Coffee grinder sensor

Abstract

A sensor unit 5 for use in combination with a coffee brewing machine 1 and a separate coffee bean grinder 2, the sensor unit 5 being a unit separate from the coffee brewing machine 1 and from the coffee bean grinder 2. The sensor unit 5 comprises a base 27 located below the coffee dispenser 9 and in the brewed coffee supply area 19 of the coffee brewing machine 1, at least one load cell 15 for measuring the weight of a cup 11 placed on an upper surface 30 of the base 27 as a function of time for filling it with coffee using the coffee dispenser 9, and at least one central processing unit 17 for collecting and at least temporarily storing data received from the load cell 15 and for transmitting the data received from the load cell 15 to the coffee bean grinder 2, the central processing unit 17 comprising at least one wired or wireless communication for data exchange with the coffee bean grinder 2 and for controlling the grinding process of the coffee bean grinder 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor unit for use with a separate coffee extraction machine and a separate coffee grinder. Further, the present invention relates to users of such sensors and methods of operating such sensors.

Background Art

[0002] The coffee extraction process starting from coffee beans involves a step of grinding the coffee beans and then a step of extracting coffee from the ground coffee beans by supplying a pre-set amount of hot water into the corresponding extraction chamber.

[0003] There are various ways to construct this process. There are combined fully automatic machines that require the supply of water and coffee beans, in which the coffee beans are ground and automatically transferred to the extraction chamber, and then a pre-set amount of hot water is automatically introduced into the chamber to collect the coffee effluent in a cup. Control in these machines is a delicate issue. This is because, for example, it aims to provide a certain quality of coffee that is as reliable as possible, including additional features such as providing an appropriate amount of foam on the coffee and being able to distinguish between espresso and other types of coffee. This fully integrated machine and the corresponding control are known, for example, from Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

[0004] These combined fully automated machines are rarely used in commercial, high-quality coffee brewing environments. In these environments, separate coffee brewing machines and coffee bean grinders are generally present. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that so-called baristas want the freedom to adjust parameters regarding the grinding and brewing processes; that a good grinding machine requires a different environment, different materials, different manufacturing focus, and different electronics than a good coffee brewing machine; and that having both of these crucial elements in a single machine reduces flexibility in terms of replacement in case of damage.

[0005] These high-quality machines have two distinct markets: one for coffee brewing machines and the other for coffee bean grinding machines. Coffee brewing machines are highly controlled machines with various sensors and control mechanisms to ensure that water at the appropriate pressure and temperature is supplied to the extraction chamber, typically in the form of a portafilter, according to the corresponding pressure and temperature profiles as needed. A portafilter (sometimes spelled "porta-filter" or "portafilter") is a component of an espresso maker that holds ground espresso beans (coffee powder) before and during the extraction process. The portafilter has a handle, which allows the person brewing the espresso to hold the portafilter unit in order to insert it into the corresponding opening of the coffee bean grinding machine and fill it with coffee powder, on the one hand, and to transfer the portafilter unit to the coffee brewing machine and attach it to the coffee brewing machine, typically using a bayonet mechanism, and to remove it again after the extraction process and empty it by turning it upside down. Another part of the portafilter is the filter basket, which fits inside the portafilter's casing. The filter basket is usually made of metal and has small holes that act as a screen, allowing the extracted espresso to pass downwards towards the bottom, exit through the holes or chute, and enter the cup placed below.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses the possibility of using a flowmeter sniffer as a separate unit connected to an extraction machine, and controlling a grinder using parameters determined by the flowmeter sniffer.

[0007] Patent documents 4 and 1 disclose measuring the water flow within an extraction machine for extraction control.

[0008] Patent Document 5 comprehensively discloses the parameters of an extraction machine, i.e., the control of a grinder according to the extraction process.

[0009] Patent Document 6 discloses a concept in which a load cell located at the base of the grinder is used to weigh the coffee grounds inside the grinder, and the corresponding data from the load cell located below the coffee grounds receptacle is used to control the coffee extraction machine.

[0010] Patent documents 7 and 8 disclose load cells integrated into an extraction machine.

