispensing and grinding device receiving area, they can be stationary relative to the lateral guide elements. The first and second contact surfaces can have essentially parabolic cross-sectional areas. The design of the two contact surfaces and the lateral guide elements, as well as their interaction when the first container is inserted into the first tray, allows the first container to be received in the correct position by the first tray, and as a result, the ground coffee powder can be guided out of the dispensing and grinding device outlet in the correct dose.

[0082] Preferably, the coupling device extends longitudinally from the drive end of the screw conveyor to the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor, and the coupling device extends longitudinally from the drive end of the grinder to the longitudinal direction of the grinder. The coupling device of the screw conveyor is designed to interact couplingly with the actuator and / or drive of the grinder, and is in particular designed to intervene. The coupling device of the grinder is designed to interact couplingly with the actuator and / or drive of the dosing and grinding device, in particular to intervene.

[0083] The coupling device of a screw conveyor is designed to interact couplingly with the actuator and / or drive unit of a grinder, and is particularly designed to interpose or connect. In the interconnected state, the coupling device of the screw conveyor engages with the actuator and / or drive unit of the grinder so that the longitudinal axes of the grinder and the screw conveyor run in a single plane or straight line, and when inserted into the screw conveyor housing, the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing extends in a single plane or straight line. Conversely to the actuator and / or drive unit of the grinder, the grinder has a coupling device. The coupling device of a grinder is designed to interact couplingly with the actuator and drive unit of a coffee bean feeding and grinding device or a coffee preparation device, and is particularly designed to interpose or connect. This is advantageous in that by operating or driving the actuator and / or drive unit of the device, the grinder and the screw conveyor can be driven simultaneously via the same shaft. However, it is also conceivable that the grinder does not have an actuator and / or drive mechanism, and the screw conveyor does not have a coupling device, and instead the grinder and screw conveyor are connected integrally and can be driven together in a coupled manner via the coupling device of the grinder, as described above.

[0084] The coupling device for a screw conveyor can be designed as essentially a cylindrical cavity and / or as a receptacle extending in the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor. Correspondingly, the coupling device for a grinder can be designed as essentially a cylindrical cavity or as a receptacle extending in the longitudinal direction of the grinder. After the dosing and grinding device is introduced and received in the dosing and grinding device receiving section, the coupling element of the dosing and grinding device receiving section can be simultaneously received in the (preferably essentially cylindrical) cavity of the grinder. The inner wall of the (cylindrical) cavity of the screw conveyor preferably has an inner shape that can engage with the outer casing of the outer wall of the coupling element of the grinder. The inner wall of the (cylindrical) cavity of the grinding machine preferably has an inner shape that can engage with the outer surface shape of the outer wall of the coupling element of the device. For example, the outer profile of the coupling element of the device may have a height of at least one material that can engage or interact with at least one material recess in the inner profile of the cylindrical cavity of the grinder. Correspondingly, the outer profile of the coupling element of the grinder may have a height of at least one material that can engage or interact with at least one material recess in the inner profile of the cylindrical cavity of the conveyor screw.

[0085] The coupling element of the device can be designed as a drive shaft, and by introducing the coupling element into the cylindrical cavity of the grinder, the dosing and grinding device can be driven, so that the grinder and screw conveyor can rotate when the cavities of the grinder and the coupling device or screw conveyor are connected to each other by the coupling element. Preferably, the translation of the speed is adjustable or variable. This makes it possible to change the speed of the coffee beans being transported within the housing of the screw conveyor, and as a result, the amount of coffee beans and the coffee powder that is subsequently ground can be changed.

[0086] Preferably, the grinder has a grinder core having an essentially conical longitudinal cross-section in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the grinder. The grinder or grinder core can be designed as a shaft. The grinder core has a first end and a second end opposite to it, with a coupling device located at the first end and a coupling element located at the second end that can be connected to a coupling device of a screw conveyor. Corresponding to the conical longitudinal cross-section of the grinder core, the circumference of the grinder core, viewed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the grinder, decreases from the first end towards the second end. Also, at any point on the grinder core viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the grinder, the circumference does not exceed the circumference of the screw conveyor viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor. This allows the grinder and screw conveyor to be introduced together into the screw conveyor housing, and the operating and driving mechanism of the device that grinds and discharges the coffee beans can drive the grinder and screw conveyor together, causing them to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing.

[0087] Preferably, the grinder has an inner ring adjacent to or near the second end of the grinder core. The inner ring can extend at least partially around the grinder core in the direction from the second end to the first end. The inner ring can surround the longitudinal axis of the grinding mechanism and preferably has an essentially conical longitudinal cross-section along the longitudinal axis, with the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner ring tapering toward the second end of the grinding mechanism core. The inner ring of the grinder seated on the grinding mechanism core and / or shaft can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the grinder in the direction toward the first and second ends of the grinding mechanism core by an adjustment element, for example by an adjustment screw. The adjustment element is preferably positioned adjacent to or near the first end of the grinder core and concentrically surrounds the longitudinal axis of the grinder. The position of the inner ring can be adjusted longitudinally of the grinding machine using the adjustment element. Therefore, the inner ring can be easily displaced in the direction of the first end and / or the second end of the grinder core. This allows for easy adjustment of the grinding degree. Using the adjustment element, the grind size can be adjusted according to the type of coffee beans in the first container and the type of brewing (Chemex, Cold Brew, Karlsbader, etc.). The grind size greatly affects the quality and aroma of coffee. The finer the grind, the longer the time water passes through the coffee grounds. This results in a stronger coffee and extraction. The coarser the grind, the faster the fluid or water passes through the coffee grounds. If the grind is too coarse, the coffee may taste watery or sour. If the grind is too fine, the coffee may taste too strong, earthy, or otherwise incompatible. To maximize the flavor and aroma of coffee, it is necessary to set the appropriate grind size.

[0088] It is conceivable that the degree of grinding can be automatically set, adjusted, or controlled (using an adjustment device or control device) by scanning a first container containing coffee beans using a scanning element such as a smartphone. For example, the degree of grinding can be adjusted according to the volume of fluid in a second container, or according to the desired type of coffee preparation (e.g., Chemex, Cold Brew, Karlsbader). The input and grinding device has a grinder suitable for the coffee beans contained in the first container and only requires insertion or clicking into the input and grinding device's receptacle. The degree of grinding can also be set manually using an adjustment element. However, it is also conceivable that the grinding degree is already preset and preferably suited to the type or variety of coffee beans, so automatic and / or manual setting may not be necessary.

[0089] Preferably, the grinder has spring elements positioned adjacent to or near the inner ring, and / or spring elements positioned adjacent to or near the second end of the grinder core. The spring elements may be positioned, for example, on the shaft or at the rear of the grinder. The rear of the shaft means the second end of the grinder, on which the grinder's actuators and drive mechanisms are located. However, it is also conceivable that a recess in the grinder core extends at least partially from the second end of the grinder core towards the first end. This recess may be positioned at a distance from the longitudinal axis or central longitudinal axis of the grinder core and may extend substantially concentrically around the longitudinal axis of the grinder. Thus, the lateral distance between the recess and the outer wall of the grinder core surrounded by the inner ring, relative to the longitudinal axis or central longitudinal axis of the grinder core, can be smaller than the distance relative to the longitudinal axis or central longitudinal axis of the grinder core. By arranging them in this way, the spring element can be placed in a recess, and as a result, it is possible to ensure that the inner ring is in the selected position for setting the desired grinding degree.

[0090] Preferably, the grinder has an outer ring. This outer ring may have a substantially cylindrical cross-section having an inner circumference larger than the outer circumference of the inner ring. The outer ring is preferably positioned on the inner wall of the screw conveyor housing, and more preferably, it is positioned on the inner wall of the screw conveyor housing by a holding element, such as a hold-down device. The hold-down device may extend along the inner wall of the screw conveyor housing to the outer ring between the first open ends of the screw conveyor housing adjacent to or near the adjustment element.

[0091] Preferably, the outer ring of the grinder has an outer diameter in the range of about 20 to 30 mm, preferably about 25 to 27 mm, and more preferably about 25.7 mm. Preferably, the outer ring of the grinder has an inner diameter of about 10 to 20 mm, preferably about 17 to 19 mm, and more preferably about 18 mm. Preferably, the outer ring has a length over which the longitudinal axis of the center of the outer ring extends, and this length is in the range of about 5 to 15 mm, preferably in the range of about 8 to 12 mm, and more preferably about 11 mm.

[0092] Preferably, the grinder core has a diameter in the range of about 10 to 25 mm, and particularly preferably about 13.5 mm to 19.5 mm. Preferably, the grinder core has a length in the range of about 5 to 15 mm, and particularly preferably about 10 to 12 mm. More preferably, the length of the grinder core is about 11.1 mm.

[0093] In this way, by arranging the outer ring around the inner ring, the inner ring can rotate within the outer ring when the grinder is driven.

[0094] By adjusting the grind using an adjustment element, the position of the inner ring relative to the outer ring (viewed along the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor or the screw conveyor housing) can be adjusted to create a gap between the inner and outer rings, or to adjust the interface between the inner and outer rings. Essentially, the conical inner ring allows the coffee beans to be ground into coffee powder at the interface between the rotating inner ring and the stationary outer ring. The coffee beans, conveyed by the screw conveyor towards the grinder, reach the space between the inner and outer rings, where they are ground into coffee powder by the rotation of the inner ring within the outer ring.

[0095] Preferably, the inner and outer rings are positioned adjacent to or close to the discharge port of the screw conveyor housing. This allows the coffee grounds ground between the inner and outer rings of the grinder to exit the screw conveyor housing through the discharge port.

[0096] Preferably, the grinder and the screw conveyor are connected to each other and driven with a driving force of about 0.5 Nm to 2 Nm, preferably about 1 Nm, so that the coffee beans are transported by the screw conveyor towards the grinder and then ground by the grinder according to the set grind size.

[0097] Preferably, the housing of the screw conveyor has an outer wall having a plurality of ribs, the ribs preferably extending essentially axially at least partially between a first end and a second end, and / or extending essentially radially away from the outer wall.

[0098] The ribs are preferably formed as longitudinal ribs between the first and second ends, and / or surround the outer wall at regular or symmetrical intervals in the circumferential direction. The ribs can extend away from the outer wall such that each rib has an outer edge running along a line substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing and / or is at a substantially constant distance from the outer wall of the screw conveyor housing. However, the ribs may also have, for example, a conical region, preferably near the first end of the screw conveyor housing. In this conical region, the outer edge of the rib tapers toward the first end of the screw conveyor housing.

[0099] Preferably, two additional ribs are located on the outer wall in the circumferential direction, either restricting or on the opposite side of the outlet opening. In other words, the two ribs are positioned adjacent to or near the outlet opening and extend away from the edge of the outlet opening. Preferably, two further ribs are provided that restrict the outlet opening on the opposite side of the outer wall in the axial direction. These ribs pass between the two ribs that restrict the outlet opening on the opposite side in the circumferential direction, are positioned adjacent to or near the outlet opening, and extend away from its edge. In this way, the outlet can be surrounded by ribs on all sides.

[0100] The ribs on the outlet, particularly the outlet ribs, advantageously prevent the discharged coffee grounds from coming into contact with the housing of the equipment used for adding, grinding, or preparing coffee beans. Because the coffee grounds do not come into contact with the equipment housing, there is no need to clean the housing after use, and it can be reused immediately. Furthermore, it prevents coffee grounds adhering to the housing from becoming contaminated or unusable for coffee preparation. However, the ribs can also function as a stand for the quantitative dispenser, especially when the quantitative dispenser is not inserted into the quantitative dispenser tray of the first tray. This allows the first container to be easily connected to the dispensing and grinding equipment, and then the first container to be easily filled with coffee beans.

[0101] Preferably, the first tray has a rear wall, and more preferably, the first trays are spaced apart from each other and have two side walls positioned at angles different from 0° or 180°, in particular essentially laterally to the rear wall. Preferably, the first tray has upper and lower restraints positioned at angles different from 0° or 180°, in particular essentially laterally to the side walls. Even more preferably, the first tray has an open front opposite the rear wall, and the first tray is formed between the side walls and / or upper and lower restraints. The first receiving area preferably has a container receiving area for receiving the first container, and the container receiving area is preferably positioned above the dosing / grinding device receiving area.

[0102] Therefore, the container receiving area can be adjacent to the upper limit, and / or the dispensing and grinding device receiving area can be adjacent to the lower limit. The first container can be introduced into the first receiving area through an open front, together with the dispensing and grinding device, by a movement essentially perpendicular to the rear wall, so that the first container is received by the container receiving area and the dispensing and grinding device is received from the dispensing and grinding device receiving area. Preferably, the first container is connected to the dispensing and grinding device such that, when inserted into the first receiving area, it is positioned above the dispensing and grinding device relative to the lower limit and / or further away from the lower limit than the dispensing and grinding device. This allows the coffee beans to be guided from the first container to the dispensing and grinding device, for example, by gravity.

[0103] Preferably, the first guide element and the second guide element are positioned between the container receiving area and the dosing / grinding device receiving area, and the guide elements basically extend from an open front to the rear wall, / or the guide elements extend away from the side wall.

[0104] The guide elements are substantially continuous from the front wall to the rear wall. This allows the first container and the drug dispensing / grinding device, in an interconnected state, to be introduced into the first receiving area in a particularly easy manner, with the first container being placed / received on the guide elements and the drug dispensing / grinding device being placed and received below the guide elements. To correctly insert the first container and the drug dispensing / grinding device, the circumferential wall can be inserted between the guide elements such that the first and second support surfaces slide substantially along the guide elements. In other words, the first support surface slides along the first guide element and the second support surface slides along the second guide element until the drug dispensing / grinding device is fully received in the drug dispensing / grinding device receiving area. Once inserted into the drug dispensing / grinding device receiving area of ​​the first receiving area, the lateral contact surfaces of the circumferential wall of the drug dispensing / grinding device then rest on the two guide elements. This allows the first container and / or drug dispensing / grinding device to be received in a particularly easy manner and positioned in a stable manner in the first receiving area.

[0105] Preferably, the guide elements are aligned in a plane that is essentially parallel to the upper and / or lower limits, and preferably, the guide elements are inclined forward outward from the plane toward the container receiving area.

[0106] As a result, each guide element includes an insertion bevel adjacent to or near the open front, which helps in the correct insertion of the dosing and grinding device. In particular, during introduction, two ribs positioned on the outer wall of the screw conveyor housing can slide substantially along the underside of the guide elements, while the two lateral contact surfaces slide between the guide elements as described above. Once inserted into the dosing and grinding device receiving area of ​​the first receiving area, the circumferential wall of the dosing and grinding device and the two lateral contact surfaces of the ribs then rest on the two guide elements. In particular, the abutment surface may contact the edge of the guide element extending away from the side wall, and the two ribs may contact the underside of the two guide elements facing the lower limit. When a screw conveyor or screw conveyor housing is inserted into the dispensing / grinding area, the screw conveyor will make a "click" sound, for example, as soon as it reaches its final position. This allows the user to know that the screw conveyor is properly installed or that the (cylindrical) cavity is properly connected to the coupling element or drive shaft. A lead-in bevel helps to bring the first container into the correct position and also simplifies the click-in of the screw conveyor.

[0107] Preferably, the lower limit has a receptacle for a screw conveyor housing that extends from the open front to the rear wall.

[0108] The receptacle for the screw conveyor housing can extend between the two side walls around the longitudinal axis of the receptacle, which is oriented substantially parallel to the two side walls. A receptacle outlet opening can be positioned on the longitudinal axis of the receptacle, particularly adjacent to or near the rear back wall, and formed substantially the same shape and dimensions as the outlet opening of the screw conveyor housing. The receptacle has a cross section that is essentially concave perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. In other words, the receptacle is embedded in the lower limit as a substantially concave section. Thus, the lower limit can have a surface having a first horizontal surface portion adjacent to or near the first side wall and a second horizontal surface portion adjacent to or near the second side wall, with the receptacle positioned between the first and second surface portions as a substantially concave surface portion.

[0109] The receptacle for the screw conveyor housing allows the dosing and grinding device to be held particularly securely and firmly within the dosing and grinding device receptacle. After the dosing and grinding device is inserted and received, the screw conveyor housing lies firmly within the receptacle for the screw conveyor housing, with two of its ribs resting firmly on the first and second horizontal surfaces. At the same time, the outlet opening of the screw conveyor housing is positioned above, adjacent to, or near the receiving outlet opening. The ground coffee can be transported from the screw conveyor housing through the outlet opening of the screw conveyor housing and the receptacle outlet opening of the dosing and grinding device receptacle without the coffee grounds coming into contact with the housing, and can be supplied to, for example, a preparation device.

[0110] Preferably, the drive shaft is formed on or over the rear wall, and the drive shaft and receptacle extend in a lateral plane relative to the lower limit.

[0111] The coupling element or drive shaft is preferably located on or above the rear wall. The distance between the lower limit and the coupling element or drive shaft, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the receptacle, can correspond to the distance between the first cylindrical cavity and the peripheral wall of the screw conveyor, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor. As previously mentioned, by inserting the dispensing and grinding device into the receptacle of the screw conveyor housing, the coupling element or drive shaft can automatically engage with the (cylindrical) cavity.

[0112] The ribs preferably extend substantially parallel to the upper and / or lower limits. The ribs preferably extend substantially from the open front to the rear wall. However, it is also possible that the ribs are positioned to cross the upper or lower limits, and / or that the ribs do not extend continuously from the front to the rear wall.

[0113] Preferably, multiple ribs are arranged in pairs on two side walls. In other words, each pair of ribs extends laterally to the side wall and / or parallel to the upper or lower limit. In this way, a large number of pairs of ribs can be arranged on the side walls of the container receiving area, preferably between the guide element and the upper limit. Preferably, the ribs of each pair of ribs are spaced about 40 mm to 50 mm apart from each other, and more preferably about 50 mm apart from each other. It is also possible that not all ribs of a pair of ribs are at the same distance from each other, but at different distances, preferably between 40 mm and 50 mm.

[0114] These ribs ensure that the first container, once received in the first tray, is optimally positioned, guiding the coffee beans from the discharge port of the first container to the inlet opening of the screw conveyor housing, or to discharge them. At the same time, it prevents coffee beans from remaining in the first container and becoming unusable for coffee preparation. In this way, the ribs allow for easy and reliable acceptance of multiple first containers of different shapes, thereby forming a certain desired shape, which in turn allows the powder to move towards the outlet. As a result, the first container is held in a position where it will not collapse, especially in an upright position.

[0115] Preferably, a container is provided for receiving, dispensing, and grinding coffee beans, the container comprising a housing having an internal space for receiving coffee beans and an outlet having fluid communication with the internal space, the outlet of which a dispensing and grinding device can be connected to an inlet of a dispensing and grinding device having the outlet, and by operating the dispensing and grinding device, the coffee beans are dispensed and ground into coffee powder, which is discharged from the outlet. Preferably, the container is designed to be introduced into and at least partially received by a coffee bean dispensing and grinding device and / or a coffee preparation device, as described above. The dispensing device is connected to or can be connected to the container, and the container and / or dispensing device and grinding device are designed to be replaceable and disposable articles.

[0116] Preferably, the container for receiving, dispensing, and grinding coffee beans is provided pre-filled with coffee beans. That is, the coffee beans can be filled at the factory, and the container can be provided to the consumer already filled with coffee beans.

[0117] The container may possess all the features and advantages of the first container described above. The container may be designed to be introduced into the first receiving area of ​​the above-described apparatus for dosing and grinding coffee beans and / or preparing coffee, and to be at least partially received therein. Thus, all the features of the previously described apparatus described in relation to the first container and / or dosing and grinding apparatus also apply to the container described below for receiving, dosing, and grinding coffee beans (hereinafter referred to as the first container).

[0118] The first container may include a dispensing and grinding device to which the first container can be connected, and thus the first container and the dispensing and grinding device may be connected so that they are used to dispense and grind the correct amount of coffee beans into coffee grounds. Thus, it is possible for the dispensing and grinding device to provide the correctly dispensed amount of coffee grounds. However, it is also conceivable that the first container and the dispensing and grinding device are separate elements. The first container has an outlet with an outlet opening so that the coffee beans received in the first container can exit the first container and be discharged from the first container. The outlet can be connected to the inlet of the dispensing and grinding device so that the coffee beans exiting the first container can be introduced into the dispensing and grinding device through the inlet. By a screw conveyor, the coffee beans are transported along the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor to a grinder, and the coffee grounds ground by the grinder can exit from a second outlet of the dispensing and grinding device and be used in specified or predetermined dosages for the preparation of coffee grounds.

[0119] Thus, using the first container described, the correct loading of coffee beans and grinding into coffee grounds by the loading and grinding device can be performed. The loading and grinding device can be driven by an actuator and / or a drive mechanism. However, it is also possible to drive the loading and grinding device manually. The fluid from the second container can be mixed with the coffee grounds obtained from the coffee beans coming out of the first container and introduced into a container, especially a filter container, in the correct mixing ratio. This allows coffee to be prepared correctly and in a simple manner.

[0120] Furthermore, the first container may include a dispensing and grinding device to which the first container can be connected, and thus the first container and dispensing and grinding device can be connected so that the correct amount of coffee beans can be dispensed and, as a result, freshly ground coffee can be dispensed and dispensed correctly. For this purpose, the first container connected to the dispensing and grinding device can also be inserted into and received in the first receiving area, in particular the container receiving area and the dispensing and grinding device receiving area of ​​the device for preparing the coffee described above. However, it is also conceivable that the first container and the dispensing and grinding device are two separate elements, each inserted into the first receiving area, in particular the container receiving area and the dispensing and grinding device receiving area, and received separately from one another.

[0121] In this way, the correct loading of coffee beans from the first container and subsequent grinding into coffee grounds can be performed using the loading and grinding device. The loading and grinding device can be driven, for example, by an actuator and / or drive unit located in the loading and grinding device receiving area of ​​the device described above. However, it is also conceivable to drive the loading and grinding device manually. The coffee grounds loaded and ground by the loading and grinding device can be introduced into a container, particularly a filter container, in the correct mixing ratio, together with a fluid supplied, for example, from a second container. This allows coffee to be prepared correctly and in a simple manner.

[0122] Preferably, the drug dispensing and grinding device consists of a grinding device, and the grinding device is designed for drug dispensing and grinding.

[0123] The grinding device can consist of a grinder. By operating the grinder, coffee beans can be fed in and ground simultaneously. This eliminates the need for other feeding devices such as a screw conveyor, which will be described later.

[0124] Preferably, the defined amount of coffee is controlled or regulated or administered by the control or adjustment of the grinding device or grinder.

[0125] For example, by operating a grinder, a defined amount of coffee beans can be ground over a certain period of time, and as a result, a defined amount of coffee or ground coffee can be administered simultaneously. This allows for the simultaneous grinding of coffee beans and the administration of a defined amount of ground coffee.

