METHOD FOR DISPENSING GROUND COFFEE.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for dispensing ground coffee for preparing a coffee beverage. The method comprises the steps of: providing a machine (110), comprising one or more receptacles (13, 14) for storing one or different types of roasted coffee beans; one or more dosing devices (60, 70) for dispensing coffee beans, which are stored in the one or more receptacles (13, 14); and a grinder (30) for receiving coffee beans, which are dispensed by the one or more dosing devices (60, 70), the grinder (30) being configured to move to different grinding positions for different degrees of grind, respectively. - configure the grinder (30) so that the grinder (30) is in a specific grinding position, dispense, using one or more dosing devices (60, 70), a specific amount of coffee beans to the grinder (30) after the grinder (30) setting stage;and grind, with the grinder (30), the specific quantity of coffee beans and, therefore, supply ground coffee beans until the grinder (30) is free of coffee beans.;

Description

METHOD FOR DISPENSING GROUND COFFEE 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for dispensing ground coffee, in particular for preparing a coffee beverage. 2. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND Typically, a system is used to dispense ground coffee in a fully automatic beverage machine. The fully automatic machine provides a completely automated process that begins with the storage of roasted coffee beans and ends with the dispensing of the coffee beverage into a cup. Usually, the coffee beans are stored in a hopper, or container, and are in direct contact with a grinder provided for grinding the roasted coffee beans. Therefore, the grinder is filled with coffee beans. Then, the dispensing of the ground coffee (grinding) can be done volumetrically, either by time or by the number of revolutions of the grinder. However, this process leads to two main problems. First, storing coffee beans in containers causes them to age and, therefore, degrade. In other words, coffee beans, as a natural product, undergo oxidation. The taste of oxidized coffee beans can be easily detected by the consumer. For example, according to an internal sensory study, this oxidized taste can be detected when 80 micrograms of oxygen (O2) are absorbed by 1 gram of coffee, which, in terms of volume ratio, leads to 3% oxygen / coffee or 15% air / coffee. According to the first edition of the Specialty Coffee Association's Coffee Freshness manual, even very low levels of oxygen (less than 2%) have been found in packaged coffee, migrating into the coffee and facilitating oxidation reactions.Furthermore, research shows that certain aroma compounds in coffee begin to dissipate almost immediately after grinding, with the greatest rate of chemical freshness loss occurring in the first month of coffee storage. This rate can vary depending on the coffee blend, roast level, and extraction technique. Carbon dioxide also affects extraction: espresso extraction parameters must be adjusted to account for the coffee's freshness, as carbon dioxide increases resistance to water flow and impairs contact between the extraction water and the coffee. Secondly, adjusting the grinder settings for a specific coffee beverage is either impossible or extremely difficult. This adjustment requires setting the grinder to grind the coffee beans to the desired grind size (i.e., particle size, coarseness, or coarseness) for the intended beverage. However, because the grinder is full of coffee beans, they block its movement, preventing it from adjusting to the correct grind size. Therefore, fully automatic machines use a single grinder with only one setting for different beverages such as ristretto, espresso, and lungo.However, this leads to a compromise in the quality of the beverage, as different coffee drinks require, among other things, different particle sizes. For example, an espresso requires a smaller particle size and therefore a finer grind than a lungo to produce a good-tasting coffee drink. In other words, in pressure extraction coffee machines (including fully automatic ones), the flow rate depends on the coffee grind (i.e., the particle size distribution): finer grinds are required for espressos and ristrettos, which need a slower flow to extract the correct amount of flavor from the coffee bed for the desired drink size. Conversely, lungo coffees require coarser grinds, leading to faster flows to extract the correct amount of flavor from the coffee bed for the "longer" drink size without over-extraction. Generally, extraction yield is a parameter adjusted to prepare a good-tasting coffee beverage. Extraction yield is the percentage by mass of ground coffee that ends up dissolved in the brewed coffee. According to the SCAE (Specialty Coffee Association Europe), an extraction yield of 18 to 22%, ideally 20%, is desired from the coffee bed to obtain a balanced and, therefore, organoleptically pleasing coffee beverage. To achieve this, and to maintain a 20% yield, the barista adjusts the particle size, i.e., the grind size, to the specific coffee beverage. Values ​​below this recommended yield are considered under-extraction, and values ​​above this recommended yield are considered over-extraction. Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a system for dispensing ground coffee into a beverage preparation machine and a method for dispensing ground coffee into a beverage preparation machine that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. Specifically, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a system and a method that provides an improved automated process for grinding coffee beans for different types of coffee beverages without compromising the quality of those beverages. These and other objects, which become evident upon reading the following description, are addressed by the subject matter of the independent claim. The dependent claims relate to additional preferred embodiments of the invention. 3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A system for dispensing ground coffee, in particular for preparing a coffee beverage, comprises: one or more receptacles for storing one or different types of roasted coffee beans; one or more dosing devices for dispensing coffee beans, which are stored in one or more receptacles; and a grinder for receiving coffee beans dispensed by one or more dosing devices for grinding said coffee beans and subsequently dispensing the ground coffee beans; the grinder is thus configured to move to different grinding positions for different degrees of grinding, respectively. One or more dosing devices are arranged between one or more receptacles and the grinder in such a way that one or more dosing devices can act as one or more retaining elements to hold coffee beans within the one or more receptacles. In this way, the one or more dosing devices act as retaining elements to dispense coffee beans stored in the one or more receptacles.In other words, one or more dosing devices can switch between a holding mode and a dispensing mode, where in the holding mode, the one or more dosing devices act as one or more holding elements (i.e., the coffee beans stored in the one or more receptacles lie and / or are supported in the one or more dosing devices without being dispensed), and where in the dispensing mode, the one or more dosing devices are arranged to dispense the coffee beans, which are stored in the one or more receptacles. The system further comprises a control unit for controlling one or more dosing devices and the grinder, wherein the control unit is configured to control one or more of the dosing devices so that a specific quantity of coffee beans is dispensed into the grinder and to control the grinder so that the grinder grinds said specific quantity of coffee beans and thereby dispenses the ground coffee beans until the grinder is free of coffee beans, so that the grinder can subsequently be moved to one of the different grinding positions. Therefore, when the specified quantity or amount of coffee beans is ground and thus supplied by the grinder, the grinder is always free of coffee beans. In this state, free of coffee beans, the grinder can move to a specific grinding position with a specific grind size to dispense ground coffee with a particle size specifically designed for a particular or desired type of coffee beverage. Therefore, the system, and in particular the grinder, does not provide just one particle size of ground coffee, but rather a plurality of different particle sizes (specifically, portions of ground coffee particles with different mean volume moment (De Brouckere mean diameter, D[4,3]) for a plurality of different coffee beverages. As such, the system does not compromise between different types of coffee beverages. Therefore, the system can automatically configure not only the type of coffee beans (origin, roast level, etc.), a specific quantity of ground coffee, a specific volume of water at a specific temperature, a specific pressure (drip rate, pressure, etc.), and an extraction time, but also a specific grind size—that is, a specific particle size of the ground coffee. Thus, based on a user request, the system can also supply a specific particle size of ground coffee, tailored to the desired coffee beverage. Consequently, there is no risk, or at least a significantly reduced risk, of the coffee being under- or over-extracted, thereby improving the quality of the coffee beverage. The grinder may comprise two grinding elements, separated by a distance and relatively movable relative to each other, to grind the coffee beans received between them. In other words, the grinding element may define a space into which the coffee beans enter and are subsequently ground. This achieves highly efficient grinding of the coffee beans. The two grinding elements, i.e., the space between them, may also define an inlet for the coffee beans and an outlet through which the ground coffee is