[0011] Patent Document 9 discloses an extraction quality measuring device comprising an electronic scale, a thermometer, a position-holding device, and an operation / control unit. The electronic scale comprises a platform used for positioning a container containing an extract. The thermometer has a measuring section. The position-holding device is used to hold the measuring section of the thermometer at the measurement position. The operation / control unit is used to receive measurement signals from the electronic scale and the thermometer, respectively. The measurement position corresponds to a specific position of the container when it is placed on the platform, such that the thermometer measures the temperature of the extract at the measurement position.

[0012] Patent Document 8 discloses a coffee supply system. This coffee supply system comprises a plurality of grinding machines for accommodating different coffee bean mixes, a coffee machine, a filter holder for accommodating a certain amount of coffee grounds and positioned within each grinding machine, suitable for filling with coffee grounds to form a desired amount of coffee grounds, and suitable for positioning within the coffee machine for leaching the coffee grounds, a CPU operationally connected to the grinding machines and the coffee machine, and a user interface operationally connected to the CPU and configured to transmit user-selected input parameters to the CPU based on a desired coffee type. The CPU is configured to receive the input parameters transmitted by the user interface and to calculate output parameters suitable for controlling the grinding machines and the coffee machine.

[0013] Patent Document 6 discloses a coffee machine equipped with a weighing system for measuring the weight of liquid coffee extracted into a cup, and a coffee grinding machine (equipped with a weighing system for measuring the weight of coffee grounds supplied into a filter holder). The coffee machine includes a control unit with memory for storing different types of coffee brewing rates, and the coffee grinding machine includes a control unit operatively connected to the coffee machine's control unit and transmitting information about the weight of the coffee grounds contained in the filter holder. The coffee machine's control unit uses the information received from the coffee grinding machine to extract coffee that meets the brewing rate selected by the operator.

[0014] Patent Document 10 discloses a method and system for managing an extraction process. In this process, a solution is produced by mixing a solvent with a solute, and a beverage is extracted from this solution. The system includes a temperature sensor device that detects the temperature change of the solvent per unit time and generates temperature information, a first measuring device that detects the weight increase of the beverage per unit time and generates first weight information, and also counts the elapsed time in the extraction process and generates timing information, and a computing device that compares pre-set standard state information with the above temperature, first weight, and timing information. If any of the temperature, first weight, or timing information generated in a specific unit time does not match the standard state information for the same unit time, a warning message is displayed on the computing device to remind the operator performing the extraction to stop the beverage extraction. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 4,767,632 [Patent Document 2] German Patent No. 3107549 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 3662794 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2014 / 207281 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2009 / 010190 [Patent Document 6] European Patent Application Publication No. 3162256 [Patent Document 7] International Publication No. 2012 / 146641 [Patent Document 8] European Patent Application No. 3797654 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 199752 [Patent Document 10] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 295983 [Overview of the project]

[0016] The operation of the coffee bean grinder machine and the operation of a separate coffee brewing machine are coordinated by a barista. However, such an experienced person is not always available, or some further automation and control are desired, making it necessary to coordinate the operation of these two separate elements. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to enable the coordination of the operation of a coffee bean grinder machine and a separate coffee brewing machine in the simplest, most effective, and reliable way possible, without interfering with the apparatus.

[0017] In particular, given that coffee brewing machines typically have their own control and operating schemes that are not affected by or require adaptation to perform the corresponding controls, the objective is to provide a method for controlling a coffee bean grinder to be optimally adapted to the corresponding operation of a coffee brewing machine.

[0018] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sensor unit for use in combination with a coffee extraction machine and a separate coffee bean grinder, the sensor unit being separate from the coffee extraction machine and separate from the coffee bean grinder, and the sensor unit comprising: a bottom located below a coffee dispenser and within an extracted coffee supply area of the coffee extraction machine, at least one load cell disposed on an upper surface of the bottom for measuring the weight of a cup disposed thereon over time for filling the cup with coffee using the coffee dispenser, at least one central processing unit that collects and at least temporarily stores data received from the load cell (usually an "extraction profile", i.e., a weight - time and temperature - time curve profile, preferably including the time between the first and last drops), and that has at least one wired or wireless communication for data exchange with the coffee bean grinder, and transmits the data received from the load cell to the coffee bean grinder to control the grinding process of the coffee bean grinder, A sensor unit is proposed that comprises the above.

