System for delivering ground coffee

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for delivering ground coffee. The system comprises a container (13, 14) for containing roasted coffee beans, a dosing device (60, 70) for discharging the beans contained in the container, and a grinder (30) for receiving the beans delivered by the dosing device, which grinds the beans and then delivers the ground beans, and which moves to different grinding positions for different degrees of grinding. The dosing device is arranged between the container and the grinder so that it can function as a holding element to hold the beans inside the container. The system further comprises a control unit (91) for controlling the dosing device and the grinder, which controls the dosing device to deliver a specific amount of beans to the grinder, and controls the grinder to grind a specific amount of beans, thereby discharging the ground beans until the grinder runs out of beans, so that the grinder can then move to a different grinding position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for delivering ground coffee, in particular for preparing a coffee drink. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems for delivering ground coffee are typically used in fully automatic beverage preparation machines. Fully automatic machines provide a fully automatic process that starts with the reception of roasted coffee beans and ends with the delivery of a coffee beverage in a cup. Usually, the coffee beans are contained in a container, i.e. a canister, and are in direct contact with a grinder provided for grinding the roasted coffee beans. The grinder is therefore submerged in the coffee beans. The delivery of ground (ground) coffee can therefore be volumetrically performed either by time or by the number of revolutions of the grinder.

[0003] However, this process poses two main challenges. First, storing coffee beans in a container causes them to age and therefore deteriorate. That is, coffee beans, as a natural product, oxidize. Consumers can easily detect the taste of oxidized coffee beans. For example, and according to internal sensory studies, this oxidized taste can be caused by the presence of 80 micrograms of oxygen (O) per gram of coffee. 2 ) can be detected as being absorbed. In terms of volume ratio, this amounts to 3% oxygen / coffee or 15% air / coffee. iAccording to the first edition of the Coffee Freshness handbook published by the Coffee Association, even very low levels of oxygen (less than 2%) in packaged coffee have been found to transfer to the coffee and promote oxidation reactions. Furthermore, studies have shown that certain aroma compounds in coffee begin to dissipate almost immediately after grinding, with the greatest percentage of chemical freshness loss occurring during the first month of coffee storage, which can vary depending on the coffee blend, roast level, or extraction technique. Carbon dioxide also affects extraction. The freshness of the coffee increases the resistance to water flow and affects the contact of the extraction water with the coffee, so the extraction parameters of the espresso need to be adjusted to take into account how fresh the coffee is.

[0004] Secondly, it is not possible, or at least difficult, to adjust the grinder settings for a particular coffee beverage. This requires in particular an adjustment of the grinder to grind the coffee beans so that the ground coffee beans delivered have the grinding degree (i.e. particle size distribution, coarseness or grain size) required for the desired coffee beverage. However, because the grinder is full of coffee beans, they block the movement of the grinder to adjust it to grind with a particular grinding degree. For this reason, in fully automatic machines, grinders with only one grinding setting, i.e. only one grinding degree, are used for different beverages such as ristretto, espresso, lungo, etc. However, this leads to a compromise in the quality of the delivered beverage, since different coffee beverages require, among other things, different grain sizes. For example, espresso requires a smaller particle size and therefore a smaller grinding degree than lungo to provide a good tasting coffee beverage. That is, in pressure extraction coffee machines (including fully automatic machines), the flow rate depends on the grinding (i.e. grain size distribution) of the coffee. That is, for espresso and ristretto, which require a slower flow to extract the appropriate amount of material from the coffee bed for the size of the drink, finer particles are required, whereas lungo coffee requires coarser particles that provide a faster flow to extract the appropriate amount of material from the coffee bed for a "longer" size drink without going over-extracted.

[0005] In general, the extraction yield is a parameter that should be adjusted to prepare a good tasting coffee beverage. The extraction yield is the percentage by mass of coffee grounds dissolved in the brewed coffee. According to the SCAE (Specialty Coffee Association-Europe), to obtain a coffee beverage that is balanced from a sensory point of view and therefore good tasting, it is desirable to achieve an extraction yield of 18-22% of the coffee bed, ideally 20%. To this end, and to maintain the 20% yield, the barista adapts the particle size, i.e. the particle size distribution, to the specific coffee beverage. Values ​​below the recommended yield are considered under-extracted, values ​​above the recommended yield are considered over-extracted.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system for delivering ground coffee to a beverage preparation machine and a method for delivering ground coffee to a beverage preparation machine that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks, i.e. in particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method that provides an improved automatic process for grinding coffee beans for different types of coffee beverages without compromising the quality of the different types of coffee beverages.

[0007] These objects, as well as others that will become apparent on reading the following description, are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the invention there is provided a system for delivering ground coffee, in particular for preparing a coffee drink, comprising one or more containers for containing one or different types of roasted coffee beans, one or more dosing devices for delivering the coffee beans contained in the one or more containers, and a grinder for receiving the coffee beans delivered by the one or more dosing devices, configured to move to respective different grinding positions for different degrees of grinding, in order to grind the coffee beans and thereafter deliver such ground coffee beans.

[0009] The one or more dosing devices are arranged between the one or more containers and the grinder such that the one or more dosing devices may (i.e. can) function as one or more holding elements for holding the coffee beans inside the one or more containers, whereby the one or more dosing devices function as holding elements for delivering the coffee beans contained in the one or more containers. In other words, the one or more dosing devices can be switched between a holding mode and a delivery mode, where in the holding mode the one or more dosing devices function as one or more holding elements (i.e. the coffee beans contained in the one or more containers rest on and / or are supported by the one or more dosing devices without being delivered) and in the delivery mode the one or more dosing devices are configured to deliver the coffee beans contained in the one or more containers.

[0010] The system further comprises a control unit for controlling the one or more dosing devices and the grinder, the control unit being configured to control one or more of the one or more dosing devices such that a certain amount of coffee beans is delivered to the grinder and to control the grinder such that the grinder grinds the certain amount of coffee beans, thereby delivering such ground coffee beans until the grinder runs out of coffee beans so that the grinder can thereafter move to one of different grinding positions.

[0011] Thus, when a certain amount or quantity of coffee beans is ground and thereby delivered by the grinder, the grinder is always free of coffee beans. Thus, in the state of the grinder where there are no coffee beans in the grinder, the grinder can be moved to a specific grinding position with a specific grinding size in order to deliver ground coffee of a particle size specifically provided for a specific or desired type of coffee beverage. Thus, the system and in particular the grinder does not provide only one particle size of ground coffee, but a plurality of different particle sizes (in particular servings of ground coffee particles each having a different volume moment average (De Brouckere mean diameter, D[4,3])) for a plurality of different coffee beverages. Thus, the system does not compromise between different types of coffee beverages.

[0012] Thus, the system may facilitate that not only the type of coffee beans (origin, roast level, etc.), a specific amount of ground coffee, a specific volume of water with a specific temperature, a specific pressure (drip, pressure, etc.) and extraction time, but also a specific grinding degree, i.e. a specific particle size of the ground coffee, can be set automatically by the system. Thus, based on the user's request, the system can also deliver ground coffee with a particle size adapted to the coffee beverage to be prepared from the requested ground coffee. Thus, there is no risk, or the risk is at least significantly reduced, that the coffee beverage prepared from the delivered ground coffee is under- or over-extracted, thereby improving the quality of the coffee beverage.

[0013] The grinding machine may comprise two grinding elements, separated by a distance and movable relative to each other to grind the received coffee beans between the two grinding elements. In other words, the two grinding elements may define a gap into which the coffee beans can enter and into which they can then be received for grinding. Thus, a very efficient grinding of the coffee beans is achieved. The two grinding elements, i.e. the gap, may also define an inlet for the coffee beans to enter the space between the two grinding elements and an outlet through which the ground coffee can be delivered by the grinding machine. In a relative movement of the two grinding elements, for example a rotational movement around a rotational movement axis, only one or both of the grinding elements may move.