dispensed by the grinder. For the relative movement of the two grinding elements, e.g., a rotational movement around an axis of rotation, only one or both grinding elements may be movable. The grinder can be configured to vary this distance to move the grinding elements, and therefore the grinder itself, between different grinding positions. Therefore, the grinder can be moved very easily between these different grinding positions. Each of the one or more receptacles can be connected to one or more respective dosing devices, preferably in such a way that each of the one or more receptacles and the respective dosing device can be disposed of as a complete unit. Therefore, the system can be manufactured and / or maintained very easily, in particular without dislodging coffee beans, which are stored in the container, to an external part of the receptacles during disposal of the entire unit. The system may also include a measuring unit for measuring the quantity of coffee beans dispensed by one or more dosing devices and configured to send signals to the control unit indicating the measured quantity of coffee beans dispensed. This helps provide a feedback loop for highly accurate coffee bean dosing. Preferably, the measuring unit is part of one or more dispensing devices and / or is incorporated into one or more dispensing devices. In other words, one or more dispensing devices can also be adapted to perform the functions of the measuring unit; that is, the one or more dispensing devices can also be adapted to measure the quantity of coffee beans dispensed. This provides a very compact arrangement for dispensing and measuring the quantity of coffee beans dispensed. Furthermore, the one or more dispensing devices and the measuring unit can be moved together as a single unit. This simplifies the assembly and maintenance of the one or more dispensing devices and the measuring unit. Alternatively, the measuring unit can be supplied separately from the one or more dispensing devices. The measuring unit may be configured to measure the volume, weight, and / or number of coffee beans dispensed by one or more dispensing devices. Therefore, the quantity of coffee beans dispensed by one or more dispensing devices can be calculated based on the volume, weight, and / or number of coffee beans. The system may comprise only one grinder. Therefore, a very simple and compact machine design is provided, particularly when only one grinder is provided for a plurality of dosing devices and / or a plurality of receptacles. Alternatively, the system may comprise a plurality of grinders, where each grinder is arranged to receive coffee beans dispensed by one or more of the dosing devices. The system may further comprise one or more drive units, such as one or more motors for moving the grinder, in particular the grinding elements, between different grinding positions and / or for operating the grinder to grind coffee beans, wherein the one or more drive units are preferably detachably connected to the grinder. For example, the system may comprise one drive unit for moving the grinder between different grinding positions and another drive unit for operating the grinder to grind coffee beans. If the system comprises a plurality of grinders, the detachable connection allows one of the grinders to be separated or removed from its respective drive unit, while the coffee bean grinding process continues with the other respective rollers. Therefore, the system can be repaired and operated to dispense ground coffee simultaneously. The grinder can be of a conical burr type or a flat burr type. The grinder can be adapted to grind coffee beans at a constant and / or variable speed (e.g., rotation speed). For example, based on the control input, particularly the type of coffee beverage, the grinder can adjust its grinding speed accordingly. Alternatively, the grinder can be adapted to grind coffee beans for different types of coffee beverages at the same (constant) speed. The system may further comprise an additional retention element, where the additional retention element is arranged to force the coffee beans, received by the grinder, into the grinder, specifically into a gap defined by the two grinding elements, for grinding. This additional retention element thus prevents the coffee beans from jumping out of the grinder. Furthermore, the additional retention element facilitates the rapid grinding of a specific quantity of coffee beans by the grinder. The control unit can be configured to receive presence signals indicating the presence or absence of coffee beans in the grinder and to control the grinder in such a way that it continues grinding, specifically by moving the two grinding elements relative to each other, at least until the control unit receives presence signals indicating the absence of coffee beans. In other words, the grinder's state, in which it is free of coffee beans, can be identified based on these presence signals. These presence signals can be generated by the control unit itself (e.g., by evaluating parameters for operating the grinder) or can be provided from a source other than the control unit, e.g., by a presence sensor. Preferably, presence signals are based on a detected force and / or torque used to operate the grinding mill, specifically by moving the grinding elements relative to each other. The control unit receives presence signals indicating absence if the detected force and / or torque falls below a defined threshold value. In other words, the force and / or torque is detected to determine the end of the grinding process, which is carried out by the mill. Therefore, a low-cost solution is provided for supplying presence signals, notably without requiring additional sensors. The control unit can be configured to receive a specific control input. Based on this input, the control unit is then configured to move the grinder to one of several grinding positions and / or to dispense a specific quantity of coffee beans. The system can thus provide ground coffee that is particularly well-suited to the specific control input. The control input can be a recipe, specifically a recipe for preparing a coffee beverage. The system may also include a user interface, functionally connected to the control unit, for entering the control input. Each of the one or more receptacles may be an airtight container, preferably at least partially made of an oxygen-barrier material. Therefore, the coffee beans stored in the receptacles are prevented from degrading due to oxidation. Each dosing device can be configured to act as either a pump or a reverse pump for dispensing coffee beans. Therefore, one or more dosing devices facilitate highly precise dosing of coffee beans, which can optionally be dispensed back into the respective hopper. The system may further comprise a weighing unit, where the weighing unit is arranged to measure the weight of the ground coffee, which is ground and dispensed by the grinder, wherein the weighing unit is configured to send signals to the control unit indicating the measured weight of the ground coffee received, wherein the control unit is preferably configured to control the grinder such that the grinder operates to grind, in particular by moving the two grinding elements relative to each other, at least until the weight of the ground coffee, as measured by the weighing unit, corresponds to the quantity of coffee beans, as measured by the measuring unit. In other words, the weighing unit can help identify the state of the grinder in which the grinder is free of (i.e., without retained or remnant of) coffee beans. The system may also include a percolation unit to receive the ground coffee beans, which are dispensed by the grinder, to percolate a coffee beverage with the received ground coffee beans. According to the invention, a method is provided for dispensing ground coffee to prepare a coffee beverage. The description with respect to the system applies analogously to the method. The method comprises the steps of: providing a machine (e.g., according to the system described above), comprising one or more receptacles for storing one or different types of roasted coffee beans; one or more dosing devices for dispensing beans, which are stored in the one or more receptacles; and a grinder for receiving coffee beans, which are dispensed by the one or more dosing devices, the grinder being configured to move to different grinding positions for different degrees of grind, respectively; and setting the grinder so that the grinder is in a specific grinding position.Dispense, using one or more dosing devices, a specific quantity of coffee beans to the grinder after the grinder setup stage (i.e., the grinder setup stage is performed before the dispensing stage); and grind, using the grinder, that specific quantity of coffee beans and thus dispense the ground beans until the grinder is free of coffee beans; The method may further comprise the step of moving the mill, preferably with a drive unit such as a motor, into one of the different grinding positions after the grinding stage. The grinder may comprise two grinding elements, which are separated by a distance and relatively movable from each other to grind the coffee beans received between the two grinding elements. The method may also include the step of varying this distance to move the grinding elements and, therefore, the grinder between the different grinding positions. The machine can only include one grinder. The method may further include the step of separating the grinder, such as by separating the grinder from the drive unit. The grinder can be of a conical burr type or a flat burr type. The grinder can grind coffee beans at a constant and / or variable speed. The method may further comprise the steps of: detecting the presence of coffee beans received by the grinder and operating the grinder to grind at least during the detection of the presence of coffee beans, e.g., until a non-presence of coffee beans is detected by the grinder. The