[0019] The need for connectivity between a coffee machine and a grinder is increasing in market demand. A coffee machine includes important information such as the flow of water into a coffee cup, temperature, and extraction time, along with other useful details. These parameters are useful to a barista, who can thereby set the distance of the grinder disk and further variables of the coffee bean grinder that result in different outputs, such as grinding time, or grinding weight, grinding speed, etc., and vary the concentration (coarseness) of the coffee until an appropriate taste is achieved in the coffee cup. The entire process can be automated when information is shared between the grinder and the coffee machine via a connection protocol and that information is used with intelligent algorithms that optimize the extraction and grinding size.

[0020] The concept here is to have a separate sensor unit that can be placed between the cup and the base of the coffee machine (for example, on the coffee machine base, although other external fixing means are also possible) in any coffee machine. Thus, cumbersome installation is not required. The sensor unit typically tracks over time the weight and, if desired, the temperature of the coffee being poured into the cup, and transmits this information to the grinder, which adjusts the grind size (electrically) and adjusts further variables of the coffee grinder that result in different outputs, such as grind time, or grind weight, grind speed, and others as required, so that the loop reaches the required extraction.

[0021] The greatest advantage of this solution is that there is no need to directly obtain a signal from the coffee machine. Currently, to obtain extraction parameters, it is necessary to integrate closely with a specific coffee machine. In an installation base, this means incorporating the entire range of coffee machines. A solution independent of the coffee machine is truly versatile with little incorporation and customization involved.

[0022] What is unique is that this separate sensor unit communicates information to the grinder, and what is even more unique is that it actually communicates information from the cup to the grinder rather than from the coffee machine. Essentially, this separate sensor unit can be used with any recipient, which can be an espresso machine, a filter coffee machine, or any recipient that receives weight. The sensor unit records weighing, time, and temperature, while for example, Patent Document 3 requires an integrated solution to record information from a flow meter installed in the coffee machine, whereas this sensor unit is a completely flexible solution.

[0023] In this context, when referring to a cup, it includes any type of container commonly used to receive coffee, and therefore includes not only espresso cups and coffee cups, but also glasses for latte macchiatos, etc.

[0024] The approximate dimensions of the device are typically as follows: width: 110mm-120mm (if there is only one cup; if multiple cups are placed next to each other, this is usually multiplied by the number of cups), length: 110mm-120mm, height: 20mm-40mm (less than or within that range), and height with an optional thermal camera (maximum 160mm). The design is ultimately executed to allow both the mat and cups to be placed under the group head of the coffee machine.

[0025] The specifications for the weight cell can be as follows: Maximum possible weight: typically 500g to 1000g, Minimum possible weight: an accuracy of 0.1g is usually sufficient.

[0026] The thermal camera has an optional mechanism.

[0027] The weight can be tared so that it always reads 0g when the cup is placed on the sensor unit. This can be achieved by touching a button, or alternatively, by using a switch that tares to 0 as soon as the first drop hits the cup.

[0028] The sensor unit can be fitted for a single cup, but in the case of a portafilter with two outlets, for example, it can also be fitted to place two cups side by side. In that case, there may be only one load cell in the corresponding housing, or there may be separate load cells for each cup. Typically, even if there are multiple placements for the cups, there is only one central processing unit.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor unit further comprises at least one additional sensor that measures, preferably directly and indirectly, preferably over time, the temperature of the coffee supplied to or inside the cup.

[0030] Preferably, the further sensor is an optical temperature sensor.

[0031] The data obtained from the above-mentioned additional sensors is transmitted to the above-mentioned central processing unit, where it is collected and at least temporarily stored, and thereafter transmitted to the coffee bean grinder simultaneously with, before, or after the transmission of the data received from the load cell.

[0032] Further sensors are preferably mounted on or within a sensor arm above the upper surface, preferably projecting vertically at a height suitable and adapted for optically measuring the temperature of the coffee entering or inside the cup.

[0033] Further sensors are preferably mounted above the top surface at a height of at least 50 mm, preferably at least 75 mm, preferably in the range of 75 mm to 160 mm, or in the range of 80 mm to 120 mm, and more preferably their optical axes are directed diagonally downward into the interior of the cup located on the top surface.

[0034] The sensor arm is preferably located behind the cup, preferably near or adjacent to the rear wall of the coffee brewing machine's coffee supply area.