[0014] The grinder may be configured to vary the distance in order to move the grinding element, and thus the grinder, between different grinding positions, so that the grinder can be very easily moved between the different grinding positions, i.e. to a desired one of the different grinding positions.

[0015] Each of the one or more containers may be connected to a corresponding one of the one or more dosing devices, such that preferably each of the one or more containers and the corresponding dosing device can be removed as a unit, such that the system can be very easy to make and / or very easy to maintain, in particular without sending coffee beans contained in the container out of the container during removal of the unit.

[0016] The system may further comprise a measuring unit configured to measure the amount of coffee beans delivered by the one or more dosing devices and to send a signal indicative of the measured amount of coffee beans delivered to the control unit, which helps to provide a feedback loop for highly accurate dosing of the coffee beans.

[0017] Preferably, the measuring unit is part of and / or is located within the one or more dosing devices. In other words, the one or more dosing devices may also be adapted to perform the function of the measuring unit, i.e. the one or more dosing devices may also be adapted to measure the amount of coffee beans dispensed. Thus, a very compact arrangement is provided for both the delivery of coffee beans and the measurement of the amount of dispensed coffee beans. Furthermore, the one or more dosing devices and the measuring unit can be moved together, i.e. as a cohesive unit. This improves the assembly and maintenance of the one or more dosing devices and the measuring unit. Alternatively, the measuring unit may be provided separately from the one or more dosing devices.

[0018] The measuring unit may be configured to measure the volume and / or weight and / or number of coffee beans delivered by the one or more dosing devices, such that the amount of coffee beans delivered by the one or more dosing devices may be calculated based on the volume and / or weight and / or number of coffee beans.

[0019] The system may comprise only one grinder, thus providing a very simple and compact design of the machine, especially if only one grinder is provided for multiple dosing devices and / or multiple containers. Alternatively, the system may comprise multiple grinders, each grinder configured to receive coffee beans delivered by one or more of the dosing devices.

[0020] The system may further comprise one or more drive units, such as one or more motors, for moving the grinding element between different grinding positions and / or for operating the grinder to grind coffee beans. The one or more drive units are preferably detachably connected to the grinder. For example, the system may comprise one drive unit for moving the grinder between different grinding positions and another drive unit for operating the grinder to grind coffee beans. If the system comprises a plurality of grinders, the detachable connection allows one of the grinders to be removed or detached from each drive unit while facilitating the continuation of the coffee bean grinding process by each of the other grinders. Thus, the system can be maintained and operated to deliver ground coffee simultaneously.

[0021] The grinder may be of the conical bar type or the flat bar type.

[0022] The grinder may be adapted to grind coffee beans at a constant and / or variable speed (e.g., rotational speed). For example, based on a control input, particularly based on the type of coffee beverage, the grinder can adjust the speed of the grinder for grinding. Additionally or alternatively, the grinder may be adapted to grind coffee beans for different types of coffee beverages at the same (constant) speed.

[0023] The system may further comprise a further holding element which is configured to push the coffee beans received by the grinder towards the grinder, particularly into the gap defined by the two grinding elements, for grinding these coffee beans. Thus, this further holding element prevents the coffee beans from flying out of the grinder. Further, the further holding element facilitates the rapid grinding of a specific amount of coffee beans by the grinder.

[0024] The control unit may be configured to receive a presence signal indicative of the presence and absence of coffee beans received by the grinder, and may be configured to control the grinder such that the grinder operates to grind, in particular by moving the two grinding elements relative to each other, at least until the control unit receives a presence signal indicative of the absence of coffee beans received by the grinder. In other words, a state of the grinder in which there are no coffee beans in the grinder can be identified based on the presence signal. The presence signal may be obtained by the control unit itself (e.g. by evaluating parameters for operating the grinder) or may be provided from means other than the control unit, e.g. transmitted by a presence sensor.

[0025] Preferably, the presence signal is based on a sensed force and / or torque for operating the grinding machine for grinding, in particular by moving the grinding elements relative to one another, and the control unit receives a presence signal indicating absence if the sensed force and / or torque is below a defined threshold. In other words, the force and / or torque is sensed to determine the end of the grinding process performed by the grinding machine. Thus, a very low-cost solution for providing a presence signal is provided, in particular without the need for additional sensors.

[0026] The control unit may be configured to receive a specific control input, the control unit being configured to control the grinder to move to one of the different grinding positions based on the specific control input, and / or to control one or more of the dosing devices to deliver a specific amount of coffee beans based on the specific control input. Thus, the system can provide ground coffee that is particularly well adapted to each requirement of the control input.

[0027] The control input may be a recipe, in particular a recipe for a coffee drink to be prepared.The system may further comprise a user interface operatively connected to the control unit for inputting the control input.

[0028] Each of the one or more containers may be an airtight container, preferably made at least in part from an oxygen barrier material, such that coffee beans contained within the container are prevented from deteriorating due to oxidation.

[0029] Each of the one or more dosing devices may be configured to function as a pump or a reverse pump to deliver the coffee beans, thus facilitating a highly accurate dosing of the coffee beans, which can optionally return the coffee beans to their respective containers.

[0030] The system may further comprise a weighing unit, configured to measure the weight of the ground coffee ground and delivered by the grinder and configured to send a signal indicative of the measured weight of the received ground coffee to the control unit, the control unit preferably configured to control the grinder such that the grinder operates to grind, in particular by moving the two grinding elements relative to each other, until the weight of the ground coffee measured by the weighing unit at least corresponds to the amount of coffee beans measured by the measuring unit. In other words, the weighing unit may help to identify a state of the grinder where there are no coffee beans in the grinder (i.e. no retention or remaining).

[0031] The system may further comprise a brewing unit for receiving the ground coffee beans delivered by the grinder and for brewing a coffee beverage with the ground coffee beans thus received.

[0032] Furthermore, a method of delivering ground coffee for preparing a coffee beverage may be provided. The statements made regarding the system apply equally to the method. The method comprises the steps of providing a machine (e.g. according to the system described above) comprising one or more containers for containing one or different types of roasted coffee beans, one or more dosing devices for delivering the beans contained in the one or more containers, and a grinder for receiving the coffee beans delivered by the one or more dosing devices, the grinder being configured to move to respective different grinding positions for different degrees of grinding, setting the grinder so that it is in a specific grinding position, delivering a specific amount of coffee beans to the grinder by the one or more dosing devices after the step of setting the grinder (i.e. the step of setting the grinder is performed before the step of delivering), grinding the specific amount of coffee beans by the grinder, and thus delivering such ground beans until the grinder is depleted of coffee beans.

[0033] The method may further comprise, after the grinding step, moving the grinder, preferably by a drive unit such as a motor, to one of different grinding positions.

[0034] The grinding machine may comprise two grinding elements spaced apart at a distance and movable relative to one another for grinding received coffee beans between the two grinding elements.

[0035] The method may further comprise the step of varying the distance to move the grinding element, and therefore the grinder, between different grinding positions.

[0036] The machine may comprise only one grinder.

[0037] The method may further include removing the grinder, such as by disconnecting it from the drive unit.

[0038] The grinder may be of the conical bar or flat bar type.

[0039] The grinder may grind the coffee beans at a constant and / or variable speed.

[0040] The method may further comprise the steps of detecting the presence of coffee beans received by the grinder, and operating the grinder for grinding at least during the detection of the presence of the coffee beans, e.g. until the absence of coffee beans received by the grinder is detected.

[0041] The method may further include sensing the force and / or torque applied to operate the grinder for grinding, and stopping grinding when the sensed force and / or torque falls below a defined threshold.

[0042] The method may further include inputting a particular control input and moving the grinder to one of the different grinding positions based on the particular control input, and / or delivering a particular amount of coffee beans by one or more of the dosing devices based on the particular control input.

[0043] The control input may be a recipe, in particular a recipe for the coffee drink to be prepared. The machine may further comprise a user interface for inputting the control input.