method may further comprise the steps of: detecting a force and / or torque, which are applied to operate the mill for grinding, and stopping the grinding if the detected force and / or torque falls below a defined threshold value. The method may further comprise the steps of: introducing a specific control input and moving the grinder into one of the different grinding positions based on that specific control input, and / or dispensing, with one or more of the dosing devices, a specific quantity of coffee beans based on that specific control input. The control input can be a recipe, specifically a recipe for preparing a coffee beverage. The machine may also include a user interface for entering the control input. The method may further comprise the stage of forcing, such as with a retention element, coffee beans, which are received by means of a grinder, towards the grinder, in particular, in a gap delimited by the two grinding elements, to grind these coffee beans. Each of the one or more receptacles may be connected to a respective one or more dosing devices, wherein the method preferably further comprises the step of removing at least one of the one or more receptacles and the respective dosing device as a complete unit. Each of the one or more receptacles may be an airtight container, preferably at least partially made of an oxygen barrier material. Each of the dosing devices can be configured to act as a pump or as a reverse pump to dispense coffee beans. The method may further comprise the steps of measuring, with a measuring unit, the quantity of coffee beans dispensed by one or more dosing devices and sending signals, with the measuring unit, indicative of the measured quantity of coffee beans dispensed. The measuring unit may measure the volume and / or weight and / or number of coffee beans dispensed by the one or more dosing devices. The method may further comprise the steps of: measuring, with a weighing unit, the weight of the ground coffee, which is ground and dispensed by the grinder, and sending signals, with the weighing unit, indicating the measured weight of the ground coffee received. Optionally, the method further comprises the step of: operating the grinder to grind, in particular by moving the two grinding elements relative to each other, at least until the weight of the ground coffee, measured by the weighing unit, corresponds to the quantity of coffee beans measured by the measuring unit. The method may also include the stage of receiving, through a percolation unit, ground coffee beans that are dispensed by means of the grinder. 4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention is then described illustratively with reference to the accompanying figures, in which Figure 1 is an illustrative coffee control percolation diagram; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a system for dispensing ground coffee; Figure 3 is a schematic view of a system according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a schematic view of a system according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a graph that illustrates the extraction performance of different coffee beverages that can be prepared with a system according to one embodiment of the invention. 5. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED MODALITY Figure 1 shows a coffee percolation control diagram. The y-axis represents resistance, indicating how much coffee solids end up dissolved in the brewed coffee water. Resistance is expressed as total dissolved solids (TDS) and can be measured with a refractometer. The resistance level can be a matter of preference. For example, drip coffee might ideally have a resistance level (TDS) in the range of 1.2% to 1.45%. The x-axis represents extraction yield, indicating the percentage by mass of the coffee grounds that end up dissolved in the brewed coffee. Ideally, the extraction yield is in the range of 18% to 22%. Extraction yield depends, in particular, on the type of coffee (origin, roast level, etc.), the amount of ground coffee per beverage, the beverage volume, the percolation water temperature, and the brewing technique (pressure, drip, etc.).), extraction time, and grind size of the ground coffee. In Figure 1, the ideal TDS range and the ideal extraction yield range overlap, forming the box at the center of the diagram. This central box can represent the optimal cup of drip coffee. Depending on preference, one can also have a coffee that falls within the ideal extraction yield range (18% to 22%) but with a TDS level higher or lower than that ideal. For example, a coffee within the ideal extraction yield range and with a TDS of approximately 5% to 8% is a lungo; a coffee within the ideal extraction yield range and with a TDS of 8% to 12% is an espresso; and a coffee within the ideal extraction yield range and with a TDS of 12% to 18% is a ristretto. Figure 1 also shows lines of constant percolation ratios, expressed in grams per liter. That is, if the weight of the ground coffee and the amount of water needed to prepare the respective coffee beverage are known, the corresponding line can be found on the diagram. The TDS and extraction yield will then fall somewhere on that line, e.g., at or outside the ideal extraction yield. For example, for a given percolation ratio, the coffee beverage extraction yield achieved is below the ideal extraction yield. To achieve a coffee beverage with an identical percolation ratio but at the ideal extraction yield, parameters affecting the extraction yield can be adjusted.As such, the same percolation ratio can be used—that is, the same weight of ground coffee and water as the previous (lower) coffee beverage—but with a smaller particle size ground coffee. The TDS and extraction yield will then follow the respective percolation ratio line toward the ideal extraction yield. Additionally, or alternatively, other parameters can be used to adjust the extraction yield, such as coffee type (origin, roast level, etc.), percolation water temperature, extraction technique (pressure, drip, etc.), and / or extraction time, as explained previously. Figure 2 shows a (fully automatic) system or machine 100 for preparing a coffee beverage. The system 100 is specifically adapted for dispensing ground coffee into a beverage preparation machine for making a coffee beverage. The system 100 comprises receptacles 11, 12, which store one or more types of roasted coffee beans. The system 100 further comprises grinders 10, 12, wherein grinder 10 is arranged to receive and grind coffee beans stored in receptacle 11, and grinder 12 is arranged to receive and grind coffee beans stored in receptacle 12. The system 100 further comprises guide elements 15, 16, which guide the ground coffee, ground by the respective grinder 10, 12, for further processing in the beverage preparation machine.Before being sent to the beverage percolation machine, the ground coffee can be weighed by means of a weighing unit 50 so as to ensure that the desired amount of ground coffee beans is extracted for the preparation of the coffee beverage. In system 100, as shown in Figure 2, each of the grinders 10 and 12 is connected to its respective receptacle 11 and 12 in such a way that the grinder is completely submerged in the coffee beans. That is, the coffee beans stored in the receptacles 11 and 12 are always in direct contact with the respective grinders 10 and 12. Due to this direct contact of the grinders 10 and 12 with the coffee beans, it is impossible, or at least very difficult, to adjust the grind size of each grinder. Therefore, the ground coffee supplied by each grinder 10 and 12 always has the same grind size. Consequently, system 100 cannot supply ground coffee with different particle sizes.Since particle size has an effect on extraction performance and therefore the quality of the coffee beverage made from the respective ground coffee, the 100 system cannot be used to prepare a plurality of coffee beverages that are respectively at the ideal extraction performance to have good quality. Therefore, System 100 requires that each of the grinders 10 and 12 be configured to provide a respective grind size to achieve a compromise between different particle sizes for different coffee beverages. For example, grinder 10 can be set to supply ground coffee with only one particle size, such as for espresso, while grinder 12 is set to supply ground coffee with only a second particle size, such as for ristretto. Thus, if System 100 supplies ground coffee for preparing a different coffee beverage, e.g.In a lungo, the ground coffee supplied—that is, coffee ground with the first or second particle size—may have a particle size that is either too coarse (large) or too fine for the required particle size, resulting in under- or over-extraction and, therefore, a lower quality coffee beverage. Furthermore, the multiple grinders (10, 12) require significant space and costly production, resulting in a complex and expensive system and the supply of lower quality coffee beverages. These disadvantages of system 100 are overcome by system 110 according to the invention. A preferred embodiment of system 110 is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. System 110 is adapted to dispense ground coffee (such as in a beverage preparation machine), for example, to prepare a coffee beverage. System 110 may be a machine or a part of a machine, wherein the machine is, for example, a (fully automatic) beverage preparation machine. System 110 or the beverage preparation machine may be adapted to provide a fully automatic process, beginning with the storage of roasted coffee beans and ending with the dispensing of the coffee beverage into a cup.Except for a user request to dispense a specific beverage, all stages of the process for preparing the coffee beverage from roasted coffee beans are thus automated by System 110 or the beverage preparation machine. System 110 can be configured as a unit so that, in particular, all its component parts can be moved as a single