[0126] Preferably, the first container is equipped with a sensor device, and the first container is connectable to the sensor device, particularly signal connectable.

[0127] Preferably, the control or adjustment parameter is a signal from a sensor device, and preferably, the sensor device consists of a scale and / or a timer.

[0128] The sensor device may include a timer. The timer can emit signals to control or adjust the duration of grinding and dispensing. Thus, by operating the grinder for a set period of time via the timer, a defined or predetermined amount of coffee beans can be ground and a fixed amount of coffee powder can be dispensed. Alternatively, or simultaneously, the sensor device may constitute a scale, such as a platform scale. The scale is placed, for example, below a container filled with ground coffee powder, so that the weight within the container can be measured. When a certain or desired weight is reached, the scale sends a signal to the grinder, causing grinding and dispensing to stop. This will result in the desired dosage. The scale may be placed to the side or above the container filled with ground coffee powder, and may be designed, for example, as a suspended scale. For example, the scale can be suspended and placed above a container of coffee beans. By suspending or placing the container of coffee beans above the scale, the desired dosage can be determined by the weight or weight decrease of the container.

[0129] Preferably, the grinder can be introduced into the outlet of the first vessel, preferably along its entire length, and is rotatably positioned therein such that the grinder and the outlet extend around a common longitudinal axis.

[0130] In particular, the grinder may be positioned at least partially at the discharge port of the first container of coffee beans. In this way, the coffee beans in the first container are guided to the discharge port by gravity and ground. This arrangement eliminates the need for the screw conveyor described later. The coffee beans are transported to the grinder by gravity alone. The grinder grinds the coffee beans that have been transported by gravity to produce coffee powder.

[0131] Preferably, the grinder is rotatably positioned at the outlet of the first container. The grinder is connected to or can be connected to the container. For example, the grinder may be bonded to the outlet of the container or to the inner wall of the outlet. However, the grinder may also be integrally connected to the container.

[0132] When inserted into the outlet, the grinder and the outlet can extend around the same longitudinal axis. The grinder can be actuated and / or driven by an actuator and / or drive mechanism. Actuated and / or driven, the coffee beans from the first container are ground by the grinder, and the ground coffee can be discharged from the container or grinder through the outlet of the first container.

[0133] A grinder may have a first end and a second end on the opposite side, along its longitudinal axis. The first end may protrude from the outlet of the first container and thus be located outside the first container. The second end may be located inside the first container. The first end of the grinder may be designed as the drive end of the grinder.

[0134] A coupling device can be positioned at the drive end of the grinding machine along the longitudinal axis of the grinding machine, and a coupling device can also be positioned at the first drive end. The coupling device can consist of a transmission, for example, a gear transmission with gears or pinions, which can drive the grinding machine or grinder.

[0135] A grinder may have a grinding mechanism core having an essentially conical longitudinal cross-section in the direction of the grinder's longitudinal axis. The grinding mechanism core may extend between a first end and a second end of the grinding device in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the grinding device. Corresponding to the conical longitudinal cross-section of the grinder core, the circumference of the grinder core, viewed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the grinder, decreases from the first end towards the second end.

[0136] The grinder may have an inner ring adjacent to or near the second end. The inner ring may extend at least partially around the grinder core in the direction from the second end toward the first end. The inner ring may surround the longitudinal axis of the grinding mechanism and preferably have an essentially conical longitudinal cross-section along the longitudinal axis of the grinding mechanism, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner ring may taper toward the second end.

[0137] The inner ring of a grinder, mounted on the grinder core or shaft, can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the grinder and towards the first and / or second ends of the grinder by an adjustment element. The adjustment element is positioned adjacent to or near the first end and concentrically surrounds the longitudinal axis of the grinding machine. Using the adjustment element, the inner ring is displaceable in the direction of the first and / or second ends of the grinding machine. This allows for setting the grinding degree in a simple manner.

[0138] The grinder may have an outer ring. This outer ring may have an essentially cylindrical cross-section and an inner circumference that is larger than the outer circumference of the inner ring and smaller than the inner circumference of the outlet of the first container. The outer ring may be positioned on the inner wall of the outlet of the first container, or adjacent to or near the inner wall of the outlet. The outer ring may be positioned on the inner wall of the outlet using a holding element, such as a hold-down device. The outer ring may be held in a fixed or stationary position within the outlet by the hold-down device.

[0139] By arranging the outer ring around the inner ring, the inner ring can rotate within the outer ring when the grinder is driven. By adjusting the grinding degree using adjustment elements, the position of the inner ring relative to the outer ring can be adjusted (when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the grinder), and the intermediate space between the inner and outer rings can be adjusted. Within that space, coffee beans can be ground into coffee powder at the interface between the inner and outer rings. Coffee beans, transported by gravity to the outlet and grinder, thus enter the space between the inner and outer rings and are ground into coffee powder by the rotation of the inner ring within the outer ring. Furthermore, the inner and outer rings are positioned adjacent to or close to the inner wall of the outlet and the outlet of the first container. Therefore, the coffee powder ground between the inner and outer rings can exit the first container through the outlet.

[0140] Preferably, the actuator and / or drive unit of the drug dispensing and grinding device consists of a motor, and the motor is designed to drive the grinder.

[0141] The motor may be housed or positioned in the dispensing area of ​​the device as part of the actuator and / or drive unit. The motor consists of a gear wheel or pinion, and the motor's gear wheel or pinion may contact a gear wheel or pinion or sprocket of the grinder's coupling device to drive the grinding device or grinder.

[0142] Preferably, the motor can be controlled or adjusted by signals from a sensor device.

[0143] The motor can communicate with sensor devices such as the aforementioned scales, and can be switched off after the desired dosage is reached. In this way, the device can be operated in an automated manner.

[0144] Preferably, the first container and / or the second container are made of a material that is at least partially flexible and / or a material that is at least partially dimensionally stable.

[0145] Preferably, the housing of the first container and / or the housing of the second container are made of or formed from an aluminum composite film.

[0146] Preferably, the first container, for example, its outer wall, is provided with at least one valve. Preferably, at least one valve is configured to release carbon dioxide from the first container. Preferably, at least one valve is designed to prevent oxygen from entering the container.

[0147] Preferably, the dosing and grinding device comprises a screw conveyor, a grinder, and a screw conveyor housing, wherein the screw conveyor is preferably insertable and rotatable in the screw conveyor housing along its entire length, and the grinder is preferably inserted in the screw conveyor housing along its entire length and rotatably positioned therein, and the screw conveyor, grinder, and screw conveyor housing extend around a common longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing, and the inlet of the dosing and grinding device is located inside or on the screw conveyor housing.

[0148] Thus, the design of the dispensing and grinding device guides coffee beans from a first container to the dispensing and grinding device, where they are transported by a screw conveyor within a screw conveyor housing along the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor toward the grinder, where they are ground into coffee powder. Since a fixed amount of coffee beans can be transported with each rotation of the screw conveyor, the amount of coffee beans or ground coffee powder dispensed can be determined by the rotation speed. This allows for accurate and easy dispensing of coffee beans or ground coffee powder. This dispensing can be controlled automatically, for example, by an adjustment device or control device, or manually by an operator.

[0149] The first container can be connected to a dosing and grinding device comprising a screw conveyor, a grinder, and a screw conveyor housing. The screw conveyor, grinder, and screw conveyor housing can thereby have all the features previously described in the context of a device for quantifying and grinding coffee beans and / or a device for preparing coffee, thereby allowing the quantification and grinding device to be received in the first receiving area or in the receiving area of ​​the quantification and grinder of the device, as previously described.

[0150] The plate is preferably designed as a stand plate and is positioned on the screw conveyor housing. This stand plate is used to better position the first container or to prevent the first container from tipping over, particularly when the first container for holding coffee beans is positioned outside the apparatus for dispensing and grinding the coffee beans or for preparing coffee. The plate can be securely connected to the screw conveyor housing, or the plate can be made connectable to the screw conveyor housing. Thus, after the coffee beans have been picked up, the plate can be removed from the screw conveyor housing, thereby allowing the first container and / or dispensing and grinding apparatus to be housed in the first receptacle of the apparatus for preparing coffee beans and / or coffee. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the screw conveyor housing consists of a casing, and the casing has at least one flat surface that functions as a stand plate, thereby better positioning and protecting the first container from tipping over. Preferably, the outlet of the first container is securely connected to the inlet of the screw conveyor housing, particularly by screwing and / or bonding.

[0151] The first container can be connected to a screw conveyor housing, and coffee beans can be introduced from the first container into the screw conveyor housing, transported by the screw conveyor to a grinder, ground into coffee powder, and then dispensed from there into cans of the correct dosage. The outlet of the first container can be securely connected to the inlet of the screw conveyor housing (e.g., with adhesive). For this purpose, for example, the outlet of the first container can have a circumferential wall similar to the circumferential wall of a flange positioned on the screw conveyor housing. In particular, the circumferential wall of the container outlet can be slightly larger or slightly smaller than the circumferential length of the circumferential wall of the flange, but have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the circumferential wall of the flange. In this way, the circumferential walls can be overlapped or securely connected to each other (e.g., by adhesive and / or welding).

[0152] However, it is also conceivable that the outlet of the first container is screwed into the inlet of the screw conveyor housing. Therefore, the circumferential wall of the flange of the screw conveyor housing can constitute a first drive profile, and the circumferential wall of the container outlet can constitute a second drive profile. Preferably, the first container and the dispensing / grinding device can be connected to each other via the two drive profiles in a manner that is geometrically fitted and rotationally fixed. For example, the outer contour of the circumferential wall of the flange on the screw conveyor housing can have a drive profile, and the inner contour of the circumferential wall of the container outlet can have a corresponding drive profile, thereby allowing the circumferential walls to be connected to each other, particularly in a non-rotatable manner. Any structure that enables the connection between the first container and the dispensing / grinding device can function as a drive profile. The drive profile can be polygonal, star-shaped, slot-shaped, etc., accordingly.

[0153] Preferably, the screw conveyor housing is integrated into the first container. By integrating the screw conveyor housing into the first container, the first container and the screw conveyor housing can be connected integrally, and in particular, the first container and the dispensing / grinding device can be firmly and irremovably connected. In particular, it is conceivable that the peripheral wall of the container outlet and the peripheral wall of the flange on the screw conveyor housing are formed integrally with each other.

[0154] Preferably, the first container has at least a partially tapered portion, and the periphery of the first container in the tapered portion preferably tapers substantially conically toward the outlet.

[0155] The first container, when connected to the first container, may have a cross-section on a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the conveyor screw of the screw conveyor housing, and the tapered portion is laterally restricted by the first and second side edges. “When connected to the first container” means that the discharge polishing device or screw conveyor housing is connected to the screw conveyor and the first container. The first side edge may run essentially laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing, preferably at an angle less than 90°, and particularly preferably at an angle of about 45° (when viewed in the connected state). The second side edge may run essentially laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the conveying screw conveyor housing, preferably at an angle less than about 90°, and particularly preferably at an angle of about 45°. Alternatively, both side edges may run essentially laterally along the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing, preferably at an angle less than about 90°, and particularly preferably at an angle of about 45°. In this way, because the side edges are positioned relative to the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing (when viewed in the connected state), the coffee beans can be opened from the first container particularly easily.

[0156] Preferably, the second side edge forms an angle of approximately 45° with the first side edge. With this configuration, the circumference of the first container in the tapered section gradually decreases towards the outlet. This allows the coffee beans received in the first container to be emptied particularly efficiently from the outlet and then introduced into the inlet of the screw conveyor housing.

[0157] Preferably, the first container has at least partially a first essentially symmetrical portion, the circumference of the first container remains the same within the first essentially symmetrical portion, and preferably the first substantially symmetrical portion is further away from the outlet than the tapered portion.

[0158] The first container may have a cross-section in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the conveyor screw of the screw conveyor housing when viewed in conjunction with the first container, and the first substantially symmetric section is laterally confined by a first side edge and a second side edge, which are substantially parallel to each other. Thus, (when viewed in conjunction) it runs substantially laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor screw of the screw conveyor housing, preferably at an angle of about 90°. The first side edge of the first substantially symmetric section may run in the same plane as the first side edge of the tapered section, and / or the second side edge of the first substantially symmetric section may be perpendicular to the second side edge of the tapered section. However, it is also conceivable that the second side edge of the first substantially symmetric section may run in the same plane as the second side edge of the tapered section, so that a further tapered section is formed instead of a symmetric section.

[0159] Preferably, the distance between the first and second side edges of the symmetrical portion is at most about 140 mm, and / or the length of the two side edges is at most about 155 mm. It is also possible that the length of the first side edge is longer than the length of the second side edge. Therefore, the length of the first side edge can be at most about 155 mm, and / or the length of the second side edge can be at most about 125 mm. However, it is also possible that the distances and lengths mentioned above differ from the specified values, and as a result, the first container may have a smaller or larger volume, or it may be smaller or larger.

[0160] This embodiment allows for particularly efficient emptying of the coffee beans contained in the first container from the outlet of the first container and then introducing them into the inlet of the screw conveyor housing. Furthermore, the symmetrical cross-section allows for modification of the configuration of the inlet for receiving the coffee beans contained in the first container.

[0161] Preferably, the first container has a second essentially symmetrical portion adjacent to or near the outlet, and the periphery of the first container remains the same within the second essentially symmetrical portion, substantially corresponding to the periphery of the outlet and / or the opening of the outlet.

[0162] The first container, when connected to the first container, may have a cross-section in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the conveyor screw of the conveyor screw conveyor housing, and the second substantially symmetrical section is arranged substantially parallel to each other and thus laterally limited by a first and second side edge running substantially laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor screw of the conveyor screw conveyor housing, preferably at an angle of about 90° (when viewed in the connected state). The first side edge of the second substantially symmetrical section may be coplanar with the first side edge of the tapered section and the first side edge of the first substantially symmetrical section, and / or the second side edge of the second substantially symmetrical section may be laterally relative to the second side edge of the tapered section and parallel to the second side edge of the first.

[0163] Preferably, the distance between the first and second side edges of the second symmetrical portion is in the range of about 20 mm to 60 mm (e.g., about 50 mm), and / or the lengths of the two side edges are in the range of about 10 mm to 110 mm (e.g., about 15 mm or 90 mm, respectively) in each case. However, the distances and lengths mentioned above may differ from the specified values, and as a result, the first container may have a smaller or larger volume, or be smaller or larger. Preferably, the second essentially symmetrical portion is connected to an outlet, and more preferably, the diameter of the outlet or the passage of the outlet opening corresponds to the distance between the first and second side edges of the second symmetrical portion.

[0164] In this embodiment, the process of emptying the coffee beans received in the first container from the outlet and then introducing them into the inlet of the screw conveyor housing can be carried out particularly efficiently.

[0165] However, the first container may also have a more essentially symmetrical section instead of a tapered section. Here, the first lateral edge of the three sections may run in one plane, the second lateral edge may run in another plane, and the two planes may be oriented essentially parallel to each other.

[0166] Preferably, the first container has an inlet opening, the inlet opening is preferably positioned essentially opposite the outlet, and / or the outlet is provided with an outlet opening.

[0167] The inlet opening can preferably be located in a first substantially symmetrical section. More preferably, the inlet opening can be located adjacent to or near a side edge running between the first and second side edges of the first substantially symmetrical section. Preferably, the inlet opening is located at the first free end opposite the second free end of the first container, and the outlet and outlet opening are located at the second free end. A tapered section can be located between the inlet or inlet opening and the outlet or outlet opening.

[0168] Coffee beans can be received into the first container through the inlet opening. Because the inlet opening is located on the opposite side of the outlet, the coffee beans can be guided toward the outlet and outlet opening and then from the first container to the dispensing and grinding device. This allows for proper dispensing of coffee beans or ground coffee. Preferably, the inlet opening can be closed by a closing element, more preferably by a zipper.

[0169] However, it is also possible that the first container does not have an inlet opening and is integrally or firmly connected to the dispensing / grinding device. The first container and the dispensing / grinding device can be integrally connected to each other as a unit and filled with coffee beans.

[0170] The inlet opening preferably extends adjacent to, or near, the first free end between the first and second side edges of the first substantially symmetrical section. Preferably, the inlet opening can be closed with a closure element. The first container is advantageously reusable and / or can be refilled after the coffee beans have been completely emptied, or the first container can be closed again after the coffee beans have been transferred. However, it is also conceivable that the first container is not reusable and does not have a closure element, such that the inlet or inlet opening is welded after the coffee beans have been received. It is also conceivable that the first container does not have an inlet or inlet opening, and the coffee beans are first received into the first container through an outlet or outlet opening, and then the outlet is connected to a dispensing and grinding device. In particular, after the coffee beans have been taken in, the outlet can be connected to the inlet of a dispensing and grinding device by a connecting element, e.g., an adhesive element in the form of an adhesive strip or clip. In this case, one same opening is used for receiving the coffee beans into the first container and for removing the coffee beans from the first container.

[0171] Thus, the first container holding the coffee beans can already be connected to and supplied by the dispensing and grinding device, and is designed as a disposable or single-use item. Alternatively, the dispensing and grinding device, which can be connected to the first container, may be designed as a reusable item. In particular, if the dispensing and grinding device and the first container are integrally formed with each other, or glued or screwed together, the dispensing and grinding device can be designed as a single-use or disposable item.

[0172] The closing element can be designed as an easily openable and closable zipper. However, instead of a zipper, or in addition to a zipper, a rail may be placed at the first free end of the first container. This rail allows the first container to be connected to the upper region of the first receiving section. Other types of fasteners that can connect the first container to the upper region of the receiving section are also conceivable, such as one or more magnetic holders, one or more Velcro fasteners, one or more buttons, and / or one or more adhesive strips. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the first container has a first threaded element and the upper region of the first receiving section has a second threaded element, and these threaded elements connect the first container to the upper region of the receiving section.

[0173] The tab may be positioned adjacent to or near the closure element. The tab may have an internal opening. The internal opening may be designed as a handle so that the first container can be transported or held in a simplified manner from one place to another. However, the internal opening may also serve as a hook or suspending mechanism, for example, thereby providing additional stability, especially when filling the first container. Preferably, the closure element, which is a zipper, is designed to be inserted into a groove in a first receiving area of ​​the apparatus for dosing and grinding coffee beans and / or preparing coffee.

[0174] Closure elements or zippers can be designed to be inserted (at least partially) into grooves. Preferably, the closure elements or zippers are designed to be inserted into grooves located in a first receiving area, and are located inside the upper limit, particularly facing the lower limit. The grooves may extend substantially coplanar with the drive shaft of the receiving area of ​​the dosing and grinding device and the longitudinal axis of the conveyor screw in the conveyor housing of the conveyor screw when inserted into the device. Preferably, the grooves extend at least partially into the upper limit. More preferably, the grooves extend from an area adjacent to or near the open front side to an area adjacent to or near the rear wall. This allows the first container and / or dosing and grinding device to be easily inserted into the first receiving area of ​​the device for dosing, grinding and / or preparing coffee beans, the dosing and grinding device to be received by the receiving device at the lower limit, and the cylindrical cavity of the dosing and grinding device to engage with the drive shaft of the drive device. At the same time, a closing element or zipper can be inserted into the groove, thereby allowing the first container to be held in addition to the lateral ribs.

[0175] The first container can be made of various materials, for example, paper, plastic, or other flexible materials for holding coffee beans. Furthermore, the first container can be designed as a pouch or bag. However, it is also conceivable that the first container be made of an inflexible material and therefore dimensionally stable, in which case it can be made of metal such as aluminum or plastic. For example, the first container can also be designed as a cardboard box such as a Tetra Pak. In particular, if the first container is made of an inflexible material, the second tray can have two open sides positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the tray, instead of a closed side wall and multiple ribs extending away from the side wall.

[0176] The first container can have a capacity of approximately 1.5 dm³. This capacity can hold up to 500 g of coffee beans, and 500 g of coffee beans corresponds to a volume of 1.1 dm³. Thus, a capacity of 1.5 dm³ facilitates the filling and transfer of coffee beans. However, it is also conceivable that the first container has a capacity that deviates from approximately 1.5 dm³, and it is possible to make the first container larger or smaller.

[0177] The second tray and the second container will be explained in more detail below.

[0178] Preferably, the second receiving region comprises a rear wall, two side walls spaced apart from each other and positioned at angles different from 0° or 180°, particularly essentially transverse to the rear wall, and a lower limit positioned at angles different from 0° or 180°, particularly transverse to the side walls. At least one of the side walls is an inclined side wall oriented with respect to the lower limit at an angle different from 90°, preferably between 10° and 50°, more preferably between 10° and 30°, particularly preferably 20°, in an open top.

[0179] The second receptacle can be configured with an open top surface. In other words, the top surface can be designed to be completely open. This allows the second container to be introduced into the second receptacle in a movement essentially perpendicular to the lower limit, and the second container to be received by the second receptacle. However, it is also conceivable that the second receiving region has an upper limit with a through hole or opening located therein, and the second container is introduced into the second receiving region in a movement essentially perpendicular to the lower limit.

[0180] The second receiving tray may have a front surface opposite the rear wall, which may preferably consist of, for example, a glass or plastic window element, or a flap or closing flap. This allows for easy confirmation of the filling level of the second container from the front. However, the front side may also be designed as a closed front wall with no openings, similar to the rear wall. The open front side of the first receiving tray may also be closed by a flap or cap, preferably in a manner similar to the closing flap of the second receiving tray. Thus, after the first container is inserted and picked up, the first receiving area can be protected from dust and dirt by closing the closing flap. Preferably, at least one second receiving area is designed to receive a lifting system for dispensing fluid.

[0181] The lifting system allows for the correct dispensing of a second fluid container by pressurizing it, for example, using a pump mechanism. However, it is also possible to pressurize the second container using a rotating mechanism or other mechanisms, thereby enabling precise and particularly simple dispensing of the fluid. The second receiving tray is designed to accommodate both the second container and the lifting system.

[0182] Preferably, the lifting system is connected to or can be connected to the second container.

[0183] The lifting system can be securely connected to the second container. In other words, the lifting system can be integrated into the second container and provided or delivered in such an integrated manner. However, it is also conceivable that the lifting system and the second container are two separate elements and can be combined or connected to each other so that fluid can be dispensed from the second container. For example, the lifting system can be coupled or connected to the opening of the second container (e.g., the inlet or outlet of the second container). Like the second container, the lifting system can be replaceable and can be a disposable or single-use item. Therefore, the lifting system can preferably be delivered as a ready-made product together with the second container, which is already filled with liquid.

[0184] Preferably, the lifting system is connected to or connectable to the outlet of the second container. Therefore, by operating the lifting system, the fluid can be pumped out of the second container and precisely administered. Preferably, the lifting system is connected to or connectable, for example, a container or mug such as a coffee pot or coffee mug, or one of the preparation devices described later, via a hose system. In this way, the precisely administered fluid can be filled into the container, cup, or preparation device.

