Hopper for a coffee grinder with a bottom closure device for saving coffee beans, and coffee grinder with said hopper

Abstract

The hopper for a coffee grinder includes an actuating member, a shutter member, an actuating plane, and a closing device disposed below the actuating plane. The shutter member includes a single circumferential sector fixed relative to the lower hopper portion, the fixed sector having a central angle of less than 180° and a central hole. The shutter member further includes movable circumferential sectors pivotally mounted to the central hole, the movable sectors being rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the bottom opening is open, and at least two of the movable circumferential sectors overlap each other corresponding to the single fixed circumferential sector. In the second position, the bottom opening is closed by the single fixed circumferential sector and the movable circumferential sectors arranged consecutively in the circumferential direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of machines for grinding coffee beans. Grinding machines for grinding coffee grains can be separate machines or can be integrated into machines for preparing coffee drinks. Grinding machines for grinding coffee grains are also called "coffee grinders", "coffee grinders" or "grinders".

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to a hopper for a coffee grinder with a bottom closure device adapted to reduce the amount of coffee wasted during hopper removal, and also to a coffee grinder including such a hopper. [Background technology]

[0003] As is well known, to prepare espresso coffee, a predetermined amount of ground coffee, usually called a dose, is used. The ground coffee dose is placed into a filter, typically a cup-shaped filter, which is open at the top and micro-perforated at the bottom. The coffee dose is typically pressed into the filter to form a powdered coffee pack. The filter is then supported by a filter holder configured to removably engage with a dispensing group of an espresso coffee machine. Espresso coffee is obtained by passing pressurized hot water through the powdered coffee pack.

[0004] Coffee powder is obtained by means of a coffee grinder. In known coffee grinders, coffee beans are ground by passing them through grinding elements. Grinding elements can be of flat, conical or cylindrical type. Typically, the grinding elements in a coffee grinder comprise a fixed element and an element that rotates relative to the fixed element. For example, in a coffee grinder with a conical grinding element, one grinding element remains fixed, i.e., stationary, while the other is rotated by a motor.

[0005] The coffee beans to be ground are usually placed in a container called a hopper, which is positioned above the grinding elements, and the coffee beans typically reach the grinding elements by gravity.

[0006] The hopper usually has an upper opening with an openable lid and a lower opening through which the coffee beans to be ground can reach the grinding element.

[0007] The hopper can be removed from the coffee machine for various reasons, such as to clean the grinding means and / or the hopper, to empty the hopper and replace the coffee mixture contained therein, or to store the unground coffee in a cool, dry environment (e.g. in a refrigerator) when a significant period of non-use is expected (e.g. overnight or at the end of the working day).

[0008] The hopper can be at least partially filled with coffee beans when it is to be separated from the coffee grinder, and is therefore provided with a closing device at the bottom, so that prior to removing the hopper, the bartender closes the bottom opening to prevent the coffee beans in the hopper from falling out and being wasted.

[0009] Patent documents 1 to 3, namely published application no. 102007008911, published application no. DE 102007008900 and published application no. AU 2009202486 all disclose hoppers with closure systems. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102007008911 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 102007008900 [Patent Document 3] Australian Patent Application Publication No. 2009202486 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The applicant has closely examined known bottom closure devices for coffee grinder hoppers.

[0012] The applicant has noted that known bottom closure devices in hoppers for coffee grinders close the bottom of the hopper at a position that sacrifices more than a small amount of coffee beans.

[0013] That is, the applicant has determined that a significant amount of unground coffee beans is left between the grinding element and the bottom closure of the hopper, which either ends up being wasted (largely "idle", i.e. ground unnecessarily) or is difficult for the bartender to retrieve, even if only in part.

[0014] Wasting coffee, or any food, is not only ethically unacceptable but must also be avoided for economic reasons. The applicant has calculated that the amount of coffee beans wasted each time the hopper is removed is approximately 20 g or more. Assuming the hopper is removed at least once a day, this amounts to several kilograms of coffee wasted per year.