unit. System 110 can include a housing for accommodating the respective parts of System 110, specifically to form the System 110 unit. System 110 can be adapted for placement in a home and / or on a table. System 110 comprises a plurality, i.e., at least two receptacles 13, 14 for storing one or more different types of roasted coffee beans. Specifically, receptacle 13 may store a first type of roasted coffee beans, while receptacle 14 may store a second type of roasted coffee beans. The respective type of roasted coffee beans may be roasted for a particular coffee beverage and / or may be of a specific origin. However, System 110 is not limited to a plurality of receptacles 13, 14, but may also comprise only one receptacle. The following description regarding the plurality of receptacles 13, 14, therefore, applies analogously to an embodiment in which System 110 comprises only one receptacle. Each of the receptacles 13, 14 can be an airtight container so that the roasted coffee beans, which are stored in the respective receptacle 13, 14, are kept in an airtight environment. To provide the airtight container, each of the receptacles 13, 14 can comprise a respective lid 21. The lid 21 is therefore arranged so that substantially no air or oxygen can move through the opening of the respective receptacle 13, 14, which is closed by the lid 21, into the volume 22 of the respective receptacle 13, 14, in which volume 22 the coffee beans are stored. The lid 21 may comprise a pressure valve 26, so that by means of the pressure valve 26 air may escape from the receptacle 13, 14, in particular from volume 22. Therefore, the receptacles 13, 14 are airtight by means of the respective valve 26 so that the grains are stored in an airtight atmosphere, preventing oxidation.Under normal conditions, valve 26 is closed and maintains internal pressure within volume 22. Each of the receptacles 13 and 14 can have a variable volume, which includes the volume receptacle 22 containing the coffee beans. This volume receptacle 22 is therefore configured to modify its volume to accommodate the quantity of coffee beans stored within the respective receptacle 13 and 14. Various configurations are available for this variable-volume container and the volume receptacle 22. For example, the lid 21 can be a piston-like element, acting as a passive element, which moves by gravity as the coffee beans are dispensed from the respective receptacle 13 and 14. As the beans are dispensed, the lid 21 passively moves downwards to eliminate the air space left by the dispensed beans, thus adapting its volume to the volume occupied by the remaining beans within the respective receptacle 13 and 14.The lid 21 moves downwards under its own weight to compensate for the volume loss caused by the coffee beans (the volume decreases as these beans are dispensed from the respective receptacles 13 and 14). The lid 21 may include a gasket arranged between the lid 21 and the inner walls of the respective receptacles 30 and 40, respectively, creating volume 22, when the lid 21 moves downwards. This gasket minimizes and prevents, as much as possible, the exchange of gas (typically air) between the coffee bean volume and the external atmosphere. This prevents the coffee beans from oxidizing. If the lid 21 is designed as a piston element, the valve 26 can be a threshold degassing valve equivalent to the weight of the piston element. The valve 26 then operates when the respective receptacle 13, 14 is to be filled with beans, and it can also operate when the coffee beans are degassed. Therefore, the lid 21, in the form of a piston element, is arranged to descend with the valve 26 open, thereby evacuating any remaining air within the respective receptacle 13, 14. As such, the pressure of the respective receptacle 30, 40, i.e., volume 22, is maintained while the coffee beans are dispensed and stored in the respective receptacle 13, 14. Under normal conditions, valve 26 is closed, maintaining internal pressure within volume 22. When the roasted coffee beans begin to degas and the internal pressure in volume 22 exceeds the weight of lid 21, valve 26 opens to release the pressure and prevent lid 21, which acts as a piston element, from moving upwards should the internal pressure exceed its weight. This pressure threshold setting ensures minimal or no void space within volume 22, isolating the coffee beans from the external atmosphere (oxygen) as much as possible and preventing piston element 21 (which acts as a lid) from moving upwards if the number of beans in volume 22 decreases. The respective volume 22 of each of the receptacles 13, 14 is preferably formed with a constant cross-section on the vertical (Z) axis. Each of the receptacles 13, 14 may be made, at least partially, of an oxygen barrier material. Preferably, each of the receptacles 13, 14 is made of a material that is moisture and air resistant. Lid 21 may have the same cross-section as the cross-section of volume 22. Lid 21 hermetically seals the top of the respective receptacle 13, 14, i.e., volume 22. Lid 21 may be provided with a handle (on top) so that it may be removed from the respective receptacle 13, 14 to add coffee beans to the respective receptacle 13, 14, i.e., volume 22. In other examples (not shown in the figures), each of the receptacles 13, 14 may be configured as a sachet or bag, which is made of a flexible material.Therefore, when the sachet or bag shrinks, the respective receptacle 13, 14 adapts its volume to the remaining volume occupied by the coffee beans. The flexible sachet or bag is made with air so that, when the coffee beans are dispensed from it, air is drawn from within its volume, and thus the flexible material adapts to the remaining occupied volume. System 110 further comprises a plurality of dosing devices 60, 70, wherein each of the dosing devices 60, 70 is arranged to dispense (i.e., transport) coffee beans stored in receptacles 13, 14. However, the invention is not limited to a specific number of dosing devices. For example, system 110 may also comprise only one dosing device, which is arranged to dispense coffee beans stored in only one receptacle or in a plurality of receptacles. If the system comprises only one dosing device, the description with respect to the dosing devices 60, 70 applies analogously to the single dosing device. The particular one or more dosing devices 60, 70 ensures that only the required quantity or total of coffee beans is always dispensed.Therefore, in particular, too many or too few grains than required are avoided from one or more receptacles 13, 14. System 110 is not limited to a specific arrangement of the dosing devices 60, 70, provided that the dosing devices 60, 70 can dispense the coffee beans stored in the receptacles 13, 14. Each of the dosing devices 60, 70 can be arranged to dispense coffee beans stored in one of the respective receptacles 13, 14. Therefore, the dosing devices 60 can be arranged to dispense coffee beans stored in receptacle 13, and the dosing device 70 can be arranged to dispense coffee beans stored in receptacle 14. The one or more dosing devices 60, 70 are arranged so that one or more dosing devices 60, 70 can act as one or more retaining elements to retain coffee beans within one or more receptacles 13, 14.Therefore, the coffee beans, which are stored in receptacles 13, 14, at least partially rest on or are at least partially supported by one or more dosing devices 60, 70. In a state in which one or more dosing devices 60, 70 are not dispensing coffee beans, the one or more dosing devices 60, 70 thus prevent the coffee beans, which are stored in receptacles 13, 14, from being removed (by gravity) from receptacles 13, 14. Preferably, and as shown in Figure 3, each of the dosing devices 60, 70 is arranged at the bottom of one of the respective receptacles 13, 14 and / or at the outlet of the respective receptacle 13, 14. In this way, the coffee beans stored in each of the receptacles 13, 14 can move by gravity towards the respective dosing device 60, 70. Each of the dosing devices 60, 70 is arranged so that a supply of coffee beans can be selectively blocked or stopped to ensure that the specific or desired (i.e., requested) quantity of coffee beans is always dispensed by the dosing devices 60, 70 to the grinder 30. Each of the dosing devices 60, 70 is arranged to dose or dispense roasted coffee beans from the respective receptacle 13, 14 in such a way that the coffee beans are not subject to any damage. As shown in Figure 3, each of the dosing devices 60, 70 can be configured to act as a pump or as a reverse pump for dispensing the coffee beans. In particular, each of the dosing devices 60, 70 may comprise two counter-rotating cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72, which are arranged to rotate towards an inner center, which is between the cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72.Therefore, cylinders 61, 62, 71, and 72 act as a pump to remove the coffee beans from receptacles 13 and 14. Each of the dosing devices 60 and 70 can be adapted to dispense coffee beans back into the respective receptacles 13 and 14. This can be accomplished by rotating the two counter-rotating cylinders 61, 62, 71, and 72 in a direction opposite to the rotational movement used to remove the coffee beans from the respective receptacle 13 and 14. The ability to dispense coffee beans back into the respective receptacle 13 and 14 allows for very precise dosing, ensuring, for example, that not too many coffee beans are removed from the respective receptacle 13 and 14. Furthermore, it prevents coffee beans from remaining between the cylinders, which would lead to degradation (oxidation) of the remaining coffee beans.In addition, it can prevent the cylinders from being subject to wear such as deformation due to coffee beans remaining for long periods between the cylinders. Each of the dosing devices 60, 70 can be designed to be tightly fitted so that, particularly during phases when no coffee beans are dispensed