Coffee grinder-doser comprising a compact, removable, elastically damped weighing group

Abstract

A coffee grinder and dose measuring device (10) providing real-time weight control using a compact integrated weighing group (140) removable from outside the machine in the manner of a horizontally inserted interchangeable cartridge. The device (10) is mounted on the front portion of the machine body (130) in an insertion seat afforded in the machine casing (103, 113), and exhibits a self-supporting rigid housing and an attachment extremity that supports in cantilever and elastically dampens a longitudinal element comprising a load cell which exhibits a freely flexing outward extremity and an opposite extremity fixed to the load cell, an electronic card for load cell management, and integrated means for connecting. The load cell is connected to a filter holder fork (117) through a front opening and associated to an external front cover plate (116) serving to frontally cover at least the attachment extremity, damping elements being interposed in attachment extremity fixing holes in order to elastically support the longitudinal element in floatation inside the machine.

Description

D'AGOSTINICOFFEE GRINDER-DOSER COMPRISING A COMPACT, REMOVABLE, ELASTICALLYDAMPED WEIGHING GROUP

[0001] The present invention is a coffee grinder-doser comprising a compact, removable, elastically damped weighing group .Field of Application

[0002] The invention is applicable in particular, but not exclusively, in the industrial sector of professional bar equipment for preparation of espresso coffee; more in general, the invention can be advantageously integrated into any grinding and dosing device for granular materials.

[0003] Professional machines for preparing espresso coffee that use removable containers for ground coffee equipped with an internal filter, conventionally called filter holders, are widely known. Each filter must be filled in advance with ground coffee powder from a specific type of machine known as a grinder-doser, designed to grind and immediately dose the coffee with precision. In particular, the filter holder must be filled with an exact quantity of ground coffee powder, depending on a number of servings to be dispensed and a desired quality. In professional use either one or two servings can normally be produced, using coffee weights of approximately 7.5 grams and 14 grams respectively for preparation of one or two cups of espresso coffee of equal quality.

[0004] In a coffee grinder-doser, whole roasted coffee beans are generally placed in a conical container located above the main body of the machine, from where theD'AGOSTINI beans fall into a grinding chamber comprising opposing grinders driven by an electric motor. The ground coffee is then expelled by dispensing devices that convey the microgranules of coffee for accurate insertion and dosage in filter holders located near the expulsion aperture, beneath the dispensing devices. In professional applications there is widespread use of electronic coffee grinder-dosers equipped with automatic control and / or detection systems that automatically manage grinding, dispensing, and dosage. These electronic grinder-dosers offer the advantage of reducing the number of actions required by operators, who need only sequentially position a filter holder suitable for a desired dose and select the dose to obtain a predetermined weight or quantity of ground coffee powder at a high level of precision.

[0005] Modern electronic grinder-dosers generally operate under one of two different operating modes: a time-controlled mode, commonly referred to as "grind by time", and a real-time weight-controlled mode, commonly referred to as 'grind by weight.' In both cases, the desired quantity of coffee, either one or two doses, is set in advance by the operator. In the first case, the dose corresponds to a fixed parameter of grinding duration, whereas in the second case the dose corresponds to a fixed weight parameter, namely the quantity of ground coffee powder actually dispensed, expressed in grams. In grind by weight devices, the weight is progressively measured in real time so that the motor can be automatically stopped when the programmed weight is reached, possibly also taking a variable compensation factor into account. From a technical perspective, grind by weight systems must be equipped with an automatic weighing group connected to the electronic control system of the device, with dedicated management programs.D'AGOSTINI

[0006] The most advanced weight control grinder-doser devices are equipped with automatic weighing systems that are structurally and electronically integrated into the device for real-time detection during motorized dispensing of the weight of product actually dispensed, interrupting the process when a preset value is reached. In particular, a known detection device is directly applied to the ground coffee container in order to progressively weigh the product at the outlet of the dispenser together with its container. In this case, the weighing group can be configured as an external horizontal pan scale that integrates individual strain gauges and / or a load cell connected to the device's control unit, onto which the container or filter holder is placed with its supports; for example, see document US6783089 (Lassota). The a n : e- 1 c h ~- » c i e i f e- c t can be obtained with a projecting support element that acts as a lever arm that supports and retains the container below the dispenser outside the machine, the opposite end of the lever arm being inside the machine connected to a means of detecting, for example as in US5386944 (Knepler et al.) and US5522556 (Knepler et al). There are also known devices that integrate a load cell directly connected to a container for ground coffee, positioned beneath the dispenser, that calibrates the dose actually dispensed in each specific case, as for example in EP3097831 (Oddera).