[0185] Preferably, the container or cup or preparation device is positioned in the direction of gravity below a lifting system that is connectable to or connected to the second container. Preferably, the lifting system is positioned in the direction of gravity between the container or cup or preparation device and the second container. In this way, the fluid can be guided particularly easily within the container or cup or to the preparation device, as it is guided in a simple manner by gravity from the second container toward the lifting system and pumped from the second container toward the container or cup or to the preparation device.

[0186] The lifting system preferably includes a piston and a rotating plate.

[0187] A lifting system can be supplied with fluid by a piston pump. For example, a lifting system may include a rotating plate driven by a motor that can apply pressure to a piston. The piston can be connected to or may be connected to a second container so that the piston can be deflected or moved by the rotating plate. The rotating plate is preferably positioned above the piston in the direction of gravity and is driven by a motor to rotate. This rotational motion causes the piston to translate. Therefore, the piston can be pushed downward in the direction of gravity towards the second container, so that the fluid can be pumped out of the second container and administered correctly. In this way, by deflecting or moving the piston, the fluid can be drawn up from the second container and administered correctly in a simple manner. One rotation of the motor allows for several lifting and lowering operations. In other words, one rotation of the motor results in multiple movements combining the rotational and translational motions of the rotating plate and piston.

[0188] Preferably, the rotating plate is designed as an eccentric or control disk, mounted on an axis with its center outside the axis. The piston is preferably positioned below the eccentric in the direction of gravity, and outside its axis, preferably above or below in the direction of gravity. In this way, the rotational motion of the eccentric can be advantageously converted into the translational motion of the piston or the stroke of the piston.

[0189] Preferably, the second receiving tray has a lifting system receiving tray.

[0190] The lifting system receiving section is designed to receive a motor, a rotating plate, and a piston. The motor and / or the rotating plate and / or the piston may be securely connected to the lifting system receiving section. These can be positioned, for example, on the rear wall and / or side wall of the second receiving tray. The second container can then be introduced and inserted into the second receiving section in such a manner that the rotating plate and / or piston of the lifting system receiving section can interact with the second container. In this way, the fluid can be dispensed from the second container and administered correctly using the rotating plate and piston. Alternatively, the motor and / or the rotating plate and / or piston may be securely connected to the second container and replaceable together with the second container. Thus, by inserting the motor and / or the rotating plate and / or piston together with the second container into the receiving area of ​​the lifting system, the fluid can be dispensed from the second container and administered.

[0191] Preferably, the lifting system is equipped with sensors.

[0192] The sensor can be securely connected to the receiving part of the lifting device. When the second container is introduced or inserted into the second receiving area, the sensor can determine the fluid level inside the second container. The sensor can be connected to application software, such as a mobile app, described later, which can automatically order new fluid online based on the fluid filling level.

[0193] Preferably, the second container is connected to or connectable to a dispensing device, or the second container is equipped with a dispensing device, preferably a lifting system, which is designed to dispense fluid from inside the second container. This device may consist of only one weighing and grinding unit for coffee beans, and lack a separate weighing unit for liquids.

[0194] Preferably, the lifting system is made from bioplastic or bioplastic or bio-based plastic. For example, the bioplastic may consist of stone, paper, and / or wood.

[0195] The inclined sidewall of the second receptacle is preferably connected to or connectable to the rear wall and can be spaced apart from the lower limit. Thus, the lower end or edge of the inclined sidewall pointing to the lower limit of the second receiving region can be positioned adjacent to or near a flange that can surround the through-hole of the lower limit. The inclined sidewall is configured to receive and hold the second container of fluid in an inclined position. In other words, the second container may have one of its outer sidewalls in contact with the inclined sidewall, and the inclined sidewall may be configured as a support member and / or a support member for the second container. The second container is held in an inclined position by the inclined sidewall, and the outlet of the second container can open into a through-hole surrounded by the flange. The flange allows for easy introduction of the container's outlet into the through-hole and also functions as a lateral support or lateral support element for the outlet. The inclined position of the second container is advantageous because the fluid can be discharged from the second container in an appropriate manner, and no residual volume or residual fluid or dead volume remains in the second container. Simultaneously, the first container equipped with the dispensing and grinding device can thus be positioned essentially laterally, preferably at a 90° angle to the lower limit, above the lower limit and / or above the through-hole. In this way, the discharge port of the screw conveyor housing and the discharge port of the second container can advantageously open together within the through-hole. This allows the ground coffee grounds and fluid to be guided through the through-hole in an apparatus for feeding and grinding coffee grounds and / or for preparing coffee, and the coffee grounds and fluid to be supplied to a container, preferably a filter container.

[0196] Preferably, the outlet of the first container and the outlet of the second container open into through holes spaced apart from each other. The distance between the two outlets when the first container is inserted into and received in the first tray and when the second container is received in the second tray is preferably about 30 mm to 60 mm, more preferably about 45 mm.

[0197] However, the second receiving area may have two separate side walls, which are positioned laterally to the rear wall, preferably at an angle of about 90°, and parallel to each other. A third wall, designed as an inclined wall and having the aforementioned inclined side wall characteristics, can be positioned between these two separate side walls.

[0198] Preferably, the second tray has a plurality of clamping elements that extend at least partially between the front surface facing the rear wall and the rear wall of the second tray. Preferably, the clamping elements are designed as clamps, and preferably, the clamps are arranged in a plane parallel to the inclined side wall.

[0199] Particularly preferably, at least two clamping elements, preferably three, are arranged adjacent to or near the inclined sidewall of the second transfer area, traveling in a plane parallel to the inclined sidewall or in the clamping element plane. However, it is also conceivable that the second receptacle area has three or more clamping elements adjacent to or near the inclined sidewall, and these clamping elements travel in the clamping element plane. Preferably, the clamping element plane is oriented at an angle different from 90°, preferably between 10° and 50°, more preferably between 10° and 30°, and particularly preferably at an angle of 20° with respect to the lower limit. This is advantageous because it allows the second container to be held between the inclined sidewall and the clamping element such that one of the sidewalls of the second container engages with the inclined sidewall and the opposite sidewall of the second container engages with the clamping element. In this way, fluid can be discharged from the second container using the clamping elements. The clamping elements allow for both the dispensing of fluid inside the second container and the dispensing of fluid from inside the second container. The desired or correct dosage of fluid inside the second container can be controlled by a clamping element. This is advantageous because it eliminates the need for expensive peristaltic pumps, flow sensors, etc.

[0200] Preferably, at least one of the clamping elements is replaced by a tempering device for controlling the temperature of the fluid administered by the clamping element.

[0201] By introducing the second container into the second receiving area through the open top, the second container is received into the second receiving area such that it is held laterally or clamped by up to three clamping elements and inclined side walls. The clamping elements clamp the fluid inside the second container. The clamping elements are displaceably positioned on the rear wall of the second receiving area so that the fluid can be dispensed by moving the clamping elements. This allows up to three clamping elements to be in at least one position, in particular a first position and a second position. In the first position, up to three clamping elements can press against one of the side walls of the second container so that the second side wall on the opposite side of the second container is laterally adjacent to and / or in contact with the second container so that it faces the pressed inclined side wall. In the second position, up to three sets of clamping elements cannot be adjacent to or in contact with the container so that the clamping elements cannot press against one of the side walls of the second container. The different positions of at least one clamping element are advantageous when the fluid inside the second vessel is tempered or heated by a tempering device. Heating by heating or boiling causes the fluid inside the second vessel to expand, and the expanded fluid increases the circumference of the outer wall and, consequently, the distance between the side walls of the second vessel.

[0202] The position of at least one clamping element can be changed or displaced relative to the side wall, or the inclined side wall, and / or the lower limit of the second receiving area, depending on the first and second positions of the clamping element. Thus, the position of the clamping element can also be changed relative to the side wall, or the inclined side wall, and / or the lower limit of the second container when the second container is received in the second receiving area.

[0203] The first clamping element can be positioned such that it has a first distance from the lower limit. The second clamping element can be positioned such that it has a second distance from the lower limit that is greater than the first distance from the lower limit. In this way, the first clamping element can be positioned as a lower clamping element adjacent to or near the lower limit in the second receiving area. The second clamping element can also be positioned as an upper clamping element adjacent to or near the open upper side. Furthermore, the third clamping element can be positioned as an intermediate clamping element between the first and second clamping elements, and can have a third distance from the lower limit that is greater than the first distance and less than the second distance.

[0204] The first lower clamping element has a first distance from the lower limit between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably about 20 mm. The second upper clamping element may have a second distance from the lower limit between 160 mm and 240 mm, preferably about 180 mm. The distance between the first lower clamping element and the second upper clamping element may be between 140 mm and 220 mm, preferably about 160 mm. A third intermediate clamping element may be positioned between the first lower clamping element and the second upper clamping element so as to be displaceable within a range of 10 mm to 30 mm, preferably about 20 mm, and within a range of 160 mm to 240 mm, preferably about 180 mm, from the lower limit.

[0205] The first lower clamping element can apply pressure to one of the side walls of the second container when the second container is received in the second receiving area, or the side wall of the second container can be clamped or confined between the lower clamping element and the inclined side wall so that the second container is closed when the second container is received in the second receiving area and fluid cannot escape from the second container, for example, through the outlet opening of the second container. The first lower clamping element can aseptically seal the second container so that bacteria and other microorganisms cannot enter the second container, for example, through the outlet opening of the second container. The second upper clamping element can close the second container by applying pressure to one of the side walls of the second container or by clamping the side wall of the second container between the upper clamping element and the inclined side wall, preventing fluid from escaping from the second container and / or a fluid reservoir connectable to the second container, for example, through the inlet opening of the second container, when the second container is received into the second receiving area. In this way, the second upper clamping element can aseptically seal the second container so that bacteria and other microorganisms cannot enter the second container, for example, through the inlet opening of the second container. The inclined side wall with a heating element can function as a counter surface for a clamp, preferably a lower clamp, and the second container can be positioned between the lower clamp and the heating element and / or the inclined side wall. It is also conceivable that the inclined side wall functions for two other clamps, namely the second upper clamping element and / or a third intermediate clamping element.

[0206] The first lower clamp element and the second upper clamp element seal off the area inside the second container to be sterilized or heated, thereby preserving the fluid in a sterile state. A third intermediate clamp element is provided between the first lower clamp element and the second upper clamp element to dispense the fluid into the second container.

[0207] Preferably, the first lower clamp element and the second upper clamp element are positioned so that the two clamp elements divide a region of the second container, separating the amount of fluid in the second container from approximately 50 ml to 400 ml. This allows for the dispensing of up to approximately 400 ml of liquid. This region covers the amount of liquid needed for one cup of coffee or one cup of espresso, depending on the preparation method required in each case. However, it is also conceivable that the first lower clamp element and the second upper clamp element are positioned so that the two clamp elements divide a region of the second container, limiting the amount of fluid in the second container to more than 400 ml, preferably more than 400 ml and up to approximately 1000 ml, or more than 400 ml and up to 750 ml. In this way, it is also possible to provide or dispense an amount of fluid suitable for preparing more than one serving of coffee or more than one cup of coffee.

[0208] Preferably, the distance between the clamping elements can be modified relative to the lower limit and / or the open upper side.

[0209] Preferably, the third intermediate clamp element is adjustable or height-adjustable within the clamp element plane. In other words, the third distance from the lower limit can be changed. This allows for precise dispensing of a desired amount of fluid for coffee preparation. Alternatively, the first lower clamp element and the second upper clamp element may also be adjustable or height-adjustable within the clamp element plane, so that the first and second distances to the lower limit can be changed. This allows the two clamp elements to be adapted to the size or volume of the second container, and two containers of different sizes to be received in the second receiving area and held or restricted laterally by the clamp elements and inclined side walls, so that the fluid in the second container can be dispensed correctly.

[0210] Preferably, each clamp element consists of a first clamp element surface and a second clamp element surface, the clamp element surfaces being located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the clamp element.

[0211] The surfaces of the first and second clamping elements can be positioned essentially parallel to each other, and each can extend between the first and second ends. The surface of the first clamping element can extend within a first plane, and the surface of the second clamping element can extend within a second plane, and the first and second planes can be positioned parallel to each other, and / or the longitudinal axis of the clamping elements can be positioned within a plane between the first plane and the second level. The widths of the surfaces of the two clamping elements, i.e., the widths of the surfaces of the two clamping elements at angles different from 0° or 180°, in particular essentially transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clamping elements, are tapered from the first end to the second end. Furthermore, each of the clamping elements can include a connecting plate positioned at an angle different from 0° or 180°, in particular essentially transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clamping element. The surface of the first clamping element can be connected to the connecting plate by the first end, and the surface of the second clamping element can be connected to the connecting plate by the first end. The connecting plate is designed to connect individual clamp elements to a second receiving area. In particular, the connecting plate can be connected to the rear wall of the second receiving area such that the second end of the clamp element surface is spaced away from the rear wall, so that the clamp element extends essentially laterally with respect to the rear wall at an angle different from 0° or 180°. Preferably, the connecting plate of an individual clamp element is connected to the rear wall adjacent to or near the inclined side wall of the second receiving area, so that the clamp element extends along the inclined side wall, preferably on the clamp element surface, between the front and rear walls. This allows the second container, after being received in the second receiving area, to be held between the clamp element and the inclined side wall, and to be dispensed into the second container. Because the width of the surfaces of the two clamp elements tapers toward the second end, the individual clamp elements can be moved from a first position to a second position in a particularly simple manner.However, it is also possible that the individual clamp elements are not connected to the rear wall by a connecting plate, and that the clamp elements are positioned or connected to the rear wall and / or one of the side walls of the second receiving area in a displaceable manner by a carriage or rail or guide rail element. Preferably, the surfaces of two clamping elements are connected by the surface of a third clamping element, the surface of the third clamping element having a conical cross-section that is essentially transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clamping elements.

[0212] The third clamp element surface may extend from the first side edge of the first clamp element surface to the first side edge of the second clamp element surface. The first side edges of the first and second clamp element surfaces may extend in the same plane, particularly laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clamp element, at an angle different from 0° or 180°, preferably 90°. The third clamp element surface may be positioned at an angle of 90° with respect to the first and second clamp element surfaces, and / or at an angle of 90° with respect to the connecting plate, and / or at an angle of 90° with respect to the rear wall of the second receiving region when a connecting plate having a rear wall is connected. Preferably, the connecting plate has at least one through hole, and the clamp element can be connected to the rear wall using a connecting element, such as a screw. However, the connecting plate may also be positioned adjacent to or near the first end of the clamp element surface, for example, on the second side edge opposite the first side edge of the clamp element surface, so that the clamp element can be connected to the side wall.

[0213] Preferably, the surface of the third clamping element may have a substantially conical or triangular cross-section at an angle different from 0° or 180°, particularly essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the clamping element. The surface of the third clamping element may have a clamping element edge that essentially extends in the longitudinal direction of the clamping element, resulting from an essentially conical cross-section between the first side edge of the surface of the first clamping element and the first side edge of the surface of the second clamping element. Preferably, the edge of the clamping element extends in the same plane as the longitudinal axis of the clamping element. The design of the clamping element edge of the individual clamping elements allows for particularly good dosing of the fluid in the second vessel when the second vessel is received into the second receiving area and pressure is applied to the side wall of the second vessel by the clamping element and the inclined side wall.

[0214] Furthermore, the third clamp element face may include two or more clamp element edges, preferably two clamp element edges, which, like the clamp element edges described above, essentially extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the clamp element and may extend between the first side edge of the first clamp element face and the first side edge of the second clamp element face. Each clamp element edge extends in a plane that runs essentially laterally with respect to the plane of the longitudinal axis of the clamp element, or at an angle different from 0° or 180°, preferably 90°.

[0215] Each clamp element can be designed to have a configuration that opens laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clamp element on the opposite side of the third clamp element surface. In other words, each clamp element is defined by three clamp element surfaces and forms an internal cavity with an open side. When the clamp element is connected to a second receptacle, for example, when the clamp element is connected to the rear wall by a connecting plate, the open side of the internal cavity points to one of the two side walls of the second receptacle. Such a configuration makes the clamp element lightweight and suitable for clamping a second container or dispensing fluid from a second container. However, it is also conceivable that the clamp element has a fourth clamp element surface that extends between the second side edge of the first clamp element surface and the second side edge of the second clamp element surface, on the opposite side of the third clamp element surface when viewed laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clamp element.

[0216] Preferably, at least one of the surfaces of the clamping element, preferably a third clamping element surface, is designed as a bearing surface, preferably a rubber support surface.

[0217] This bearing surface allows the second container to be closed particularly tightly. The bearing surface can be constructed as a rubber bearing surface, or is made of or from an elastomer, thermoplastic resin, or thermosetting resin. The support surface is made of or can be formed from a soft plastic or solid plastic.

[0218] In particular, when the first lower clamp element and the second upper clamp element assume the second position, the rubber-like contact surface improves sealing performance, preventing bacteria and germs from entering the second container. This ensures that the fluid is received sterile inside the second container and that it does not leak out. Furthermore, it is guaranteed that the inside of the device, especially the inside of the second receiving area, such as the side walls, does not come into contact with the fluid. In this way, cleaning of the device, especially cleaning of the inside of the device, can be omitted.

[0219] Preferably, one or more (preferably each) clamping elements have at least one spring element.

[0220] At least one spring element can be designed as a tension spring or a rubber band and is positioned adjacent to or near the first end of the surface of the first clamp element, or adjacent to or near the first end of the surface of the second clamp element. However, it is also conceivable that the first spring element is positioned adjacent to or near the first end of the surface of the first clamp element, and the second spring element is positioned adjacent to or near the first end of the surface of the second clamp element. The contact pressure of the clamp elements in the first state can be adjusted by the spring element. This allows for a particularly tight closure or seal of the second container, in particular by the first lower clamp element and the second upper clamp element. The ends of the clamp elements can be pressed particularly strongly against one of the side walls of the second container, so that the fluid is received sterilely into the second container. The spring support ensures a good and sterile seal.

[0221] The spring support allows for flat or uniform surface pressure, which in particular enables a sterile seal. Flat or uniform surface pressure can exert a pressure greater than the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid inside the second vessel, or greater than the pressure resulting from heating or boiling of the fluid, on the contact surface of the clamp element. In this way, the clamp element and the spring support provided above it ensure that the airtight or sealed condition of the second vessel is always maintained.

[0222] Preferably, the tempering device is positioned in contact with the second container, preferably in a region adjacent to or near the lower limit of the second receiving area, / or preferably in a region adjacent to or near the inclined side wall, / or in a region adjacent to or near one of the clamping elements closest to the lower limit.

[0223] The tempering device may be positioned adjacent to or near the first lower clamping element, and may also be positioned adjacent to or near the lower end of the second sidewall, facing the lower limit of the second receiving area, and / or on a flange having a through hole surrounding the lower limit. When the second vessel is received by the second receiving area, the lower area of ​​the second vessel is positioned adjacent to, preferably adjacent to, the tempering device. The tempering device preferably consists of a tempering element, such as a heating plate, which is positioned adjacent to or near the lower limit of the second receiving area, / or adjacent to or near the lower clamping element, / or adjacent to or near the lower end of the inclined sidewall. It is also conceivable that a tempering element be positioned between the first lower clamping element and a third intermediate clamping element, or that a temperature control element be positioned between the first lower clamping element and a second upper clamping element. In this case, the tempering element can extend between the first lower clamping element and the third intermediate clamping element or the second upper clamping element. Furthermore, the device may consist of two or more tempering elements, preferably two tempering elements, arranged adjacent to or near the inclined side wall.

[0224] Such an arrangement of at least one tempering element allows the fluid to be mixed inside the second vessel. The deepest or lowest part of the second vessel, or the point of the second vessel closest to the lower limit of the second receiving region when the second vessel is housed in the second receiving region, is tempered or heated. In this way, a circulating motion of the fluid can be created inside the second vessel, allowing the fluid to be thoroughly mixed inside the second vessel. This allows the fluid to be kept at the same temperature throughout the inside of the second vessel. This is advantageous because it eliminates the need for a mixing unit inside the second vessel.

[0225] Preferably, the tempering apparatus comprises at least one sealing element, preferably two sealing elements. The at least one sealing element may be a sealing lip positioned adjacent to or near the lower limit of the second receiving region, and / or a sealing lip positioned adjacent to or near one of the clamping elements of a first lower clamping element pair, and / or a sealing lip positioned adjacent to or near one of the tempering elements. The sealing lip is designed to press the deepest, lowest part of the second vessel, preferably the area adjacent to or near the outlet opening of the second vessel, when it is received in the second receiving region, against the tempering element, and the tempering element is motorized against the second vessel so that it is in contact with the second vessel, preferably with its surfaces in contact. However, instead of separate sealing elements, the first lower clamping element may press the deepest, lowest part of the second vessel, when it is received in the second receiving region, preferably the area adjacent to or near the outlet opening of the second vessel, against the tempering element. This results in particularly high thermal conductivity, and the temperature of the fluid in the second container rises particularly effectively. When the second container is received in the second receiving region, the sealing element and the first lower clamping element can be positioned on the opposite side of the second container.

[0226] At least one tempering element can be designed as a heating element, for example, a heating plate, as described above, to set up the circulation of the fluid moving inside the second container and to heat the inside uniformly. Preferably, at least one tempering element is designed to heat the fluid to a temperature between 90°C and 100°C, particularly preferably about 96°C, thereby preparing the coffee.

[0227] However, it is also conceivable that at least one tempering element be designed as a cooling element, such as a cooling plate. In this way, the internal circulation can be stopped by the cooling element, and the fluid can be cooled to a predetermined temperature. It is also conceivable that the first tempering element be designed as a heating element, such as a heating plate, and the second tempering element be designed as a cooling element, such as a cooling plate. Furthermore, the same tempering element can be designed as both a heating element and a cooling element. As a result of being designed as a cooling plate, the fluid inside the second container can be cooled or chilled to a temperature advantageous for a special type of coffee preparation method, such as cold brew preparation.

[0228] Preferably, a through hole is provided in the lower limit of the second tray.