by the dosing devices 60, 70, no air can enter each of the receptacles 13, 14 via the respective dosing device 60, 70. The tightness of each of the dosing devices 60, 70 can be achieved by using a compressible material. For example, each of the cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72 can be made, at least in part, of a compressible and / or soft material, such as silicone, foam, or other compressible materials. The compressible material thus provides a tight seal, preventing air from entering the respective receptacle 13, 14 via the respective dosing device 60, 70.And since the compressible material of cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72 preferably has a hardness that is less than the hardness of the coffee beans to be dispensed, it is also possible to prevent cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72 from damaging the coffee beans to be dispensed. In other examples, each of the dosing devices 60, 70 may comprise a respective pair of meshing gears for conveying the coffee beans to and from the respective receptacle 13, 14. The pairs of meshing gears may be designed analogously to the cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72, such that the above description with respect to the cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72 applies analogously to the pairs of meshing gears. In another example, each of the dosing devices 60, 70 comprises only one gear, e.g., designed analogously to a cylinder as described above, wherein each of the dosing devices 60, 70 may comprise additional means, cooperating with the single gear, to adjust the respective dosing device 60, 70. Each of the 60 and 70 dosing devices can be configured to dispense coffee beans at a variable speed. For example, the dispensing process of each of the 60 and 70 dosing devices can be divided into an initial phase and a final phase. Thus, each of the 60 and 70 dosing devices can be configured to dispense coffee beans (quickly) in the initial phase at a first speed, and to dispense coffee beans (slowly) in the final phase at a second, lower speed. Therefore, very precise dosing is achieved with the 60 and 70 dosing devices, ensuring that the correct quantity of coffee beans is dispensed.For example, in the initial phase, cylinders 61, 62, 71, and 72 can rotate rapidly, whereas in the final phase, the rotational speed of the cylinders is reduced to dispense the correct quantity of coffee beans. These explanations apply analogously when each of the dosing devices 60 and 70 comprises one or more gears. In system 110, each of the receptacles 13, 14 is connected to one of the respective dosing devices 60, 70. Therefore, receptacle 13 is connected to dosing device 60, and receptacle 14 is connected to dosing device 70. The connection between each of the dosing devices 60, 70 and the respective receptacle 13, 14 can be made by means of a connector or fasteners. Preferably, each of the receptacles 13, 14 and the respective dosing device 60, 70 are connected to each other in such a way that they can be removed (from system 110, i.e., from the other parts of system 110) as a complete unit. Therefore, system 110 can be efficiently manufactured and maintained. For example, each of the receptacles 13, 14 and the respective dosing device 60, 70 may be, at least in part, integrally formed with each other. As shown in Figure 3, the system 110 further comprises a grinder 30 for receiving coffee beans, which are dispensed by means of the dosing devices 60, 70. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the system 110 comprises only one grinder that is arranged to receive coffee beans dispensed by means of the plurality of dosing devices 60, 70 and, therefore, by means of the plurality of receptacles 13, 14. In other examples, the system 110 may also comprise a plurality of grinders 30. Each of the grinders 30 may then be provided for one respective of the receptacles 13, 14 or for a plurality of receptacles 13, 14. The grinder 30 is arranged to receive the coffee beans, which are dispensed by the dosing devices 60, 70, and each of the one or more dosing devices 60, 70 is arranged between its respective receptacle 13, 14 and the grinder 30. For example, the grinder 30 is placed below the dosing devices 60, 70 so that the coffee beans, supplied by the dosing devices 60, 70, move by gravity towards the grinder 30. In other words, each of the dosing devices 60, 70 is arranged before an inlet of the grinder 30. The system 110 may comprise one or more guide elements 17, 18 (a conduit, a tube, a rail, etc.), which are arranged to guide the coffee beans, which are dispensed by the dosing devices 60, 70, such that these beans coffee can be received by the grinder 30.Accordingly, the guide element 17 can be arranged so that the coffee beans, supplied by the dosing device 60, enter the guide element 17 and are subsequently guided by the guide element 17 so that the coffee beans, supplied by the guide element 17, fall (directly) into the grinder 30. Correspondingly, the guide element 18 can be arranged so that the coffee beans, supplied by the dosing device 70, enter the guide element 18 and are subsequently guided by the guide element 18 so that the coffee beans, supplied by the guide element 18, fall (directly) into the grinder 30. Each of the guide elements 17, 18 can be arranged between the grinder 30 and one of the respective dosing devices 60, 70. The Grinder 30 is configured to grind the coffee beans it receives. It is also configured to subsequently dispense the ground coffee. Dispensing of the ground coffee beans by the Grinder 30 is gravity-fed only. Therefore, the Grinder 30 is designed to dispense ground coffee only when the desired particle size is reached. In other words, the Grinder 30 can be configured so that it cannot dispense coffee with a particle size exceeding the desired level. For example, the grinder 30 comprises two grinding elements 31, 32 (i.e., a first grinding element 31 and a second grinding element 32, e.g., a rotor and a stator, respectively), which are separated by a distance and relatively movable relative to each other to grind the coffee beans received between the two grinding elements 31, 32. One of the grinding elements 31, 32, such as grinding element 32, may be fixed (i.e., a stator), while the other grinding element 31, 32, such as grinding element 31, moves relative to (with respect to) one of the grinding elements 31, 32 (i.e., grinding element 31 is a rotor). The relative motion may be rotary and / or about a specific axis of motion (rotational). The grinding elements 31, 32 may form or delimit a space, comprising an inlet and an outlet.Through the inlet, (unground) coffee beans can enter the space to be positioned between the grinding elements 31 and 32 for grinding. Through the outlet, the ground coffee, which has been ground by the relatively movable grinding elements 31 and 32, can exit the space to be supplied by the grinder 30. Therefore, the outlet can have a size corresponding to the desired particle size of the ground coffee to be supplied by the grinder 30. As such, ground coffee with a particle size larger than the outlet size can be prevented from being supplied by the grinder 30. The space is defined by the grinding elements 31 and 32. 31, it can narrow from the entrance to the exit of the space The Grinder 30 is configured to move to different grinding positions for different grind sizes. At each grinding position, the Grinder 30 dispenses ground coffee beans with a specific particle size. Therefore, the Grinder 30 is adapted to provide different particle sizes of ground coffee for different types or recipes of coffee drinks, such as espresso, ristretto, and lungo. In other words, the Grinder 30 allows for varying the grind size for each coffee beverage.Preferably, each of the different grinding positions corresponds to a respective grind size so that the grinder 30 can supply ground coffee with two or more grind sizes or particle sizes (mean volume moment D [4,3] of the ground coffee particles, dispensed by the grinder 30), which are in the range of 50 pm to 1000 pm, such as the following grind sizes (particle sizes): 100 pm (e.g., café ture), 200 pm (e.g., cafetière italienne), 300 pm (e.g., espresso (machine), preferably 230-300 pm), 400 pm (e.g., espresso domestique (lungo, preferably in the range of 320-360 pm), 500 pm (e.g., drip coffee “Café Filtre”), 600 pm (e.g. e.g., vacuum-glass), 700 pm (e.g., metal filters), 800 pm (e.g., French press coffee), and 900 pm (e.g., for percolators). To move the mill 30 between different grinding positions, the mill 30 can be configured to vary the aforementioned distance between the grinding elements 31 and 32. That is, the space can be defined by a surface of grinding element 31 and a surface of grinding element 32. By moving the surface of grinding element 31 away from or toward the surface of grinding elements 32, the distance between the grinding elements can be varied to move the mill 30 between different grinding positions. One or more of the grinding elements 31 and 32 can be arranged to move along a specific axis of movement to vary this distance and thus adjust the space formed by the grinding elements 31 and 32.For example, the movement along this specific axis of movement can be a translational movement, and / or the specific axis of movement can be identical or different from the axis (rotation) of movement to move the two grinding elements 31, 32 relatively to grind the coffee beans between the two grinding elements 31, 32. The variation of the distance between the grinding elements 31, 32 causes the size of the outlet space, delimited by the grinding elements 31, 32, to be adjusted / varied, in particular, to have the size corresponding to the particle size or desired degree of grinding of the respective grinding position. The mill 30 of the type shown in Figure 3 is of a conical burr type. Therefore, the grinding element 31 is practically in the shape of a cone. The