[0015] The applicant faced the problem of limiting the waste of coffee when the hopper is removed and providing a larger opening than known arrangements. According to the applicant, the problem in this case is based on the fact that known closure devices act at a distance from the grinding element. Typically, closure occurs at a distance of several centimeters from the grinding element. What is lost between the grinding means and the closure device is precisely the volume of coffee.

[0016] According to the Applicant, the problem of saving coffee that would otherwise be wasted when removing the hopper of a coffee grinder can be solved by providing a closing device having an actuating member defining an actuating plane and a shutter member defining a shutter plane, wherein the actuating plane does not coincide with the shutter plane and the actuating plane is higher than the shutter plane.

[0017] The relative position between the operating plane and the shutter plane is evaluated in the linear vertical position of the hopper with the opening for inserting the coffee beans to be ground facing upwards.

[0018] Preferably, actuation is by rotational movement about a longitudinal axis or substantially a longitudinal axis.

[0019] This places the actual closing plane (shutter plane) close to the grinding elements, so that the volume of coffee beans between the top of the grinding elements and the actual closing plane is significantly reduced compared to known systems, thereby saving on wasted and unused coffee when the hoppers are separated.

[0020] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a hopper for a coffee grinder. The hopper comprises: a main container body having an opening at its top for containing coffee beans to be ground; a lower hopper portion having a bottom opening for allowing coffee beans to reach the grinding means; a closing device for closing the bottom opening; It is equipped with: The closure device includes an actuating member, a shutter member, an actuating plane, and a shutter plane, the shutter member being disposed below the actuating plane. The shutter member is a single fixed circumferential sector fixed relative to the lower hopper portion and having a central angle of less than 180° and a central hole; a movable circumferential sector pivotally mounted in the central bore; It is equipped with: The movable circumferential sectors are rotatable between a first position in which the bottom opening is open and at least two of the circumferential sectors overlap each other corresponding to the fixed circumferential sectors, and a second position in which the bottom opening is closed by the fixed circumferential sectors and the movable circumferential sectors arranged consecutively in the circumferential direction.

[0021] Essentially, the movable circumferential sectors are movable and open like a fan. In relation to the circumferential sectors of the shutter member, the term "fan-like" means that there are circumferential sectors (also called "petals" or "cloves") that are pivotally attached in the center, i.e., near the ends, and all of the circumferential sectors can overlap one another. In this case, the opening is entirely open except for the overlapping areas of the circumferential sectors. The circumferential sectors can be arranged circumferentially successively to close the opening. In this position, two circumferentially successive circumferential sectors can overlap to a minimum extent corresponding to their respective circumferentially adjacent edges. Intermediate positions that are partially closed (or open) are also possible.

[0022] In one embodiment, the central angle of the fixed circumferential sector is less than 90°.

[0023] In one embodiment, the fixed circumferential sectors are shaped to project inwardly from the top of the hopper, preferably forming a double chute.

[0024] In one embodiment, the closure device comprises a tubular body projecting downwardly from the hopper at a bottom opening, and a cup-shaped body, the shutter plane substantially corresponding to the bottom of the cup-shaped body.

[0025] In one embodiment, the bottom of the cup body comprises a bottom circumferential sector with a central angle of less than 180°, and the bottom circumferential sector of the cup body is hingedly rotatable about a single fixed circumferential sector.

[0026] In one embodiment, the shutter member comprises a first movable circumferential sector and a second movable circumferential sector that is pivotable through rotation of the bottom circumferential sector of the cup-shaped body.

[0027] In one embodiment, the bottom circumferential sector of the cup-shaped body comprises an arcuately extending groove, and the first movable circumferential sector comprises a first tooth, said groove being configured to cooperate with the first tooth (41) in the first movable circumferential sector (40).

[0028] In one embodiment, the first movable circumferential sector comprises a second tooth for cooperating with the second movable circumferential sector.

[0029] In one embodiment, the cylinder is slit along at least a portion of its thickness.

[0030] In one embodiment, the cylinder is provided with a downwardly projecting barrier edge along at least a portion of its thickness.