[0044] The method may further comprise the step of pushing the coffee beans received by the grinder, for example by a retaining element, towards the grinder, in particular into the gap defined by the two grinding elements, in order to grind the coffee beans.

[0045] Each of the one or more containers may be connected to a corresponding one of the one or more input devices, and the method preferably further includes the step of removing at least one of the one or more containers and the corresponding input device as an integrated unit.

[0046] Each of the one or more vessels may be an airtight container, preferably made at least in part from an oxygen barrier material.

[0047] Each of the one or more dosing devices may be configured to function as a pump or a reverse pump to deliver the coffee beans.

[0048] The method may further comprise the steps of measuring by a measuring unit an amount of coffee beans delivered by the one or more dosing devices and transmitting by the measuring unit a signal indicative of the measured amount of coffee beans delivered. The measuring unit may measure the volume and / or weight and / or number of coffee beans delivered by the one or more dosing devices.

[0049] The method may further comprise the steps of measuring by the weighing unit a weight of the ground coffee ground and delivered by the grinder, and transmitting by the weighing unit a signal indicative of the measured weight of the received ground coffee. Optionally, the method further comprises operating the grinder to grind, in particular by moving the two grinding elements relative to each other, until the weight of the ground coffee measured by the weighing unit at least corresponds to the amount of coffee beans measured by the measuring unit.

[0050] The method may further comprise the step of receiving the ground coffee beans delivered by the grinder by the brewing unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0051] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Figure 1] 1 is an exemplary coffee control brewing chart. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for delivering ground coffee. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a chart showing exemplary extraction yields of different coffee beverages that can be prepared with a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] In FIG. 1, a coffee control brewing chart is shown. The y-axis indicates the strength, meaning how much coffee solids are dissolved in the water of the coffee beverage. Strength is expressed in total dissolved solids (TDS) and can be measured with a refractometer. The strength level can depend on the preference. For example, drip coffee can ideally have a strength level, or TDS, in the range of 1.2% to 1.45%. The x-axis indicates the extraction yield, meaning the mass percentage of coffee grounds dissolved in the brewed coffee. Ideally, the extraction yield is in the range of 18% to 22%. The extraction yield depends, among other things, on the type of coffee (origin, roast level, etc.), the amount of ground coffee per beverage, the volume of the beverage, the temperature of the brewing water, the extraction technique (pressure, drip, etc.), the extraction time, and the grind size of the ground coffee.

[0053] In FIG. 1, the ideal range of TDS and the ideal range of extraction yield overlap to form a box in the center of the chart. This center box may represent the optimal drip coffee. Depending on the preference, it is also possible to obtain coffee that is within the ideal range of extraction yield (18%-22%), but with a higher or lower strength level (TDS) than the ideal strength. For example, coffee within the ideal extraction yield range and within a range of about 5%-8% is a lungo, coffee within the ideal extraction yield range and within a range of 8%-12% is an espresso, and coffee within the ideal extraction yield range and within a range of 12%-18% is a ristretto.

[0054] FIG. 1 also shows lines of constant brew ratio expressed in grams per liter. That is, if the weight of ground coffee and the amount of water for preparing each coffee beverage are known, the corresponding lines can be found in the chart. The TDS and extraction yields are therefore somewhere on the corresponding lines, e.g. within the ideal brew yield or outside the ideal brew yield. For example, for a given brew ratio, an extraction yield of the coffee beverage below the ideal brew yield is achieved. To obtain a coffee beverage with the same brew ratio but within the ideal brew yield, the parameters influencing the extraction yield can be adapted. Thus, the same brew ratio can be used, i.e. the same weight of ground coffee and amount of water as the previous (lower grade) coffee beverage, but the ground coffee has a smaller particle size. The TDS and extraction yields therefore move along each brew ratio line towards the ideal brew yield. Additionally or alternatively, other parameters such as the type of coffee (origin, roast level, etc.), the temperature of the brew water, the extraction technique (pressure, drip, etc.) and / or the extraction time, as described above, may be used to adjust the extraction yield.

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a system or (fully automatic) machine 100 for preparing a coffee beverage. The system 100 is particularly adapted to deliver ground coffee to a beverage preparation machine for preparing a coffee beverage. The system 100 comprises containers 11, 12 for containing one or different types of roasted coffee beans. The system 100 further comprises grinders 10, 12, the grinder 10 configured to receive and grind the coffee beans contained in the container 11 and the grinder 12 configured to receive and grind the coffee beans contained in the container 12. The system 100 further comprises guiding elements 15, 16 for guiding the ground coffee ground by each grinder 10, 12 for further processing in the beverage preparation machine. The ground coffee can be weighed by a weighing unit 50 before being sent to the beverage preparation machine, so that a desired amount of ground coffee beans is extracted for preparing a coffee beverage.

[0056] In the system 100 according to Fig. 2, each of the grinders 10, 12 is connected to a respective container 11, 12 such that each grinder 10, 12 is filled with coffee beans. That is to say, the coffee beans contained in the container 11, 12 are always in direct contact with each grinder 10, 12. Due to this direct contact of the grinders 10, 12 with the coffee beans, it is impossible, or at least very difficult, to adjust each grinder 10, 12 for adjusting the degree of grinding. The ground coffee delivered by each of the grinders 10, 12 therefore always has the same degree of grinding. The system 100 therefore cannot deliver ground coffee with different particle sizes. Since the particle size affects the extraction yield and therefore the quality of the coffee beverage made from each ground coffee, the system 100 cannot be used for the preparation of several coffee beverages each within the ideal extraction yield to have good quality.

[0057] Therefore, in the system 100, it is required that each of the grinders 10, 12 is configured to provide a respective grinding degree that has a compromise between the different finenesses of the different coffee beverages. For example, the grinder 10 may be adapted to provide ground coffee only in a first fineness, such as an espresso fineness, and the grinder 12 is adapted to deliver ground coffee only in a second fineness, such as a ristretto fineness. Thus, when the system 100 delivers ground coffee for the preparation of different coffee beverages, for example a lungo, the delivered ground coffee, i.e. ground coffee having the first or second fineness, may have a fineness that is too coarse (too large) or too small than the required fineness, thereby resulting in under- or over-extraction and thus in a reduced quality of the desired coffee beverage. Furthermore, multiple grinders 10, 12 result in a complex and expensive system, in addition to requiring a lot of space and being expensive to manufacture, resulting in a lower quality coffee beverage being delivered.

[0058] These drawbacks of the system 100 are overcome by the system 110 according to the invention. A preferred embodiment of the system 110 is exemplarily shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The system 110 is adapted to deliver ground coffee (e.g. into a beverage preparation machine) for preparing a coffee beverage. The system 110 may be a machine or part of a machine, the machine being for example a (fully automatic) beverage preparation machine. The system 110 or the beverage preparation machine may be adapted to provide a fully automatic process starting from receiving the roasted coffee beans and ending with the delivery of the coffee beverage into a cup. Thus, all process steps for preparing a coffee beverage from roasted coffee beans are automated by the system 110 or the beverage preparation machine, except for the user's request for delivering a particular beverage. The system 110 may in particular be formed as a unit, such that all the parts it comprises can be replaced as a coherent unit. The system 110 may in particular comprise a housing for receiving each part of the system 110 to form the unit of the system 110. The system 110 may be adapted for placement in a home and / or on a tabletop.

[0059] The system 110 comprises a plurality, i.e. at least two, containers 13, 14 for containing one or more different types of roasted coffee beans. That is, the container 13 may contain a first type of roasted coffee beans and the container 14 may contain a second type of roasted coffee beans. Each type of roasted coffee beans may be roasted according to a particular coffee beverage and / or may be of a particular origin. However, the system 110 is not limited to a plurality of containers 13, 14 but may comprise only one container. Thus, the following description regarding the plurality of containers 13, 14 applies equally to the embodiment in which the system 110 comprises only one container.

