Crushing equipment

Abstract

The grinding device (10) for grinding food comprises a storage chamber (12), grinding means (13), and a hopper (14) removably associated with the storage chamber (12). The hopper (14) comprises a container (18) having at least one selectively openable and closable lower opening (21).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to a grinding device including a hopper for loading a product to be ground, the hopper being removable from a housing body of the grinding device. The embodiments described herein also relate to a method for removing the hopper from the housing body and inserting the hopper back into the housing body. [Background technology]

[0002] Grinding devices are known for domestic or commercial use and are used to crush, chop or grind different types of food, such as grains, seeds, coffee beans or dried fruits such as walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts, to obtain powders with a specific particle size distribution, or to finely chop other foods, such as carrots or basil.

[0003] The grinding device may be integrated into other domestic appliances, such as, for example, beverage preparation machines, or may be manufactured as an autonomous component or accessory. Typically, in a grinding device, whether integrated into a household appliance or a "standalone" type, the grinding means is integrated inside the device body, and a fixed hopper for supplying the product to be ground is provided accessible from the outside of the device body.

[0004] A drawback of devices with fixed hoppers is that they are difficult to clean and maintain. Another drawback is that the type of product being ground cannot be easily and frequently changed, since the hopper and grinding means must be emptied manually.

[0005] To solve the cleaning problem, beverage preparation machines have been manufactured with a grinding device integrated into the machine body and a removable hopper. These known solutions generally include a knob located inside the hopper that can be turned by hand to close one or more holes at the bottom for allowing the beans to pass through and simultaneously release the hopper from the machine body.

[0006] One drawback of these known devices is that the user must insert their hand inside the hopper to access the knob, making these solutions impractical and unhygienic.

[0007] Another known solution is to provide a movable closing plate arranged below the bottom of the hopper, which can be moved by a slider to close the coffee bean passage opening. However, the slider is generally arranged laterally to the hopper and is not always accessible to the user, which makes this solution also less functional.

[0008] Furthermore, known solutions are intended in particular to allow cleaning and maintenance of the grinding means, but do not allow for frequent and rapid changes of the type of coffee beans used. Furthermore, in these known devices, the grinding means can generally only be started when the hopper is in the assembled position and the opening for the passage of the beans is open, however, in this way contamination occurs between the old and new beans when the user wants to change the type of coffee beans.

[0009] On the other hand, in the field of coffee preparation machines, it is desirable to be able to easily and quickly change the coffee beans in the hopper in order to be able to prepare different types of coffee with different aromas. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a grinding device with a hopper that overcomes at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a grinding device with a hopper that can be easily and quickly removed.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hopper that can be removed from the main body of the machine without the user's hands coming into contact with the food products therein. Another object of the present invention is to provide a grinding device which allows for changing the type of food product being ground, preventing contamination between old and new food products.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a grinding device that is safe for the user. Another object is to complete a method for removing and inserting a hopper into the main body of a crushing device, which can perform these operations quickly, effectively, and hygienically while ensuring the safety of the user.

[0013] Applicant has conceived, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to obtain these and other objects and advantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variants on the main inventive concept. In accordance with the above objectives, a grinding device with a removable hopper is provided that overcomes the limitations of the prior art and eliminates the deficiencies present in the prior art.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the crushing device comprises a housing body provided with a storage chamber, crushing means housed inside the housing body, and a removable hopper positioned above the crushing means and associated with the housing body during use.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the hopper comprises a container provided with an upper opening and a bottom wall having at least one lower opening, and a closure device movably connected to the container. The container can have at least a first position in which the bottom opening is open to allow the product to be ground to pass to the grinding means, and at least a second position in which the at least one bottom opening and thus the bottom of the hopper are closed.

[0017] In this way, the hopper can be removed from the chamber, preventing unwanted spillage of the product being ground. According to some embodiments, the container has a cylindrical shape that is substantially symmetrical about a vertical axis.