[0007] Nowadays, as a general principle, the integration into the machine body of a grinder-doser of an electronic weighing group can be considered known and conventional, such devices being configured to support by dynamic leverage a container positioned beneath a dispenser for real-time detection of an exact quantity of ground and dispensed coffee; such devices also being connected to the machine's electronic control system. However, there are no known solutions that address a need for innovative and advantageous resolutions for multiple problemsD'AGOSTINI typically encountered in such integrated weighing systems, including low reliability of measurements, extreme sensitivity and fragility of modern electronic load cells, and difficulty for maintenance and / or replacement.

[0008] In principle, modern electronic grinder-dosers of the grind-by-weight type, comprising advanced weighing and control means, offer a high level of convenience of use and are capable of achieving a high degree of accuracy in delivering the desired dosage. In particular, they can detect the quantity actually ground and dispensed, regardless of variables associated with the grinding of roasted coffee, including but not limited to the type of coffee, degree of roasting, humidity, temperature, selected granulometry, and wear of the grinding elements. Consequently, in order to obtain an exact desired weight using a real-time weight- controlled device, operators do not need to check and / or adjust parameter settings for each instance of usage in relation to the above-mentioned variables, unlike conventional devices in which grinding duration is preset as a temporary value. It is known to those skilled in the art that modern grinders equipped with real-time weight control can facilitate practical operation and improve the quality of the service provided. However, it has been experimentally observed that such grinderdosers are structurally very delicate and sometimes exhibit malfunctions that render the weighing operation unreliable, resulting in non-compliant weight values.

[0009] In particular, it is known that problems arise due to a high sensitivity of the integrated weighing means. In fact, in order to dynamically and accurately measure weight variations of very small quantities of product in combination with a high tare weight, as is the case with a conventional filter holder, it is necessary to implement a very precise and sensitive sensor, such as an electronic load cell capable of measuring to an accuracy of one-tenth of a gram. In practice, however, it has beenD'AGOSTINI observed that grinder-dosers equipped with integrated load cells are subject to disturbance caused by motor vibrations during the grinding process, a problem not yet optimally resolved during real-time weighing. In more technical detail, the load cell is required to progressively detect variations in weight corresponding to fractions of a gram while a motor is operating and a grinding elements are rotating to crush beans. As a consequence, high forces generated by the motor and grinding elements can significantly affect weighing accuracy. This drawback is particularly marked when vibrations are transmitted and / or amplified by a supporting structure of a device and the load cell is mounted in a configuration that makes it susceptible to detecting the vibrations.

[0010] Furthermore, in modern weight control grinder-dosers there is a problem of securing, on the front portion of the machine, a filter holder of the type commonly used in espresso coffee machines, without damaging the weighing group. It has been observed that the above-mentioned weighing precision can also be compromised by accidental impacts imparted by operators on the grinder during coupling and uncoupling of the filter holder to the support fork located beneath the dispenser, such holders generally being made of metal and of considerable weight. Such accidental impacts can decalibrate the weighing group or even cause irreversible damage when an impact force exceeds a load cell's maximum load capacity, which is limited due to the extreme sensitivity of load cells. This disadvantage is more marked in devices in which the load cell is connected to the filter holder support fork, as is the case in the above-mentioned lever based solutions. Furthermore, it has been observed that accidental impacts to the support surface or casing can also compromise weighing accuracy, resulting in non-compliant doses. In particular, it has been observed that malfunctions caused by accidental impacts occur moreD'AGOSTINI frequently in bars and restaurants characterised by hurried use of grinder-dosers or use by inexperienced operators.

[0011] It has further been observed that during use of devices provided with realtime weight detection, malfunctions resulting from vibrations or from miscalibrated load cells are not evident to operators, resulting in reduced quality espresso coffee being accidentally served to customers. For example, in professional bar service, a tolerance of the actual dispensed weight equal to or less than 0.2 grams with respect to a single nominal dose of ground coffee powder is generally considered acceptable. It has been experimentally observed that ordinary vibrations and / or accidental impacts to the fork or casing can sometimes result in unreliable load cell detection values.