[0229] The through-hole is designed to allow the discharge port of the second container and the discharge port of the first container to pass through. In particular, when the second container is inserted into the second receiving section with its top open, the discharge port at the lower end of the second container can be guided through the through-hole, so that the discharge port of the second container, when received in the second receiving section, is guided through the through-hole and protrudes downward into the second exception area. Similarly, the discharge port of the screw conveyor housing can be guided through the through-hole when it is delivered to the first delivery area, so that it protrudes downward into the second delivery area. As a result, the ground coffee powder is guided through the outlet of the screw conveyor housing, and the fluid is guided through the outlet of the second container, and these outlets can be guided by the through-hole toward a container such as a filter container. As mentioned above, the through-hole is equipped with a flange that surrounds the through-hole laterally and extends from the lower limit toward the upper limit. This flange simplifies the introduction of the outlet. At the same time, the outlets of the screw conveyor housing and the second container can be designed to have a certain length, for example, as extended outlets, which allows the outlet to be guided into the through-hole in a simple manner without the fluid and ground coffee already inside the through-hole coming into contact with each other or the side walls of the through-hole becoming contaminated with coffee or fluid. As a result, cleaning of the through-hole can be omitted. Preferably, the outlets of the screw conveyor housing and the second container have a length greater than the length of the through-hole and flange when viewed laterally or at a 90° angle to the lower limit.

[0230] Preferably, the through-hole is located in the center of the lower limit of the apparatus for loading and grinding coffee beans and / or the apparatus for preparing coffee, preferably at a point equidistant from the front and rear of the apparatus and / or equidistant from two opposing side walls of the apparatus. This eliminates the need for a partition between the first and second trays. The first and second containers, which are equipped with the dispensing and grinding apparatus, can be arranged such that the discharge port is guided through the through-hole.

[0231] This allows the outlet to be connected to a preparation device or container (e.g., a filter container), and the correctly administered amount of fluid can be dispensed into the filter container by a second container, by the preparation device, or together with the preparation device, or the ground coffee supplied to the filter container can be mixed and filled into a container, preferably a coffee cup or coffee pot. Then, by supplying the correctly administered amount of liquid and coffee grounds to the container or filter container and shaking or agitating the container or filter container, ready-to-drink coffee can be made. In other words, the correctly administered amount of liquid and coffee grounds are mixed by shaking or agitating the container or filter container. Shaking or agitating can be done manually by the user. However, the device may also be equipped with a vibrator and / or mixing device, which vibrates and / or mixes the correctly administered fluid and coffee grounds in the container or filter and / or funnel container.

[0232] To obtain homogeneous coffee, the coffee in the filter and / or funnel container can be mixed. This can be done manually, using a rotating heating plate, 3D acoustic waves, or, in some cases, by shaking. This includes favorably sliding the coffee grounds or beans, evenly distributing the coffee grounds in the coffee filter (it is desirable to use a camera to confirm that the coffee is properly distributed), recognizing the bloom effect, mixing the coffee grounds in the drip process or cold brew (it is desirable to mix with 3D acoustic waves), and recognizing the speed at which water or fluid flows over the coffee grounds (fluid flow rate). This allows the camera to recognize the bloom effect and the correct mixing of the coffee grounds. If necessary, the grind size can be readjusted according to the type of coffee and the method of brewing (crema, drip, etc.). This can be done automatically, and the device will automatically optimize itself.

[0233] However, mixing can also be done by a preparation device. In the case of drip brewing, the preparation device is placed in a container with a sieve at the bottom. The coffee drips from here into a container below, such as a pitcher or other container. In the case of cold brew, the preparation device may be placed in a container designed as a sieve, for example, and that container may be inserted into, or can be inserted into, another container filled with water. However, the mixture can only be arbitrary. In other words, a device for dosing and grinding coffee beans, and / or a device for preparing coffee, can only fill a container or component (with the correct dosage). In the case of cold brew preparation, water can be placed in a container and coffee can be poured into a filter. In the case of drip preparation, the liquid or water and coffee grounds are mixed in the preparation device.

[0234] The features of this preparation device are briefly described below. This preparation device can be provided with optional components.

[0235] Preferably, the preparation device has an internal cavity extending around a central longitudinal axis between an upper open end and a lower open end, the cavity being surrounded by an inner wall, and its circumference preferably decreasing from the upper open end to the lower open end. Preferably, the inner cavity has an inner wall extending along the central longitudinal axis, dividing the inner cavity into a first cavity region and a second cavity region. Preferably, a first closing flap for closing the first cavity region and a second closing flap for closing the second cavity region are located at the upper open end of the preparation device. Preferably, the preparation device has a connector adjacent to or near the upper open end for connecting or coupling the preparation device to a device, and / or, the preparation device has a connector adjacent to or near the lower open end for connecting or coupling the preparation device to a container (e.g., a pitcher or container).

[0236] Preferably, the preparation device has a filter and / or funnel container into which coffee grounds and liquid are introduced and / or mixed. Furthermore, the preparation device may include a container such as a coffee cup or coffee pot, which is positioned relative to the filter and / or funnel container so that coffee is introduced or filled from the filter and / or funnel container by gravity. The coffee cup or coffee pot is preferably placed below the filter and / or funnel container. In the case of a drip process, the preparation device may be placed in a container having a sieve or filter at the bottom. The coffee drips from here into a container below, such as a pitcher or container. In the case of a cold brew method or type of preparation, the preparation device or stirring device and flap are in a container designed as a sieve, which will be placed in a further container into which the fluid or water may be placed.

[0237] Preferably, a drip tray is provided in the housing of the device, and this drip tray extends away from the side wall of the housing, preferably away from the rear wall of the housing. Preferably, the drip tray is located below the preparation device. Preferably, the distance of the first receiving area is variable with respect to the drip tray, and / or the distance of the second receiving area is variable with respect to the drip tray. In particular, the housing of the device can be stored or pushed together. This makes it possible to provide a device with, for example, a push-in or folding housing, which saves on packaging material for transport. Furthermore, by changing the distance of the first receiving area and / or the second receiving area with respect to the drip tray, the distance can be adjusted to the size of the container, in particular the size of the coffee container in which the coffee is filled. Containers or coffee containers of different sizes can be placed on the drip tray and filled with coffee. Preferably, it is an apparatus for determining the presence and / or type of preparation apparatus.

[0238] Preferably, the dosing and grinding device includes a closure or flap element, which is designed to open automatically or manually, and preferably, the closure or flap element is designed to house the dosing and grinding device and / or to airtightly seal the first container.

[0239] Preferably, a container is provided for receiving and dispensing a fluid (particularly a liquid) for preparing coffee, especially filter coffee, the container having a housing with an internal space for receiving the fluid, an inlet connected to the internal space with the fluid, and an outlet connected to the internal space with the fluid. Furthermore, the inlet is connected to the outlet of a fluid reservoir, and the dispensing of the fluid for preparing coffee can be done through the outlet of the container. The container is replaceable and designed as a disposable product.

[0240] Preferably, the container for receiving and dispensing a fluid (especially a liquid) is provided pre-filled with the fluid. That is, the container can be supplied pre-filled with liquid at the factory, so that the container can be provided to the consumer pre-filled with liquid for preparing coffee, especially filter coffee.

[0241] Just as the first container for coffee beans, the dispensing and grinding apparatus for dispensing and grinding the coffee beans, the second container for the fluid, and the preparation apparatus can be designed as interchangeable components, the fluid reservoir can also be interchangeable, that is, the fluid reservoir can be designed as a disposable or single-use item. However, it is also conceivable that each of the components described above as interchangeable could be designed as reusable or reusable components. The fluid reservoir can be connected to the second container in such a way that the apparatus for dispensing and grinding coffee beans, and / or the apparatus for preparing coffee, particularly the second receiving area, does not come into contact with the fluid. In this way, the apparatus, particularly the second receiving area, is not contaminated with the fluid, so there is no need to clean the apparatus each time coffee is prepared individually.

[0242] Preferably, this container is designed to be introduced into a device for weighing and grinding coffee beans or a device for preparing coffee, and to be received as a second container.

[0243] This container can be designed to be introduced as a second container into a second receiving tray of the apparatus for adding and grinding coffee beans and / or preparing coffee, as described above, and to be at least partially received therein. Thus, all the previously described features of the apparatus described in relation to the second container also apply to the second container described below for receiving and dispensing fluid. In particular, the second container described below can be inserted into and received in the second receiving area of ​​the apparatus described above, thereby enabling precise dispensing of the fluid for preparing coffee by a clamping element.

[0244] Preferably, the inlet of the second container consists of an inlet opening, which is preferably located essentially opposite to the outlet of the second container as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the container, and / or essentially opposite to the outlet opening of the outlet of the second container as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the container. The second container comprises an inlet having an inlet opening and an outlet having an outlet opening, the outlet of which may be located on the side opposite to the inlet. When the second container is introduced into the second receiving region by substantially vertical movement through the open top, the second container is received by the second receiving region such that the outlet is located in the lower region of the second receiving region, adjacent to or near the first lower clamp element and adjacent to or near the lower limit. Thus, the outlet can be implemented through a through hole in the lower limit of the second receiving region. The inlet is located in the upper region of the second receiving region, adjacent to or near the open upper side and adjacent to or near the second upper clamp element. The inlet can be connected to the outlet of the fluid reservoir, allowing fluid to be guided from the fluid reservoir into the second container, which can be done by a clamping element and / or inclined sidewalls. The desired amount of fluid required for coffee preparation can be dispensed and exit from the second container through the outlet. This allows for a predetermined or predetermined amount of fluid to be dispensed for coffee preparation, and the correct dispensing of the fluid by the clamping element can be achieved.

[0245] Preferably, the inlet of the second container is securely connected to the outlet of the fluid reservoir, preferably by screwing or bonding.

[0246] The second container can be securely connected to the fluid reservoir. Therefore, the second container and the fluid reservoir can be designed as a unit that is firmly connected to each other. Thus, the fluid reservoir can preferably be integrated into the container such that the fluid reservoir is integrally formed with the second container. As a result, the second container and the fluid reservoir can be introduced into the receiving area and received as a unit that is connected to each other. Since the outlet of the fluid reservoir is connected to the inlet of the second container, after the second container is received into the second receiving area, fluid can be guided from the fluid reservoir into the interior of the second container, a desired amount can be dispensed using a clamping element, and supplied to the preparation device from the outlet. This provides the liquid tank and the second container as a single unit, eliminating the need for the user to manually assemble the liquid tank and the second container. In this way, the second container can be connected to the fluid reservoir to form a combined container or combined bag. In this state, the combined container can be manufactured filled with fluid. In other words, fluid can be filled between the second container and the fluid reservoir. Here, it is conceivable that only the fluid reservoir is filled with fluid, and the second container is placed or fixed to the fluid reservoir in a folded state. The fluid-filled fluid reservoir (e.g., a Tetra Pak) can be separated from the second container using a separation element such as a clamp. Using a clamp as a separation element prevents the fluid from flowing from the fluid reservoir into the second container and from leaking out of the container's outlet when the second container is opened.

[0247] However, it is also conceivable that the fluid reservoir and the second container are two separate elements, provided separately from each other. Therefore, the inlet of the second container can first be connected to the outlet of the fluid reservoir, for example, by a screw connection, plug connection, adhesive connection, clamp connection, etc., so that the second container and the fluid reservoir can be introduced together into the second receiving region from an open top.

[0248] The second container can be formed from a different material, for example, plastic or other flexible materials suitable for receiving fluids, such as film materials. Furthermore, the second container can be designed as a bag or pouch. Similar to the second container, the fluid reservoir can be formed from a flexible material. However, it is also conceivable that the fluid reservoir be formed from a non-flexible material and consequently dimensionally stable, and the fluid reservoir can be made of a metal such as aluminum or a plastic. For example, the fluid reservoir can also be designed as a cardboard box, such as a Tetra Pak. Preferably, the fluid reservoir and the second container are made from the same material, especially when the fluid reservoir and the second container are made as one unit rather than two separate elements.

[0249] Preferably, the second vessel includes a substantially horizontal plate positioned adjacent to or near the inlet opening of the second vessel, and / or adjacent to or near the inlet of the second vessel. Preferably, the plate can be connected to the second vessel, firmly connected to the second vessel, or integrated into the second vessel. The horizontal plate can also be integrated with a fluid reservoir.

[0250] The plate or suspension strap can be attached to the upper region of the second container in a fixed or removable manner. The plate can be formed integrally with the second container. Preferably, the plate has a surface shape that essentially corresponds to the surface shape of the cross-section of the second container at an angle different from 0° or 180°, preferably 90°, when viewed lateral to the longitudinal container axis of the second container. The surface shape of the plate can be, for example, rectangular, square, circular, or elliptical. However, other shapes are also possible. The distance between two opposing sides of the surface shape of the cross-section of the plate is preferably equal to or greater than the distance between two opposing sides of the second container when the second container is inserted into and received in the second receiving region, or when fluid is filled, or when fluid is added to the interior of the second container.

[0251] This plate facilitates the introduction of the second container into the second tray and the subsequent holding or positioning of the second container in the second tray. When the second container is received in the second receiving area, the plate rests on the end or edge surface of the inclined side wall. Furthermore, the plate allows for precise insertion of the second container into the second tray, and the clamping element applies pressure to one side wall of the second container, allowing the tempering device to contact the second container. This allows for precise temperature control of the liquid to the desired temperature for making coffee, followed by dosing.

[0252] As an alternative to the plate, a positioning and holding device or suspension device that essentially serves the same purpose as the plate can be provided. The positioning and holding device is preferably designed as a clamp, or as a C-clamp, or as a C-shaped retaining element. This C-clamp can be positioned between the second container and the fluid reservoir, and in the case of a combined container, it can preferably be positioned at the point where the second container is connected to the fluid reservoir. This C-clamp can be fixed, for example, to the underside of the fluid reservoir or the upper side of the second container, and is preferably fixed with adhesive. Alternatively, the positioning and holding device may consist of adhesive elements, such as adhesive strips and / or Velcro elements, instead of a C-clamp or C-retaining element.

[0253] The combination container can be positioned and held by a positioning and holding device on one of the side walls or an inclined side wall of the second receiving area, preferably in the upper area of ​​the second receiving area. The positioning and holding device prevents the combination container, when inserted into the second receiving area, from sliding in the direction of the lower limit while the fluid is being emptied. This allows the second container to be completely emptied. The positioning and holding device is designed to hold the second container and / or fluid reservoir in place.

[0254] Preferably, the plate has a through hole, and preferably the plate comprises a first flange having a first peripheral wall, the first peripheral wall at least partially surrounding the through hole and extending essentially laterally from the first side of the plate at angles different from 0° or 180°. Preferably, the first flange is designed to connect the plate to the outlet and / or outlet opening of a fluid reservoir.

[0255] The first peripheral wall of the first flange of the plate is designed to engage with a fluid reservoir, particularly the outlet of the fluid reservoir. This allows the second vessel to be fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir, ensuring reliable introduction of fluid from the fluid reservoir into the second vessel. The first flange or first peripheral wall can be manufactured integrally with the plate, or it can be manufactured as a cast or injection-molded part that can be connected to the plate. The outer wall of the first flange can be formed in a basically circular shape, and the outer wall of the outlet of the fluid reservoir can be formed in a basically circular shape. However, other shapes are also possible, such as an elliptical shape.

[0256] The first flange can be connected to the outlet of the fluid reservoir, for example, by a plug-in connection. Thus, the inner diameter of the first flange or the first circumferential wall can essentially correspond to the outer diameter of the outlet of the fluid reservoir, or the inner diameter of the first flange or the first circumferential wall can be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outlet of the fluid reservoir. In this way, the outlet of the fluid reservoir can be easily connected to the first flange so that the fluid can be reliably introduced into the second vessel. However, it is also conceivable to screw-connect the first flange to the outlet of the fluid reservoir. Thus, the first circumferential wall of the first flange can have a first thread on the inside or outside of the first circumferential wall facing a through hole, for example, and this first thread can be screw-connected to a second thread of the outlet of the fluid reservoir, for example, on the outside or inside of the circumferential wall of the outlet.

[0257] Therefore, connecting the second container to the fluid reservoir can simply be done by plugging or screwing it in. However, it is also conceivable to bond the second container to the outlet of the fluid reservoir by the first flange, or to design the second container integrally with the fluid reservoir (e.g., as a combined container). A tank that can be adapted to the dimensions of the apparatus for preparation can be provided as the fluid reservoir. For example, the tank may have a cross section, particularly in the lateral direction, at one plane of the side where the outlet and outlet opening are located, which essentially corresponds to the cross section of the apparatus for loading and grinding coffee beans and / or the apparatus for preparing coffee, at one of two different angles, 0° or 180°, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus or the longitudinal axis of the second receiving area. However, the fluid reservoir may also be a bottle that holds a fluid suitable for coffee preparation, for example, a bottle that can be purchased at a supermarket, such as a bottle of still mineral water. Instead of a bottle, a container such as a Tetra Pak could also be used. In this case, the bottle opening or Tetra Pak opening can be screwed into the first flange as an outlet in a simple manner, thereby allowing the external threads of the bottle opening or Tetra Pak opening, which have first threads located inside the first flange or first peripheral wall, to be screwed in, for example.

[0258] Preferably, the plate has a second flange with a second peripheral wall, the second peripheral wall at least partially surrounding the through-hole and extending essentially laterally from the second side of the plate opposite the first side. The second flange is preferably designed to connect the plate to the inlet and / or inlet opening of the container.

[0259] As mentioned above, the plate can be securely connected to the second vessel, and in particular, the second side of the plate opposite to the first side with the first flange and first peripheral wall can be securely connected to the second vessel, thereby allowing the second vessel using the plate to be connected to the fluid reservoir. However, it is also conceivable that the plate is a separate element that can be connected to the outlet of the fluid reservoir by the first flange and to the inlet of the second vessel by the second flange.

[0260] The second flange consists of a second peripheral wall and is positioned on the second side of the plate such that the second flange and the second peripheral wall at least partially surround the through-hole. The second flange and the second peripheral wall can be configured in essentially the same way as the first flange and the first peripheral wall. Preferably, the first and second flanges surround the same flange-center longitudinal axis, which extends at angles different from 0° or 180°, particularly laterally with respect to the plane and / or through-opening of the plate. Thus, the plate is connectable to a fluid reservoir by the first flange and to the inlet of a second vessel by the second flange, and the fluid reservoir-center longitudinal axis of the fluid reservoir and the vessel-longitudinal axis of the second vessel run on the same straight line as the flange-center longitudinal axis when the fluid reservoir, plate and second vessel are connected to each other. The central longitudinal axis of the fluid reservoir extends through the outlet, and the outlet opening is positioned around the central longitudinal axis of the fluid reservoir. The longitudinal axis of the vessel extends through the inlet, and the inlet opening is positioned around the longitudinal axis of the vessel. The outlet opening and / or outlet of the second vessel can also be positioned around the longitudinal axis of the vessel. However, the outlet opening and / or outlet may also extend not around the longitudinal axis of the vessel, but around a longitudinal axis that extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vessel.

[0261] Alternatively, the inlet of the second container can be directly connected to the outlet of the fluid reservoir. In this case, a plate is not required. Preferably, the outlet of the fluid reservoir can be connected to the inlet of the second container by a plug connection or a screw connection. However, the inlet of the second container can also be bonded to the outlet of the fluid reservoir, or they can be connected integrally with each other. Preferably, the inlet of the second container has, for example, a first thread on the inside or outside of the inlet when viewed with respect to the inlet opening, and the first thread of the second thread of the outlet of the fluid reservoir is, for example, on the inside or outside of the outlet opening and is screwable. Preferably, the fluid reservoir consists of a housing having an upper and a lower side, the upper and lower sides being located at ends opposite to the central longitudinal axis of the fluid reservoir. The outlet of the fluid reservoir is located on the underside, which, when viewed from the side with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the fluid reservoir, extends into a substantially horizontal plane or a plane at an angle other than 0° or 180°, particularly at an angle of 90°. This configuration allows the underside to function as a plate.

[0262] Furthermore, the fluid reservoir may have an inlet with an inlet opening, which is preferably located on the opposite side of the outlet or outlet opening. In this way, the fluid is introduced into and / or added to the fluid reservoir through the inlet. However, the fluid reservoir may not have an inlet or inlet opening, especially when a fluid-filled combination vessel is manufactured.

[0263] Preferably, the outlet of the container is for insertion into a through-hole configured in the lower limit of the second receiving area.

[0264] The outlet of the second container can be designed as an elongated element, for example, the outlet may be tubular and extend along its longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end opposite to it. The first end is positioned adjacent to or near the second container, and the second end is positioned at a distance from the second container. The outlet has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the through-hole at the lower limit of the second receiving area. This allows the outlet of the second container to be guided to the through-hole at the lower limit of the second receiving area when the second container is inserted into the second receiving area. This allows the outlet to be connected to a preparation device when the second container is inserted into the second receiving area, so that the correct amount of fluid can be dispensed from the second container, mixed with the coffee grounds supplied to the preparation device by the preparation device, and filled into a container, preferably a coffee pot or cup. The first end of the outlet can be securely connected to the second container, for example, the first end of the outlet can be designed integrally with the second container or bonded to the second container. The second end of the outlet can be located in a plane below the plane of the lower limit when the second container is received in the second receiving area. However, the second end may also be in the same plane as the plane of the lower limit, or in a plane adjacent to or near the plane of the lower limit, for example, above the level of the lower limit.

[0265] Preferably, the second container has at least a partially tapered portion, the circumference of the second container at the tapered portion decreasing toward the outlet, and preferably being essentially conical.

[0266] The second vessel may extend along its longitudinal axis between an inlet end and an outlet end. An inlet opening and an inlet are located adjacent to or near the inlet end. An outlet and an outlet opening are located adjacent to or near the outlet end. The second vessel may have a first side wall and an opposing second side wall between the inlet and outlet ends, extending substantially parallel to the plane of the vessel's longitudinal axis. In the lower region near the outlet end, the vessel has a tapered section. In the tapered section, the distance between the first and second side walls decreases toward the outlet, preferably in an essentially conical shape. This ensures that the fluid is almost completely guided out of the second vessel through the outlet, minimizing the amount of residual fluid remaining in the second vessel.

[0267] Preferably, the second vessel has at least a partially substantially symmetrical section, the periphery of the second vessel remains the same within the substantially symmetrical section, and the substantially symmetrical section is further away from the outlet than the tapered section.

[0268] In a substantially symmetrical section, the first and second side walls each extend in a plane parallel to the plane of the longitudinal axis of the container. The substantially symmetrical section may extend between the inlet end and the tapered section. When the second container is inserted into or received in the second receiving region, the individual pairs of clamping elements are adjacent to the side walls of the substantially symmetrical section and can apply pressure to the side walls. This allows the fluid for preparing the coffee to be dispensed. Preferably, the first lower pair of clamping elements are located in the essentially symmetrical section and are positioned on the side walls of the second receiving region so as to be able to apply pressure to the region of the second container adjacent to or near the tapered section.

[0269] Preferably, the second container is equipped with at least one first magnet, the at least one first magnet is preferably located on the outer wall of the tapered portion, and the at least one first magnet is connectable to at least one second magnet adjacent to or near the through hole at the lower limit of the second receiving portion.