[0060] Each vessel 13, 14 may be an airtight container such that the roasted coffee beans contained in each container 13, 14 are maintained in an airtight environment. To provide an airtight container, each vessel 13, 14 may be provided with a respective lid 21. The lid 21 is thus configured such that substantially no air or oxygen can move through an opening of each vessel 13, 14 closed by the lid 21 into the volume 22 of each vessel 13, 14 in which the coffee beans are contained. The lid 21 may be provided with a pressure valve 26 such that air can exit the vessel 13, 14, in particular from each volume 22, through the pressure valve 26. The vessels 13, 14 are thus airtight by means of the respective valves 26, so that the beans are contained in an airtight atmosphere and oxidation is prevented. In normal conditions, the valves 26 are closed and an internal pressure inside the volume 22 is maintained.

[0061] Each container 13, 14 may have a variable volume, including a volume receptacle 22 in which the coffee beans are accommodated. This volume receptacle 22 is thus configured to change its volume to accommodate the amount of coffee beans accommodated inside each container 13, 14. There are various possibilities for the configuration of such a variable volume container and volume receptacle 22. For example, the lid 21 may be a piston element that acts as a passive element that moves by gravity when the coffee beans leave each container 13, 14. When these beans are dispensed, the lid 21 passively moves downwards to remove the head space left by the dispensed beans, which is occupied by air, thereby adapting its volume to the volume occupied by the beans remaining inside each container 13, 14. The lid 21 moves downwards due to its own weight to compensate for the volume loss left by the coffee beans (the volume loss due to the dispense of these beans from each container 13, 14). The lid 21 is attached to each container in order to minimize and, as far as possible, avoid gas exchange (typically air) between the volume of coffee beans and the external atmosphere as the lid 21 moves downwards. 13 , 14 The coffee beans may be provided with a joint disposed between the inner wall of each of the volumes 22. Thus, oxidation of the coffee beans is prevented.

[0062] If the lid 21 is designed as a piston element, the valve 26 may be a threshold degassing valve, which corresponds to the weight of the piston element. The valve 26 may therefore operate when each container 13, 14 is filled with beans and when degassing the coffee beans. The lid 21 in the form of a piston element is therefore arranged to lower with the opening of the valve 26, thereby discharging the air remaining inside each container 13, 14. The discharge of the coffee beans contained in each container 13, 14 is therefore simultaneously performed. 13 , 14 That is, airtightness within the volume 22 is maintained.

[0063] In normal conditions, the valve 26 is closed, maintaining the internal pressure inside the volume 22. When the roasted coffee beans start to degas and the internal pressure in the volume 22 becomes higher than the weight of the lid 21, the valve 26 opens, releasing the internal pressure to avoid the lid 21 in the form of a piston element moving upwards if the internal pressure becomes higher than the weight of the piston element. This threshold pressure setting ensures that there is no or a minimal headspace in the volume 22, so that the coffee beans are isolated as far as possible from the outside atmosphere (oxygen), thus avoiding the piston element 21 (acting as a lid) moving upwards if the amount of beans inside the volume 22 decreases.

[0064] Each volume 22 of each container 13, 14 is preferably formed with a constant cross section in the vertical axis (Z). Each container 13, 14 may be at least partially made of an oxygen barrier material. Preferably, each container 13, 14 is made of a material that is impermeable to moisture and air. The lid 21 may have the same (transverse) cross section as the (transverse) cross section of the volume 22. The lid 21 closes the top of each container 13, 14, i.e. the volume 22, in an airtight manner. The lid 21 may be provided with a (top) handle so that the lid 21 can be removed from each container 13, 14 in order to add coffee beans in each container 13, 14, i.e. the volume 22. In another example (not shown in the figures), each container 13, 14 may be configured as a sachet or pouch made of a flexible material. Thus, by contraction of the sachet or pouch, each container 13, 14 adapts its volume to the remaining volume occupied by the remaining coffee beans. The flexible sachet or pouch is made to be airtight so that as the coffee beans are expelled from the flexible sachet or pouch, air is sucked out from within its volume and the flexible material adapts to the remaining occupied volume.

[0065] The system 110 further comprises a number of dosing devices 60, 70, each configured to deliver (i.e. convey) the coffee beans contained in the container 13, 14. However, the invention is not limited to a particular number of dosing devices. For example, the system 110 may also comprise only one dosing device configured to deliver the coffee beans contained in only one container or in multiple containers. In case the system comprises only one dosing device, the statements regarding the dosing device 60, 70 apply equally to only one dosing device. The one or more dosing devices 60, 70 will in particular always deliver only the required amount or quantity of coffee beans. Thus, it is in particular prevented that more or less beans than required are taken from the one or more containers 13, 14.

[0066] System 110 is not limited to a particular configuration of the input devices 60, 70 as long as the input devices 60, 70 can deliver the coffee beans contained in the containers 13, 14. Each of the input devices 60, 70 may be configured to deliver the coffee beans contained in the corresponding one of the containers 13, 14. Thus, the input device 60 may be configured to deliver the coffee beans contained in the container 13, and the input device 70 may be configured to deliver the coffee beans contained in the container 14. The one or more input devices 60, 70 are configured such that the one or more input devices 60, 70 can function as one or more holding elements for holding the coffee beans inside the one or more containers 13, 14. Thus, the coffee beans contained in the containers 13, 14 are at least partially located on or at least partially supported by the one or more input devices 60, 70. Thus, when the one or more input devices 60, 70 do not deliver the coffee beans, the one or more input devices 60, 70 will prevent the coffee beans contained in the containers 13, 14 from being removed (by gravity) from the containers 13, 14. Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 3, each of the input devices 60, 70 is disposed at the bottom of the corresponding one of the containers 13, 14 and / or at the outlet of each container 13, 14. Thus, the coffee beans contained in each of the containers 13, 14 can move by gravity towards each of the input devices 60, 70.

[0067] Each of the dosing devices 60, 70 is configured to be able to selectively shut off or stop the delivery of the coffee beans, so that at any time only a specific or desired (i.e. requested) amount of coffee beans is delivered by the dosing device 60, 70 to the grinder 30. Each of the dosing devices 60, 70 is configured to gently dosing or delivering the roasted coffee beans from the respective container 13, 14 so that the coffee beans are not subjected to any damage. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the dosing devices 60, 70 may be configured to function as a pump or a counter-rotating pump to deliver the coffee beans. In particular, each of the one or more dosing devices 60, 70 may comprise two counter-rotating cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72 configured to rotate towards an inner center between the cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72. The cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72 thus function as a pump to get the coffee beans out of the containers 13, 14. Each dosing device 60, 70 may be adapted to return the coffee beans into the respective container 13, 14. This can be done by rotating the two counter-rotating cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72 in a direction opposite to the rotational movement for removing the coffee beans from each container 13, 14. By being able to return the coffee beans into each container 13, 14, a very accurate dosing of the coffee beans is achieved, so that for example too many coffee beans are not removed from each container 13, 14. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent coffee beans from remaining between the cylinders, which would lead to deterioration (oxidation) of the remaining coffee beans. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the cylinders from being deformed or worn by coffee beans remaining between the cylinders for a long period of time.

[0068] Each of the dosing devices 60, 70 may be designed in an airtight manner so that air cannot enter each of the containers 13, 14 through each of the dosing devices 60, 70, especially during the stage when coffee beans are not being delivered by the dosing device 60, 70. The airtightness of each of the dosing devices 60, 70 may be provided by a compressible material. For example, each of the cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72 may be at least partially made of a compressible and / or soft material, such as silicone, foam, or other compressible material. The compressible material thus provides an airtight outlet, thereby preventing air from entering each of the containers 13, 14 through each of the dosing devices 60, 70. Also, the compressible material of the cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72 preferably has a hardness lower than that of the coffee beans to be delivered, so that it can also prevent the coffee beans to be delivered from being damaged by the cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72.