[0031] In one embodiment, the cup-shaped body includes an annular ferrule for rotating the cup-shaped body relative to the cylindrical body.

[0032] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a coffee grinder comprising a machine body, a grinding chamber in which a grinding member is disposed, and a hopper. Hopper is a main container body having an upper loading opening for receiving coffee beans to be ground; a lower hopper portion having a bottom opening for allowing coffee beans to reach the grinding means; a closing device for closing the bottom opening; The closing device includes an actuating member, a shutter member, an actuating plane, and a shutter plane, the shutter plane being disposed below the actuating plane. The shutter member is a single circumferential sector fixed relative to the lower hopper portion and having a central angle of less than 180° and a central hole; a movable circumferential sector pivotally mounted in said central bore; It is equipped with: The movable circumferential sectors are rotatable between a first position in which the bottom opening is open and at least two of the circumferential sectors overlap each other corresponding to the single fixed circumferential sector, and a second position in which the bottom opening is closed by the fixed circumferential sector and the movable circumferential sectors arranged consecutively in the circumferential direction.

[0033] In one embodiment, the shutter plane is positioned a distance d from the grinding member of about 15 mm or less.

[0034] In one embodiment, the shutter plane is positioned at a distance D greater than about 20 mm from the actuation plane.

[0035] In one embodiment, the closure device is configured to operate via rotational movement about a vertical axis. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to non-limiting exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a coffee grinder having a hopper according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view of a hopper with the bottom opening shutter plane (actual closing plane) lowered relative to the operating plane of the closing device. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the hopper of Figure 2 with the lid closed. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a device for closing a lower opening in a hopper for a coffee grinder. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the bottom of the hopper with the closure device in a fully closed position. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of the hopper with the device in its fully closed position. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a perspective view from below of the hopper with the device in the fully open position. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is an explanatory view of the total closing device as seen from inside the hopper. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a plan view of the full closure device from below, showing the maximum opening. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the closure device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an illustration showing an example of a movable circumferential sector of a closure device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a movable circumferential sector of a closing device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the closure device in a partially closed position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bottom of a hopper having two movable circumferential sectors for closing the bottom opening. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] FIG. 1 shows, purely by way of example, a coffee grinder M having a hopper 10 mounted on top thereof.

[0038] 2 and 2A are schematic diagrams illustrating the principles underlying the present invention.

[0039] According to the invention, the closing of the bottom opening of the hopper 10 is not performed by a control member for closing the lower opening of the hopper. In fact, the closing of the hopper 10 takes place in a shutter plane S which is lower than the working plane A. Advantageously, the actual closing takes place closer to the grinding member G. As a result, the volume of coffee beans already released from the hopper 10 and therefore unrecoverable is practically zero, or in any case small. The closing (and reopening) is performed by a rotational movement about a vertical or substantially vertical axis V by rotating clockwise and / or counterclockwise as indicated by the arrows in Figure 1.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the closing of the bottom opening of the hopper 10 is effected through a rotational movement.

[0041] Preferably, the rotation is manual, i.e. carried out by a human operator when required, or it can be automatically controlled, for example by an electric motor. In this case, a sensor (for example a proximity or contact sensor) can be provided to issue a closing command if the hopper 10 is raised even a small distance. This avoids the risk that the operator will forget to close the opening at the bottom of the hopper before disconnecting it from the coffee grinder M.

[0042] According to the present invention, the closure device 20 closes the bottom opening with a "fanning motion", as opposed to known solutions that use butterfly closure means.

[0043] Unlike known solutions, in this embodiment circumferential sectors are provided and the varistor is configured to almost completely close the opening by rotating the sectors from an open position where they all substantially overlap to a closed position where each sector closes a part of the opening, a movement similar to that of a folding fan, passing from a folded rest position to a fully unfolded position.

[0044] Referring to the figures, and particularly as shown in the exploded view of Figure 6, the bottom 13 of the hopper 10 is shaped to include a downwardly protruding tubular portion (or tubular body) 131. The bottom opening of the hopper 10 is the tubular portion 131. The tubular portion 131 preferably has a circular cross section.