[0270] At least one first magnet can be positioned adjacent to or near the outlet, preferably on the outer wall of the outlet. At least one second magnet can be positioned adjacent to or near the through-hole in the lower limit, preferably on the inner wall of the through-hole. At least one first magnet can at least partially surround the outer wall of the outlet, preferably at least one first magnet can completely surround the outer wall of the outlet. At least one second magnet can at least partially surround the inner wall of the through-hole, preferably at least one second magnet can completely surround the inner wall of the outlet. Preferably, at least one first magnet and at least one second magnet are arranged to interact when the second container is received into the second receiving area. In this way, the second container is positioned appropriately, the fluid is almost completely discharged from the second container through the outlet, and the individual clamping elements enable or ensure optimal fluid dispensing. Alternatively, instead of at least one first magnet, a metal element (or metal plate, metal piece) that interacts with the second magnet may be provided. Furthermore, instead of at least one second magnet, a metal element (or metal plate or metal piece) that interacts with the first magnet may be provided. The magnets ensure that the second container is always in the correct position, and the liquid for the coffee is guided out of the outlet without reaching the housing of the second receiving part.

[0271] Preferably, the second container is a hose, or the second container is designed to be a hose. Preferably, the fluid inside the second container can be dispensed using a peristaltic pump.

[0272] Preferably, a second container or hose and / or peristaltic pump is introduced into and / or received by a second receiving area of ​​an apparatus for dosing and grinding coffee beans and / or an apparatus for preparing coffee.

[0273] Preferably, the hose and / or peristaltic pump and / or fluid reservoir are designed to be replaceable and single-use or disposable products.

[0274] Preferably, the hose and the fluid reservoir are connectable to each other or connected to each other.

[0275] Preferably, a tempering device, such as a heating plate and / or cooling plate, is positioned adjacent to or near the fluid reservoir. More preferably, the tempering device is in contact with the fluid reservoir.

[0276] Preferably, at least one clamping element is positioned adjacent to or near the fluid reservoir. Preferably, at least one clamping element is designed as a clamp. Preferably, at least one clamping element or clamp is designed to heat and / or cool at least a portion of the fluid inside the fluid reservoir.

[0277] Preferably, the first container and / or the second container and / or the dispensing device or the screw conveyor and / or the hose and / or the peristaltic pump are made of bioplastic or bioplastic or bio-based plastic. Preferably, the first container and / or the second container and / or the dispensing device or the screw conveyor and / or the hose and / or the peristaltic pump are made of bioplastic or bioplastic or bio-based plastic. For example, the bioplastic may be made of stone paper and / or wood.

[0278] Preferably, a first container, for example, after the coffee beans have been emptied or after a certain filling level has been reached, and / or a second container, for example, after the liquid has been emptied or after a certain filling level has been reached, can be automatically ordered online.

[0279] Preferably, the sensor or scale is connected to application software, such as a mobile app, and automatically indicates the liquid level by a signal sound or a signal light, allowing the user to manually prepare a new container of liquid or coffee beans, or to automatically order a new container of liquid or coffee beans online.

[0280] Preferably, the apparatus or second container includes a positioning and holding device designed to position and hold the second container in a second receiving area.

[0281] Preferably, the device described above can be operated remotely. For example, the device can be adjusted or controlled from anywhere, anytime, using a smartphone or computer app or remote control. In this way, coffee can be prepared remotely even if no one is near the device. Furthermore, different operating schedules can be considered so that the device can automatically prepare coffee at predetermined times.

[0282] It is also conceivable to provide what is known as community coffee. Community coffee means that a group of people can access the device and place orders for coffee preparation, for example, using a smartphone app, a computer, or remotely. For this purpose, a computer implementation method for controlling or regulating the aforementioned device (and for preparing community coffee) is conceivable, and this method includes at least one of the following steps.

[0283] • Recognize that someone is preparing, or wants to prepare, a specific type of coffee during a specific period. - Notify someone that someone is preparing or intending to prepare a specific type of coffee within a certain period of time, for example, by a beep, a pop-up window on the screen of a smart device, smartphone, or computer, or by text message (SMS), • You can order the desired number of coffees using reservation buttons displayed on your computer or smartphone screen. • Information regarding the maximum capacity or number of cups that can be reserved. That is, if there are more reserved orders than the space available in a container such as a coffee pot, another community coffee will have to be made, and the user will be notified that their order will be taken into consideration for the next preparation (this process can be repeated); and, • You can set the period for placing pre-orders and whether or not to use automatic preparation via the app or other means. • Coffee preparation including all orders Now, when someone brews the coffee, in addition to the coffee, reservations and orders are prepared, or • Notify participants when their coffee is ready using a sound, an on-screen pop-up window, or a text message (SMS). Once the coffee is ready, all participants who ordered or reserved it can be notified. Furthermore, information can be provided regarding whether the order was considered or will be considered for future preparations. • The user can confirm, via a screen or other means, that the coffee has been drunk or picked up. • Notifications regarding new uses or new community coffee experiences will be sent via audible tones, on-screen pop-up windows, and text messages (SMS). For example, users can agree verbally or through the app to "prepare regular filter coffee, so insert the filter into the device and set up the coffee pot accordingly."

[0284] As mentioned earlier, using a computer allows for the precise definition and preparation of the desired amount of coffee for a single person. This prevents the preparation of more coffee than can be consumed. The computer-based methods described above can be used not only in corporate offices but also in cafes and coffee shops. Furthermore, this process can be used for preparing other types of coffee, such as cold brew, cold drip, and espresso. Remote ordering is also possible; for example, someone could have their coffee ready as soon as they arrive at work early in the morning.

[0285] If automated preparation is not performed, the following sequence of events is possible: When a sufficient number of orders are received within a predetermined period, the system is asked to be prepared by a machine operator. Alternatively, local or university personnel are selected for this purpose by the software, taking into account who was there and how often. Therefore, no participant is at a disadvantage.

[0286] Selected individuals can be notified of the preparation process via text messages such as SMS, a signal sound, or a pop-up window on their computer or smartphone screen. It's also conceivable that the app could track how often each participant orders and build a billing system based on this data. Furthermore, the device could automatically recognize which participant approaches, enabling automated reservations. This could be achieved, for example, by recognizing a smartphone or a key with an RFID chip. Therefore, preparation would only be possible if the participant possessed a smartphone or key with an RFID chip. Manual recognition of an identification code entered into the device's input field is also possible.

[0287] Another computer implementation method for controlling or adjusting the aforementioned apparatus may consist of the following steps: dispensing coffee beans from a first container using a dispensing and grinding device, and / or dispensing a liquid from a second container using a further dispensing device, for example, using the aforementioned clamping element or the aforementioned lifting system, and / or preparing the coffee using a preparation device (as described above or below); determining the level in a first container designed to hold coffee beans, and / or determining the level in a second container designed to hold fluid, and / or identifying the first component and / or fluid, and / or reordering the coffee beans and / or fluid based on the determined levels.

[0288] Preferably, the device recognizes the type of preparation equipment in an automated manner.

[0289] The device may be able to recognize a preparation device being inserted into it via a sensor element, for example, a click sensor. Ideally, the device or sensor element may be able to detect whether a coffee pot or coffee cup is placed inside the device. Preferably, the device can detect whether the coffee pot or coffee cup is suitable for receiving the amount of coffee to be prepared. Furthermore, the device may also be equipped with a barcode reader, which can be used to read a barcode attached to, for example, a loading and grinding device. The barcode may contain data about the type of beans and the grinder.

[0290] Furthermore, depending on the recognized preparation device, the device can take into account specific preparation procedures or sequences. Preferably, the device is designed to check whether the appropriate coffee and grinder are being used for the selected type of preparation. The device may be able to output a signal sound to indicate that unsuitable coffee or an unsuitable grinder is being used.

[0291] Preferably, the preparation device (or preparation unit) has at least one ring. This at least one ring can have at least one notch. Thereby, the device can use the number of rings and / or the number of notches to recognize each preparation device or type of preparation (e.g., filter coffee, cold brew, cold drip, espresso, Carl Sveder, etc.). Also, it is possible to recognize the type of cooking utensil by changing RFID, barcodes, or the size of the ring.

[0292] This device is designed to accommodate various preparation utensils and be able to recognize the type of preparation utensil based on the number and type of rings and notches. In this way, the cooking utensil is incorporated into the device and used, and is recognized or identified by the sensor element. In this way, the device can automatically prepare the desired coffee or the desired type of coffee according to the preparation device used. However, it is also conceivable to select or adjust additional settings regarding the type of preparation, for example, via a control panel.

[0293] This device is designed to accommodate a holding element for the preparation device, such as a holder for a paper filter or a holder composed of a housing with a filter. The holder, for example, has an inner surface that contacts the preparation device made of porcelain or at least partially made of porcelain. Also, the filter can be made of porcelain or at least partially made of porcelain. It is also conceivable that at least a part of the holding member is composed of glass, metal, and / or plastic, or the holding member is composed of glass, metal, or plastic. The coffee pot or barrel can be placed under the filter. The coffee pot can be combined with or connected to various filters and filter holders.

[0294] Preferably, there is a separate preparation device that is automatically recognized by the device or sensor element for each type of preparation, such as filter coffee, cold brew, cold drip, and espresso.

[0295] The preparation unit can be connected to or combined with a coffee pot or coffee cup. The preparation unit consists of a water tray, a portafilter, and other accessories. The unit can be designed so that temperature-controlled or preheated water first fills the water tray up to just below the valve. Then, the portafilter or filter is clicked or hung, and the espresso powder (freshly ground) is added. The unit can automatically provide the correct ratio of liquid or water to powder.

[0296] Furthermore, preparation devices, such as those for preparing espresso, may be positioned below the device, preferably adjacent to or near it, or preferably clicked into place at a lower position below the device. In this case, only covers or attachments need to be added. In other words, separate parts such as water trays, portafilters, and other attachments are not required. The device may include tempering fields or hobs, which can be used with milk frothers and preparation devices, such as espresso preparation devices. Tempering fields are designed for heating but are also designed for cooling.

[0297] When water and coffee grounds are mixed or come into contact with each other in a portafilter or filter, the water rises, producing a bubbling, hissing noise. The device can be designed to include, for example, a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the coffee grounds-water mixture. Furthermore, a determination unit for determining when the coffee or espresso is ready can be included to allow the corresponding preparation device to be removed from the device, taking into account the effects of bubbling, hissing, and water flow. The device may include a heating plate that can control or regulate the temperature.

[0298] In response to this, when performing a cold drip type preparation, the corresponding preparation device can be attached to the device, and this device can also be recognized by the device or a corresponding sensor element. Furthermore, clamping elements such as clamps that can hold a filter and a water pitcher can be provided. Additionally, a cooling water sensor can be suspended inside the device, or it can be installed below the device. As soon as the device determines the corresponding preparation device, for example using a click sensor, the corresponding type of preparation (in this case, cold drip) is performed.

[0299] This device features a control panel that can be displaced not only horizontally but also vertically.

[0300] Preferably, a system is provided, comprising an apparatus for administering and grinding coffee beans and / or preparing coffee; a first container for receiving, administering, and grinding coffee beans; and / or a second container for receiving and administering a fluid for making coffee. The apparatus provided in the system for administering and grinding coffee beans and / or preparing coffee may have all of the above-described features and may have advantages related to these features. The first container for receiving, administering, and grinding coffee beans may have all of the above-described features and may have advantages related to these features. The second container for receiving and administering a fluid for preparing coffee may have all of the above-described features and may have advantages related to these features.

[0301] The container or filter container is part of the apparatus for weighing and grinding coffee beans and / or coffee, and can be arranged so that the ground coffee and liquid are introduced into the container, preferably by gravity. The container or filter container is preferably located below a through hole through which the discharge port of the screw conveyor housing and the discharge port of the second container are guided.

[0302] Preferably, the apparatus for loading and grinding coffee beans, or for preparing coffee, comprises a rotatable or rotating plate, or a rotatable or rotating heating plate. Rotatable or rotating means that the plate or heating plate can be set to rotational or circular motion. The rotating heating plate is preferably located below a through-hole through which the discharge port of the screw conveyor housing and the discharge port of the second container are guided. The container or filter container can be placed on this rotating plate and can be held in a fixed position on the rotating plate by lateral limiting or positioning elements.

[0303] Water or liquid can be applied to coffee powder in a circular motion to obtain uniform moisture. This can be done by a rotating plate. This can also be used to support the uniform filling of coffee powder into a filter container. In this case, the filter container is connected to a pitcher or cup. Alternatively, a kind of rotating spinning top can be directly attached to the filter container or filter holder (brewing group). The gyroscope can have the shape of a horizontal propeller. When water or liquid hits the blades, the blades rotate. This causes the point where the water or fluid meets the coffee powder to rotate. In this way, a circular motion is achieved, resulting in the uniform application of water or fluid. The blades correspond to the blades of a propeller. The screw rotates upon impact with water. This distributes the water evenly over the coffee powder. The gyroscope can consist of multiple blades, preferably at least two, preferably three, and more preferably five.

[0304] For example, a coffee pot can be connected to a filter container, and this coffee pot can be placed on a rotating plate. In this way, the coffee grounds in the filter container can be uniformly moistened with a desired amount of fluid, while the coffee grounds can be mixed particularly well with the fluid because the filter container is set to rotate. In an advantageous embodiment, the entire amount of coffee grounds can be mixed with or immersed in the fluid, and as little coffee grounds as possible can enter the coffee pot through the filter. This improves the quality of the coffee. Since there is a rotating plate, a nozzle is not necessary. It is also conceivable that the mixing of coffee grounds and liquid can be performed via three-dimensional sound waves or a preparation device. This mixing can be used for the preparation of cold brew or drip-type coffee. It is advantageous if the coffee grounds can be uniformly immersed or softened in the fluid, which can be done, for example, by the propeller mentioned above. Mixing can also be done by manually rotating or stirring with a spoon.

[0305] Preferably, the device for weighing and grinding coffee beans, or the device for preparing coffee, is equipped with a timer or camera designed to detect the blooming of the coffee or coffee grounds. Approximately 30 seconds after the coffee grounds are placed in the filter container, the coffee begins to bloom (so-called "bloom"). This allows carbon dioxide (CO2) gas to escape from the coffee. The coffee becomes heavier and adheres more tightly to the filter. This promotes uniform extraction, which is essential for good coffee. By adjusting or detecting the bloom with a timer or camera, further liquid can be introduced from a second container. Further dosing of the fluid can be done through a clamp in the second receiving area. By providing an adjustment device or control device, the clamp can be controlled or adjusted for further dosing of the fluid. Thus, the clamp can be used for the first dosing of the fluid, and after the coffee has bloomed, the clamp can be used for a second dosing of the fluid. However, the clamp can also be controlled manually by the operator.

[0306] The adjustment or control device can also be used to adjust or control the filling rate of coffee grounds and / or fluid into the filter container. For example, the filling rate can be adjusted or controlled by utilizing the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid. This adjustment or control can be done via different positions of the clamp, so that different filling amounts can be set in the second container, which will result in different hydrostatic pressures and consequently different flow velocities. The adjustment can be done using any of the brackets as needed. However, it may also be possible to change or adjust the inclination of the inclined sidewalls or the plane on which the three brackets extend relative to the lower limit. This can be done either automatically by the adjustment or control device, or manually by the operator. In this way, the fluid flow rate can be determined or influenced depending on the inclination of the inclined sidewalls and the plane.

[0307] The aforementioned coffee bean loading and grinding device, and coffee preparation device, can be used, for example, as a coffee machine capable of preparing coffee using a drip process in which cold water is gradually poured drop by drop through a paper filter in a filter container onto the coffee grounds, and iced coffee collects in a glass or coffee pot below. The paper filter mentioned above is optional. For this purpose, an attachment can be placed at the outlet of the second container. The attachment can be connected to the outlet and can be glued or screwed to the attachment. The attachment can be designed as a valve to adjust the drip rate of the fluid from the second container. For example, droplets can be introduced from the second container into the filter container every two seconds, and this filter container is preferably located below the through-hole, i.e., below the outlet. As mentioned above, it is preferable that a coffee pot or glass pot be placed below the filter container. This device is designed to allow for proper dispensing of fluid and coffee powder. The coffee powder is moistened using the machine (followed by the attachment) (it must be dispensed so that all of the powder is moistened). The powder can be mixed via 3D acoustic waves, via a mixing device, via a shaking function or device, or via a rotating plate on which a filter container and / or coffee pot are positioned. A paper filter can then be placed over the coffee powder in the filter container. This is done manually. Preferably, the machine can emit a signal when the paper filter is placed over the coffee grounds, or as it is being placed. A sensor element or camera element can be used to determine when proper mixing has been achieved. The fluid can be cooled, for example, by a tempering device designed as a plate combining heating and cooling. However, it is also conceivable to place ice in the reservoir or in the reservoir. The heating element can be turned off accordingly. An attached valve may also be automatically controlled or adjusted. It is also possible to control the dripping rate using a camera or sensor. Furthermore, it is also possible to control the dripping rate using hydrostatic pressure.

[0308] The equipment for adding and grinding coffee beans, and the equipment for brewing coffee, can also be used for other types of brewing, such as Chemex, French press, Café Solo Brewer, hand filter, Carlsweder Canne, and AeroPress. The required amount of coffee grounds and / or fluid, the degree of grinding, and the length of time the fluid and coffee grounds are in contact can be adjusted or controlled using an adjustment device or control device and / or sensor or camera element. The table below shows preferred values ​​for the selected preparation method.

[0309] [Table 1]

[0310] This device may be equipped with a memory unit that stores the values ​​shown in the table. For example, the contact time can be automatically determined according to the desired type of preparation, and the adjustment unit or control unit can access this table to do so. The required preparation time can be transferred to the control unit using an application.

[0311] Preferably, an apparatus is provided for administering and / or preparing baby food, particularly baby milk or baby food, or coffee, comprising a housing having a first receiving area and a second receiving area, wherein the first receiving area is designed to accommodate a first container for baby food concentrate or coffee powder, and the second receiving area is designed to accommodate a second container for a fluid (particularly liquid); a tempering device for tempering the fluid; and a dispensing device for administering baby food concentrate or coffee powder. The first receiving area is further provided with a dispensing device receiving area for receiving the dispensing device, and the dispensing device receiving area is located within the dispensing device receiving area.

[0312] This device has a first receiving area designed to receive a first container containing a baby food concentrate or coffee powder. Further, in the first receiving area of the device, there is arranged a dosing device receiving area capable of receiving a dosing device. In this way, the first container containing the baby food concentrate or coffee powder and the dosing device can be at least partially received in the first receiving area. Thereby, advantageously, the dosing device can interact with the first container. In particular, the dosing device can perform the correct dosing of the concentrated baby food or coffee powder. This is made possible by the dosing device being driven by a drive device arranged in the dosing device receiving area.

[0313] Furthermore, all components of the device that come into contact with the baby food concentrate, coffee powder, or liquid are particularly exchangeable and can be easily removed from the device. An exchangeable component means that the component is designed as a disposable or single-use article. In particular, the first container for concentrated baby food or coffee powder, the dosing device for administering the concentrated baby food or coffee powder, and the second container for the fluid are exchangeable. The first container can be connected or fluidly connected to the dosing device, and / or the second container can be connected or fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir. This is advantageous because the device for preparing baby food, particularly the first receiving area and the second receiving area, do not come into contact with the baby food concentrate or coffee powder and the fluid. Thus, the device, particularly the first receiving part and the second receiving part, is not contaminated by the baby food concentrate or coffee powder and the fluid, so there is no need to clean the device after each individual preparation of baby food or coffee. Further, there is no need to dematerialize the device and / or its individual components.

[0314] Concentrated baby food or coffee powder and liquid can be introduced into a container, preferably a baby bottle or coffee cup, in the correct mixing ratio via a device. The baby food or coffee can then be mixed and prepared for immediate consumption by shaking or swirling the container, bottle, coffee container, or coffee cup.

[0315] However, the apparatus could also consist of a preparation device for preparing baby food or coffee from baby food concentrate or coffee powder and fluid, and these devices could be interchangeable and designed as disposable or single-use articles. In this apparatus, baby food concentrate or coffee powder from a first container and fluid (e.g., liquid) from a second container are supplied to the preparation device and introduced into a funnel and / or filter container in the correct mixing ratio, thereby introducing coffee in yet another container, particularly a baby bottle or coffee cup. This allows for the proper preparation of baby food or coffee. Thus, the design of the apparatus can be automated by recognizing the configuration of yet another container, e.g., shape and / or volume and / or size, and based on that, designing it to fill yet another container with fluid and / or baby food concentrate or coffee powder.

[0316] A tempering device can bring the temperature of the liquid in a second container to the preparation temperature provided or recommended by the baby food or coffee powder manufacturer. Furthermore, the tempering device allows for sterilization of the liquid before it is supplied to the preparation device. Sterilization is particularly beneficial when preparing baby food. Sterilization can be achieved, for example, by first heating the liquid to near its boiling point to kill any bacteria or microorganisms present. It can then be cooled to the desired temperature. However, if it has already cooled below the intended serving temperature, it can also be heated to the desired temperature. In this way, the liquid can be kept at the appropriate temperature for sterile administration to the baby. Thus, this device makes preparing baby food easy and safe.

[0317] Preferably, the temperature control device is controllable or adjustable. For this purpose, the device may include a control or adjustment unit. It is conceivable that the tempering device is designed as a heating plate and / or cooling plate, or that the tempering device consists of at least one heating plate and / or at least one cooling plate. It is also conceivable that different zones or areas of the tempering device, or the heating plate and / or cooling plate, are controllable or adjustable or activatable.

[0318] Preferably, the administration device can be connected to the first container.

[0319] The administration device is connectable to the first container. This means that the administration device can be connected to the first container so that the administration device and the first container can be introduced and / or removed together into the receiving area. For example, the administration device can be securely connected to the first container so that the administration device and the first container are firmly connected to each other (e.g., by gluing and / or welding). However, it is also conceivable that the administration device and the first container are detachably connected to each other. This allows the first container and dispensing device to be introduced into the first receiving area in a simplified manner and to be received at least partially in the first receiving area. At the same time, the dispensing device can safely intervene in the drive device so that the intended amount of baby food concentrate or coffee powder can be supplied by the dispensing device from the first container to the preparation device. However, it is also conceivable that the dispensing device and the first container are not connected to each other and are introduced into and removed from the first receiving area separately.

[0320] Preferably, the dispensing device comprises a screw conveyor and a screw conveyor housing, wherein the screw conveyor is preferably introduced into and / or rotatably positioned or supported within the screw conveyor housing for its entire length, and the screw conveyor and screw conveyor housing extend around a common longitudinal axis of the screw shaft of the conveyor.