[0069] In another example, each of the dosing devices 60, 70 may comprise a corresponding pair of meshing gears for conveying coffee beans out of and into the respective container 13, 14. The pair of meshing gears may be designed similarly to the cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72, so that the above description regarding the cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72 applies equally to the pair of meshing gears. In another example, each of the dosing devices 60, 70 may for example comprise only one gear designed similarly to the above cylinders, and each of the dosing devices 60, 70 may comprise additional means cooperating with this only one gear to make each dosing device 60, 70 airtight.

[0070] Each of the dosing devices 60, 70 may be configured to deliver coffee beans at a variable speed. For example, each delivery process of each of the dosing devices 60, 70 may be divided into a start phase and a final phase. Thus, each of the dosing devices 60, 70 may be configured to deliver coffee beans at a first speed (fast) in the start phase and at a second speed (slow) lower than the first speed in the final phase. Thus, a precise amount / portion of coffee beans can be delivered by the dosing devices 60, 70 due to the very precise dosing by the dosing devices 60, 70. For example, in the start phase, the cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72 may rotate quickly and in the final phase, the rotation speed of the cylinders is reduced in order to provide a precise amount of coffee beans. These descriptions apply equally when each of the dosing devices 60, 70 comprises one or more gears.

[0071] In the system 110, each of the containers 13, 14 is connected to a corresponding one of the input devices 60, 70. Thus, the container 13 is connected to the input device 60, and the container 14 is connected to the input device 70. The connection between each of the input devices 60, 70 and each of the containers 13, 14 may be provided by a connecting or fastening element. Preferably, each of the one or more containers 13, 14 and each of the input devices 60, 70 are connected to each other such that they can be removed as a coherent unit (from the system 110, i.e. from other parts of the system 110). Thus, the system 110 can be efficiently produced and maintained. For example, each of the containers 13, 14 and each of the input devices 60, 70 may be at least partially integrally formed with each other.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 3, the system 110 further comprises a grinder 30 for receiving the coffee beans delivered by the dosing devices 60, 70. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the system 110 comprises only one grinder configured to receive the coffee beans delivered by the multiple dosing devices 60, 70 and thus the multiple containers 13, 14. In other examples, the system 110 may also comprise multiple grinders 30. Thus, each of the grinders 30 may be provided for a corresponding one of the containers 13, 14 or for multiple containers 13, 14.

[0073] The grinder 30 is configured to receive the coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70, each of which is arranged between the respective container 13, 14 and the grinder 30. For example, the grinder 30 is arranged below the dosing device 60, 70, such that the coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70 move into the grinder 30 by gravity. In other words, each of the one or more dosing devices 60, 70 is arranged before the inlet of the grinder 30. The system 110 may comprise one or more guiding elements 17, 18 (conduits, tubes, rails, etc.) configured to guide the coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70 so that the coffee beans can be received by the grinder 30. The guiding element 17 may thus be configured such that the coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60 enter the guiding element 17 and are then guided by the guiding element 17 such that the coffee beans delivered by the guiding element 17 fall (directly) into the grinder 30. Similarly, the guiding element 18 may be configured such that the coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 70 enter the guiding element 18 and are then guided by the guiding element 18 such that the coffee beans delivered by the guiding element 18 fall (directly) into the grinder 30. Each of the guiding elements 17, 18 may be arranged between the grinder 30 and a corresponding one of the dosing devices 60, 70.

[0074] The grinder 30 is arranged or configured to grind coffee beans received by the grinder. The grinder 30 is further configured to subsequently deliver such ground coffee. The delivery of the ground coffee beans by the grinder 30 may be by gravity alone. The grinder 30 is therefore adapted to deliver ground coffee only when a desired particle size of ground coffee has been obtained. That is, the grinder 30 may be adapted such that the grinder 30 is not able to deliver ground coffee above the desired particle size.

[0075] For example, the grinding machine 30 comprises two grinding elements 31, 32 (i.e. a first grinding element 31 and a second grinding element 32, e.g. a rotor and a stator, respectively), which are spaced apart at a distance and are movable relative to one another to grind the received coffee beans between the two grinding elements 31, 32. One of the grinding elements 31, 32, such as the grinding element 32, may be fixed (i.e. a stator), while the corresponding other one of the grinding elements 31, 32, such as the grinding element 31, moves in relation to one of the grinding elements 31, 32 (i.e. the grinding element 31 is a rotor). This relative movement may be related to a rotational movement and / or a specific (rotational) movement axis. The grinding elements 31, 32 may form or define a gap with an inlet and an outlet. The (not yet ground) coffee beans may enter the gap through the inlet to be placed between the grinding elements 31, 32 for grinding. The ground coffee ground by the relatively moving grinding elements 31, 32 can leave the gap through the outlet to be delivered by the grinder 30. The outlet can thus have a size corresponding to a desired particle size of the ground coffee to be delivered by the grinder 30. Thus, ground coffee having a particle size exceeding the size of the outlet can be prevented from being delivered by the grinder 30. 32 may be tapered from the entrance to the exit of the gap.

[0076] The grinder 30 is configured to move to different grinding positions for different grinding degrees. Thus, the grinder 30 delivers ground coffee beans having a respective particle size at each of the different grinding positions. Thus, the grinder 30 can be used to prepare espresso, ristretto, and Lungo In other words, a variation in grinding degree (grind size) for each coffee beverage is realized by the grinder 30. Preferably, each of the different grinding positions corresponds to a respective grinding degree, so that the grinder 30 grinds the ground coffee to the following grinding degrees (grain sizes) in the range of 50 μm to 1000 μm, for example: 100 μm (for example Turkish coffee), 200 μm (for example Cafetiere Italiane), 300 μm (for example (machine) espresso, preferably 230 to 300 μm), 400 μm (for example (machine) domestic espresso (lungo), etc. , preferably in the range of 320-360 μm), 500 μm (e.g. drip coffee "filter coffee"), 600 μm (e.g. siphon), 700 μm (e.g. metal filter), 800 μm (e.g. French press coffee), and 900 μm (e.g. percolator).

[0077] In order to move the grinder 30 between different grinding positions, the grinder 30 may be configured to vary the aforementioned distance between the grinding elements 31 and 32. That is, a gap may be defined by the surface of the grinding element 31 and the surface of the grinding element 32, and by moving the surface of the grinding element 31 away from or towards the surface of the grinding element 32, the distance between the grinding elements may be varied to move the grinder 30 between different grinding positions. In order to vary the distance and thus adjust the gap formed by the grinding elements 31, 32, one or more of the grinding elements 31, 32 may be configured to move along a particular axis of movement. For example, the movement along this particular axis of movement may be a translational movement and / or the particular axis of movement may be the same as or different from the (rotational) axis of movement for the relative movement of the two grinding elements 31, 32 to grind the coffee beans between the two grinding elements 31, 32. The variation in the distance between the grinding elements 31, 32 simultaneously results in the size of the outlet of the gap defined by the grinding elements 31, 32 being adjusted / changed, in particular to have a size corresponding to the desired grain size or grinding degree at each grinding position.

[0078] The crusher 30 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 is of the conical bar type. The crushing element 31 is thus substantially in the form of a cone. The space or gap between the crushing elements 31, 32 is thus defined by the conical surface of the crushing element 31 and the surface of the crushing element 32, which is preferably also in the form of a cone. In another example, the crusher 30 may be of the flat bar type.

[0079] The system 110 may comprise one or more drive units, such as one or more motors, for moving the grinder 30, in particular the grinding elements 31, 32, between different grinding positions and / or for operating the grinder 30 to grind the coffee beans, in particular for moving the grinding elements 31, 32 relative to one another. The one or more drive units may in particular be releasably connected to the grinder 30 so that the grinder 30 can be removed without removing the one or more drive units. The releasable connection between the one or more drive units and the grinder 30 may be a quick mechanical connection that allows a quick and easy separation and thus removal of the grinder 30. The grinder 30 may be adapted to grind the coffee beans at a constant and / or variable speed.