[0035] The bottom can have a vertical height in the range of 2 mm to 40 mm, preferably in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm, and more preferably in the range of 7 mm to 15 mm. The bottom can have a horizontal length and / or width in the range of 50mm to 140mm, preferably in the range of 80mm to 120mm, and / or The height of the sensor arm on the top surface can be in the range of 75mm to 160mm, preferably in the range of 80mm to 120mm.

[0036] The bottom typically comprises a housing, preferably made of a thermoplastic material, having a bottom surface and a top surface on which a cup is placed, the housing comprising a load cell, a central processing unit, and a power supply in the form of a battery and / or a wired power supply, and the sensor unit is preferably suitable for being placed on the stand of the coffee brewing machine without modifying the stand of the coffee brewing machine or the coffee brewing machine as a whole.

[0037] A separate sensor may further include input and output devices, particularly a display, for purposes such as displaying status, visualizing measurements, displaying power levels in the case of rechargeable battery power, and displaying wireless connectivity to the grinder. The sensor unit may also include an input device, or, instead of a separate input / output device of the sensor unit, may include means for further communication with a mobile device (mobile phone) for individual sensor settings using the input / output capabilities of the mobile device via a correspondingly adapted app. For this purpose, it may be equipped with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, i.e., the separate sensor may be integrated into a local Wi-Fi system connected to the internet, thereby allowing control and / or monitoring by using a corresponding app essentially independently of the location where the app is used.

[0038] Preferably, the sensor includes means for tare the weight measurement by the load cell at the moment the cup is placed on top, and the tare can be started manually by a corresponding operating button, or electrically or electronically controlled, preferably, the electrical or electronic control can be started when the weight cell detects the first drop of coffee hitting the cup.

[0039] The central processing unit preferably transmits data to the coffee bean grinder by wireless communication to the grinder control unit, preferably by one of the standards selected from Bluetooth, BLE, ZigBee, Z-wave, 6LoWPAN, Thread, LoRaWAN, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, and NFC.

[0040] The central processing unit typically transmits data received from time-dependent load cells, including a rate of change over time.

[0041] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the aforementioned sensor unit as a separate unit for use with a coffee brewing machine and a separate coffee bean grinder. According to this use, the aforementioned sensor unit as a separate unit is displaced within the coffee supply area of ​​an existing coffee brewing machine without essentially modifying the existing coffee brewing machine, connected to a coffee bean grinder for data exchange, and at least one or a combination thereof of the coffee bean grinder's grinding time, grind size, and amount of coffee grounds is preferably adapted according to the data provided to the coffee bean grinder by the separate sensor unit without further data exchange between the coffee bean grinder and the coffee brewing machine adjacent to the sensor unit. Thus, the proposed use is like an upgrade process that does not involve direct hardware interference with the existing coffee brewing machine and existing coffee bean grinder. Many existing coffee bean grinders and coffee brewing machines provide interfaces for data exchange and control. Therefore, the proposed use and the proposed separate unit can be used with surprising ease in such situations. This is because all that's needed to improve coffee quality is to add a separate unit, link it to the interface of the coffee bean grinder and coffee brewing machine, and integrate the corresponding data from that separate unit into the grinder's control process.

[0042] In addition, the present invention relates to a method of operating a coffee brewing machine, a separate coffee bean grinder, and the separate sensor unit described above, wherein the separate sensor unit is displaced within the existing brewed coffee supply area of ​​the coffee brewing machine without essentially modifying the coffee brewing machine, connected to the coffee bean grinder for data exchange, and the grinding time and / or grind size and / or amount of coffee grounds of the coffee bean grinder are adapted according to data provided to the coffee bean grinder by the separate sensor unit without further data exchange between the coffee bean grinder and the coffee brewing machine.

[0043] A coffee bean grinder typically comprises at least one grinder module, at least one coffee bean container, at least one grinder control unit equipped with means for exchanging data with a separate sensor unit, and preferably a load cell for measuring the weight of coffee grounds into a portafilter located within the coffee grounds supply area of ​​the coffee bean grinder.

[0044] A coffee brewing machine typically comprises at least one water tank, at least one water pump, at least one water-jet heater, an interface to a portafilter, and a coffee supply area below the portafilter where a cup filled with liquid coffee during the brewing process is placed.

[0045] Last but importantly, the present invention relates to a kit of components comprising the aforementioned sensor unit, a separate coffee bean grinder, and a separate coffee brewing machine.

[0046] Further embodiments of the present invention are provided in the dependent claims.