[0321] The dispensing device can be designed as a screw conveyor comprising a screw conveyor and a screw conveyor housing. The screw conveyor can be designed as a shaft wound around one or more helically wound flights in the form of flat metal sheets and / or rubber flaps or wings, these flights essentially extending laterally from the longitudinal axis of the conveyor screw in the form of threads. Preferably, the conveyor screw is designed as a rigid conveyor screw. However, the screw conveyor may also be designed as a flexible, particularly bendable, screw. The screw threads are either firmly attached to the shaft, for example, by welding, or manufactured integrally with the shaft. This preferably screw conveyor consists of a continuous continuous screw thread extending between opposing ends of the screw conveyor along the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor, so that baby food concentrates or coffee grounds, in particular, can be conveyed by the screw of the conveyor along its longitudinal axis. The screw conveyor, in particular the screw threads, can be rotated from a solid material, such as round steel, or manufactured as a cast or injection-molded part. Screw conveyors and / or screw conveyor housings are basically cylindrical.

[0322] The dispensing device is designed so that baby food concentrate or coffee powder is supplied from a first container to the dispensing device and conveyed along the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor by a screw conveyor within the housing of the screw conveyor. Since a fixed amount of powder can be conveyed with each rotation of the screw conveyor, the amount of baby food concentrate or coffee powder to be dispensed can be determined by the (partial) number of rotations. This allows for accurate and easy dispensing of concentrated baby food or coffee powder. This dispensing may be performed automatically, for example, by a compensating device or control device, or manually.

[0323] Preferably, the screw conveyor housing has an inlet with an inlet opening and an outlet with an outlet opening. Preferably, the inlet and outlet are located on opposite sides of the screw conveyor housing when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor.

[0324] Concentrated baby food or coffee grounds can be supplied from a first container into the interior of a screw conveyor housing and incorporated into one or more helical flights of the screw conveyor. The apparatus for preparing baby food or coffee may include a shaker that can set the first container or its contents into a shaking motion. This allows the baby food or coffee grounds to be guided almost completely from the inlet opening of the first container into the interior of the screw conveyor housing, especially if the baby food or coffee grounds do not slide on their own and are guided into the interior of the screw conveyor housing by gravity, for example. Preferably, the sorting device is positioned in or corresponding to the first tray.

[0325] As a result of the rotation of the conveyor screw, the baby food concentrate or coffee powder enters the conveyor housing of the conveyor screw and is then transported by the conveyor screw essentially along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor screw, and can exit through the outlet opening. Through this, the outlet is located opposite the inlet when viewed laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor screw, and the baby food concentrate or coffee powder can exit the conveyor housing of the conveyor screw when it reaches the inlet.

[0326] Preferably, the screw conveyor has a screw flank diameter, i.e., an outer diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor, which is in the range of about 20 to 40 mm. Particularly preferably, the screw flank diameter is about 25 mm. This dimension of screw flank diameter is advantageous for conveying or dosing baby food concentrate or coffee powder. The properties of baby food concentrate or coffee powder can change significantly as a result of moisture, especially if the baby food concentrate or coffee powder clumps together or solidifies together (partially). The aforementioned setting of the screw flank diameter ensures that the baby food concentrate or coffee powder is properly conveyed and dosed even if moisture enters.

[0327] Preferably, the screw conveyor has a length in the range of about 60 mm to 120 mm. Particularly preferably, the length of the screw conveyor is between about 90 mm and 110 mm, and more preferably about 106 mm. Such screw conveyor lengths are suitable for conveying baby food concentrates and coffee powder. If the screw conveyor is too short, the baby food concentrate or coffee powder may form a bridge in one or more helical passages, blocking the inlet opening and preventing the baby food concentrate or coffee powder from being introduced through the inlet opening. Bridging can occur particularly when the baby food concentrate or coffee powder is supplied to the screw conveyor housing from the inlet opening by gravity.

[0328] By setting the length of the screw conveyor and the diameter of the screw flank within the range of values ​​described above, it is possible to achieve a discharge rate of approximately 5 to 10 g per revolution of the screw conveyor (for example, approximately 8.8 g per revolution) for baby food concentrate or coffee grounds. This rotational speed (or rotational angle around the longitudinal axis) allows the desired amount of baby food concentrate or coffee grounds to be discharged from the outlet of the screw conveyor housing and, as a result, exit the screw conveyor housing. This enables precise dispensing of baby food concentrate or coffee grounds for preparing baby food.

[0329] Preferably, the inlet opening is essentially elliptical and extends longitudinally. However, inlet openings of other shapes are also possible. The inlet opening has a length of about 20mm to 60mm (e.g., about 47mm) longitudinally along the screw conveyor, and / or a length of about 10mm to 40mm (e.g., about 29mm) longitudinally along the screw conveyor, and in particular a length of about 10mm to 40mm when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor. Preferably, the outlet opening is essentially rectangular and extends longitudinally along the axis. However, outlet openings of other shapes are also possible. The outlet opening has a length of about 20mm to 50mm (e.g., about 30mm) longitudinally along the screw conveyor, and / or a length of about 5mm to 20mm (e.g., about 10mm) longitudinally, and in particular a length of about 5mm to 20mm when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor. These dimensions of the inlet and outlet openings allow for particularly good introduction and execution of baby food concentrate or coffee grounds within the screw conveyor housing.

[0330] Preferably, the housing of the screw conveyor extends along the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor between a first end and a second end opposite to it, with the outlet located adjacent to or near the first end and the inlet located adjacent to or near the second end.

[0331] The inlet and outlet are preferably located apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. By positioning the inlet adjacent to or near the second end of the screw conveyor housing and the outlet adjacent to or near the first end of the screw conveyor housing, the baby food concentrate or coffee powder can enter the screw conveyor housing through the inlet opening of one or more spirally wound flights, be taken in by the rotation of the screw conveyor, transported to the second end of the screw conveyor housing, and exit again through the outlet opening. In this way, a predetermined or foreseeable amount of baby food concentrate or coffee powder can be transported per rotation, so that the dosage can be set (or controlled, adjusted) based on the number of rotations (or the angle of rotation around the longitudinal axis).

[0332] The first end of the screw conveyor housing is preferably designed to be open, and the second end of the screw conveyor housing is preferably designed to be closed. Thus, the screw conveyor can be fully inserted into the screw conveyor housing through the first end. An insertion or removal element extending away from the second end may be provided at the second end. The insertion or removal element may be designed as a tab forming a surface approximately the size of a thumb. In particular, the insertion or removal element may have a length of about 3-4 cm and / or a width of about 2-3 cm. On the opposite side, the insertion or removal element may include a tactile corrugated structure. Preferably, this corrugated structure is made of a soft rubber material. However, it may also be made of the same material as the insertion or removal element.

[0333] The administration device can be held and / or introduced into the receptacle of the administration device in the desired manner using an insertion element. Furthermore, the administration device can be easily removed from the insertion part, especially when the first container becomes empty and needs to be replaced.

[0334] Preferably, the inlet consists of a flange having a peripheral wall that at least partially surrounds the inlet opening and extends away from the screw conveyor housing (preferably substantially radially), and the flange is designed for connecting the dosing device to the first container and / or introducing the dosing device into the dosing device receiving area.

[0335] The peripheral wall of the inlet of the screw conveyor housing is designed to engage with the outlet of the first container, particularly the outlet of the first container. This ensures that baby food concentrates or coffee powders are reliably introduced from the first container into the screw conveyor housing. The peripheral wall can be manufactured integrally with the screw conveyor housing, or it can be manufactured as a cast or injection-molded part that can be connected to the screw conveyor housing.

[0336] The peripheral wall can extend from the edge of the inlet opening of the screw conveyor housing at angles different from essentially 0° or 180°, particularly in the lateral direction. Thus, the peripheral wall, like the inlet opening, can be essentially elliptical and extend in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor. However, other shapes are also possible for the peripheral wall. In particular, the peripheral wall may have essentially the same shape as the inlet opening. The peripheral wall can have a circumference in the range of about 100 mm to 130 mm (e.g., about 122 mm). The peripheral wall can also extend along the longitudinal axis of the center of the first peripheral wall, and this longitudinal axis can have a length in the range of about 30 mm to 60 mm (e.g., about 47 mm). Furthermore, the peripheral wall can extend along the longitudinal axis of the center of the second peripheral wall oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the center of the first peripheral wall, and / or have a length in the range of about 20 mm to 40 mm (e.g., about 29 mm). Other lengths are also possible. The length of the longitudinal axis of the first circumferential wall is preferably greater than the length of the longitudinal axis of the center of the second circumferential wall. The lengths of the first and second circumferential wall longitudinal axes described above are particularly preferred for introducing baby food concentrate or coffee powder into the screw conveyor housing and / or for connecting a dispensing device to the first container.

[0337] Preferably, the peripheral wall consists of a first contact surface and a second contact surface facing it, and the first and second contact surfaces are arranged parallel to each other.

[0338] The first and second contact surfaces can be positioned opposite the central longitudinal axis of the second peripheral wall. These contact surfaces make it particularly easy to introduce the dispensing device into the dispensing device receiving area. In particular, when introduced into the dispensing device receiving area, the contact surfaces can slide along the lateral guide elements of the first receiving area, and after being accepted into the dispensing device receiving area, they can be stationary relative to the lateral guide elements. The first and second contact surfaces can have essentially parabolic cross-sectional areas. The design of the two contact surfaces and the lateral guide elements, as well as their interaction when the first container is inserted into the first receiving area, allows the first container to be received in the correct position by the first receiving area, and as a result, the baby food concentrate or coffee powder dispensed in the correct dose can be guided to the dispensing device outlet.

[0339] Preferably, a coupling device extends longitudinally from the drive end of the screw conveyor, and this coupling device is designed to interact, in particular, intervene, with the actuator and / or drive unit in a coupling manner.

[0340] The coupling device can be designed as essentially a cylindrical cavity and / or receptacle, and after the dispensing device is introduced into and accepted in the dispensing device receiving area, the coupling element of the dispensing device receiving area can be simultaneously accepted into the cavity (preferably essentially cylindrical). The inner wall of the (cylindrical) cavity preferably has an inner shape that can engage with the outer shape of the outer wall of the coupling element. For example, the outer profile of the coupling element may have a ridge of at least one material that can engage with or interact with a recess of at least one material in the inner profile of the cylindrical cavity. The coupling element can be designed as a drive shaft, and by introducing the coupling element into the cylindrical cavity, the dispensing device can be driven, thereby allowing the screw conveyor to rotate. Preferably, the rotational speed transmission ratio is adjustable or variable. This allows the speed of the baby food concentrate being conveyed through the housing of the screw conveyor to be changed, and the amount of baby food concentrate to be administered to be changed.

[0341] Preferably, the housing of the screw conveyor has an outer wall with a plurality of ribs, the ribs preferably extending essentially axially at least partially between a first end and a second end, and / or the ribs extending essentially radially away from the outer wall.

[0342] The ribs are preferably longitudinal ribs between the formed first and second ends and / or surrounding the outer wall at regular or symmetrical intervals in the circumferential direction. The ribs may extend away from the outer wall such that each rib runs along a line substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing and / or has an outer edge that maintains a substantially constant distance from the outer wall of the screw conveyor housing. However, the ribs may also have, for example, a conical region, preferably near the first end of the screw conveyor housing, in which the outer edge of the rib tapers toward the first end of the screw conveyor housing.

[0343] Preferably, two additional ribs are provided that restrict the outlet opening in the circumferential direction of the outer wall, or on the opposite side. In other words, the two ribs are positioned adjacent to or near the outlet opening and extend away from the edge of the outlet opening. Preferably, two additional ribs are provided that restrict the outlet opening on the opposite side of the axial direction of the outer wall. These ribs pass between the two ribs that define the outlet opening on the opposite side in the circumferential direction, are positioned adjacent to or near the outlet opening, and extend away from the edge of the outlet opening. In this way, the outlet is surrounded on all four sides by ribs.

[0344] The ribs provided at the outlet, particularly at the outlet opening, advantageously prevent spilled baby food concentrate or coffee powder from coming into contact with the housing of the apparatus for preparing the baby food concentrate or coffee powder. The fact that the powder does not come into contact with the apparatus housing means that the housing does not need to be cleaned after each use and can be reused immediately. Furthermore, it prevents powder adhering to the housing from becoming contaminated or unusable for preparing baby food or coffee. However, the ribs can also function as the base of the dispensing device, especially when the dispensing device is not inserted into the dispensing device receiving area of ​​the first receiving area. This allows the first container to be easily connected to the quantitative dispensing device, and then the first container to be easily filled with baby food concentrate or coffee powder.

[0345] Preferably, the first transfer area has a rear wall, two spaced side walls oriented at angles different from 0° or 180°, particularly essentially laterally with respect to the rear wall, an upper and lower section oriented at angles different from 0° or 180°, particularly essentially laterally with respect to the side walls, and an open front section facing the rear wall, such that the first transfer area is formed between the side walls and / or the upper and lower sections. The first receiving area preferably has a container receiving area for receiving the first container, and the container receiving area is preferably located above the administration device receiving area. Therefore, the container receiving area can be adjacent to the upper limit, and / or the dispensing device receiving area can be adjacent to the lower limit. The first container can be introduced into the first receiving area through the open front, together with the dispensing device, in a movement substantially perpendicular to the rear wall, so that the first container is received in the container receiving area and the dispensing device is received in the dispensing device receiving area. Preferably, the first container is connected to the dispensing device such that, when inserted into the first receiving area, it is positioned above or above the dispensing device relative to the lower limit, and / or further away from the lower limit than the dispensing device. This allows the powder to be guided from the first container to the dispensing device, for example, by gravity.

[0346] Preferably, the first guide element and the second guide element are positioned between the container transfer area and the administration device transfer area, and the guide elements basically extend from an open front to the rear wall, / or the guide elements extend away from the side wall.

[0347] The guide elements are substantially continuous from the front wall to the rear wall. This allows the first container and administration device, in their interconnected state, to be introduced into the first receiving area particularly easily, with the first container positioned and / or received on the guide elements, and the administration device positioned and received below the guide elements. To correctly insert the first container and administration device, the circumferential wall can be inserted between the guide elements so that the first and second support surfaces essentially slide along the guide elements. In other words, the first support surface slides along the first guide element and the second support surface slides along the second guide element until the administration device is fully received in the administration device receptacle. When inserted into the administration device receiving area of ​​the first receiving part, the lateral contact surfaces of the circumferential wall of the administration device then rest on the two guide elements. This allows the first container and / or administration device to be received in a particularly simple manner and positioned stably in the first receiving area.

[0348] Preferably, the guide elements are aligned in a plane that is essentially parallel to the upper and / or lower limits, and preferably, the guide elements are inclined forward outward from the plane toward the container receiving area.

[0349] As a result, each guide element constitutes an insertion bevel adjacent to or near the open front, which can assist in the correct insertion of the dosing device. In particular, during insertion, the two ribs positioned on the outer wall of the screw conveyor housing can essentially slide along the underside of the guide elements, while the two lateral abutment surfaces slide between the guide elements as described above. When the dosing device is inserted into the dosing device receiving area of ​​the first receiving area, the lateral contact surfaces of the circumferential wall of the dosing device and the two ribs rest on the two guide elements. In particular, the contact surfaces can rest against the ends of the guide elements extending away from the side walls, and the two ribs can rest against the underside of the two guide elements toward the lower limit.

[0350] When the screw conveyor or screw conveyor housing is inserted into the dispensing area, the auger clicks into place as it reaches, for example, the end position. This allows the user to know that the screw conveyor is properly installed or that the (cylindrical) cavity is properly connected to the coupling element or drive shaft. The lead-in bevel helps to bring the first container into the correct position and also simplifies the click-in of the screw conveyor.

[0351] Preferably, the lower limit has a receptacle for a screw conveyor housing that extends from the open front side to the rear wall.

[0352] The receptacle for the screw conveyor housing can extend between the two side walls around the longitudinal axis of the receptacle, which is oriented substantially parallel to the two side walls. A receptacle outlet opening can be located on the longitudinal axis of the receptacle, particularly adjacent to or near the rear wall, and this opening is formed to be substantially the same shape and dimensions as the outlet opening of the screw conveyor housing. The receptacle has a cross section that is essentially concave across the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. In other words, the receptacle is embedded in the lower limit as a substantially recessed portion. Thus, the lower limit can have a surface having a first horizontal portion adjacent to or near the first side wall and a second horizontal portion adjacent to or near the second side wall, with the receptacle positioned between the first and second surfaces as a substantially recessed surface.

[0353] The receptacle for the screw conveyor housing allows the dispensing device to be held particularly securely and firmly within the dispensing device receptacle. After the dispensing device is inserted and received, the screw conveyor housing rests firmly on the receptacle for the conveyor housing, with two of the ribs resting firmly on the first and second horizontal surfaces. At the same time, the outlet opening of the screw conveyor housing is positioned above, adjacent to, or close to the receiving outlet opening. Thus, the baby food concentrate or coffee powder can be conveyed from the screw conveyor housing through the outlet opening of the screw conveyor housing and the receiving outlet opening of the dispensing device receptacle without the baby food concentrate or coffee powder coming into contact with the housing, and supplied to the preparation device.

[0354] Preferably, the drive shaft is formed on or over the rear wall, and the drive shaft and receptacle extend in a lateral plane relative to the lower limit.

[0355] The coupling element or drive shaft is preferably located on or near the rear wall. The distance between the lower limit and the coupling element or drive shaft, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the receptacle, can correspond to the distance between the first cylindrical cavity and the peripheral wall of the screw conveyor, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the screw conveyor. As described above, by inserting the dispensing device into the receptacle of the screw conveyor housing, the coupling element or drive shaft can automatically engage with the (cylindrical) cavity of the screw conveyor housing. Thus, the screw conveyor can be driven.

[0356] Preferably, one or more side walls of the container receiving portion include a plurality of ribs extending from one or more side walls.

[0357] The ribs preferably extend substantially parallel to the upper and / or lower limits. Preferably, the ribs extend substantially from the open front to the rear wall. However, it is also possible that the ribs are positioned laterally to the upper or lower limits, and / or that the ribs do not extend continuously from the front to the rear wall.

[0358] Preferably, multiple ribs are arranged in pairs on two side walls. In other words, each pair of ribs extends in a plane lateral to the side wall and / or parallel to the upper or lower limit. In this way, a large number of pairs of ribs can be arranged on the side walls of the container receiving area, preferably between the guide element and the upper limit. Preferably, the ribs of each pair of ribs are spaced about 40 mm to 50 mm apart from each other, and more preferably about 50 mm apart from each other. It is also possible that not all ribs of a pair are at the same distance from each other, but at different distances, preferably between 40 mm and 50 mm.

[0359] These ribs allow for optimal positioning of the first container received in the first tray, guiding or dispensing baby food concentrate or coffee powder from the outlet of the first container to the inlet opening of the screw conveyor housing. At the same time, it prevents baby food concentrate or coffee powder from remaining in the first container and becoming unusable for preparing baby food or coffee. In this way, the ribs allow for easy and reliable reception of multiple first containers of different shapes, thereby enabling them to be shaped to a desired form so that the powder can move toward the discharge port. This ensures that the first containers are held in place without collapsing, especially in an upright position.

[0360] Preferably, a container is provided for receiving and dispensing a baby food concentrate or coffee powder, the container comprising a housing having an interior for receiving the baby food concentrate or coffee powder, and an outlet having fluid communication with the interior, the outlet of which can be connected to an inlet of a dispensing device, the dispensing device having an outlet, and by operating the dispensing device, a dosage amount of the baby food concentrate or coffee powder is discharged from the outlet. Preferably, the container is introduced into a device for preparing baby food or coffee and is designed to be received by that device at least in part. The dispensing device is connected to or can be connected to the container, and the container and / or dispensing device are designed as replaceable and disposable articles.

[0361] Preferably, the container for receiving and administering concentrated baby food or coffee powder is provided pre-filled with the concentrated baby food or coffee powder. The container can be supplied as a ready-made product already filled with concentrated baby food or coffee powder. That is, since the container can be filled with concentrated baby food or coffee powder at the factory, the container will already be delivered to the consumer already filled with concentrated baby food or coffee powder.

[0362] This container can be designed to be introduced into the first receiving area of ​​the apparatus for preparing baby food or coffee described earlier, and to be at least partially received therein, as the first container. Thus, all the features of the previously described apparatus described in relation to the first container and / or dispensing apparatus also apply to the container described below (hereinafter referred to as the first container) for receiving and dispensing baby food concentrate or coffee powder.

[0363] The first container has a dispensing device to which it can be connected, and the first container and dispensing device can be used to dispense and thus administer an appropriate amount of baby food concentrate or coffee powder. However, it is also conceivable that the first container and the dispensing device are two separate elements. The first container has an outlet with an outlet opening, so that the baby food concentrate or coffee powder received in the first container can exit and be dispensed from the first container. The outlet can be connected to the inlet of the dispensing device, so that the baby food concentrate or coffee powder coming out of the first container can be introduced through the inlet of the dispensing device. By operating the dispensing device, the baby food concentrate or coffee powder can then be exited from a second outlet of the dispensing device and used in a predetermined or pre-defined dosage for preparing baby food or coffee.

[0364] Thus, in the first container described, baby food concentrate or coffee powder can be correctly administered using a dispensing device. The dispensing device can be driven by an actuator and / or a drive mechanism. However, it is also possible to drive the dispensing device manually. The fluid from the second container can be mixed with the baby food concentrate or coffee powder from the first container and introduced into a container, particularly a baby bottle or coffee cup, in the correct mixing ratio. This allows for the preparation of baby food or coffee in an accurate and simple manner.

[0365] Furthermore, the first container may be connected to a dispensing device so that the correct amount of baby food concentrate or coffee powder can be dispensed and administered using the first container and dispensing device. For this purpose, the first container connected to the dispensing device may also be inserted into the first receiving area, particularly the container receiving area and the dispensing device receiving area of ​​the device, to prepare the baby food or coffee, as described above. However, it is also conceivable that the first container and the dispensing device are two separate elements, each individually inserted into the first receiving area, particularly the container receiving area and the dispensing device receiving area, and received separately from one another.

[0366] In this way, the correct administration of baby food concentrate or coffee powder from the first container can be performed using the dispensing device. The dispensing device is driven by an actuator and / or drive mechanism, for example, in a dispensing device receiving area located within the device as described above. However, it is also possible to drive the dispensing device manually. The concentrated baby food or coffee powder is supplied from the first container to the preparation device together with a fluid supplied from, for example, a second container, and the concentrated baby food or coffee powder and the fluid can be mixed in the container, particularly in a baby bottle or coffee cup, to the correct mixing ratio. This allows for the preparation of baby food or coffee in an accurate and simple manner. Preferably, the dispensing device comprises a screw conveyor and a screw conveyor housing, wherein the screw conveyor is preferably insertable and rotatable in the screw conveyor housing along its entire length, the screw conveyor and screw conveyor housing extend around a common longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor, and the inlet of the dispensing device is located inside or on the screw conveyor housing.