[0080] The system 110 may optionally comprise a retaining element (not shown) configured to push the coffee beans received by the grinder 30 towards the grinder 30, in particular into the gap defined by the two grinding elements 31, 32. Thus, the coffee beans pushed by the retaining element towards the grinder 30, preferably into the gap, may be ground by the grinder 30. The retaining element thus prevents the coffee beans from flying out of the grinder 30 and thus the coffee beans may be efficiently ground by the grinder 30. The retaining element may be configured such that the coffee beans are pushed towards the grinder 30 by the gravity of the retaining element. Thus, the retaining element may be configured such that the coffee beans are pushed towards the grinder 30 by the gravity of the retaining element. The base is , may be placed above the coffee beans received by the grinder 30. The retaining element may be dome-shaped.

[0081] The system 110 may further comprise a brewing unit (not shown) configured to receive the ground coffee beans delivered by the grinder 30. The brewing unit is therefore adapted to brew a coffee beverage with the ground coffee beans thus received. The brewing unit therefore comprises, in particular, an extraction unit. That is to say, the brewing unit may comprise a container in which the ground coffee delivered by the grinder 30 is received and in which hot water, in particular at a predetermined temperature and / or a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined flow rate, can be placed in order to bring the ground coffee delivered by the grinder 30 into contact with the received ground coffee beans to perform coffee extraction and to prepare a coffee beverage. The brewing unit may be configured to deliver a coffee beverage made from the ground coffee delivered by the brewing unit. The brewing unit may deliver the coffee beverage to a cup. That is to say, the brewing unit is also configured to dispense a coffee beverage comprising soluble flavours or particles dissolved in water from the ground coffee during coffee extraction. The brewing unit may be arranged such that the ground coffee delivered by the grinder 30 is delivered to the brewing unit directly or indirectly by gravity. For example, the brewing unit is located below the grinder 30, i.e. at the outlet of the grinder 30. When the system 110 comprises a brewing unit, the system 110 may be a beverage preparation machine.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 4, the system 110 further comprises a control unit 91 for controlling at least the dosing devices 60, 70 and the grinder 30. The control unit 91 is thus functionally connected to at least the dosing devices 60, 70 and the grinder 30 for controlling them accordingly. The control unit 91 is in particular an electronic control unit comprising a data storage medium, a processor and a communication interface. The control unit 91 is configured to control the dosing devices 60, 70 such that the dosing devices 60, 70 deliver a certain amount (e.g. weight) of coffee beans to the grinder 30. The control unit 91 is thus configured to send a signal to the dosing devices 60, 70 indicative of the required amount of coffee beans that the dosing devices 60, 70 deliver to the grinder 30. The control unit 91 is preferably configured to control the speed of dosing by the dosing devices 60, 70. For example, the control unit 91 may control only one of the dosing devices 60, 70 such that only a particular amount of coffee beans from each container 13, 14 is delivered to the grinder 30. The control unit 91 may also be configured to control the dosing devices 60, 70 such that a particular mix (i.e. blend) of coffee beans from the containers 13, 14 is delivered by the dosing devices 60, 70 to the grinder 30 such that a particular amount of coffee beans corresponds to this particular mix of coffee beans. The particular mix of coffee beans may be the ratio of coffee beans from one of the containers 13, 14 to coffee beans in the corresponding other of the containers 13, 14.

[0083] In order to precisely control the dosing devices 60, 70 to deliver a specific amount of coffee beans, the system 110 may comprise a measuring unit 80 configured to measure the amount of coffee beans delivered by the dosing devices 60, 70. The measuring unit 80 may be arranged between one or more of the dosing devices 60, 70 and the grinder 30 and / or at the outlet of one or more of the dosing devices 60, 70 and / or at the inlet of the grinder 30. The system 110 may comprise only one measuring unit 80 for multiple dosing devices. Alternatively, the system 110 may also comprise multiple measuring units 80, each measuring unit 80 arranged for a corresponding one of the dosing devices 60, 70. The measuring unit 80 is further configured to send a signal to the control unit 91 indicative of the amount of coffee beans delivered, as measured by the measuring unit 80. Thus, when the measured amount of coffee beans delivered corresponds to a particular (desired) amount of coffee beans, the control unit 91 can control the dosing device 60, 70 to stop the delivery of coffee beans by the dosing device 60, 70.

[0084] The measuring unit 80 may be configured to measure the amount of coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70 by measuring the weight of the coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70. Thus, the measuring unit 80 may be a weighing unit. There may also be other ways to measure the amount of coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70. For example, the measuring unit 80 may be configured to measure the volume of the coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70. Thus, the measuring unit 80 may send a signal indicative of the measured volume of the delivered coffee beans to the control unit 91, which may multiply this volume of the delivered coffee beans by a certain value (i.e. a constant expressed for example in grams per volume) to calculate the amount (e.g. weight) of the coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70. Additionally or alternatively, the measuring unit 80 may be configured to measure the number of coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70. For example, the measuring unit 80 may measure the number of coffee beans by measuring the number of revolutions of the rotating cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72. Thus, the measuring unit 80 can send a signal indicative of the measured number of coffee beans delivered to the control unit 91, which multiplies this number of coffee beans delivered by a certain value (i.e. a constant expressed, for example, in grams per coffee bean) to calculate the amount (e.g. weight) of coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70.

[0085] In general, the measuring unit 80 may be configured to measure the amount of coffee beans delivered in a contactless or contact manner. The measuring unit 80 may be configured to measure the amount of coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70 by mechanical and / or drive means, in particular by a container for receiving the coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70. The container may also be designed to deliver the coffee beans once the measuring unit 80 has completed the measurement of the amount of coffee beans. Additionally or alternatively, the measuring unit 80 may comprise electronic and / or optical means for measuring the amount of coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70.

[0086] Preferably, the measuring unit 80 is part of and / or arranged within the one or more dosing devices 60, 70. In other words, each of the one or more dosing devices 60, 70 may be provided integrally with the respective measuring unit 80, i.e. as a unit. Each of the one or more dosing devices 60, 70 may thus have multiple functions, i.e. at least two functions, i.e. at least the function of delivering coffee beans and the function of measuring the amount (e.g. weight) of the delivered coffee beans. In such an arrangement, the dosing devices 60, 70 and the measuring unit 80 may also be arranged without requiring a lot of space. For example, each of the dosing devices 60, 70 comprises a housing in which are arranged the functional parts, for example for delivering coffee beans by the respective dosing device, and each measuring unit 80 is arranged within this housing.

[0087] The control unit 91 is further configured to control the grinder 30 such that the grinder 30 grinds a certain amount of coffee beans received by the grinder 30. Such ground coffee beans are then delivered by the grinder 30. That is to say, the control unit 91 is configured to control the force and / or torque with which the grinder 30 is operated to grind the coffee beans. For example, the control unit 91 may control this drive unit to drive the grinder 30, in particular the grinding elements 30, for grinding, in particular such that the grinder 30 grinds at a certain (rotational) speed and / or at a certain (rotational) speed profile. 31 , 32. The actuator 30 is operatively connected to one of the drive units to transmit force and / or torque to operate the actuator 30.

[0088] The control unit 91 is configured to control the grinder 30 such that the grinder 30 grinds a specific amount of coffee beans, thereby delivering such ground beans to the grinder 30 until there are no more coffee beans in the grinder 30. For example, the control unit 91 may receive a signal indicative of a specific amount of coffee beans delivered to the grinder 30 by the dosing device 60, 70, and control the grinder 30 to grind the specific amount of coffee beans until a specific time has elapsed that is associated with and / or based on the specific amount of coffee beans in the control unit 91 (e.g. in a look-up table). Thus, the specific time has a duration at least sufficient to grind each specific amount of coffee beans.