[0018] The container and closure device are axially constrained relative to one another along a vertical axis, but are free to rotate relative to one another about said vertical axis. According to some embodiments, the closure device comprises a lower wall having at least one through hole disposed below the at least one lower opening in a first position, and two or more through holes are angularly spaced apart relative to the vertical axis and positioned corresponding to the two or more lower openings.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the closure device comprises a first connecting member suitable for connection with a second connecting member (for mating) provided in the accommodating chamber in order to clamp the closure device and the accommodating chamber in mutual position.

[0020] The hopper includes a clamping member configured to cooperate with a clamping seat provided within the chamber. According to some embodiments, the clamping members are constrained to the housing body and their actuation occurs by rotation of the housing body relative to the closure device.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the clamping member is associated with the occlusion device and configured to move from a first, inactivated position, in which the clamping member is disposed within the occlusion device, to a second, activated position, in which the clamping member protrudes at least partially radially from the occlusion device through a groove formed in a side wall of the occlusion device and engages with the clamping seat.

[0022] According to these embodiments, the clamping member comprises at least one pin configured to slide on respective guides provided on the lower wall of the closure device. Preferably, two pins are provided suitable for sliding on respective guides that are substantially symmetrical about a vertical axis.

[0023] According to a variant, the clamping member and the clamping seat are configured to form a bayonet connection therebetween. According to this variant, the clamping member is associated with the receiving device and comprises at least one pin projecting radially from the bottom of the container. The closure device has a circumferential through groove suitable for the clamping member to slide through so that the clamping member can connect with the clamping seat.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the chamber is provided with at least a first detection device configured to detect the presence of a hopper in the chamber. The presence detection device is disposed in correspondence with the second connecting member of the receiving chamber and is configured to be activated by the first connecting member of the clamping device when engaged with the first connecting member.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the crushing device comprises at least one device for detecting an open or closed state, which device is configured to detect when the lower opening is in at least one of an open position, allowing the passage of product towards the crushing means, or a closed position.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the at least one state detection device is arranged corresponding to a clamp seat of the accommodating chamber that determines the end of the travel position of the clamp member, and is configured to be activated by the clamp member of the closure device when engaged with the clamp seat.

[0027] The provision of two different detection devices for detecting the presence and openness of the product passage advantageously allows the grinding means to be driven with the passage opening closed so as to perform the function of emptying the grinding chamber before feeding new product into the grinding chamber.

[0028] This feature is particularly advantageous in the case of grinding devices associated with coffee brewing machines, as it does not allow mixing of different types of beans which would result in a suboptimal beverage. In this way, a highly versatile grinding device is obtained, essentially similar to a pod machine, which allows for continuous variation of coffee bean types, a high level of beverage individualization by the user, and the ability to vary the type of aroma desired for each beverage.

[0029] This advantage is obtained whenever different types of products need to be crushed one after the other, since the hopper can be replaced or loaded with new product before the crushing chamber, which still contains the previous product, is completely emptied, and the crushing chamber can be emptied before the lower opening is opened.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the state detection device is configured to detect both the fully open and fully closed states of the bottom opening, thereby avoiding intermediate positions where, on the one hand, the hopper is only partially clamped in the receiving chamber, and, on the other hand, a partial opening of the bottom opening makes it impossible to accurately feed the product to be crushed and to safely remove the hopper without spilling the product.

[0031] According to some embodiments, two state detection devices may be provided, which are located at the start and end of travel positions corresponding to the inactive and active positions of the clamping member, respectively. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1]1 is an assembled partial cross-sectional view of a grinding device according to certain embodiments described herein. [Figure 2] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which a removable hopper is separated from the main body of the crushing device in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the components of the hopper according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3a] Enlarged detail of Figure 3. [Figure 4] 3. Three-dimensional top view of the components of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional bottom view of the hopper according to the first embodiment in a configuration in which the passage holes are closed. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional bottom view of the hopper of FIG. 5 in an open configuration. [Figure 7] 4 is a bottom view of the hopper container of FIG. 3. [Figure 8] 8 is a three-dimensional bottom view of the vessel of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional bottom view of a hopper according to a second embodiment with the passage holes in a closed configuration. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of the hopper of FIG. 9 in an open configuration. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of a hopper and a storage chamber according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a three-dimensional bottom view of a hopper inserted into a receiving chamber according to certain embodiments described herein.