[0012] Conventional solutions for addressing disadvantages inherent in integrated weighing groups in coffee grinder-dosers include various known systems for protecting load cells from excessive loads, either by means of calibrated yielding systems or by end-stop type limiters. For example, DE202016105762U1 (Mazzer) describes a frontal support for positioning a typical espresso coffee filter holder under a front dispenser, the frontal support comprising a fork for engaging a filter holder, the fork being removable as a consequence of magnetic attachment to a rear portion connected to a load cell mounted inside the machine body, in such a way that attachment is broken under stresses exceeding the load cell tolerances. In EP3019057 (Rego) and EP3158902 (Dunkelberg et al.), two known solutions are described in which load cells are protected from impacts and overloading by travellimiting or end-stop means. In the first solution, a load cell is connected to a filter holder attachment fork by means of a composite lifting structure, comprising outer walls sliding vertically on internal elements configured to limit travel by abutment ofD'AGOSTINI the upper extremity. In the second solution, a load cell is housed in a base element frontally attached to a machine body, the base element integrating a filter holder support fork positioned below a dispenser, with a travel limiter mounted beneath a flexed extremity of a load cell. The limiter comprises an adjustable screw passing through the load cell base plate, an external stop disc, and a spacer sleeve in the hole, such that a free end of the load cell can flex with a controlled maximum vertical deflection range.

[0013] In general, it has been noted that the problem of protecting a modern, highly sensitive load cell from accidental impact or excessive loading derives from accidental impact on a support fork that is structurally connected to the load cell, during use of metallic and relatively heavy conventional bar-type espresso filter holders. It has been observed that known conventional protection solutions employing blocking or travel limiting systems require extreme manufacturing precision because the permitted travel is minimal, sometimes only fractions of a millimetre, making such solutions unsuitable for devices subject to high levels of vibration and comprising structural components subject to coupling and / or forming tolerances and / or degrees of thermal expansion incompatible with the required degrees of precision.

[0014] More serious disadvantages arise in protection systems based on calibrated yielding of a filter holder support, comprising larger sized structural elements exhibiting higher manufacturing tolerances, thermal expansions, and coupling disadvantages. There is also a problem of direction of impact or stress that causes detachment, transverse directions being disadvantaged compared to insertion or coupling directions, resulting in a potential delay in the yielding of the support. It is therefore preferable to provide a protection system that is independent ofD'AGOSTINI geometric and / or manufacturing and / or coupling and / or temperature constraints.Furthermore, it is known that magnetic element retention solutions tend to diminish in holding force over time, rendering the protection system ineffective. Moreover, such protection systems can be inconvenient during frequent or prolonged use.

[0015] In particular, it is known that the above-mentioned protection systems do not solve the concurrent problem of vibrations of a motor and / or support surface, which can significantly affect load cell measurements, causing inadequate and / or inaccurate dose dispensing. More advantageous for this purpose are weighing group isolation systems comprising supporting or fastening elements associated to isolating means. For example, rubber isolating feet are widely known, as are damping rings made of a resilient and / or elastic elastomeric material inserted at motor or weighing group fastening screws, affording a floating effect.

[0016] Finally, it has been found that the most advanced solutions for grinder-doser machines exhibiting integrated weighing groups comprise a modern load cell fixed inside the machine body, in a seat formed in the casing, or in a base plate, or underlying element. It has been experimentally observed that these integrated solutions are inconvenient during maintenance and replacement of a load cell or associated components comprising a weighing group, since it is always necessary to disassemble a machine body of a machine, which generally must be carried out in a workshop by a specialized technician. This disadvantage is particularly onerous in current contexts of professional use, for example bars and restaurants, because intervention times are significant and involve interruption of operation, resulting in significant economic losses.

[0017] On the basis of all the above considerations, the present invention provides an improved electronic coffee grinder-doser with weight control for professionalD'AGOSTINI use, capable of effectively obviating the disadvantages of known art as described above, and of facilitating the above-mentioned maintenance and / or replacement operations.Prior art

[0018] In order to determine the state of the art relevant to the proposed solution, a conventional search was carried out in patent literature by consulting public databases, which led to identification of certain prior art documents, including:DI US6389957B1 (Sham)D2 EP1454574 (Diaz)D3 EP3329811 (Abbiati)D4 IT201900007959 (ECS SRL)D5 EP3606391B1 (Mazzer)

[0019] In DI and D2, damping support elements made of a resilient and / or elastic material are integrated in order to reduce vibrations in motor-driven grinding devices. For example, DI describes a horizontal-axis grinder provided with damping elements directly applied to a rotation support; D2 describes a shop coffee grinder comprising a main body with a hopper for beans, beneath which is located a grinding unit directly mounted on elastic and resilient supports in the form of cylindrical antivibration feet exhibiting a central constriction, which reduce transmission of vibrations and noise during operation. Beneath the grinding unit there is an integrated time-based dosing means that dispenses a predetermined quantity of coffee onto a corresponding receiving plate.