[0367] In this manner, the dispensing device is configured to guide concentrated baby food or coffee powder from a first container to the dispensing device, where it can be transported along the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor by the screw conveyor within the screw conveyor housing. Since a fixed amount of powder can be transported with each rotation of the screw conveyor, the amount of concentrated baby food or coffee powder to be administered can be determined by the number of rotations. This allows for accurate and easy administration of concentrated baby food or coffee powder. This administration can be performed automatically by, for example, an adjustment device or control device, or manually by an operator.

[0368] The first container can be connected to a dispensing device consisting of a screw conveyor and a screw conveyor housing. Since the screw conveyor and screw conveyor housing can have all the features previously described in the context of a device for preparing baby food or coffee, the dispensing device can be housed in the first receiving area of ​​the device or the dispensing device receiving area, as previously described.

[0369] The dispensing device may also consist of a plate, which is preferably designed as a standing plate and placed on the housing of the screw conveyor.

[0370] This stand plate is used, in particular, to better position the first container for holding baby food concentrate or coffee powder, and / or to prevent the first container from tipping over, when the first container is positioned outside the apparatus for preparing baby food or coffee. The plate can be securely connected to the screw conveyor housing, and the plate can also be attached to the screw conveyor housing. Thus, after the baby food or coffee powder has been picked up, the plate can be removed from the screw conveyor housing, and the first container and / or dispensing device can be picked up by the first receptacle of the apparatus for preparing baby food or coffee. It is also conceivable that the screw conveyor housing has a casing, and this casing has at least one flat surface that functions as a stand plate. This allows the first container to be positioned better and protected from tipping over. Preferably, the outlet of the first container is securely connected to the inlet of the screw conveyor housing, in particular by screwing and / or bonding.

[0371] By connecting the first container to the screw conveyor housing, baby food concentrate or coffee powder can be introduced from the first container into the screw conveyor housing and dispensed in the correct amount. The outlet of the first container can be securely connected to the inlet of the screw conveyor housing (e.g., by bonding). For this purpose, for example, the outlet of the first container may have a perimeter similar to the perimeter of a flange positioned on the screw conveyor housing. In particular, the perimeter of the container outlet may be slightly larger or slightly smaller than the perimeter of the flange perimeter, but may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the flange perimeter. In this way, the perimeters can be overlapped or securely connected to each other (e.g., by bonding and / or welding).

[0372] However, it is also conceivable that the outlet of the first container, which has an inlet within the screw conveyor housing, is screwed in. Thus, the circumferential wall of the flange on the screw conveyor housing can constitute a first drive profile, and the circumferential wall of the container outlet can constitute a second drive profile. The first container and the dispensing device can preferably be connected to each other via the two drive profiles in a morphologically adapted and rotationally fixed manner. For example, the outer contour of the circumferential wall of the flange on the screw conveyor housing can have a drive profile, and the inner contour of the circumferential wall of the container outlet can have a corresponding drive profile so that the circumferential walls are connected to each other in a particularly non-rotatable manner. Any structure that enables the connection between the first container and the dispensing device can function as a drive profile. The drive profile can be polygonal, star-shaped, slot-shaped, etc., accordingly.

[0373] Preferably, the housing of the screw conveyor is integrated into the first container.

[0374] By incorporating the screw conveyor housing into the first container, the first container and the screw conveyor housing can be integrally connected, and in particular, the first container and the dispensing device can be firmly and irremovably connected. Specifically, it is conceivable that the peripheral wall of the container outlet and the peripheral wall of the flange of the screw conveyor housing are integrally formed with each other.

[0375] Preferably, the first container has at least a partially tapered portion, and the periphery of the first container in the tapered portion preferably decreases in an essentially conical shape toward the outlet.

[0376] The first container may have a cross-section as viewed in a plane passing through the longitudinal conveyor screw axis of the screw conveyor housing when connected to the first container, and the tapered portion will be laterally restricted by the first and second side edges. "When connected to the first container" means that the dispensing device or screw conveyor housing is connected to the screw conveyor and the first container. The first side edge may run (when viewed in the connected state) essentially laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing of the conveyor, preferably at an angle of less than 90°, and particularly preferably at an angle of about 45°. The second side edge may run essentially laterally with respect to the longitudinal conveyor screw axis of the screw conveyor housing, preferably at an angle of less than about 90°, and particularly preferably at an angle of about 45°. It is also conceivable that both side edges run essentially laterally with respect to the longitudinal conveyor screw axis of the screw conveyor housing, preferably at an angle of less than about 90°, and particularly preferably at an angle of about 45°. This arrangement of the side edges of the connected screw conveyor housing with respect to its longitudinal axis makes it particularly easy to empty baby food concentrate or coffee powder from the first container.

[0377] Preferably, the second side edge forms an angle of approximately 45° with the first side edge. This configuration causes the circumference of the first container in the tapered section to gradually decrease towards the outlet. This makes it particularly efficient to empty the baby food concentrate or coffee powder contained in the first container from the outlet and then introduce it into the inlet of the screw conveyor housing.

[0378] The first vessel preferably has at least partially a first substantially symmetrical section, the circumference of the first vessel remaining the same within the first substantially symmetrical section, and preferably the first substantially symmetrical section is further from the outlet than the tapered section.

[0379] The first container, when connected to the first container, may have a cross-section in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing, and the first substantially symmetrical section is laterally separated by a first and a second side edge, these side edges aligned substantially parallel to each other and thus running substantially laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor housing, preferably at an angle of about 90° (when viewed in the connected state). The first side edge of the first substantially symmetrical section may run in the same plane as the first side edge of the tapered section, and / or the second side edge of the first substantially symmetrical section may be perpendicular to the second side edge of the tapered section. However, it is also conceivable that the second side edge of the first substantially symmetrical section may run in the same plane as the second side edge of the tapered section, so that a further tapered section is formed instead of a symmetrical section.

[0380] Preferably, the distance between the first and second lateral edges of the symmetrical portion is at most about 140 mm, and / or the length of the two lateral edges is at most about 155 mm. It is also possible that the length of the first lateral edge is longer than the length of the second lateral edge. Therefore, the length of the first lateral edge can be at most about 155 mm, and / or the length of the second lateral edge can be at most about 125 mm.

[0381] In this embodiment, the process of emptying the baby food concentrate or coffee grounds received in the first container from the outlet and then introducing them into the inlet of the screw conveyor housing can be carried out particularly efficiently. At the same time, the symmetrical section allows for an alternative configuration of the inlet for receiving the baby food concentrate or coffee grounds in the first container.

[0382] Preferably, the first container has an essentially symmetrical second portion adjacent to or near the outlet, the circumference of the first container remaining the same within the second essentially symmetrical portion and essentially corresponding to the periphery of the outlet and / or the opening of the outlet.

[0383] The first container, when connected to the first container, may have a cross-section in a plane passing through the longitudinal conveyor screw axis of the screw conveyor housing, and the second essentially symmetric section is arranged essentially parallel to each other and is therefore laterally separated by a first and a second side edge that runs essentially laterally with respect to the longitudinal conveyor screw axis of the screw conveyor housing, preferably at an angle of about 90° (when viewed in the connected state). The first side edge of the second essentially symmetric section may run in the same plane as the first side edge of the tapered section and / or the second side edge of the second essentially symmetric section may be laterally parallel to the second side edge of the tapered section and aligned with the second side edge of the first essentially symmetric section.

[0384] Preferably, the distance between the first and second lateral edges of the second symmetrical portion is in the range of about 20 mm to 60 mm (e.g., about 50 mm), and / or the lengths of the two lateral edges are in the range of about 10 mm to 110 mm each (e.g., about 15 mm or 90 mm each). Preferably, since the second essentially symmetrical portion is connected to the outlet, the diameter of the outlet or the passage of the outlet opening preferably corresponds to the distance between the first and second side edges of the second symmetrical portion.

[0385] In this embodiment, the process of emptying the baby food concentrate or coffee powder received in the first container from the outlet and then introducing it into the inlet of the screw conveyor housing can be carried out particularly efficiently.

[0386] However, the first container may also have a more essentially symmetrical section instead of a tapered section. In this case, the first lateral edge of the three sections may run in one plane, the second lateral edge may run in another plane, and the two planes may be oriented essentially parallel to each other.

[0387] Preferably, the first container has an inlet opening, the inlet opening is preferably positioned essentially opposite the outlet, and / or the outlet is provided with an outlet opening.

[0388] Preferably, the inlet opening can be located in a first substantially symmetrical conveyor screw section. More preferably, the inlet opening can be located adjacent to or near a side edge running between the first and second side edges of the first substantially symmetrical section. Preferably, the inlet opening is located at the first free end of the first container, opposite the second free end of the first container, and the outlet and outlet opening are located at the second free end. A tapered section can be located between the inlet or inlet opening and the outlet or outlet opening.

[0389] Baby food concentrates or coffee powders can be received into the first container through the inlet opening. By positioning the inlet opening opposite the outlet, the baby food concentrates or coffee powders can be guided toward the outlet and outlet openings and delivered from the first container to the dispensing device. This allows for the correct dispensing of the concentrated baby food or coffee powder. The inlet opening can preferably be closed by a closure element, more preferably by a fastener or zipper.

[0390] However, it is also possible that the first container does not have an inlet opening and is integrally or firmly connected to the dispensing device. The first container and the dispensing device are integrally connected to each other as a unit and can be filled with baby food concentrate or coffee powder.

[0391] Preferably, the inlet opening extends adjacent to or near the first free end between the first and second side edges of the first substantially symmetrical section. Preferably, the inlet opening can be closed with a closure element. Thus, the first container is advantageously reusable and can be refilled after the baby food has been completely emptied, or the first container can be closed again after the baby food concentrate or coffee powder has been transferred into it. However, it is also conceivable that the first container is not reusable and does not have a closure element, since the inlet or inlet opening is welded after the concentrated baby food or coffee powder has been taken in. It is also conceivable that the first container does not have an inlet or inlet opening, but the baby food concentrate or coffee powder is first received into the first container via an outlet or outlet opening, and then the outlet is connected to a dispensing device. In particular, after the concentrated baby food or coffee powder has been taken in, the outlet can be connected to the inlet of a dispensing device by a connecting element, for example, an adhesive element in the form of an adhesive strip or clip. In this case, the same opening is used to receive the concentrated baby food or coffee powder into the first container and to remove the concentrated baby food or coffee powder from the first container.

[0392] Thus, the first container holding the baby food concentrate can be connected to a dispensing device and is already ready for dispensing, and is designed as a disposable or single-use item. Alternatively, the dispensing device that can be connected to the first container may be designed as a reusable item. In particular, if the dispensing device and the first container are integrally formed with each other, or glued or screwed together, the dispensing device can be designed as a single-use or disposable item.

[0393] The closing element can be designed as an easily openable and closable zipper. However, instead of a zipper, or in addition to a zipper, a rail may be placed at the first free end of the first container. This rail allows the first container to be connected to the upper region of the first receiving section. Other types of fasteners that can connect the first container to the upper region of the receiving section are also conceivable, such as one or more magnetic holders, one or more Velcro fasteners, one or more buttons, and / or one or more adhesive strips. It is also conceivable that the first container has a first threaded element and the upper region of the first receiving section has a second threaded element, and these threaded elements connect the first container to the upper region of the receiving section.

[0394] The tab may be positioned adjacent to or near the closure element. The tab may have an internal opening. The internal opening may be designed as a handle so that the first container can be transported or held in a simplified manner from one place to another. However, the internal opening may also serve as a hook or suspending mechanism, for example, thereby ensuring further stability, especially when filling the first container. Preferably, the closure element, preferably a zipper, is designed to be inserted into a groove in the first receiving area of ​​the device for preparing baby food or coffee.

[0395] Closure elements or zippers can be designed to be inserted (at least partially) into grooves. Preferably, the closure elements or zippers are designed to be inserted into grooves located in a first receiving area, and in particular, located inside the upper limit facing the lower limit. The grooves can be substantially in the same plane as the drive axis of the dispensing device receiving area, indicating how the longitudinal axis of the feed screw of the feed screw conveyor housing runs when inserted into the device. Preferably, the grooves extend at least partially into the upper limit. More preferably, the grooves extend from an area adjacent to or near the open front side to an area adjacent to or near the rear wall. This allows the first container and / or dispensing device to be easily inserted into the first receiving area of ​​the device for preparing baby food, the dispensing device to be received by the receiving device at the lower limit, and the cylindrical cavity of the dispensing device to engage with the drive axis of the drive device. At the same time, closure elements or zippers can be inserted into the grooves, thereby allowing for additional retention of the first container in addition to the lateral ribs. The first container can be made from a variety of materials, for example, paper, plastic, or other flexible materials to hold powders such as baby food concentrates or coffee powder. Furthermore, the first container can be configured as a pouch or bag. However, the first container may also be made from an inflexible material, and therefore dimensionally stable, for example, it can be made from metal such as aluminum or plastic. For example, the first container can also be designed as a cardboard box like a Tetra Pak. In particular, if the first container is made of an inflexible material, the second tray may have two open sides positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the tray, instead of a closed side wall and multiple ribs extending away from the side wall.

[0396] The first container can have a capacity of approximately 1.5 dm³. This capacity allows for the consumption of up to 500 g of concentrated baby food or coffee powder, which corresponds to a capacity of 1.1 dm³. Thus, a capacity of 1.5 dm³ facilitates the filling and transfer of concentrated baby food or coffee powder. However, the first container may have a capacity that deviates from approximately 1.5 dm³, and it is possible to make the first container larger or smaller. The second tray and the second container will be described in detail below.

[0397] Preferably, the second receiving area has a rear wall, two side walls spaced apart from each other and positioned at angles different from 0° or 180°, particularly essentially perpendicular to the rear wall, a lower limit positioned at angles different from 0° or 180°, particularly perpendicular to the side walls, and an open top opposite the lower limit, and the second receiving area for receiving the second container is formed between the side walls.

[0398] The second receiving area can be configured as an open-top design. In other words, the top can be designed to be completely open. This allows the second vessel to be introduced into the second receptacle in a movement essentially perpendicular to the lower limit, and the second vessel to be received in the second receptacle. However, it is also conceivable that the second receiving area has an upper limit with through-holes or openings, through which the second vessel is introduced into the second receiving area in a movement essentially perpendicular to the lower limit.

[0399] The second tray may have a front surface opposite the rear wall, which may preferably consist of, for example, a glass or plastic window element, or a flap or closing flap. This allows for easy confirmation of the filling level of the second container from the front. However, the front side may also be designed as a closed front wall with no openings, similar to the rear wall. The open front surface of the first tray may also be closed with a flap or cap, preferably in a manner similar to the closing flap of the second tray. In this way, after the first container is inserted and picked up, the first receiving area can be protected from dust and dirt by closing the closing flap.

[0400] Preferably, at least one second receiving region is designed to receive a lifting system for administering fluid.

[0401] The lifting system allows for pressurization of a second fluid container, for example, using a pump mechanism, thereby enabling accurate fluid dispensing. However, it is also possible to pressurize the second container using a rotating mechanism or other mechanisms, which allows for precise and particularly easy fluid dispensing. Furthermore, the second receiving tray is designed to accommodate both the second container and the lifting device.

[0402] Preferably, the lifting system is connected to or can be connected to a second container.

[0403] The lifting system can be securely connected to the second container. In other words, the lifting system can be integrated into the second container and provided or delivered in such an integrated manner. However, it is also conceivable that the lifting system and the second container are two separate elements and can be combined or connected to each other so that fluid can be dispensed from the second container. For example, the lifting system can be connected to or connectable to the opening of the second container (e.g., the inlet or outlet of the second container). Like the second container, the lifting system can be replaceable and can be a disposable or single-use item. Therefore, the lifting system can preferably be delivered from the factory together with the second container, which is already filled with liquid.

[0404] Preferably, the lifting system is connected to or connectable to the outlet of the second container. Therefore, by operating the lifting system, the fluid can be pumped from the second container and precisely administered. Preferably, the lifting system is connected to or connectable to a container or cup such as coffee or baby food, or to a preparation device such as a hose system. In this way, the precisely administered fluid can be filled into the container or cup, or into the preparation device.

[0405] Preferably, the container or cup or preparation device is positioned in the direction of gravity below a lifting system that is connectable to or connected to the second container. The lifting system is preferably positioned in the direction of gravity between the container or cup or preparation device and the second container. Thus, the fluid can be guided particularly easily within the container or cup or to the preparation device, as it is guided in a simple manner by gravity from the second container toward the lifting system and pumped from the second container into the container or cup or to the preparation device.

[0406] Preferably, the lifting device has a piston and a rotating plate.

[0407] A lifting system can be considered capable of dispensing fluid by a piston pump. For example, a lifting system may include a rotating plate driven by a motor that can apply pressure to a piston. The piston can be connected to or may be connected to a second container so that the piston can be deflected or moved by the rotating plate. Preferably, the rotating plate is positioned above the piston in the direction of gravity, and the rotating plate is driven by a motor to rotate. This rotational motion causes the piston to translate. Therefore, the piston can be pushed downward in the direction of gravity toward the second container, so that the fluid can be pumped from the second container and dispensed correctly. In this way, the deflection and movement of the piston allows the fluid to be easily removed from the piston, so that the second container can be pumped and dispensed correctly. One rotation of the motor can result in several lifting and lowering operations. In other words, one rotation of the motor results in multiple movements combining the rotational and translational motions of the rotating plate and piston.

[0408] Preferably, the turntable is designed as an eccentric or control disk mounted on an axis, with its center point outside the axis. Preferably, the piston is positioned below the eccentric in the direction of gravity and outside its shaft axis, preferably above or below in the direction of gravity. In this way, the rotational motion of the eccentric can be advantageously converted into the translational motion or stroke of the piston.

[0409] Preferably, the second receiving tray has a lifting system receiving tray.

[0410] The lifting system receiving section is designed to receive a motor, a rotating plate, and a piston. The motor and / or rotating plate and / or piston may be securely connected to the lifting system receiving section. These can, for example, be positioned on the rear wall and / or side wall of the second receiving tray. Next, the second container can be introduced and inserted into the second receiving section so that the rotating plate and / or piston of the lifting system receiving section can interact with the second container. In this way, the rotating plate and piston can pump fluid from the second container and administer it correctly. Alternatively, the motor and / or rotating plate and / or piston may be securely connected to the second container and replaceable together with the second container. Therefore, the motor and / or rotating plate and / or piston can be inserted into the receiving area of ​​the lifting system together with the second container to pump liquid from the second container and administer medication.

[0411] Preferably, the lifting system is equipped with sensors.

[0412] The sensor can be securely connected to the receiving part of the lifting device. When the second container is introduced or inserted into the second receiving area, the sensor can determine the fluid filling level inside the second container. The sensor can be connected to application software, such as a mobile app, described later, which can automatically order new fluid online based on the fluid filling level.

[0413] Preferably, the second container is connected to or connectable to a dispensing device, or the second container comprises a dispensing device, which is preferably a lifting system, and the lifting system is designed to dispense fluid from inside the second container. It is possible that a device for measuring and preparing baby food, particularly baby milk or baby food, or coffee, consists of only one measuring device for measuring liquids, and lacks a measuring device for measuring baby food concentrates or coffee powders. In the case of a device for administering and / or preparing baby food, the fluid may be pre-prepared baby milk and therefore not just water.

[0414] Preferably, the lifting system is made of bioplastic or bioplastic or bio-based plastic. Preferably, the lifting system consists of bioplastic, bioplastic or bio-based plastic. For example, bioplastic may consist of stone paper and / or wood.

[0415] Preferably, at least one of the side walls of the second tray is an inclined side wall that is inclined at an angle different from 90°, preferably an angle between 10° and 50°, more preferably an angle between 10° and 30°, and particularly preferably an angle of 20° with respect to the lower limit.

[0416] The inclined sidewalls can have all the advantages and features of the apparatus for dispensing and grinding coffee beans and / or for preparing coffee as described in the embodiments above. Furthermore, apparatus for preparing baby food or coffee can be designed similarly to the embodiments of the coffee bean preparation and grinding apparatus and coffee preparation apparatus described above, and may have or operate with inclined sidewalls.

[0417] Preferably, the inclined sidewall is preferably connected to or connectable to the rear wall and can be spaced apart from the lower limit. Thus, the lower end of the inclined sidewall or the end of the inclined sidewall pointing to the lower limit of the second receiving area can be positioned adjacent to or near a flange that can surround the through-hole at the lower limit. The inclined sidewall can be configured to receive the second container of fluid and hold it in an inclined position. In other words, one of the outer sidewalls of the second container can strike the inclined sidewall so that the inclined sidewall is designed as a support element and / or support element for the second container. The second container is held in an inclined position by the inclined sidewall and the outlet of the second container can open into a through-hole surrounded by the flange. The flange allows for easy introduction of the container outlet into the through-hole and at the same time functions as a lateral support or lateral support element for the outlet. The inclined position of the second container is advantageous because, in this way, the fluid can flow out of the second container in an appropriate manner, so that no residual volume, residual fluid, or dead volume remains in the second container. At the same time, the first container equipped with the dispensing device can thus be positioned essentially laterally, preferably at an angle of 90° to the lower limit, above the lower limit and / or above the through-hole. Therefore, the discharge port of the screw conveyor housing and the discharge port of the second container can, advantageously, open together within a through-hole. This allows the coffee powder or baby food concentrate and fluid to be guided through the through-hole of the apparatus for the preparation and / or manufacturing of baby food or coffee, and the coffee powder or baby food concentrate and fluid to be supplied in a container, preferably a baby bottle or filter container.

[0418] Preferably, multiple clamping elements are arranged adjacent to or near the side wall, and these clamping elements extend at least partially between the front opposite the rear wall and the rear wall of the second receiving area. The clamping elements are preferably designed as clamps. Two of the clips can be positioned opposite each other in a plane parallel to the lower limit of the second receiving area.

[0419] Particularly preferably, at least two clamping elements, preferably three, are positioned adjacent to or near one of the two side walls of the second receiving portion, and at least two clamping elements, preferably three, are positioned adjacent to or near the other of the two side walls of the second receiving portion. In other words, the second receiving portion is preferably composed of up to six clamping elements, two of which are positioned opposite each other as a pair of clamping elements in a plane parallel to the lower limit of the second receiving portion. Preferably, the second receiving area is composed of up to three sets of clamping elements. However, it is also conceivable that the second receiving tray has three or more clamping elements adjacent to or near the two side walls, and the second receiving tray has six or more clamping elements, and thus more than three pairs of clamping elements.

[0420] The clamp element or pair of clamp elements allows for the administration of fluid inside or from inside the second container.

[0421] The second container can be clamped off by a clamp element or a pair of clamp elements, depending on the desired or correct dosage of fluid inside the container. This is advantageous in that it does not require expensive peristaltic pumps or flow sensors.