[0033] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals have been used in the figures to identify identical common elements, and it will be understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be advantageously combined or incorporated in other embodiments without further description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to possible embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings. The phraseology and terminology used herein is also provided by way of non-limiting example.

[0035] Some embodiments described herein relate to a comminuting device 10 suitable for home or commercial use, preferably for comminuting food products. Terms such as comminuting and grinding are used herein to refer to both the operation of grinding a product and the operation of shredding and crushing a product.

[0036] The comminution device 10 may be constructed as an autonomous or stand-alone component or may be integrated into an appliance or household device. The grinding device 10 may be, for example, a coffee grinder suitable for grinding coffee beans, or it may also be suitable for grinding dry foodstuffs, for example dried fruits such as hazelnuts, chestnuts, walnuts, almonds, or cereals such as rice, corn kernels, or various foodstuffs such as olives, carrots, or tomatoes to obtain oil or ground pulp.

[0037] The crushing device 10 includes a hopper 14 that supplies the product to be crushed to the crushing means 13 disposed inside the housing body 11. The hopper 14 is detachably attached inside the housing chamber 12 of the housing body 11.

[0038] In the case of a stand-alone grinding device 10, the housing body 11 may be the cover or casing of the device, whereas in the case of a grinding device 10 integrated into a device or machine, for example a coffee preparation device, the housing body 11 may be arranged to occupy the same space as the housing body of the device or machine.

[0039] The chamber 12 has a funnel shape with a first cylindrical portion 15a and a second cylindrical portion 15b connected by an intermediate portion 15c having a frusto-conical shape. Depending on the different applications of the milling device 10, different types of grinding means 13 can be provided.

[0040] By way of example, the grinding means 13 may comprise a pair of grinders which rotate relative to each other, for example a rotary grinder and a non-rotary grinder, which are arranged coaxially with respect to an axis and define a gap within which grinding is carried out, the width of which determines the particle size distribution of the powder obtained.

[0041] According to a variant, the comminuting means 13 can comprise one or more rotating blades. According to some embodiments, the grinding device 10 comprises a grinding chamber 16 adapted to accommodate the product to be ground and in which the grinding means 13 are provided. The grinding chamber 16 is in communication with the accommodation chamber 12.

[0042] A packing 17 is provided between the grinding chamber 16 and the containing chamber 12 to provide a secure connection and seal between the two components. For example, according to some embodiments described with reference to FIG. 3, the hopper 14 comprises a container 18 having an upper opening 20 through which the product to be ground is introduced and at least one lower opening 21 through which the product to be ground is supplied to the grinding chamber 16.

[0043] The container 18 has a substantially cylindrical shape that is symmetrical about a central axis Y that is vertical in use. The container 18 has a portion with a reduced diameter between an upper portion 19a and a lower portion 19b. The container 18 has a shape and dimensions that correlate with the storage chamber 12.

[0044] Specifically, the upper portion 19a and the lower portion 19b have a cylindrical shape and are connected to each other by the middle portion 19c having a truncated cone shape. According to some embodiments, the top opening 20 coincides with the cross section of the top portion 19a and is formed by the upper edge of the top portion 19a, while at least one bottom opening 21 is smaller than the cross section of the bottom portion 19b of the container 18 and is formed in the bottom wall 22 of the bottom portion 19b.

[0045] According to some embodiments, two lower openings 21 may be provided through the bottom wall 22 of the container 18, for example arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane passing through the central axis Y. The hopper 14 includes a closure cap 23 configured to close the top opening 20. The closure cap 23 is completely separable from the container 18 and is hinged to the container 18.

[0046] The closure cap 23 is connected to the container 18 by a conformal connection, a screw connection, or other connecting means. According to some embodiments, the hopper 14 includes a closure device 24 associated with the container 18 corresponding to the bottom wall 22 .

[0047] The occlusion device 24 and the container 18 are axially constrained to one another but can rotate relative to one another about a central axis Y. According to some embodiments, the occlusion device 24 comprises a lower wall 25 provided with at least one through hole 27 .