[0020] D3 describes a dosing device frontally attached to a grinding device comprising a dispensing unit provided with a main body, and an intermediateD'AGOSTINI vertical duct configured to receive incoming ground coffee, subsequently discharging the coffee by gravity into an external filter holder, also comprising a valve closing means for obstructing the duct and allowing the accumulation of ground coffee in the duct. A load cell is integrated exhibiting a first end connected to the main body and a second end fixed to the device, suited to measure the weight of the ground coffee accumulated in the duct.

[0021] D4 describes an apparatus for grinding and dosing coffee, comprising a hopper configured to feed whole coffee beans into a motorized grinding unit housed inside a machine body, and a collection dish for ground coffee powder connected to the grinding unit through a feed duct, the collection dish comprising a small inner cup-shaped container closed at its lower extremity by an openable base cover. This inner container connected by a lever mechanism associated to weighing means, of load cell type, configured to detect the inner container weight.

[0022] Both D3 and D4 describe means for preventing vibrations generated by a grinding unit from being transmitted to a load cell, by means of an absorbing device interposed between the machine and the load cell. In particular, in D3 one extremity of the load cell is fixed to a rear surface of a front closing panel by means of a horizontal inward protrusion acting as an integrated support flange. A horizontal plate is positioned between the load cell and the flange, possibly with interposition of damping elements. In contrast, in D4 the load cell connecting the cup-shaped container rests on cushioning support means, comprising an elastic damping element interposed at least between the collection dish and the load cell.

[0023] D5 describes a coffee grinder-doser provided with a weighing group integrated into the bottom of the machine comprising a load cell attached inside a hollow housing structurally incorporated into the base. The load cell is connected toD'AGOSTINI an external vertical stem attached at its uppermost end to a fork suited to support a filter holder intended to receive ground coffee output from a conveyor. The device further comprises closure means for the hollow housing body, attached to the base.Disadvantages

[0024] A disadvantage of such known integrated configurations is that when weighing groups are mounted inside a machine, multiple components must be variously assembled in dedicated seatings in the casing, in a base plate, or an underlying element, where they must each be individually fixed. In general, a modern load cell together with its wiring and the associated connection elements and / or accessories are individually fixed in multiple dedicated housings formed inside the machine, making maintenance and replacement of a weighing group difficult. In such cases it is necessary to disassemble the machine because the load cell and other weighing group components cannot be removed from the outside.

[0025] Secondly, as a consequence of the first disadvantage, machine integrated weighing groups of known type as described above cannot be used as such in differently designed equipment, because each one is made for a specific grinderdoser. In brief, known solutions are neither compact nor removable, and cannot be implemented as such in other machines in the manner of a transferable and standardized unit, commonly referred to as a "carry-over" system.

[0026] Thirdly, it has been observed that in weighing groups in which a load cell is mounted in a housing formed in the bottom of the machine, as for example in D5, dust and dirt tend to accumulate inside the cavity in which the cell is housed. In such cases, clogging and seizure of moving mechanical parts can occur, potentially leading to load cell malfunction and inaccurate measurements.D'AGOSTINI

[0027] Moreover, it is well known that in automatic "grind-by-weight" machines, motor vibrations interfere with the weight detection process because grinding and weighing occur simultaneously. A further disadvantage is the limited tolerance range of a modern weighing group, in which an integrated load cell must dynamically and accurately detect weight variations between minimal product quantities, generally between 7 grams and 15 grams. Therefore, integrating a highly precise and sensitive weighing group within a machine body requires elimination or limitation of vibrations that could affect the quality of measurement, and the device must be protected against accidental impacts or excessive loading, which could cause damage. Solutions are known for protecting load cells against impacts or excessive loading by means of end-stop protection or limiting systems, or solutions designed either to reduce motor-generated vibrations at source, or isolate the entire machine body from the work surface. In practice, such solutions afford some protection for load cells against damage or reduce the overall vibration of the machine, but they do not locally isolate load cells from all vibration sources making inaccurate measurements and progressive miscalibration of load cells possible.