[0089] Preferably, the state of the grinder 30 of no coffee beans in it is determined by the control unit 91 based on presence signals indicating the presence (i.e. coffee beans are accepted by the grinder 30) and absence (i.e. coffee beans are not accepted by the grinder 30) of coffee beans accepted by the grinder 30. The control unit 91 is therefore configured to receive these presence signals and to control the grinder 30 to operate for grinding based on these presence signals. The control unit 91 then controls the grinder 30 such that the grinder 30 operates for grinding (e.g. the two grinding elements 31, 32 move relative to each other) at least until the control unit 91 receives a presence signal indicating the absence of coffee beans accepted by the grinder 30. In other words, the control unit 91 controls the grinder 30 to operate for grinding at least as long as the control unit 91 receives a presence signal indicating the presence of coffee beans accepted by the grinder 30. The control unit 91 may be configured to control the grinder 30 to stop the grinding operation of the grinder 30 immediately after receiving a first presence signal indicating the absence of coffee beans received by the grinder 30. However, the control unit 91 may also control the grinder 30 to maintain the grinding operation of the grinder 30 for a certain time after receiving a first presence signal indicating the absence of coffee beans received by the grinder 30.

[0090] The presence signal may be based on a detected force and / or torque for operating the grinder 30 for grinding. For example, the grinder 30, e.g. its drive unit for operating the grinder 30 for grinding coffee beans, may send signals to the control unit 91 indicative of the actual force and / or torque (detected, e.g. by a force and / or torque measuring device operatively connected to the control unit 91) used to operate the grinder 30 for grinding coffee beans. These signals may be derived from the current for applying the force and / or torque, in particular for operating the drive unit. Since this force and / or torque depends on the frictional force between the grinder 30 and the coffee beans to be ground, i.e. the grinding force, this force and / or torque varies depending on the presence of coffee beans accepted by the grinder 30 for grinding. The control unit 91 may therefore include a defined threshold, and if the detected force and / or torque is below this defined threshold, the control unit 91 receives a presence signal indicative of absence. In other words, when the control unit 91 determines that the sensed force and / or torque is below a defined threshold, the controller 91 determines that there are no coffee beans in the grinder 30. Additionally or alternatively, the presence signal may be transmitted by a presence sensor configured to detect the presence and absence of coffee beans received by the grinder 30. For example, the presence sensor comprises mechanical and / or electronic and / or optical means to detect the presence and absence of coffee beans received by the grinder 30.

[0091] If there are no coffee beans in the grinder 30, the grinder 30 can then be set, i.e. in particular moved, to one of the different grinding positions. In this state of the grinder 30, there are no coffee beans present that could impede the movement of the grinder 30 to move it to one of the different grinding positions. In particular, if there are no coffee beans in the grinder 30, the entire amount of coffee beans delivered by the one or more dosing devices 60, 70 has been ground and delivered by the grinder 30. Thus, in particular, there are no coffee beans between the two grinding elements 31, 32. The grinder 30 can therefore be easily, i.e. without any hindrance, moved to another grinding position for grinding coffee beans in order to deliver ground coffee of a different grinding degree, i.e. of a different particle size. When the grinder 30 moves to another grinding position, i.e. when the grinder 30 completes its movement from the previous grinding position to the other grinding position, the control unit 91 controls one or more of the dosing devices 60, 70 to deliver a specific amount of coffee beans to the grinder 30, preferably immediately after the grinder 30 arrives at the other grinding position, this amount being specific to each particle size (e.g. a coffee drink of a specific type and amount (e.g. one or more cups) requires a specific particle size and a corresponding amount of coffee beans and therefore ground coffee).

[0092] When the system 110 is stopped or when the grinder 30 is removed from the system, for example for cleaning, the settings of the grinder 30 may be changed unnecessarily. For this reason, the grinder 30 may have a zero value initialization that is set every time the settings of the grinder 30 or the system 110 are changed and / or at start-up (power-on) of the system 110 and / or periodically. In particular, the control unit 91 may be configured to calibrate the grinder 30 every time the system 110 is powered on. The grinder 30 may have a zero position, and all grinding positions are set based on this zero position. For example, the grinder 30 is in the zero position when the grinding elements 31, 32 contact each other. Thus, each grinding position thus corresponds to a certain distance between the grinding elements 31, 32. The zero position may be detected, for example by the control unit 91, by measuring the force and / or torque applied to the grinder 30 to operate to grind. Thus, when the grinder 30 is not grinding coffee beans and the force and / or torque exceeds a defined threshold, the control unit 91 detects that the zero position of the grinder 30 has been reached. Since the current for operating the grinder 30 to grind depends on the respective force and / or torque of the grinder 30 to grind, the control unit 91 may also detect that the zero position has been reached when said current exceeds a defined threshold. The control unit 91 may then set the respective grinding positions of the grinder 30 based on this zero position, such as by moving the grinding elements 31, 32 a certain distance apart.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the system 110 may further comprise a weighing unit 50 (e.g., a balance or a scale). The weighing unit 50 is configured to measure the weight of the ground coffee ground and delivered by the grinder 30. The weighing unit 50 may thus be configured such that the ground coffee delivered by the grinder can move into the weighing unit 50 (e.g., by gravity). If a brewing unit is present, the weighing unit 50 may be configured such that the weighing unit 50 delivers the ground coffee beans to the brewing unit (e.g., by gravity) after measuring the weight of the ground coffee in the weighing unit 50. In other words, the weighing unit 50 may be disposed between the grinder 30 and the brewing unit. The weighing unit 50 may comprise mechanical means (e.g., a container) and / or electronic means and / or optical means for measuring the weight of the ground coffee ground and delivered by the grinder 30. The metering unit 50 is further configured to send a signal to the control unit 91 indicative of the measured weight of the ground coffee received by the metering unit 50 .

[0094] The weighing unit 50 may be arranged to detect a condition of the grinder 30 in which there are no coffee beans in the grinder 30. More specifically, the control unit 91 may be configured to compare the weight of the ground coffee measured by the weighing unit 50 with the weight of the coffee beans measured by the measuring unit 80. If the weight of the ground coffee measured by the weighing unit 50 substantially matches (e.g. with a tolerance of 1-5%) the weight of the coffee beans measured by the measuring unit 80, the control unit 91 detects that the grinder 30 is in a condition in which there are no coffee beans in the grinder 30. This is because substantially all of the specific amount of coffee beans delivered by the dosing device 60, 70 have been ground and delivered by the grinder 30. In other words, the control unit 91 is configured to control the grinder 30 such that it operates to grind (e.g. the two grinding elements 31, 32 move relative to each other) until the weight of the ground coffee measured by the weighing unit at least corresponds to the amount of coffee beans measured by the measuring unit 80.

[0095] The control unit 91 may be configured to receive specific control inputs, such as recipes, in particular recipes for a specific type of coffee drink to be prepared, and / or dosing parameters or quantities of ground coffee (e.g. weight), and / or brewing parameters, and / or grinding specifications (grain size, coarseness, etc.). The system 110 may further comprise a user interface 90 (HMI), e.g. touch-sensitive elements such as a touch screen and / or buttons, functionally connected to the control unit 91, for inputting the control inputs. Additionally or alternatively, the control inputs may be transmitted or obtained from the containers 13, 14, e.g. such that the control inputs are based on the coffee beans contained respectively. Each of the one or more containers 13, 14 may be provided with identification means for (electronically) storing the control inputs. Based on the specific control inputs, the control unit 91 may control at least the grinder 30 and / or one or more of the dosing devices 60, 70 in a specific manner. For example, the control unit 91 may be configured to control the grinder 30 to move to one of the different grinding positions based on the specific control inputs. For example, a user of the system 100 may request an espresso via the user interface 90. The control unit 91 then controls the grinder 30 to move to a grinding position that provides a grinding degree to provide the required grind coffee particle size for preparing the espresso. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 91 may be configured to control one or more of the dosing devices 60, 70 to deliver a specific amount of coffee beans based on a control input. For example, the control input is related to an espresso, and the control unit 91 therefore controls the dosing devices 60, 70 to deliver a specific amount (e.g. weight) and / or type (e.g. roast level and / or origin) and / or blend (e.g. a specific ratio of coffee beans in container 13 to coffee beans in container 14) of coffee beans to the grinder 30.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 91 may be operatively connected to a database 92. The database 92 may contain control parameters for different types (i.e. recipes) of coffee beverages. Based on a control input, the control unit 91 may receive control parameters for a particular type of coffee beverage from the database 92. Based on these control parameters, the control unit 91 then controls the components of the system 110 accordingly, in particular the grinder 30 and / or the dosing devices 60, 70. The database 92 may be provided within the system or machine 110 and / or may be provided remotely, for example on a server and / or on the internet.