[0048] The closure device 24 has a shape and dimensions that conform to the lower portion 19 b of the container 18 and includes a sidewall 26 adapted to be coaxially disposed outside the container 18 . According to some embodiments, the at least one through-hole 27 has a shape associated with the lower opening 21 .

[0049] According to some embodiments, two diametrically opposed lower openings 21 and two mating through holes 27 may be provided. According to some embodiments, the container 18 can be rotated relative to the closing device 24 so that it can take a first position in which at least one through hole 27 is positioned below the lower opening 21 and a second position in which the lower wall 25 is positioned below the lower opening 21 to prevent the passage of the product to be ground.

[0050] For example, the container 18 can be rotated through an angle of approximately 90° to move from a first position to a second position, or vice versa. The occlusion device 24 and the container 18 may include respective axial connecting members.

[0051] For example, the connecting member may include a first tubular element 44 that protrudes from the lower wall 25 of the occlusion device 24 and a second tubular element 46 that extends into the container 18 through a central hole 45 formed in the bottom wall 22. The second tubular element 46 is shaped to mate with the first tubular element 44 and is configured to receive the first tubular element 44 therein.

[0052] The first tubular element 44 and the second tubular element 46 are connected to one another by a removable attachment member, for example a screw disposed along the central axis Y and rotatable relative to the central axis Y.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the inside of the container 18 is provided with a protective element 47, called a "finger guard", which is configured to prevent a user from touching the cutting means of the crushing means 13 below the lower opening 21 when inserting their hand inside the container 18.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the occlusion device 24 and the chamber 12 each include a connecting member 28. The connecting members 28 cooperate with each other to allow axial connection along the central axis Y while preventing mutual rotation about the central axis Y.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the connecting member 28 comprises at least one fin 29 projecting radially from the sidewall 26 and at least one mating cavity or groove 30 disposed within the chamber 12 .

[0056] According to a variant, there may be two or more fins 29 suitable for insertion into cavities or grooves 30 arranged angularly offset from one another. According to an alternative embodiment, protruding fins may be provided within the chamber 12 which cooperate with cavities or grooves 30 provided on the closure device 24 .

[0057] According to some embodiments, the hopper 14 includes a clamping member 31 configured to cooperate with a clamping seat 38, 138 provided within the chamber 12 to clamp the two components together.

[0058] The clamping member 31 is constrained to the container 18 and is actuated by rotation of the container 18 about the central axis Y, while the closure device 24 remains fixed within the receiving chamber 12. The clamp member 31 cooperates with the storage chamber 12 and can take a first inoperative position in which it does not interfere with the storage chamber 12, thereby allowing the hopper 14 to be inserted or removed, and an operative position in which it interferes with the storage chamber 12, thereby preventing the hopper 14 from being removed.

[0059] To clamp the hopper 14 within the storage chamber 12, the container 18 is rotated in a first direction, moving the clamping members 31 from the inoperative position to the operative position and engaging the clamping members 31 with the clamp seats 38, 138, respectively.

[0060] To release the hopper 14, the container 18 is rotated in the opposite direction until the clamping members 31 return to their inoperative positions, and then the hopper 14 is lifted axially. The opening and closing of the lower opening 21 is determined by the relative rotation between the container 18 and the closure device 24 as described above. Specifically, the lower opening 21 is open when the clamping member 31 is in the operative position and clamps the hopper 14 within the storage chamber 12 (FIGS. 1, 6, and 10). On the other hand, the lower opening 21 is closed when the clamping member 31 is in the inoperative position (FIGS. 2, 5, and 9).

[0061] In this way, the hopper 14 can only be removed when the lower opening 21 is closed, thereby preventing the product being ground from spilling out. For example, according to one embodiment described with reference to Figures 3 to 7, the clamping member 31 is associated with, i.e., connected to, the closing device 24. The clamping member 31 is configured to be capable of assuming a retracted, inoperative position for allowing the hopper 14 to be extracted, and an extended, operative position for clamping the hopper 14.