[0045] The tubular portion 131 is substantially completely open but is closed by a fixed circumferential sector 15. The fixed circumferential sector 15 of the tubular portion 131 is generally triangular, with its base along part of the edge of the tubular portion 131. The fixed circumferential sector 15 of the tubular portion 131 has a central hole 16. Preferably, the central hole 16 is threaded.

[0046] The fixed circumferential sector 15 has a central angle α that is less than 180°. In one embodiment, the central angle α is approximately equal to or less than 90°. The central angle α is, for example, between 80° and 85°, such as 84°.

[0047] Preferably, the fixed circumferential sector 15 of the tubular body 131 has a flat lower surface. Preferably, the fixed circumferential sector of the tubular body has a shape that protrudes upwards towards the inside of the hopper 10. As will be explained below, this protruding shape favours the sliding of the coffee beans towards the opening and prevents the beans from clogging the fixed circumferential sector 15.

[0048] If the hopper 10 is made of a plastic material, the fixed circumferential sector 15 may be substantially hollow internally, as shown in the figures.

[0049] Preferably, a slit 17 is provided along part of the thickness of the cylinder 131 for reasons that will be described later.

[0050] Preferably, a downwardly projecting edge 18 is provided along at least a portion of the thickness of the cylindrical body 131 for reasons that will be explained below.

[0051] In the present invention, the closure device 20 at the bottom opening of the hopper comprises a cup-shaped body 30 cooperating with a tubular body 131 .

[0052] The cup-shaped body 30 has an internal cross section that corresponds in shape and dimensions approximately to the outer shape of the cylindrical body 131. The cup-shaped body 30 is provided at its upper part with a toothed ring 31 to facilitate gripping (and therefore rotation) by the varistor.

[0053] Similar to the cylindrical body 131, the cup-shaped body 30 includes a bottom circumferential sector 35. The bottom circumferential sector 35 of the cup body 30 is generally triangular, with its base following a portion of the edge of the cup body 30. The circular bottom circumference 35 of the cup-shaped body includes a central hole 36. Preferably, the central hole 36 is a through hole.

[0054] Preferably, the bottom circumferential sector 35 of the cup-shaped body 30 is flat.

[0055] Preferably, the bottom circumferential sector 35 includes a groove 37 having an arc that develops near the edge of the cup-shaped body 30 .

[0056] 6 also shows other elements of the closure device 20 according to the invention, in particular the two movable circumferential sectors 40, 50, also called "petals".

[0057] The cup-shaped body 30 is connected to the tubular body 131 by a screw 38 which passes through a central hole 36 of the cup-shaped body 30 and threads into the central hole 26 of the tubular body 20. Petals 40, 50 and an optional washer 60 are inserted between the two bodies 20, 30.

[0058] Each petal 40, 50 is generally triangular in shape with a curved base.

[0059] Each petal 40, 50 includes a central hole 46, 56 which is preferably a through hole.

[0060] Preferably, each petal 40, 50 has a pair of teeth 41, 42, 51, 52 at the end of its curved base.

[0061] The first petal 40, also referred to as the "lower petal," includes a downwardly facing first tooth 41 configured to engage a groove 37 in the bottom circumferential sector 35 of the cup-shaped body 30. The first tooth 41 is at substantially 90° to the lower surface of the first petal 40. The second tooth 42 is at substantially 90° to the upper surface of the first petal 40.

[0062] The second petal 50, also referred to as the "upper petal," includes a third radially facing tooth 51 configured to cooperate with the second tooth 42 on the lower petal 40. The fourth tooth 52 is at substantially 90° to the top surface of the upper petal 50.

[0063] In the open bottom opening state, the bottom circumference 35 of the cup-shaped body 30 generally overlaps the fixed circumferential sector 25 of the tubular body 131 protruding from the hopper 10. In this open position, the upper petal 50 and the lower petal 40 also overlap each other. This state is shown, for example, in Figures 5, 5A and 5B.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5B, due to the fan-like solution the opening angle is much larger than the opening angle in known solutions, which is typically 180°. In the present embodiment the opening angle is preferably larger than 270°, e.g. 276° in the case of Figure 5B.