space between the grinding elements 31 and 32 is defined by the conical surface of grinding element 31 and a surface of grinding element 32, which is also preferably in the shape of a cone. In other examples, the mill 30 may be of a flat burr type. System 110 may comprise one or more drive units, such as one or more motors, for moving the grinder 30, in particular the grinding elements 31 and 32, between different grinding positions and / or for operating the grinder 30 to grind the coffee beans, in particular, for moving the grinding elements 31 and 32 relative to each other. The one or more drive units may be detachably connected to the grinder 30, in particular, in such a way that the grinder 30 can be removed without removing the one or more drive units. The detachable connection between the one or more drive units and the grinder 30 may be a quick-release mechanical connection, allowing for quick and easy disconnection and thus unplugging the grinder 30. The grinder 30 may be adapted to grind the coffee beans at a constant and / or variable speed. System 110 may optionally comprise a retaining element (not shown) arranged to force the coffee beans, received by the grinder 30, into the grinder 30, specifically within the space enclosed by the two grinding elements 31 and 32. The coffee beans, thus forced by the retaining element into the grinder 30 and preferably into this space, can then be ground by the grinder 30. The retaining element prevents the coffee beans from jumping out of the grinder 30, allowing them to be ground efficiently. The retaining element may be arranged so that the coffee beans are forced into the grinder 30 by the gravitational force of the retaining element. Therefore, the retention element 30 can be arranged on top of the coffee beans, which are received by the grinder 30.The retaining element may be dome-shaped. System 110 may further comprise a percolation unit (not shown) arranged to receive ground coffee beans dispensed by the grinder 30. The percolation unit is therefore adapted to percolate a coffee beverage using the received ground coffee beans. Specifically, the percolation unit comprises an extraction unit. That is, the percolation unit may include a receptacle into which the ground coffee dispensed by the grinder 30 is received, and into which hot water, particularly at a defined temperature, pressure, and / or flow rate, enters to come into contact with the received ground coffee beans to effect coffee extraction for the preparation of the coffee beverage. The percolation unit may be configured to supply the coffee beverage prepared from the ground coffee received by the percolation unit.The percolation unit can dispense the coffee beverage into a cup. That is, the percolation unit is also configured to dispense the coffee beverage, which includes flavorings or soluble particles that dissolve in the water from the ground coffee during coffee extraction. The percolation unit can be arranged so that the ground coffee, dispensed by the grinder 30, is dispensed directly or indirectly into the percolation unit by gravity. For example, the percolation unit is arranged downstream of, i.e., at the outlet of, the grinder 30. With the system 110 comprising the percolation unit, the system 110 can function as a beverage preparation machine. As shown in Figure 4, the system 110 further comprises a control unit 91 for controlling at least the dosing devices 60, 70 and the grinder 30. Therefore, the control unit 91 is functionally connected to at least the dosing devices 60, 70 and the grinder 30 to control them accordingly. The control unit 91 is an electronic control unit, specifically comprising a data carrier, a processor, and a communication interface. The control unit 91 is configured to control the dosing devices 60, 70 so that the dosing devices 60, 70 dispense a specific quantity (e.g., weight) of coffee beans to the grinder 30. Therefore, the control unit 91 is configured to send signals to the dosing devices 60, 70 that are indicative of the required quantity of coffee beans to be dispensed by the dosing devices 60, 70 to the grinder 30.The control unit 91 is preferably configured to control the dosing speed with the dosing devices 60, 70. For example, the control unit 91 can control only one of the dosing devices 60, 70 so that a specific quantity of coffee beans from only the respective receptacle 13, 14 is dispensed to the grinder 30. The control unit 91 can also be configured to control the dosing devices 60, 70 so that a specific mixture (i.e., blend) of coffee beans from receptacles 13, 14 is dispensed by the dosing devices 60, 70 to the grinder 30 so that the specific quantity of coffee beans corresponds to this specific mixture of coffee beans. The specific blend of coffee beans can be a ratio of coffee beans from one of the receptacles 13, 14 to coffee beans from the other of the respective receptacles 13, 14. For precise control of the dosing devices 60, 70 to dispense the specific quantity of coffee beans, system 110 may comprise a measuring unit 80, which is arranged to measure the quantity of coffee beans dispensed by the dosing devices 60, 70. The measuring unit 80 may be arranged between one or more dosing devices 60, 70 and the grinder 30, and / or it may be arranged at the outlet of one or more dosing devices 60, 70 and / or at the inlet of the grinder 30. System 110 may comprise only one measuring unit 80 for a plurality of dosing devices. Alternatively, system 110 may also comprise a plurality of measuring units 80, each measuring unit 80 being arranged for one of the respective dosing devices 60, 70.The measuring unit 80 is further configured to send signals to the control unit 91, which are indicative of the quantity of coffee beans dispensed, as measured by the measuring unit 80. Therefore, the control unit 91 can control the dosing devices 60, 70 to stop the dispensing of coffee beans by the dosing devices 60, 70 when the measured quantity of coffee beans dispensed corresponds to the specific (desired) quantity of coffee beans. Measuring unit 80 can be configured to measure the quantity of coffee beans dispensed by dosing devices 60 and 70 by measuring the weight of the coffee beans dispensed by these devices. Therefore, measuring unit 80 can be a weighing unit. There are also other ways to measure the quantity of coffee beans dispensed by dosing devices 60 and 70. For example, measuring unit 80 can be configured to measure the volume of coffee beans dispensed by these devices. In this case, measuring unit 80 can send signals to control unit 91 indicating the measured volume of dispensed coffee beans. Control unit 91 then multiplies this volume of dispensed coffee beans by a specific value (i.e., a constant, e.g., expressed in grams per volume) to calculate the quantity of coffee beans (e.g.,, a weight) dispensed by the dosing devices 60, 70. Additionally or alternatively, the measuring unit 80 can be configured to measure the quantity of coffee beans dispensed by the dosing devices 60, 70. For example, the measuring unit 80 can measure the quantity of coffee beans by measuring the number of rotations of the rotary cylinders 61, 62, 71, 72. The measuring unit 80 can then send signals to the control unit 91 indicating the measured number of coffee beans dispensed, where the control unit 91 multiplies this number of coffee beans dispensed by a specific value (i.e., a constant, e.g., expressed in grams per coffee bean) to calculate the quantity of coffee beans (e.g., a weight) dispensed by the dosing devices 60, 70. Generally, the measuring unit 80 can be configured to measure the quantity of coffee beans dispensed in a contact or non-contact manner. The measuring unit 80 can be configured to measure the quantity of coffee beans dispensed by the dosing devices 60 and 70 using mechanical and / or conductive means, in particular with a receptacle for receiving the coffee beans dispensed by the dosing devices 60 and 70. The receptacle can also be designed to dispense the coffee beans when the measuring unit 80 completes measuring the quantity of coffee beans. Additionally or alternatively, the measuring unit 80 can comprise electronic and / or optical means for measuring the quantity of coffee beans dispensed by the dosing devices 60 and 70. Preferably, the measuring unit 80 is part of one or more dispensing devices 60, 70 and / or is arranged in one or more dispensing devices 60, 70. In other words, each of the one or more dispensing devices 60, 70 can be provided as a single unit, with a corresponding measuring unit 80. Therefore, each of the dispensing devices 60, 70 can have multiple functions, i.e., at least a dual function, namely, dispensing coffee beans and measuring the quantity (e.g., weight) of the dispensed coffee beans. With such a configuration, the dispensing devices 60, 70 and the measuring unit 80 can also be arranged in a space-saving manner.For example, each of the dosing devices 60, 70 comprises a housing in which, for example, functional parts are arranged for supplying coffee beans with the respective dosing device, wherein the respective measuring unit 80 is arranged in this housing. Control unit 91 is also configured to control grinder 30 so that grinder 30 grinds the specific quantity of coffee beans it receives. Subsequently, the ground coffee beans are dispensed by grinder 30. In other words, control unit 91 is configured to control a force and / or torque that operates grinder 30 to grind the coffee beans. For example, the control unit 91 is functionally connected to one of the drive units to control this drive unit to transmit a force and / or torque to operate the mill 30, in particular, the grinding elements 21, 32, to grind, in particular, such that the mill 30 grinds at a specific (rotational) speed and / or with a specific (rotational) speed profile. Control unit 91 is configured to control grinder 30 so that it grinds a specific quantity of coffee beans and dispenses the ground beans until the grinder is