[0062] According to some embodiments, the clamping member 31 comprises at least one movable pin 32. The movable pin 32 is disposed inside the closure device 24 in a retracted, inactivated position and at least partially protrudes from the closure device 24 in an extended, activated position.

[0063] According to these embodiments, at least one groove 37 is formed in the sidewall 26 to allow at least a portion of the pin 32 to pass through the groove 37 . The pin 32 is constrained to slide along a guide 33. The guide 33 is adapted to cause the pin 32 to follow a rotational-translational trajectory.

[0064] A sliding base 36 suitable for receiving the guide 33 is provided below the pin 32. The sliding base 36 has a shape that fits into the guide 33. This positions the pin 32 across the guide 33.

[0065] The guide 33 comprises a first portion 34 which is generally circular and has a first diameter, and a second portion 35 which is arranged contiguous with the first portion 34, has a larger diameter than the first portion 34, and has a generally circular extension.

[0066] Along the guide 33, there may be provided a start and / or end point of a moving element that can abut in one and / or the other of the retracted and / or extended positions of the pin 32. According to some embodiments, the first portion 34 extends close to the outer edge of the through hole 27 and generally follows its deployment, with the pin 32 being partially positioned above the through hole 27 in the retracted position.

[0067] If at least a portion of the bottom wall 22 is made of a transparent material, depending on the particular situation and / or the particular configuration of the bottom, the correct positioning of the pin 32 relative to the through hole 27 can be visually checked before filling the container 18.

[0068] While the pin 32 translates along the guide 33, when the pin 32 is in the first innermost portion 34, the pin 32 remains within the volume defined by the side wall 26. On the other hand, as the pin 32 advances along the second portion 35 while rotating about the central axis Y, the pin 32 gradually moves radially relative to the second portion 35 until it passes through the groove 37 and partially protrudes from the side wall 26.

[0069] According to some embodiments, two pins 32 may be provided, each pin 32 being constrained to slide on a dedicated guide 33 and each pin 32 passing through a respective groove 37 and configured to cooperate with a respective clamp seat 38 provided in the receiving chamber 12.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the bottom wall 22 of the container 18 is provided with one or more molded cavities 39. The molded cavities 39 are shaped to mate with the pins 32 and are suitable to receive one of the pins 32, forming a connection of the same shape.

[0071] When the container 18 and the closure device 24 are axially connected to one another, each pin 32 is located within a respective mold cavity 39 . Furthermore, the lower portion 19b of the container 18 is provided with slits 40 corresponding to each molding cavity 39, which are configured to allow at least a portion of the pin 32 to pass through.

[0072] The pin 32 and the slit 40 are respectively provided with a protrusion 32a and a recess 40a suitable for forming a sliding guide for the pin 32 in the radial direction along the X axis (FIG. 3a). For example, according to a possible variant shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the clamping member 31 is associated with the container 18 and is integral therewith.

[0073] According to this variant, the clamping members 31 are configured for bayonet connection with the respective clamping seats 138 provided in the receiving chamber 12 . The clamping member 31 includes at least one pin 132, and in the illustrated example, two pins 132. The pins 132 project radially relative to the lower portion 19b of the container 18.

[0074] According to this variant, the closure device 24 comprises at least one through-groove 137 formed in the side wall 26. The through-groove 137 is configured to allow the pin 132 to pass through the through-groove 137.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the receiving chamber 12 comprises a guide groove 133 extending between an insert 134 and a clamp seat 138, which serve as a movement start position and a movement end position, respectively. The insertion portion 134 is provided with a recess 135. The recess 135 forms a space through which the pin 132 is inserted in the axial direction parallel to the central axis Y and passes.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the insert 134 is offset relative to the cavity 30 so as not to interfere with the cavity 30 . According to some embodiments, the comminution device 10 comprises at least one presence detection device 41 configured to detect the presence of the hopper 14 in the receiving chamber 12 .

[0077] The presence detection device 41 is configured to detect the presence of the hopper 14 when the connecting members 28 are engaged with each other. For example, the presence detector 41 is activated when the fins 29 are inserted into each cavity 30 .