[0097] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary chart of extraction yields (see y-axis) that can be obtained with the system 110 for different coffee beverages (see x-axis). As is evident from this figure, the system 110, i.e. the grinder 30, is adapted to move between different grinding positions and thus to provide at least different grind sizes (or particle sizes) G1, G2 of ground coffee, so that the system 110 is able to provide an ideal extraction yield (20% in FIG. 5) for different types of beverages. For example, a system that can only provide grind size G2 would provide a coffee beverage with an under-extraction (i.e. extraction yield less than 20%) when a user of this system requests a 20 mL beverage, for example an espresso. However, the system 110 according to the invention facilitates that the grind size is adapted based on the type of coffee beverage requested, i.e. the grinder 30 moves to each grinding position. Thus, the grinder 30 of the system 110, when a user of the system 110 requests a 20 mL beverage, does not maintain only one grinding position providing grind size G2, but moves from a grinding position for grind size G2 to a grinding position for grind size G1 before the required amount of coffee beans is delivered to the grinder 30. The coffee beverage thus delivered therefore has an ideal extraction yield (here 20%).

[0098] Similarly, if the grinder 30 is in a grinding position for providing ground coffee of grind size G1 and a user of the system 110 requests a 100 mL coffee beverage, for example a lungo, the grinder 30 will not remain in the grinding position providing grind size G1 but will move to a grinding position delivering grind size G2, and the coffee beverage thus delivered will also therefore have an ideal extraction yield (here 20%), rather than being over-extracted if the system only provided grind size G1.

[0099] According to a second object, the present invention relates to a method for delivering ground coffee, in particular for preparing a coffee drink from ground coffee, the method comprising the following steps:

[0100] providing a machine 110 (e.g. the system 110 described above as a machine), the machine 110 comprising one or more containers 13, 14 (such as the containers 13, 14 described above) for containing one or different types of roasted coffee beans, one or more dosing devices 60, 70 (such as the dosing devices 60, 70 described above) for delivering the beans contained in the one or more containers 13, 14, and a grinder 30 (such as the grinder 30 described above) for receiving the coffee beans delivered by the one or more dosing devices 60, 70, the grinder 30 being configured to move to respective different grinding positions for different degrees of grinding, setting the grinder 30 so that the grinder 30 is in a particular grinding position; After the step of setting the grinder 30, delivering a specific amount of coffee beans to the grinder 30 by means of one or more dosing devices 60, 70; Grinding a certain amount of coffee beans by the grinder 30, thereby delivering such ground beans to the grinder 30 until there are no more coffee beans left.

[0101] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the illustrated embodiment is merely a preferred embodiment; however, other designs for the system 110 may be used.

Claims

1. A system (110) for delivering ground coffee, comprising: one or more containers (13, 14) for containing one or different types of roasted coffee beans; one or more dosing devices (60, 70) for delivering the coffee beans contained in said one or more containers (13, 14); a grinder (30) for receiving the coffee beans delivered by the one or more dosing devices (60, 70) for grinding the coffee beans and thereafter delivering said ground coffee beans, the grinder (30) being configured to move to different grinding positions for different degrees of grinding; a control unit (91) for controlling the one or more dosing devices (60, 70) and the grinder (30), controlling one or more of said one or more dosing devices (60, 70) so as to deliver a specific amount of coffee beans to said grinder (30); controlling said grinder (30) so that said grinder (30) grinds said specific amount of coffee beans, whereby said grinder (30) can thereafter move to one of said different grinding positions by delivering said ground coffee beans to said grinder (30) until it is depleted of coffee beans; A control unit (91) configured as follows: Equipped with the one or more dosing devices (60, 70) are arranged between the one or more containers (13, 14) and the grinder (30); said system (110) for delivering ground coffee further comprises a measuring unit (80) configured to measure an amount of coffee beans delivered by said one or more dosing devices (60, 70) and to send a signal indicative of said measured amount of delivered coffee beans to said control unit (91); the one or more dosing devices (60, 70) are configured to function as one or more retaining elements for retaining the coffee beans inside the one or more containers (13, 14) and thereby preventing the coffee beans from being removed from the containers (13, 14), such that the coffee beans in the containers (13, 14) are at least partially located or at least partially supported on the one or more dosing devices (60, 70), the one or more dosing devices (60, 70) are configured to selectively block or stop the delivery of coffee beans such that at any one time only the specific or desired amount of coffee beans is delivered by the dosing device (60, 70) to the grinder (30). System (110).

2. 2. The system (110) according to claim 1, wherein the grinder (30) comprises two grinding elements (31, 32) spaced apart at a distance and movable relative to each other for grinding the received coffee beans between the two grinding elements (31, 32).

3. The system (110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the one or more containers (13, 14) is connected to a corresponding one of the one or more input devices (60, 70).

4. A system (110) described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the measuring unit (80) is part of the one or more input devices (60, 70) and / or is positioned within the one or more input devices (60, 70).

5. The system (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the measuring unit (80) is configured to measure the volume and / or weight and / or number of the coffee beans delivered by the one or more dosing devices (60, 70).

6. The system (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the system (110) comprises only one grinder (30) and / or the system (110) comprises a plurality of grinders (30), each grinder (30) being configured to receive coffee beans delivered by one or more of the dosing devices (60, 70).

7. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more drive units for moving the grinder (30) between the different grinding positions and / or for operating the grinder (30) to grind coffee beans.

8. The system (110) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the crusher (30) is of the conical bar type or the flat bar type.

9. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grinder (30) is adapted to grind the coffee beans at a constant and / or variable speed.

10. 10. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a further retaining element configured to push coffee beans received by the grinder (30) towards the grinder (30) for grinding said coffee beans.

11. The system (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit (91) is configured to receive a presence signal indicative of the presence and absence of coffee beans accepted by the grinder (30) and is configured to control the grinder (30) such that the grinder (30) operates to grind at least until the control unit (91) has received a presence signal indicative of the absence of coffee beans accepted by the grinder (30).

12. The system (110) of claim 11, wherein the presence signal is based on a detected force and / or torque for operating the grinder (30) for grinding, and the control unit (91) receives a presence signal indicating the absence when the detected force and / or torque is below a defined threshold.

13. The system (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control unit (91) is configured to control the grinder (30) to move to one of the different grinding positions based on a specific control input of the control unit (91) and / or to control one or more of the dosing devices (60, 70) to deliver a specific amount of coffee beans based on a specific control input of the control unit (91).

14. The system (110) of claim 13, wherein the control input is a recipe.

15. 15. The system (110) of claim 13 or 14, further comprising a user interface (90) operatively connected to said control unit (91) for inputting said control inputs.

16. The system (110) of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each of the one or more vessels (13, 14) is an airtight container.

17. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the one or more dosing devices (60, 70) is configured to function as a pump to deliver coffee beans or as a reverse pump to return coffee beans to the corresponding one or more containers (13, 14).

18. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a weighing unit (50) configured to measure a weight of the ground coffee ground and delivered by the grinder (30) and configured to send a signal indicative of the measured weight of the received ground coffee to the control unit (91).

19. The system (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a brewing unit for receiving the ground coffee beans delivered by the grinder (30) and for brewing a coffee beverage with the ground coffee beans thus received.

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