[0047] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the coffee brewing machine, a separate coffee bean grinding machine, and communication and control systems proposed in this application. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the sensor unit according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] Figure 1 shows two physically separate machine entities: a coffee brewing machine 1 and a separate coffee bean grinder 2. The coffee brewing machine 1, housed in a housing 3, comprises a water tank 4, a pump 6, a water-flow heater 7, and an interface to a portafilter, typically in the form of a mounting using a bayonet mechanism. As shown by the solid line, there is a water flow from the water tank 4 to the pump 6, and then through the heater 7. The heater is mounted on a corresponding power supply (not shown) and heats the water to a desired temperature. An additional valve (not shown) is provided to ensure that the water reaches not only the desired temperature but also the desired pressure. This line continues downstream of the water heater 7 to the interface 8.

[0050] The coffee brewing machine 1 typically includes a coffee brewing area 19, such as a notch or recess within a housing 3. This housing can be used to insert a portafilter 9 by holding a handle 10 and securely attaching it to a corresponding interface 8. Furthermore, a user input / output device 13 is provided. Once the portafilter is inserted into area 19 and attached to the interface 8, the user can initiate the desired brewing process by interacting with the interface 13. The coffee is then brewed and flows into a coffee cup 11 located on a corresponding stand 12 of the machine 1.

[0051] Control of the coffee brewing machine 1 is performed by the corresponding brewing machine control unit 14. Data transmission lines are shown as dashed lines. The control unit 14 typically has a data line to a sensor that detects the water level in the water container 4. The control unit 14 also has a data line to the pump, which controls the speed and / or duration of the pump's operation. Furthermore, there are data and control lines to the heater 8 to adapt and control the heating process. As described above, typically, in addition to the elements shown, there are valves and further sensor elements, which are also controlled by the control unit 14 or used for control by the control unit 14.

[0052] Coffee bean grinder 2 also has a separate housing 22. Typically, a coffee bean container 20 is mounted on this housing, and the coffee bean container 20 can be refilled with coffee beans by opening its top. At the bottom end of the coffee bean container 20, which usually converges towards the bottom, is the actual grinding mechanism or grinder module 24, i.e., the actual grinding elements, typically one ring-shaped stationary grinder element and one conical rotary grinder element, the rotary grinder element being driven by a motor. Furthermore, an automatic adjustment mechanism is provided to adjust the rotational speed of the motor, the torque of the motor if necessary, and the width of the slot between the two grinder elements to adjust the resulting particle size. Control in the coffee bean grinder 2 is coordinated by a grinder control unit 26. Corresponding data lines are indicated by dashed lines. The grinder also typically has a user input / output device (not shown) that communicates with the grinder control unit 26 or is integrated with the grinder control unit. Furthermore, the coffee bean grinder 2 may include a load cell 25 in a separate foot 23 that measures the weight of coffee supplied to a portafilter, which is inserted into the coffee grounds supply area and placed on a corresponding holder that cooperates with the foot / load cell. This load cell 25 also data-connects to a grinder control unit 26, which receives information about the effective weight of coffee grounds filled in the portafilter.

[0053] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a separate sensor unit 5 is provided, which is simply placed on a base 12 and itself forms an upright platform for the cup 11. Thus, the separate sensor unit 5 is located between the cup 11 and the base 12 of the coffee machine. The coffee machine does not need to be adapted in any way; the only requirements for installation are to displace the separate sensor unit 5 into the coffee brewing area 19 and, if necessary, to attach the sensor unit 5 to a power supply. This attachment can be a separate power supply attachment, or it can be attached directly or indirectly to the power supply of the coffee machine.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, the sensor unit includes a bottom housing, which is a bottom 27, and a load cell 15 is provided inside this housing for measuring the weight of an object placed on the cup surface 30. The bottom surface 31 of the sensor unit is placed on the upper surface of the stand 12.

[0055] In addition, the sensor unit 5 includes a central processing unit 17 which is connected to the output of the load cell and, in this case, to a power supply 18 which is connected to the power line 29. The power supply can be based on a rechargeable battery concept, so that the sensor unit can be charged overnight for use the next day. If the above grinder has two modes (adjustment of grinding settings by connection or direct adjustment of grinding settings by the user), the user can also choose to turn off the sensor unit and operate the grinder manually.