[0078] In this case, the presence detection device 41 is a microcontroller or a mechanical sensor arranged in correspondence with the cavity 30 and actuated directly by the fin 29 or indirectly by a return element 42 .

[0079] According to a variant, the sensor is a magnetic or capacitive sensor suitable for interacting with suitable identification means, such as a magnet, provided on each fin 29 . The presence detection device 41 is connected to a control and command unit (not shown) of the crushing device 10. The control and command unit is configured to regulate the function of the crushing means 13, in particular to command and allow the function of the crushing means 13 only when the hopper 14 is present, thus ensuring the safety of the user.

[0080] Providing a dedicated detection device 41 solely for detecting the presence of the hopper 14 makes it possible to operate the crushing means 13 without the need to open the lower opening 21 so as to use up the product to be crushed present in the crushing chamber 16 before feeding new product, thereby preventing the new product from mixing with or contaminating the product in the crushing chamber 16.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the comminution device 10 comprises at least one state detection device 43 configured to detect when the lower opening 21 is in at least one of an open position or a closed position.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the open / closed state detector 43 is disposed corresponding to at least one of the clamp seats 38, 138. The open / closed state detector 43 is configured to be actuated by insertion of the respective clamp member 31, e.g., pin 32, 132, into the clamp seat 38, 138 when the clamp member 31 is in its actuated position, so as to detect a fully open state.

[0083] The status detection device 43 may be selected from, for example, a Hall effect sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a mechanical sensor that can be activated by contact, suitable for receiving the respective signal when placed in the vicinity of a pin 32 having suitable identification means.

[0084] According to some variants, the state detection device 43 is configured to detect both the fully open and fully closed states of the lower opening 21 . According to a possible solution, two or more state detection devices 43a, 43b or sensors can be provided connected to the same detection device, which are configured to detect when each pin 32, 132 is in the start and end position, and possibly in an intermediate position.

[0085] For example, referring to FIG. 12, the first state detection device 43a is positioned corresponding to the bottom end of the clamp seat 138, while the second state detection device 43b is positioned corresponding to the insertion seat 133 so as to detect when each pin 132 is placed in the insertion seat 133.

[0086] When the clamping member 31 is associated with the closing device 24, a first state detection device 43a can be provided on the clamping seat 38 to detect when the lower opening 21 is fully open. Also, a second state detection device 43b can be provided in the receiving chamber 12 near the retracted, inoperative position of the pin 32 to detect when the lower opening 21 is fully closed.

[0087] Detecting both the open and closed states ensures effective functioning of the crushing device 10 and prevents intermediate positions which, on the one hand, do not allow the crushing means 13 to be properly fed, and, on the other hand, do not ensure correct closure of the lower opening 21 before the hopper 14 is removed from the storage chamber 12.

[0088] The state detection devices 43, 43a, 43b are configured to transmit the detected data to a control and command unit which determines the function of the crushing device 10 depending on the received data. The control and command unit is configured to inform the user, for example by an interface or by means of an audio signal, of a possible incorrect position of the hopper 14, thereby prompting the user to complete the rotation of the container 18 towards the start or end position of the movement.

[0089] Some embodiments described herein relate to a method for inserting and clamping the hopper 14 into the containing body 11. The method provides for inserting the hopper 14 into the storage chamber 12 along the central axis Y, connecting the respective connecting members 28 therebetween, and specifically inserting the fins 29 into the respective cavities 30. In this manner, the obturator 24 is mounted in the storage chamber 12, and rotation of the obturator 24 relative to the storage chamber 12 is prevented.

[0090] The insertion of the fin 29 into the cavity 30 determines the operation of the presence detection device 41 and enables the activation of the grinding means 13 to grind the product in the grinding chamber 16 before feeding new product present in the container 18. The method provides for rotating the container 18, for example clockwise relative to the closure device 24, to drive the clamping members 31 to move them from the inoperative position to the operative position and into engagement with the clamping seats 38, 138 in the receiving chamber 12.