[0422] The fluid from the second container can be administered as a function of time. This allows for the alternating administration of concentrated baby food or baby food powder from the first container and the liquid from the second container. This can improve the mixing behavior and / or mixing ratio between the baby food concentrate or baby food powder and the liquid. A particularly good mixing ratio is obtained by administering the liquid first, then the powder, and then the liquid again. The mixing is carried out in this order at a temperature of preferably about 37°C to 43°C, particularly preferably 40°C. The mixture of powder and liquid can then be shaken manually or automatically. The concentrated baby food can also preferably be administered from the first container as a function of time.

[0423] It should be noted that concentrated baby food or coffee powder can be administered in a similar manner within the first container by multiple clamp elements or pairs of clamp elements, as described later in relation to the second container and the administration of liquids. In other words, concentrated baby food or coffee powder cannot be administered into the first container using a screw conveyor and its housing, thereby ensuring proper administration of the concentrated baby food or coffee powder. By introducing the second container into the second receiving area through the open top, the second container is received by the second receiving area so that it can be held or laterally clamped by up to three pairs of clamping elements. The pairs of clamping elements clamp the fluid inside the second container. Since the clamping elements are displaceably positioned on the sidewalls of the second receiving area, the fluid can be dispensed by moving the clamping elements or pairs of clamping elements. This allows up to three pairs of clamping elements to be in at least one position, in particular a first position and a second position. In the first position, up to three pairs of clamping elements can be laterally adjacent to and / or in contact with the second container so that pressure can be applied to the sidewalls of the second container, in particular to two opposing sidewalls of the second container. In the second position, up to three pairs of clamping elements cannot be adjacent to or in contact with the container, so that the pairs of clamping elements cannot apply pressure to the sidewalls of the second container. The different positions of at least one pair of clamping elements are advantageous when the fluid inside the second container is tempered, heated, or sterilized by a tempering device. Heating by boiling causes the fluid inside the second container to expand, and the expanded fluid increases the distance between the periphery of the outer wall and, consequently, between the side walls of the second container.

[0424] The first and second positions of at least one pair of clamping elements allow the position of the clamping elements to be changed or displaced relative to the sidewall of the second receiving area. Therefore, when the second container is received into the second receiving area, the position of the clamping elements can also be changed relative to the sidewall of the second container. The arrangement of the pair of clamping elements prevents the second container and / or the fluid inside the second container from coming into contact with the sidewall of the second receiving area when the second container is received into the second receiving area. This reduces contamination of the sidewall of the second receiving area and contamination of the fluid inside the second container due to the introduction of the second container. A first pair of clamping elements can be positioned such that the clamping elements of the first pair have a first distance from the lower limit. A second pair of clamping elements can be positioned such that the clamping elements of the second pair have a second distance from the lower limit that is greater than the first distance from the lower limit. In this way, the first pair of clamping elements can be positioned as a pair of lower clamping elements adjacent to or near the lower limit in the second receiving area. The second pair of clamping elements can be positioned as an upper clamping element pair adjacent to or near the open upper side. Furthermore, a third pair of clamping elements can be positioned as an intermediate pair of clamping elements between the first and second pairs of clamping elements, and can have a third distance from the lower limit that is greater than the first distance and less than the second distance.

[0425] The first pair of lower clamping elements may have a first distance from the lower limit between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably about 20 mm. The second pair of upper clamping elements may have a second distance from the lower limit between 160 mm and 240 mm, preferably about 180 mm. The distance between the first pair of lower clamping elements and the second pair of upper clamping elements may be between 140 mm and 220 mm, preferably about 160 mm. The third pair of intermediate clamping elements may be positioned between the first pair of lower clamping elements and the second pair of upper clamping elements, in a range between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably about 20 mm, and in a range between 160 mm and 240 mm, preferably about 180 mm, from the lower limit.

[0426] The first lower pair of clamping elements can apply pressure to the side walls of the second container when the second container is received into the second receiving area, or clamp or pinch the side walls of the second container in such a way that the second container is closed and when the second container is received into the second receiving area, fluid from the second container cannot escape, for example, through the outlet opening of the second container. In this way, the first lower clamping elements can aseptically seal the second container, preventing bacteria and other microorganisms from entering the second container, for example, through the outlet opening of the second container. The second upper pair of clamping elements can apply pressure to the side walls of the second container or clamp the side walls in such a way that the second container is closed and fluid cannot escape from the second container and / or a fluid reservoir connectable to the second container, for example, through the inlet opening of the second container. Therefore, the second upper pair of clamping elements can aseptically seal the second container, preventing bacteria and germs from entering the second container, for example, through the inlet opening of the second container. The first lower clamp element and the second upper clamp element seal off the area inside the second container to be sterilized or heated, thereby preserving the fluid in a sterile state. In this way, preparation time can be reduced because it is not necessary to boil the liquid to kill bacteria. The liquid only needs to be brought to drinking temperature. A third intermediate clamp element pair is provided between the first lower clamp element pair and the second upper clamp element pair to dispense the fluid into the second container.

[0427] Preferably, the first pair of lower clamping elements and the second pair of upper clamping elements are positioned so that the two pairs of clamping elements define a region of the second container that limits the amount of fluid in the second container to approximately 180 ml to 250 ml. This allows for the administration of up to approximately 250 ml of liquid. This is the maximum amount that can be put into a conventional baby bottle or coffee cup when preparing baby food or coffee. However, the first pair of lower clamping elements and the second pair of upper clamping elements may also be positioned so that the two pairs of clamping elements define a region of the second container that limits the amount of fluid in the second container to more than 250 ml, preferably more than 250 ml up to approximately 500 ml, or more than 500 ml up to 750 ml. In this way, it is also possible to provide or administer an amount of liquid suitable for preparing baby food in multiple conventional baby bottles or coffee in multiple portions or coffee cups. In this way, multiple baby bottles can be filled with baby food in a short time, or multiple coffee cups or coffee pots can be filled with coffee in a short time.

[0428] If at least one of the side walls of the second receiving area is designed as an inclined side wall, the clamping element is preferably designed as a bracket, which is positioned in a plane parallel to the inclined side wall. The clamp can be positioned in a plane parallel to the inclined side wall, as described in the previously described embodiments relating to apparatus for loading and grinding coffee beans and / or preparing coffee. Furthermore, the clip may have all the advantages and features described in this context.

[0429] Preferably, one of the clamping elements is replaced by a tempering device for controlling the temperature of the fluid being dispensed by the clamping element. This allows for simultaneous dispensing and tempering of the fluid in the container using at least one clamping element.

[0430] Preferably, the distance between the clamping elements can be modified relative to the lower limit and / or the open upper side.

[0431] Preferably, the height of the third intermediate pair of clamping elements is adjustable. In other words, the third distance from the lower limit can be changed. This allows for precise dispensing of the desired amount of fluid for preparing baby food. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first lower pair of clamping elements and the second upper pair of clamping elements are height adjustable, allowing for changes in the first and second distances to the lower limit. This allows the two sets of clamping elements to be adapted to the size or volume of a second container, allowing second containers of different sizes to be accepted in the second receiving area and held or restricted laterally by the first lower pair of clamping elements and the second upper pair of clamping elements, enabling correct dispensing of fluid into the second container.

[0432] Preferably, each clamp element consists of a first clamp element region and a second clamp element region, and these clamp element regions are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the clamp element.

[0433] The surfaces of the first and second clamping elements can be positioned essentially parallel to each other, and each can extend between the first and second ends. The surface of the first clamping element can extend within a first plane, and the surface of the second clamping element can extend within a second plane, and the first and second planes can be positioned parallel to each other, and / or the longitudinal axis of the clamping element can be positioned within the plane between the first plane and the second level. The width of the surfaces of two clamping elements, i.e., the width of the surfaces of two clamping elements at angles different from 0° or 180°, particularly those essentially transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clamping element, tapers from the first end to the second end. Furthermore, each clamping element can include a connecting plate positioned at an angle different from 0° or 180°, particularly those essentially transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clamping element. The surface of the first clamping element can be connected to the connecting plate by the first end, and the surface of the second clamping element can be connected to the connecting plate by the first end. The connecting plate is designed to connect individual clamping elements to a second receiving area.

[0434] In particular, the connecting plate can be connected to the rear wall of the second receiving area such that the clamp element extends essentially laterally to the rear wall at an angle different from 0° or 180°, and the second end of the clamp element surface can be spaced away from the rear wall. Preferably, the connecting plate of the individual clamp element is connected to the rear wall adjacent to or near one of the side walls of the second receiving area, so that the clamp element extends along the side wall between the front and rear walls. This allows the second container to be held between the individual clamp elements of the clamp element pair after the second container has been received into the second receiving area, and fluid can be dispensed into the second container. Because the width of the surfaces of the two clamp elements tapers toward the second end, the individual clamp elements can be moved from a first position to a second position in a particularly simple manner. However, it is also conceivable that the individual clamp elements are not connected to the rear wall by a connecting plate, and that the clamp elements are positioned or displaceably on the rear and / or side walls of the second receiving area by a carriage, or that rails or guide rail elements can be connected to them.

[0435] Preferably, the surfaces of two clamping elements are connected by the surface of a third clamping element, the surface of which has a conical cross-section that is essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the clamping elements.

[0436] The third clamp element surface may extend from the first side edge of the first clamp element surface to the first side edge of the second clamp element surface. The first side edges of the first and second clamp element surfaces may extend in the same plane, in particular laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clamp element, at an angle different from 0° or 180°, preferably 90°. The third clamp element surface may be positioned at an angle of 90° with respect to the first clamp element surface, at an angle of 90° with respect to the second clamp element surface and / or the connecting plate, and / or at an angle of 90° with respect to the rear wall of the second receiving portion if the connecting plate is connected to the rear wall. Each clamp element of an individual clamp element pair may therefore have a third clamp element surface, and the third clamp element surfaces of the two clamp elements of each clamp element pair will be aligned parallel to each other when the clamp elements are connected to the rear wall by the connecting plate. Preferably, the connecting plate has at least one through hole so that the clamp element can be connected to the rear wall by a connecting element such as a screw. However, the connecting plate may also be positioned adjacent to or near the first end of the surface of the clamp element, for example, at a second side end opposite the first side end of the surface of the clamp element, so that the clamp element can be connected to the side wall.

[0437] Preferably, the surface of the third clamp element may have a substantially conical or triangular cross-section at an angle different from 0° or 180°, particularly substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the clamp element. The surface of the third clamp element may have a clamp element edge that essentially extends in the longitudinal direction of the clamp element, due to an essentially conical cross-section between the first side edge of the surface of the first clamp element and the first side edge of the surface of the second clamp element. Preferably, the edge of the clamp element extends in the same plane as the longitudinal axis of the clamp element. The design of the clamp element edge of the individual clamp elements allows for particularly good dispensing of the fluid in the second container when the second container is received in the second receiving area and pressure is applied to the side wall of the second container by the clamp element or the clamp element edge.

[0438] Furthermore, the third clamp element face may have two or more clamp element edges, preferably two clamp element edges similar to those described above, which essentially extend in the longitudinal direction of the clamp element and between the first side edge of the first clamp element face and the first side edge of the second clamp element face. Each clamp element edge extends in a plane that runs essentially laterally with respect to the plane of the longitudinal axis of the clamp element, or in a plane that runs at an angle different from 0° or 180°, preferably 90°.

[0439] Each clamp element can be designed to be open on the opposite side of the third clamp element surface, when viewed laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clamp element. In other words, each clamp element is defined by the three clamp element surfaces and forms an internal cavity with an open side. When the clamp element is connected to a second receptacle, for example, when the clamp element is connected to the rear wall by a connecting plate, the open side of the internal cavity faces one of the two side walls of the second receptacle. As a result of such a configuration, the clamp element is lightweight and suitable for clamping a second container or dispensing fluid from the second container. However, it is also conceivable that the clamp element has a fourth clamp element surface extending between the second side edge of the first clamp element surface and the second side edge of the second clamp element surface, when viewed laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clamp element, on the opposite side of the third clamp element surface.

[0440] Preferably, at least one surface of the clamping element, preferably a third surface of the clamping element, is designed to be a support surface, preferably a rubber support surface.

[0441] This support surface allows the second container to be closed particularly securely. The support surface can be designed as a rubber bearing surface and is made of or from elastomer, thermoplastic, or thermosetting plastic. In particular, when the first lower pair of clamping elements and the second upper pair of clamping elements take their second positions, the rubberized contact surface enables an improved seal so that bacteria and germs cannot enter the inside of the second container and the fluid is received sterile inside the second container. Furthermore, it is ensured that the inside of the device, especially the inside of the second receiving area, such as the side walls, does not come into contact with the fluid. In this way, cleaning of the device, especially cleaning of the inside of the device, can be omitted. Preferably, one or more (preferably each) clamping elements have at least one spring element.

[0442] At least one spring element can be designed as a tension spring or a rubber band and is positioned adjacent to or near the first end of the surface of the first clamp element, or adjacent to or near the first end of the surface of the second clamp element. However, it is also conceivable that the first spring element is positioned adjacent to or near the first end of the surface of the first clamp element, and the second spring element is positioned adjacent to or near the first end of the surface of the second clamp element. The contact pressure of the clamp elements in the first state can be adjusted by the spring element. This allows for particularly tight closure or sealing of the second container, in particular by the pair of first lower clamp elements and the pair of second upper clamp elements. The edges of the clamp elements can be pressed particularly strongly against the sidewalls of the second container in each case, so that the fluid can be aseptically received into the second container. In particular, each of the clamp elements of the individual pairs of clamp elements can include a spring element. This double-sided spring support on both sides of the second container ensures a good and aseptic single seal. Sterility is important because the water is stored in a second container after being boiled, or tempered to at least 100°C, or tempered to boiling temperature. When preparing baby food, the water only needs to reach the desired drinking temperature, i.e., heated or cooled, so users can save time during preparation.

[0443] The spring supports on both sides provide a flat or uniform surface pressure, enabling a particularly sterile seal. This flat or uniform surface pressure allows the contact surface of the clamp element to be greater than the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in the second container, or greater than the pressure resulting from heating or boiling of the fluid. In this way, the clamp element and the spring supports above it ensure that the second container remains airtight or sealed at all times.

[0444] Preferably, the tempering device is positioned in contact with the second container, preferably in a region adjacent to or near the lower limit of the second receiving area, and / or in a region adjacent to or near one of the clamping elements, and positioned closest to the lower limit.

[0445] The tempering device may be positioned adjacent to or near the first lower pair of clamping elements. When the second container is received by the second receiving area, the lower area of ​​the second container is positioned adjacent to, preferably adjacent to, the tempering device. Preferably, the tempering device may include tempering elements positioned adjacent to or near the lower limit of the second receiving area, such as a heating plate, and / or tempering elements positioned adjacent to or near the clamping elements of the first lower clamping element pair. It is also conceivable that the tempering elements are positioned between the first lower clamping element pair and the third intermediate clamping element pair, or between the first lower clamping element pair and the second upper clamping element pair. The tempering elements may extend between the clamping elements of the first lower clamping element pair and the clamping elements of the third intermediate clamping element pair or the clamping elements of the second upper clamping element pair. The apparatus comprises two or more tempering elements, preferably two tempering elements, each of which may be positioned near the opposing side walls of the second receiving area, as described above, relative to the lower limit and / or the second container. For example, the first tempering element may be positioned adjacent to or near a clamp element of the first pair of lower clamp elements, and the second tempering element may be positioned adjacent to or near the other clamp element of the first pair of lower clamp elements.

[0446] Such an arrangement of at least one tempering element allows the fluid to be mixed inside the second vessel. The deepest or lowest part of the second vessel, or the point of the second vessel closest to the lower limit of the second receptacle when the second vessel is housed in the second receptacle, is tempered or heated. This allows for the circulation of the fluid inside the second vessel, ensuring thorough mixing of the fluid within the vessel. This allows the fluid to be kept at a uniform temperature throughout the entire interior of the second vessel. This is advantageous in that it eliminates the need for a mixing unit inside the second vessel.

[0447] Preferably, the tempering apparatus comprises at least one sealing element, preferably two sealing elements. At least one sealing element may be a sealing lip, which is positioned adjacent to or near the lower limit of the second receiving region and / or adjacent to or near one of the clamping elements of a first lower clamping element pair and / or adjacent to or near one of the tempering elements. The sealing lip is designed to press the deepest, lowest part of the second container, preferably adjacent to or near the outlet opening of the second container, as it is received in the second receiving region, against the tempering element, preferably with surfaces in contact so that the tempering element contacts the second container. However, instead of separate sealing elements, one of the clamping elements of the first lower pair may press the tempering element against the deepest, lowest part of the second container, as it is received in the second receiving region, preferably adjacent to or near the outlet opening of the second container. This results in particularly high thermal conductivity, and the temperature of the fluid in the second container rises particularly effectively. When the second container is received in the second receiving region, the sealing and clamping elements of the first lower clamping element pair can be positioned on the opposite side of the second container.

[0448] At least one tempering element can be designed as a heating element, such as a heating plate, to set up the circulation of the fluid moving inside the second container and to heat the inside uniformly. Preferably, at least one tempering element is designed to heat the fluid to a temperature of at least 100°C or boiling point. This allows the liquid in the second container to be sterilized when making baby food, ensuring that bacteria and germs are killed and the liquid is in a suitable state for making baby food or coffee. Also, in the case of brewing and / or preparing coffee, at least one tempering element can heat the fluid to a temperature between 90°C and 100°C, particularly preferably about 96°C, which is suitable for preparing coffee.

[0449] However, it is also conceivable that at least one tempering element be designed as a cooling element, such as a cooling plate. Thus, the internal circulation can be stopped by the cooling element, and the fluid can be cooled to a predetermined temperature. It is also conceivable that the first tempering element be designed as a heating element, such as a heating plate, and the second tempering element be designed as a cooling element, such as a cooling plate. Furthermore, the same tempering element can be designed as both a heating and a cooling element. For example, when preparing and / or compounding baby food after heating a liquid to at least 100°C or its boiling point for sterilization, the liquid can be brought to the temperature intended for preparing baby food or coffee, or the intended drinking temperature. During heating to at least 100°C or its boiling point, the clamping elements of the third intermediate pair can be moved to the second position, and during subsequent cooling, such as cooling to the intended drinking temperature by the tempering element, the clamping elements of the third intermediate pair can be moved to the first position. In this way, the second container is held or clamped by the clamping elements both during heating and cooling. In this way, the precise administration of the correctly prepared fluid is ensured.

[0450] If at least one of the side walls of the second tray is designed as an inclined side wall, the tempering device may also be preferably positioned in a region adjacent to or near the inclined side wall, and / or in a region adjacent to or near one of the clamping elements closest to the lower limit.

[0451] In this case, the tempering apparatus can be positioned on an inclined side wall in the manner described in the embodiments of the apparatus for loading, grinding, and / or preparing coffee beans that were previously mentioned. Furthermore, the tempering apparatus can have all the advantages and features described in this context.

[0452] Preferably, a through hole is provided in the lower limit of the second tray.

[0453] The through-hole is designed so that the outlet of the second container can pass through it. In particular, when the second container is inserted into the second receiving section with its top open, the outlet at the lower end of the second container can be guided into the through-hole, so that the outlet of the second container, when received in the second receiving section, is guided through the through-hole to protrude downwards into the second exception area. This allows the outlet to be connected to a preparation device, so that the correct amount of liquid is dispensed from the second container, mixed with the baby food concentrate or coffee powder also supplied to the preparation device, and filled into a container, preferably a baby bottle or filter container, and / or a coffee cup or coffee pot. However, it is also possible that the correct amount of liquid and baby food concentrate or coffee powder are supplied to a container, baby bottle, coffee container, coffee cup, or coffee pot. Then, by shaking or shook the container, baby bottle, coffee container, coffee cup, or coffee pot, ready-to-eat baby food or coffee can be prepared. In other words, the correct amount of liquid and baby food concentrate or coffee powder is mixed by shaking or shook the container, bottle, coffee container, or coffee cup. Shaking or shook can be done manually by the user. However, it is also conceivable that the device could be equipped with a vibrator or mixer to vibrate or mix the correctly administered liquid, baby food concentrate, or coffee powder in the container, bottle, or coffee container. Instead of shaking or shook, it is also conceivable that t...

Claims

1. A container for receiving and pouring a fluid for preparing a medium to be prepared, which is baby milk, baby puree, coffee and / or tea, the container is A housing having an interior for receiving fluid, The interior is in fluid communication with an outlet through which a predetermined amount of fluid can be discharged to prepare the medium to be prepared, It includes an inlet that is in fluid communication with the interior and is connected to the outlet of the fluid reservoir, The container is replaceable and disposable. The container is introduced and received near a receiving area in the apparatus for introducing and / or preparing the medium to be prepared. The fluid reservoir may be integrally incorporated into the container to form a combined container of the container and the fluid reservoir. The container or fluid reservoir includes positioning and holding elements for positioning and holding the container at a defined position in the receiving area. A container in which the receiving region of the apparatus includes a plurality of clamping elements, at least one of the plurality of clamping elements being replaced by a tempering device for tempering the fluid in the container.

2. The receiving region of the device includes three pairs of clamping elements. One of the pair of clamping elements is replaced by a tempering device that tempers the fluid in the container into which the clamping element is introduced. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is positioned between at least one of the clamping elements and the tempering device within the receiving region of the device.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein one or more clamping elements have at least one spring element.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the fluid inside the container is introduced by a peristaltic pump.

5. The container according to claim 1, wherein a lifting system is connected to or can be connected to the container, and the lifting system dispenses the fluid.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein the tempering device is arranged adjacent to or in close proximity to the fluid storage container.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the tempering device is in contact with the fluid storage container.

8. The container according to claim 1, comprising a substantially horizontal plate positioned adjacent to or near the opening of the container.

9. The container according to claim 8, wherein the plate is connectable to the container.

10. The container according to claim 8, wherein the plate is firmly connected to the container.

11. The container according to claim 8, wherein the plate is integrally incorporated within the container.

12. The container according to claim 8, wherein the plate has a first flange, and the first flange connects the plate to the outlet of the fluid reservoir.

13. The container according to claim 1, further comprising at least one magnet, the at least one magnet being positioned on the outer wall of the tapered section of the container.

14. Apparatus for preparing the medium to be prepared, which is baby milk, baby puree, coffee and / or tea, A container for receiving and introducing components for preparing the medium, A container for receiving and dispensing a fluid for preparing a medium to be prepared, which is baby milk, baby puree, coffee and / or tea, according to claim 1, A system that includes this.

15. Apparatus for introducing and / or preparing a medium, comprising a receiving area for receiving the container described in claim 1, and a tempering device for tempering the fluid in the container.

16. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is connected to or can be connected to a dispensing device.

17. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container includes a dispensing device.

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