empty. For example, control unit 91 can receive signals indicating the specific quantity of coffee beans dispensed by dosing devices 60 and 70 to grinder 30 and control grinder 30 to grind this specific quantity of coffee beans for a specified time. This time is linked in control unit 91 to the specific quantity of coffee beans (e.g., in a lookup table) and / or is based on the specific quantity of coffee beans. This specific time then lasts for a period at least long enough to grind the respective quantity of coffee beans. Preferably, the state of grinder 30, in which it is free of coffee beans, is determined by control unit 91 based on presence signals indicating the presence (i.e., coffee beans are being received by grinder 30) and absence (i.e., no coffee beans are being received by grinder 30) of coffee beans. Accordingly, control unit 91 is configured to receive these signals and control grinder 30 to operate for grinding based on these presence signals. Control unit 91 then controls grinder 30 in such a way that it operates for grinding (e.g., the two grinding elements 31 and 32 move relative to each other) at least until control unit 91 receives signals indicating the absence of coffee beans being received by grinder 30.In other words, at least as long as control unit 91 receives presence signals indicating the presence of coffee beans received by grinder 30, control unit 91 controls grinder 30 to operate the grinding mechanism. Control unit 91 can be configured to control grinder 30 to stop grinding immediately after receiving the first presence signal indicating the absence of coffee beans received by grinder 30. However, control unit 91 can also control grinder 30 so that it continues grinding for a specific time after receiving the first presence signal indicating the absence of coffee beans received by grinder 30. Presence signals can be based on a detected force and / or torque used to operate the grinder 30 for grinding. For example, the grinder 30, as well as its drive unit for grinding coffee beans, can send signals to the control unit 91 that are indicative of the actual force and / or torque (e.g., detected by a force and / or torque measuring device functionally connected to the control unit 91) used to operate the grinder 30 for grinding coffee beans. These signals can be derived from an (electrical) current used to apply the force and / or torque, specifically to operate the drive unit. Since this force and / or torque depends on the frictional force, i.e., the grinding force, between the grinder 30 and the coffee beans being ground, this force and / or torque will vary depending on the presence of coffee beans being fed into the grinder 30.Therefore, the control unit 91 may include a defined threshold value such that the control unit 91 receives presence signals indicating absence if the detected force and / or torque is below this defined threshold value. In other words, since the control unit 91 determines that the detected force and / or torque is below the defined threshold value, the controller 91 determines that the grinder 30 is free of coffee beans. Alternatively, presence signals may be sent by means of a presence sensor, which is arranged to detect the presence or absence of coffee beans received by the grinder 30. For example, the presence sensor comprises mechanical, electronic, and / or optical means for detecting the presence or absence of coffee beans received by the grinder 30. When the grinder 30 is free of coffee beans, it can then be configured, specifically, moved to one of the different grinding positions. In this state, there are no coffee beans that could obstruct its movement to one of the different grinding positions. Specifically, when the grinder 30 is free of coffee beans, the total quantity of coffee beans dispensed by one or more dosing devices 60, 70 is ground and supplied by the grinder 30. Therefore, there are no coffee beans between the two grinding elements 31, 32. Consequently, the grinder 30 can easily, without any obstruction, move to another grinding position to grind coffee beans and supply ground coffee with a different grind size.When the grinder 30 moves into the other grinding position, i.e., when the grinder 30 has finished its movement from the previous grinding position to the other grinding position, the control unit 91, preferably immediately after the grinder 30 arrives in the other grinding position, controls one or more of the dosing devices 60, 70 to dispense a specific quantity of coffee beans to the grinder 30, the quantity of which is specifically for the respective particle size (e.g., a certain type and quantity (e.g., one or more cups) of a coffee beverage requires a specific particle size and a corresponding quantity of coffee beans and therefore ground coffee). When system 110 is switched off or grinder 30 is removed from the system, e.g., for cleaning, the grinder 30's configuration may have changed undesirably. For this reason, grinder 30 may have a zero initialization value that is set upon each change to the grinder 30 or system 110 configuration and / or upon system 110 startup and / or on a regular time basis. In particular, control unit 91 may be configured to calibrate grinder 30 whenever system 110 is switched on. Grinder 30 may have a zero position, from which each grinding position is set. For example, grinder 30 is in the zero position when grinding elements 31 and 32 are in contact. Therefore, each grinding position corresponds to a specific distance between the grinding elements 31, 32. The zero position can be detected by measuring, e.g.With control unit 91, the force and / or torque applied to the grinder 30 to rotate for grinding is measured. Therefore, when the grinder 30 is not grinding any coffee beans and the force and / or torque exceeds a defined threshold value, control unit 91 detects that the grinder 30 has reached its zero position. Since the current required to operate the grinder 30 for grinding depends on the respective force and / or torque applied to the grinder 30, control unit 91 can also detect that the zero position is reached when this current exceeds a defined threshold value. Subsequently, control unit 91 can establish the respective grinding position of the grinder 30 based on this zero position, such as by moving the grinding elements 31 and 32 apart by a specific distance. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the system 110 may further comprise a weighing unit 50 (e.g., a balance or scale). The weighing unit 50 is arranged to measure the weight of ground coffee, which is ground and dispensed by the grinder 30. Therefore, the weighing unit 50 may be arranged so that the ground coffee, dispensed by the grinder, can move (e.g., by gravity) into the weighing unit 50. If the percolation unit is present, the weighing unit 50 may be arranged so that it dispenses the ground coffee beans (e.g., by gravity) into the percolation unit, which then measures the weight of the ground coffee. In other words, the weighing unit 50 may be arranged between the grinder 30 and the percolation unit. The weighing unit 50 may comprise mechanical means (e.g., a receptacle) and / or electronic and / or optical for measuring the weight of the ground coffee, which is ground and dispensed by the grinder 30. The weighing unit 50 is further configured to send signals to the control unit 91 indicating the measured weight of the ground coffee, received by the weighing unit 50. Weighing unit 50 can be configured to detect the state of grinder 30, in which it is free of coffee beans. More specifically, control unit 91 can be configured to compare the weight of the ground coffee, measured by weighing unit 50, with the weight of the coffee beans, measured by measuring unit 80. If the weight of the ground coffee, measured by weighing unit 50, corresponds essentially (e.g., within a tolerance of 1–5%) to the weight of the coffee beans, measured by measuring unit 80, control unit 91 detects that grinder 30 is in the state in which it is free of coffee beans. This is because virtually all of the specified quantity of coffee beans, dispensed by the dosing devices 60, 70, has been ground and dispensed by the grinder 30. In other words, the control unit 91 is configured to control the grinder 30 in such a way that the grinder 30 operates to grind (e.g., the two grinding elements 31, 32 move relative to each other) at least until the weight of the ground coffee, measured by the weighing unit, corresponds to the amount of coffee beans measured by the measuring unit 80. The control unit 91 can be configured to receive a specific control input, which is, for example, a recipe—in particular, a recipe for a specific type of coffee beverage to be prepared—and / or a dosage parameter or quantity (e.g., weight) of ground coffee, and / or percolation parameters, and / or grinding specifications (particle size, coarseness, etc.). The system 110 may further comprise a human-machine interface (HMI) 90, e.g., a touch-sensitive element such as a touchscreen and / or a button, which is functionally connected to the control unit 91 to receive the control input. Alternatively, the control input may be sent from or derived from receptacles 13 and 14, such that, for example, the control input is based on the coffee beans stored therein. Each of the receptacles 13, 14 may comprise an identification means, which (electronically) stores the control input.Based on a specific control input, control unit 91 can control at least the grinder 30 and / or one or more of the dosing devices 60 and 70 in a specific manner. For example, control unit 91 can be configured to control the grinder 30 to move, based on a specific control input, to one of several grinding positions. For instance, a system user 100 might request an espresso via user interface 90. Control unit 91 then controls the grinder 30 to move to a grinding position that provides the required grind size for the espresso. Alternatively, the control unit can be configured to control one or more of the dosing devices 60 and 70 to dispense, based on a control input, a specific quantity of coffee beans.For example, the control input relates to an espresso, where the control unit 91 will then control the dosing devices 60, 70 to dispense a specific quantity (e.g., weight) and / or type (e.g., roast level and / or origin) and / or blend (e.g., a specific ratio of coffee beans from receptacle 13 to coffee beans from receptacle 14) of coffee beans to the grinder 30. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 91 can be functionally connected to a database 92. The database 92 can contain control parameters for different types (i.e., recipes) of coffee beverages. Based on the control input, the control unit 91 can receive the control parameters from the database 92 for a particular type of coffee beverage. Based on these control parameters, the control unit 91 then controls the system components 110 accordingly, in particular the grinder 30 and / or the dosing devices 60, 70. The database 92 can be provided within the system or machine 110 and / or remotely, e.g., on a server and / or over the internet. Figure 5 shows an illustrative diagram of extraction yields (see y-axis) that can be achieved with System 110 for different coffee beverages (see x-axis). As is evident from this figure, since System 110, i.e., Grinder 30, is adaptable to move between different grind settings and thus provide at least the different grind sizes (or particle sizes) G1 and G2 of ground coffee, System 110 is capable of providing an ideal extraction yield (in Figure 5: 20%) for different types of beverages. For example, a system that could only provide the G2 grind size would produce a coffee beverage that is under-extracted (i.e., below the 20% extraction yield) if a user of this system orders a beverage with 20 ml of coffee, e.g., an espresso.System 110, according to the invention, facilitates the adjustment of the grind size based on the type of coffee beverage requested; that is, the grinder 30 moves to the respective grinding position. Therefore, instead of remaining in a single grinding position to provide grind size G2, the grinder 30 of System 110 will move, before the required amount of coffee beans is dispensed, from the grinding position for grind size G2 to the grinding position for grind size G1 if a user of System 110 requests a beverage with 20 ml of coffee. The dispensed coffee beverage will then have an ideal extraction yield (below: 20%). Similarly, if grinder 30 is in the grinding position to supply ground coffee with grind size G1 and a system user 110 requests a coffee beverage with 100 ml, e.g., a lungo, grinder 30, instead of remaining in the grinding position to provide grind size G1, moves to the grinding position to dispense grind size G2. The dispensed coffee beverage will then also have an ideal extraction performance (below: 20%) instead of being underextracted, as would be the case if the system could only provide grind size G1. According to a second object, the invention relates to a method for dispensing ground coffee, in particular for preparing a coffee beverage from the ground coffee. The method of the invention comprises the following steps: providing a machine 110 (e.g., the system 110 described above as a machine), comprising one or more receptacles 13, 14 (such as receptacles 13, 14 as described above) for storing one or more different types of roasted coffee beans, one or more dosing devices 60, 70 for dispensing beans (such as dosing devices 60, 70 as described above), which are stored in one or more receptacles 13, 14, and a grinder 30 (such as grinder 30 as described above) for receiving coffee beans, which are dispensed by one or more dosing devices 60, 70, the grinder 30 being configured to move to different grinding positions for different degrees of grind, respectively, configuring the grinder 30 so that the grinder 30 is in a specific grinding position, dispensing, with the one or more dosing devices 60, 70,a specific quantity of coffee beans to grinder 30 after the grinder 30 setup stage, and grind, with grinder 30, that specific quantity of coffee beans and thus dispense the ground beans until grinder 30 is free of coffee beans. It should be clear to an expert in the technique that the modalities shown in the figures are only preferred modalities, but other designs of a 110 system may also be used.

Claims

1. A method for dispensing ground coffee for preparing a coffee beverage, the method comprising the steps of: providing a machine (110), comprising one or more receptacles (13, 14) for storing one or different types of roasted coffee beans, one or more dosing devices (60, 70) for dispensing coffee beans, which are stored in the one or more receptacles (13, 14), and a grinder (30) for receiving coffee beans, which are dispensed by the one or more dosing devices (60, 70), the grinder (30) being configured to move to different grinding positions for different degrees of grind, respectively;configure the grinder (30) so that the grinder (30) is in a specific grinding position, dispense, using one or more dosing devices (60, 70), a specific quantity of coffee beans to the grinder (30) after the grinder (30) setting stage, and grind, using the grinder (30), the specific quantity of coffee beans and thus dispense the ground coffee beans until the grinder (30) is free of coffee beans; 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of moving the mill (30), preferably with a drive unit, such as a motor, to one of the different grinding positions after the grinding stage.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the grinder (30) comprises two grinding elements (31, 32), which are separated by a distance and relatively movable with respect to each other to grind the coffee beans received between the two grinding elements (31,32).

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of varying the distance to move the grinding elements (31, 32) and therefore the mill (30) between the different grinding positions.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the machine (110) comprises only one mill (30).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of separating the mill (30), such as separating the mill (30) from the drive unit.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mill (30) is of a conical burr type or a flat burr type.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grinder (30) grinds the coffee beans at a constant and / or variable speed.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of: detecting the presence of coffee beans received by the grinder (30) and operating the grinder (30) to grind at least during the detection of the presence of coffee beans, e.g., until an absence of coffee beans is detected by the grinder (30).

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of: detecting a force and / or torque, which is applied to operate the mill (30) for grinding, and stopping the grinding if the detected force and / or torque falls below a defined threshold value.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of: introducing a specific control input and moving the grinder (30) to one of the different grinding positions based on the specific control input, and / or dispensing, with one or more of the dosing devices (60, 70), a specific quantity of coffee beans based on the specific control input.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the control input is a recipe, in particular, a recipe for preparing a coffee beverage.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, the machine (110) further comprises a user interface (90) for entering the control input.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of forcing, such as with a retaining element, coffee beans, which are received by means of a grinder (30), towards the grinder (30), in particular into a gap delimited by the two grinding elements (31, 32), to grind these coffee beans.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the receptacles (13, 14) is connected to a respective one of the one or more dosing devices (60, 70), wherein the method preferably further comprises the step of eliminating at least one or more receptacles (13, 14) and the respective dosing device (60, 70) as a complete unit.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the one or more receptacles (13, 14) is an airtight container, preferably at least partially made of an oxygen barrier material.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the one or more dosing devices (60, 70) is configured to act as a pump or as a reverse pump for dispensing coffee beans.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of measuring, with a measuring unit (80), the quantity of coffee beans dispensed by means of one or more dispensing devices (60, 70), and sending signals, with the measuring unit (80), indicative of the measured quantity of coffee beans dispensed.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the measuring unit (80) measures the volume and / or weight and / or number of coffee beans dispensed by one or more dosing devices (60, 70).

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of: measuring, with a weighing unit (50), the weight of the ground coffee, which is ground and dispensed by the grinder (30), and sending signals, with the weighing unit (50), indicative of the measured weight of the ground coffee received, characterized in that the method may further comprise the steps of: 5 - operating the grinder (30) to grind, in particular by moving the two grinding elements (31, 32) relative to each other, at least until the weight of the ground coffee, measured by the weighing unit (50), corresponds to the quantity of coffee beans, measured by the measuring unit (80). 10 21. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of receiving, by means of a percolation unit, ground coffee beans, which are dispensed by means of the grinder (30).

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