[0056] The sensor unit 5 also includes an upright sensor arm 28, on which an optical temperature sensor 16 is positioned. This sensor 16 is connected to the central processing unit 17 (the connection is indicated by a dashed line). Furthermore, the central processing unit is equipped with a wireless communication module (indicated schematically by an arrow) for data communication with the grinder, for example via Bluetooth, or more specifically, with the grinder control unit 26. The grinder control unit 26 itself is equipped with means for wireless communication with the sensor unit 5.

[0057] Therefore, the grinder can continuously monitor and calculate the state of the coffee machine and control the parameters necessary for a certain extraction process (i.e., the fineness of the coffee grounds and / or the amount of coffee grounds) based only on a few presets and data obtained from sensor units. The presets mainly relate to the desired extraction time and the allowable upper or lower deviation at which the correction controlled by the grinder should begin, the desired amount of water for the recipe selected by the coffee machine and the threshold for its adjustment, and / or the desired flow rate profile. In addition, these presets can be assigned to a memory structure, such as recipes, so that switching between different extraction processes resulting from the coffee machine extracting a different drink can be done in a very simple manner. Switching between different presets can be done manually by the user to the grinder itself, or automatically by the coffee machine by sending additional information about the current recipe state (or recipe change) to the grinder without user intervention.

[0058] The true information content of the data provided by the sensor unit depends on the type of load cell and / or temperature sensor.

[0059] Between the detected start and end points of the extraction process, the grinder can easily determine the extraction process parameters, such as the amount of coffee used in this shot, the extraction time, and the flow rate profile and temperature.

[0060] By calculating one or more of these extraction process parameters, the grinder can autonomously adjust the grinding disc (i.e., the distance between the rotating blade and the stationary blade) and / or the amount of coffee grounds, for example by the corresponding timing of grinding, without additional information from the coffee machine, and can be further controlled as needed by the weight cell of the grinder and further variables of the coffee grinder that result in different outputs, such as grinding time, grinding speed, etc.

[0061] In its simplest form, the grinder simply adjusts the spacing between the grinding blades based on one extraction process parameter, such as extraction time. If the default "ideal" extraction time given to the grinder (e.g., 25 seconds) falls below a default value (e.g., 24 seconds) or threshold (in this case, 1 second) derived from an analysis of the ticks of the most recent shot, the grinder automatically increases the fineness of the coffee grounds by reducing the spacing between the grinding blades or grinding discs, and vice versa. In this embodiment, it is important that the grinder grinds the same amount of coffee at a constant rate, which is controlled by either time, weight, or a combination of time and weight.

[0062] However, it is also possible to analyze only the amount of coffee produced per shot. If the predetermined "ideal" amount of coffee given to the grinder (e.g., 10g) exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 12g) obtained from the analysis of the integral of the ticks of the most recent shot, the grinder will automatically increase the coarseness of the coffee grounds by increasing the spacing between the grinding blades or grinding discs, and vice versa.

[0063] Furthermore, the extraction profile (i.e., the weight of extracted coffee extract over time) can be analyzed graphically, and upper and lower limits can be defined along the entire curve.

[0064] In another embodiment of the present invention, the spacing between the grinding blades (or grinding discs) is kept constant. If the extraction time is exceeded, the amount of coffee grounds decreases, and vice versa.

[0065] In a further embodiment, the coarseness and quantity (weight) of the coffee grounds are controlled by a grinder. In this case, at least two extraction process parameters are required. For example, the extraction time and, if necessary, the amount of coffee, become analytical data for each shot. If both the amount of coffee and the extraction time are too high, the amount of coffee grounds must be increased, and the coarseness of the coffee grounds must also be increased. In another example, if the extraction time is too high and the amount of water is too low, the amount of coffee grounds must be decreased, and the coarseness of the coffee grounds must be increased.

[0066] A major advantage of all embodiments of the present invention is that the barista only needs to focus on the grinder and not the coffee machine. In daily operations, the barista's main recipe is a double espresso. The barista, using the grinder's app or GUI, defines once in the grinder's permanent memory the ideal extraction time, ideal water usage, and / or ideal flow profile and control parameters (i.e., distance between grinding blades and / or amount of coffee grounds) that will bring the perfect taste to their double espresso cup. The rest is done autonomously by the grinder.