[0091] Rotation of the container 18 relative to the closing device 24 simultaneously opens the lower opening 21, allowing the product in the container 18 to fall into the grinding chamber 16 under its own weight. According to the first embodiment (FIGS. 5-8), the rotation of the container 18 involves the translation of each pin 32 along each guide 33, rotating about the central axis Y and translating in the radial direction X until the pins 32 protrude against the side wall 26 of the closure device 24.

[0092] In the second embodiment (Figures 9 to 11), when the hopper 14 is inserted into the storage chamber 12, the fins 29 engage with each cavity 30 to prevent the closing device 24 from rotating, and the pin 132 is inserted into the guide groove 133 through the insertion portion 134.

[0093] For example, clockwise rotation of container 18 involves sliding pin 132 along guide 133, moving it from an inactive position corresponding to insert 134 to an active position corresponding to clamp seat 138.

[0094] According to some embodiments, engagement between the pin 32, 132 and the respective clamp seat 38, 138 automatically determines activation of the open / closed state detector 43, 43a, indicating that the lower opening 21 is fully open.

[0095] If it is necessary to remove the hopper 14 from the storage body 11, it is sufficient to perform the same operation in reverse, i.e. to rotate the container 18 counterclockwise relative to the closure device 24, and then pull the hopper 14 out axially.

[0096] In the first embodiment, rotation of the container 18 in the opposite direction involves translation of the pin 32 from an extended position to a retracted position in which the pin 32 does not interfere with the receiving chamber 12 and at the same time closes the lower opening 21 . In the second embodiment, rotation of the container 18 involves sliding the pin 132 along the guide 133 until the pin reaches an inoperative position corresponding to the insert 134 .

[0097] According to some embodiments, provision is made to detect the state of complete closure of the lower opening 21 by a state detection device 43, 43b arranged in the storage chamber 12. The state detection device 43, 43b is configured to arrive from one of the clamping members 31, 32, 132 when the clamping member 31, 32, 132 corresponds to or is close to its inactive position or start-of-movement position.

[0098] Subsequent axial withdrawal of the hopper 14 involves deactivation of the presence detection device 41 and inhibition of the crushing means 13 by the control and command unit in a manner that ensures user safety.

[0099] Advantageously, all operations can be carried out in a practical, fast and hygienic manner by grasping the container 18 from the outside. It will be apparent that modifications and / or additions of parts or steps may be made to the comminution device 10 and insertion and extraction method as hereinbefore described without departing from the field and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0100] In the claims that follow, the sole purpose of references in parentheses is to facilitate reading; they should not be considered as a limiting factor with regard to the field of protection sought in a particular claim.

Claims

1. A grinding device (10) for grinding food, comprising a storage chamber (12), grinding means (13), and a hopper (14) removably associated with said storage chamber (12), said hopper (14) comprising a container (18) having at least one selectively openable and closable lower opening (21), The hopper (14) comprises a closure device (24) rotatable relative to the container (18), the closure device (24) comprising a first connecting member (29) configured to axially engage with a second connecting member (30) for fitting provided on the storage chamber (12); The hopper (14) is provided with a clamping member (31) configured to be capable of taking a first inoperative position that allows the hopper (14) to be removed without interfering with the storage chamber (12) and a second operative position that engages with a clamp seat (38, 138) for fitting provided in the storage chamber (12) to clamp the hopper (14) therein, the clamping member (31) being constrained by the container (18) and driven by the rotation of the container (18); The occlusion device (24) a lower wall (25) provided with at least one through hole (27); In the clamped position of the hopper (14), the lower opening (21) is aligned with the through-hole (27) provided in the closing device (24), thereby allowing the passage of food towards the crushing means (13); The occlusion device (24) further comprises: a sidewall (26) having at least one groove (37, 137) formed therein; A grinding device (10) for grinding food, wherein at least a portion of the clamping member (31) can pass through a groove (37, 137).

2. 2. The crushing device (10) according to claim 1, The clamping member (31) is associated with the closure device (24) and is configured to be capable of assuming a first retracted, inoperative position inside the closure device (24) and a second operative position in which it protrudes radially from the closure device (24) and engages with the clamping seat (38).