[0065] Starting from the open position (FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B), the barista rotates the cup body 30, and thus the bottom circumferential sector 35, to close the bottom opening 14. During the first stage of this rotation, the first tooth 41 of the lower petal 40 passes along the groove 37 of the bottom circumference 35. As the rotation of the cup-shaped body 30 continues, the lower petal 40 is dragged by the engagement between the first tooth 41 and the end of the groove 37. As the rotation of the cup-shaped body 30 continues relative to the tubular body 131, the second tooth 42 engages with the third tooth 51, causing the lower petal 40 to rotate the upper petal 50. The second tooth 42 and the fourth tooth 52 then slide in the groove 37 of the cylindrical body 131.

[0066] As mentioned above, there is a downwardly projecting rim 18 along at least part of the thickness of the cylinder, which rim 18 forms a barrier to prevent large amounts of coffee or coffee powder from escaping by closing the bottom opening 14 in a precise manner when the cup-shaped body 30 and / or petals 40, 50 are in a specific position.

[0067] 4 and 4A show the closure device with the bottom opening 14 fully closed.

[0068] Alternatively, Figures 5, 5B and 5C show the closure device with the bottom opening 14 fully open.

[0069] 9 shows the closure device with the bottom opening 14 partially open. The cup body 30 is not shown in FIG. 10 to illustrate the engagement of the second tooth 42 and the fourth tooth 52 in the groove 37.

[0070] In summary, the advantage of the present invention is that a device for closing the bottom opening of a hopper is provided, which significantly limits coffee bean waste while at the same time allowing for a significantly wider opening than that of known solutions. The proportion of the larger opening relative to known solutions can be 50% or more. In fact, it is possible to typically increase the opening angle from about 180° to more than 270°.

Claims

1. A hopper (10) for a coffee grinder (M), comprising: a main container body (11) having a filling opening (12) at the top for containing coffee beans to be ground; a lower hopper portion (13) having a bottom opening (14) for allowing the coffee beans to reach the grinding means (G); a closing device (20, 30, 40, 50) for closing the bottom opening (14); the closing device comprising a tubular body (131) protruding downward from the hopper (10) at the bottom opening (14), a cup-shaped body (30), a shutter member (35, 40, 50, 15), an operating plane (A) and a shutter plane (S), the shutter plane (S) being disposed below the operating plane (A), and the shutter member comprising: a single fixed circumferential sector (15) fixed relative to said lower hopper part (13) and having a central angle (α) of less than 180° and a central hole (16); - a movable circumferential sector (35, 40, 50) pivotally mounted on said central bore (16); The movable circumferential sectors (35, 40, 50) comprise a bottom circumferential sector (35), a first movable circumferential sector (40), and a second movable circumferential sector (50), and the movable circumferential sectors (35, 40, 50) are rotatable between a first position in which the bottom opening (14) is open and at least the first movable circumferential sector (40) and the second movable circumferential sector (50) overlap each other corresponding to the single fixed circumferential sector, and a second position in which the bottom opening (14) is closed by the single fixed circumferential sector (15) and the movable circumferential sectors (35, 40, 50) arranged successively in the circumferential direction, the cup-shaped body (30) comprises, at its upper part, a toothed ring (31) for facilitating gripping, and the shutter plane (S) corresponds to the bottom of the cup-shaped body (30), the cup-shaped body (30) of the closure device (20, 30, 40, 50) comprises the toothed ring (31) for facilitating gripping and rotating the cup-shaped body (30) relative to the tubular body (131); the bottom of the cup-shaped body (30) comprises a bottom circumferential sector (35) with a central angle of less than 180°, the bottom circumferential sector (35) of the cup-shaped body being hingedly rotatable with respect to the single fixed circumferential sector (15); The shutter member comprises the first movable circumferential sector (40) which rotates through the rotation of the bottom circumferential sector (35) of the cup-shaped body (30), and the second movable circumferential sector (50) which rotates through the rotation of the bottom circumferential sector (35) of the cup-shaped body (30), a bottom circumferential sector (35) of the cup-shaped body (30) comprising an arcuately extending groove (37), and a first movable circumferential sector (40) comprising first teeth (41), the groove (37) being adapted to cooperate with the first teeth (41) of the first movable circumferential sector (40); The hopper (10) further comprises a second tooth (42) for cooperating with the second movable circumferential sector (50).