[0067] In another example, particularly when this complex extraction process needs to be performed by an inexperienced user, the coffee machine transmits additional information to the grinder to control the recipe (i.e., preset and grinding parameters) rather than the grinder itself. In this case, the sensor unit transmits to the grinder all the parameters necessary for the grinder to control the extraction process, such as the ideal extraction time, the ideal amount of coffee and / or the ideal extraction profile (g / sec), and the control parameters, rather than adjusting the grinding disc. If wireless communication between the sensor unit and the grinder is preferred, the sensor unit and the coffee machine can use two separate transmitters, and the grinder can have only one receiver, for example, if the protocol is Bluetooth.

[0068] According to an alternative implementation, the coffee brewing machine may be provided with a dedicated interface that is attached to a corresponding sensor unit. The interface may be provided by data lines within housing 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1. Coffee brewing machine 2 Coffee Bean Grinder 3 1 Housing 4 Water Tanks 5. Separate sensor units 6. Water pump 7. Water flow type heater 8. Interface for portafilter 9 Portafilter 10 9 handle 11 cups Stand for 12 cups 13. User Input / Output Devices 14. Extraction machine control unit 15 5 load cell 16 5 temperature sensor 17 5 CPU 18 5 power supply 19 Extracted coffee supply area 20 coffee bean containers 21 Coffee grounds supply area 22 2 housing 23 2 separate feet 24 Grinder Modules 25 2 load cells 26 Grinder control unit 27 5 bottom / housing 28 5 sensor arm 29 Power lines Top surface for 30 5 cups 31 27 bottom 32 19 rear wall Solid line: Water piping Dashed line: Data / signal line

Claims

1. A sensor unit (5) used in combination with a coffee brewing machine (1) and a separate coffee bean grinder (2), The sensor unit (5) is a separate unit from the coffee brewing machine (1) and also separate from the coffee bean grinder (2). The sensor unit (5) is The bottom (27) located below the coffee dispenser (9) and within the coffee supply area (19) of the coffee extraction machine (1), To fill the coffee dispenser (9) with coffee, at least one load cell (15) is provided to measure the weight of the cup (11) placed on the upper surface (30) of the bottom (27) over time, At least one central processing unit (17) that collects and at least temporarily stores data received from the load cell (15), and is equipped with at least one wired or wireless communication for data exchange with the coffee bean grinder (2), and controls the grinding process of the coffee bean grinder (2), and transmits the data received from the load cell (15) to the coffee bean grinder (2), Equipped with, The sensor unit (5) is installed within the coffee supply area of ​​the existing coffee brewing machine (1) without modifying the existing coffee brewing machine (1), is connected to the coffee bean grinder (2) for data exchange, and at least one of the grinding time, grind size, and amount of coffee grounds of the coffee bean grinder (2), or a combination thereof, is adapted according to the data provided to the coffee bean grinder (2) by the separate sensor unit (5).

2. The sensor unit (5) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one further sensor (16) that measures, preferably over time, directly or indirectly, the temperature of the coffee supplied into or inside the cup (11), Preferably, the further sensor (16) is an optical temperature sensor (16), The sensor unit transmits the data obtained from the further sensor (16) to the central processing unit (17), where it is collected and at least temporarily stored, and thereafter transmits it to the coffee bean grinder (2) simultaneously with, before, or after the transmission of the data received from the load cell (15).

3. The sensor unit (5) according to claim 2, wherein the further sensor (16) is mounted on or within a sensor arm (28) that protrudes vertically above the upper surface (30), preferably at a height suitable and adapted for optically measuring the temperature of coffee entering or inside the cup (11).

4. The sensor unit (5) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the further sensor (16) is mounted above the upper surface (30) at a height of at least 50 mm, preferably at least 75 mm, preferably in the range of 75 mm to 160 mm, or in the range of 80 mm to 120 mm, and more preferably its optical axis is directed diagonally downward into the interior of the cup (11) located on the upper surface (30).

5. The sensor unit (5) according to claim 3, wherein the sensor arm (28) is positioned behind the cup (11), preferably near or adjacent to the rear wall (32) of the coffee extraction supply area (19) of the coffee extraction machine (1).