3. 3. The crushing device (10) according to claim 2, The clamping member (31) comprises at least one pin (32) slidable along a guide (33), the guide (33) being adapted to make the pin (32) follow a rotational-translational trajectory, and the guide (33) comprises a substantially circular first portion (34) having a first diameter and a substantially circular second portion (35) positioned contiguous with the first portion (34) and having a larger diameter.

4. 2. The crushing device (10) according to claim 1, The clamping member (31) is associated with the container (18) and configured to be bayonet-type connected to the clamping seat (138), the clamping member (31) having at least one pin (132) that protrudes radially relative to a lower portion (19b) of the container (18), and the closure device (24) has at least one through groove (137) configured to allow the pin (132) to pass through.

5. The crushing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The crushing device (10) comprises a device (41) for detecting the presence of the hopper (14) in the storage chamber (12), the device (41) being arranged corresponding to the second connecting member (30), and the device (41) being configured to be activated by the first connecting member (29) engaging with the second connecting member (30).

6. 6. A crushing device (10) according to claim 5, A crushing device (10) comprising a control and command unit connected to the device (41) and the crushing means (13) and configured to enable the crushing means (13) to operate only when the hopper (14) is present in the storage chamber (12).

7. The crushing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The crushing device (10) comprises at least one device (43, 43a) for detecting the open / closed state of the lower opening (21), the device (43, 43a) being arranged corresponding to a clamp seat (38, 138), and the device (43, 43a) being configured to be actuated by the clamp member (31) cooperating with the clamp seat (38, 138) in an operating position.

8. A crushing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The crushing device (10) comprises a device (43, 43b) for detecting the open / closed state of the lower opening (21), the device (43, 43b) being arranged near or corresponding to the first inoperative position of the clamping member (31) and configured to be actuated by the clamping member (31) when the clamping member (31) is in the first inoperative position.

9. An insertion method for inserting a hopper (14) into the accommodation chamber (12) of the crushing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: inserting the hopper (14) into the receiving chamber (12) along the central axis (Y) while maintaining the clamping member (31) in an inoperative position until the first connecting member (29) is connected with the second connecting member (30); rotating the container (18) about the central axis (Y) relative to the closing device (24) and the receiving chamber (12) to drive the clamping member (31) to move to an operating position so that the clamping member (31) engages with the clamping seat (38, 138), clamping the hopper (14) in the receiving chamber (12) and simultaneously opening the lower opening (21) to allow the product to be crushed to be fed from the container (18) to the crushing means (13); An insertion method comprising:

10. 10. The insertion method according to claim 9, An insertion method for detecting the presence of the hopper (14) when a connection between the connecting members (29, 30) occurs, thereby enabling the functioning of the crushing means (13) before the rotation of the container (18).

11. 11. The insertion method according to claim 9 or 10, An insertion method, wherein the opening of the lower opening (21) is detected when engagement occurs between the clamping member (31) and the clamping seat (38, 138).

12. A method for removing a hopper (14) from the accommodation chamber (12) of the crushing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: rotating the container (18) about the central axis (Y) relative to the closing device (24) and the receiving chamber (12) to drive the clamping member (31) from an operative position to an inoperative position to disengage the clamping member (31) from the clamping seat (38, 138), so that the clamping of the hopper (14) is released and the lower opening (21) is simultaneously closed, preventing the product to be crushed from being fed from the container (18) to the crushing means (13); extracting the hopper (14) from the storage chamber (12) along the central axis (Y) while maintaining the clamping member (31) in an inoperative position until the first connecting member (29) is separated from the second connecting member (30); The extraction method comprises:

13. The extraction method according to claim 12, A method of extracting, wherein the absence of the hopper (14) is detected when separation between the connecting members (29, 30) occurs, and as a result the function of the crushing means (13) is disabled.

14. The extraction method according to claim 12 or 13, The extraction method comprises detecting a complete closure of the lower opening (21) when the clamping member (31) corresponds to a first inoperative position in the receiving chamber (12).

15. 1. A coffee beverage preparation machine comprising: A crushing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The crushing means (13) is incorporated inside the housing body (11) of the crushing device (10), and a hopper (14) is removably associated with the housing chamber (12) of the housing body (11).

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