2. 2. The hopper (10) according to claim 1, wherein the central angle (α) of the single fixed circumferential sector (15) is less than 90°.

3. 2. The hopper (10) of claim 1, wherein the central angle of the bottom circumferential sector (35) is less than 90 degrees.

4. 2. The hopper (10) of claim 1, wherein the tubular body (131) is provided with a slit (17) along at least a portion of its thickness.

5. 2. The hopper (10) of claim 1, wherein the tubular body (131) is provided with a downwardly projecting barrier edge (18) along at least a portion of its thickness.

6. A coffee grinder (M) comprising a machine body (11), a grinding chamber in which grinding members (G) are arranged, and a hopper (10), said hopper (10) comprising: a main container body (11) having an upper filling opening (12) for containing coffee beans to be ground; a lower hopper portion (13) having a bottom opening (14) for allowing coffee beans to reach said grinding member (G); and a closing device (20, 30, 40, 50) for closing the bottom opening (14), the closing device (20, 30, 40, 50) comprising a tubular body (131) protruding downward from the hopper (10) at the bottom opening (14), a cup-shaped body (30), a shutter member (35, 40, 50, 15), an operating plane (A) and a shutter plane (S), the shutter plane (S) being disposed below the operating plane (A), and the shutter member comprising: a single fixed circumferential sector (15) fixed relative to said lower hopper portion (13) and having a central angle of less than 180° and a central hole (16); - movable circumferential sectors (35, 40, 50) pivotally mounted on said central bore (16); the movable circumferential sectors (35, 40, 50) comprise a bottom circumferential sector (35), a first movable circumferential sector (40), and a second movable circumferential sector (50), and the movable circumferential sectors (35, 40, 50) are rotatable between a first position in which the bottom opening (14) is open and at least the first movable circumferential sector (40) and the second movable circumferential sector (50) overlap each other corresponding to the single fixed circumferential sector, and a second position in which the bottom opening (14) is closed by the single fixed circumferential sector (15) and the movable circumferential sectors (35, 40, 50) arranged successively in the circumferential direction, the cup-shaped body (30) comprises, at its upper part, a toothed ring (31) for facilitating gripping, and the shutter plane (S) corresponds to the bottom of the cup-shaped body (30), the bottom of the cup-shaped body (30) comprises a bottom circumferential sector (35) with a central angle of less than 180°, the bottom circumferential sector (35) of the cup-shaped body being hingedly rotatable with respect to the single fixed circumferential sector (15); The shutter member comprises the first movable circumferential sector (40) which rotates through the rotation of the bottom circumferential sector (35) of the cup-shaped body (30), and the second movable circumferential sector (50) which rotates through the rotation of the bottom circumferential sector (35) of the cup-shaped body (30), the bottom circumferential sector (35) of the cup-shaped body (30) comprises an arcuately extending groove (37), the first movable circumferential sector (40) comprises first teeth (41), the groove (37) being configured to cooperate with the first teeth (41) in the first movable circumferential sector (40); Coffee grinder (M), wherein said first movable circumferential sector (40) further comprises second teeth (42) for cooperating with said second movable circumferential sector (50).

7. Coffee grinding machine (M) according to claim 6, characterized in that the shutter plane (S) is arranged at a distance (d) of 15 mm or less from the grinding member (G).

8. Coffee grinder (M) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the shutter plane (S) is arranged at a distance (D) of more than 20 mm from the operating plane (A).

9. Coffee grinding machine (M) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the closing device (20, 30, 40, 50) is adapted to operate via a rotational movement about a vertical axis (V).

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