6. A sensor unit (5) according to claim 3 or 5, The bottom portion (27) has a vertical height in the range of 2 mm to 40 mm, preferably in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 7 mm to 15 mm, and / or The bottom portion (27) has a horizontal length and / or width in the range of 50 mm to 140 mm, preferably in the range of 80 mm to 120 mm, and / or The sensor unit wherein the height of the sensor arm (28) above the upper surface (30) is in the range of 75 mm to 160 mm, preferably in the range of 80 mm to 120 mm.

7. A sensor unit (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bottom portion (27) comprises a housing preferably made of a thermoplastic material, having a bottom surface (31) and an upper surface (30) on which the cup (11) is placed. The housing comprises the load cell (15), the central processing unit (17), and a power supply (18) in the form of a battery and / or a wired power supply. The sensor unit (5) is preferably suitable for being placed on the stand (12) of the coffee brewing machine (1) without modifying the stand (12) of the coffee brewing machine (1) or the coffee brewing machine as a whole.

8. A sensor unit (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising means for tare the weight measurement value by the load cell (15) at the moment the cup (11) is placed on the upper surface (30), The tare function can be started manually by a corresponding operating button, or by electrical or electronic control, preferably by the sensor unit, which can be started when the load cell (15) detects that the first drop of coffee has hit the cup.

9. A sensor unit (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the central processing unit (17) transmits data to the coffee bean grinder (2) by wireless communication to the grinder control unit (26), preferably by one of the standards selected from Bluetooth, BLE, ZigBee, Z-wave, 6LoWPAN, Thread, LoRaWAN, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, and NFC.

10. A sensor unit (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the central processing unit (17) transmits data received from the load cell (15) over time, including a rate of change over time.

11. A method for operating a coffee brewing machine (1), a separate coffee bean grinder (2), and a separate sensor unit (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The sensor unit (5) is a separate unit from the coffee brewing machine (1) and the coffee bean grinder (2). The sensor unit (5) is The bottom (27) of the coffee dispenser (9) of the coffee extraction machine (1) and located within the extracted coffee supply area (19), To fill the coffee dispenser (9) with coffee, at least one load cell (15) is provided to measure the weight of the cup (11) placed on the upper surface (30) of the bottom (27) over time, At least one central processing unit (17) that collects and at least temporarily stores data received from the load cell (15), and is equipped with at least one wired or wireless communication for data exchange with the coffee bean grinder (2), and controls the grinding process of the coffee bean grinder (2), and transmits the data received from the load cell (15) to the coffee bean grinder (2), Equipped with, The separate sensor unit (5) is displaced within the existing brewed coffee supply area (19) of the coffee brewing machine (1) without essentially modifying the coffee brewing machine (1), and is connected to the coffee bean grinder (2) for data exchange. The method wherein the grinding time and / or grinding degree and / or amount of coffee grounds of the coffee bean grinder (2) are adapted in accordance with data provided to the coffee bean grinder (2) by the separate sensor unit (5) without further data exchange between the coffee bean grinder (2) and the coffee extraction machine (1).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the coffee bean grinder (2) comprises at least one grinder module (24), at least one coffee bean container (20), at least one grinder control unit (26) equipped with means for exchanging data with the separate sensor unit (5), and preferably a load cell (25) for measuring the weight of coffee grounds into a portafilter located in the coffee grounds supply area (21) of the coffee bean grinder (2).

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the coffee brewing machine (1) comprises at least one water tank (4), at least one water pump (6), at least one water-flow heater (7), an interface (8) to a portafilter (9), and a brewed coffee supply area (19) below the portafilter (9) for arranging a cup (11) filled with liquid coffee during the brewing process.

14. A kit of components comprising a sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a separate coffee bean grinder (2), and a separate coffee brewing machine (1), The sensor unit (5) is a separate unit from the coffee brewing machine (1) and the coffee bean grinder (2). The sensor unit (5) is The bottom (27) located below the coffee dispenser (9) of the coffee extraction machine (1) and within the extracted coffee supply area (19) of the coffee extraction machine (1), To fill the coffee dispenser (9) with coffee, at least one load cell (15) is provided to measure the weight of the cup (11) placed on the upper surface (30) of the bottom (27) over time, At least one central processing unit (17) that collects and at least temporarily stores data received from the load cell (15), and is equipped with at least one wired or wireless communication for data exchange with the coffee bean grinder (2), and controls the grinding process of the coffee bean grinder (2), and transmits the data received from the load cell (15) to the coffee bean grinder (2), A kit of parts that includes [the necessary components].

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