[0028] Certain known solutions, for example D2, provide the advantage of isolating a grinding means in suspension relative to a machine body structure. However, this isolation solution is not applicable to modern bar-type grinder-dosers equipped with automatic weight control and providing highly sensitive weighing means structurally integrated into a machine body. D2-type machine solutions can instead be combined with independent and / or external weighing groups of conventional type, comprising a weighing plate suitable for detecting the weight of a supported container, as used for example in retailing or coffee sold for infusion. Such solutions do not allow use of conventional espresso machine filter holders, requiring rapid frequent engagementD'AGOSTINI and disengagement in a support fork attached to the front of a machine. In such cases, a structural configuration is preferable in which a weighing means is integrated into a machine and connected to a support fork, thereby giving rise to increased problems of vibration, impact, tolerance, and miscalibration.

[0029] Other load cell damping solutions are known, but relating to a functionally different machine from that of the present invention. By way only of example, in D3 a cell detects a weight of coffee accumulated inside a dosing device and not a weight dispensed into a filter holder. In principle, it has also been observed that when a weighing device is integrated in proximity to a motor and / or grinding elements, higher vibrations and miscalibrations can occur, impairing operational effectiveness. It is therefore preferable to integrate a load cell within a machine body as far away as possible from vibration sources, and also to isolate the load cell from rigid components that transmit vibrations, including the machine casing itself. Furthermore, in the solution of the present invention, an external filter holder is used of a measured weight, relative to the weight variation to be detected, matching the tare weight of the container. The filter holder is engaged on each usage into the fork, which is connected to the measuring load cell. Consequently, the load cell must also be protected from loading stresses, which can include impacts.

[0030] More generally, it has been found that load cell protection and / or damping systems are costly and complex to implement in this specific type of machine. Furthermore, it has been observed that, in order to achieve adequate protection and / or damping for a precise and sensitive weighing device connected directly to a filter holder fork, high costs and lengthy adjustment times are required, which cannot be justified when integrated in machine models of relatively short market life cycles. Considering all the above observations, known protection and / or dampingD'AGOSTINI systems are sometimes ineffective. More generally, known solutions are not suitable for the requirements of modern professional use. Possible inaccurate measurements and / or miscalibrations and / or damage to load cells integrated in grinder-dosers are difficult for operators to detect, making frequent machine checks and adjustments necessary. Moreover, it is also known that maintenance and replacement operations are complex and expensive, requiring considerable technical skill and care.

[0031] In conclusion, though highly desirable, there is no known electronic coffee grinder-doser of the grind-by-weight type for espresso filter holders that dispenses a desired quantity with maximum precision and repeatability while comprising a compact and removable weighing device that significantly facilitates maintenance and / or replacement operations, and that is also capable of effectively limiting vibrations reaching a load cell, thereby protecting it. Considering all observations above, there is a clear need in the industry to identify innovative solutions capable of overcoming at least the problems outlined herein.Summary description of the invention

[0032] These and other aims are achieved by the device of the present invention, according to the characteristics defined in the following claims, obviating the above- mentioned disadvantages by means of a real-time weight-controlled coffee grinderdoser (10) equipped with an integrated weighing group (140) that is compact and removable from outside the machine in the manner of a horizontally inserted interchangeable cartridge. The device (10) is mounted on the front portion of the machine body (130) in an insertion seat afforded in the machine casing (103, 113), and exhibits a self-supporting rigid housing and an attachment extremity that supports in cantilever and elastically damps a longitudinal element comprising aD'AGOSTINI load cell which exhibits a freely flexing outward extremity and an opposite extremity fixed to the load cell, an electronic card for load cell management, and integrated means for connecting. The load cell is connected to a filter holder fork (117) through a front opening and associated to an external front cover plate (116) serving to frontally cover at least the attachment extremity, damping elements being interposed in attachment extremity fixing holes in order to elastically support the longitudinal element in floatation inside the machine.Aims

[0033] In this manner, several relevant and important aims are achieved by means of a substantial creative component, the effects of which represent an immediate and non-negligible technical advance.

[0034] A first aim is to provide a modern apparatus for grinding and dosing coffee beans, of the automatic weight-controlled type, equipped with a highly sensitive electronic weighing device having a compact and integrated construction, which can be easily removed from the outside without disassembling the machine, in the form of a removable weighing group functioning as an autonomous and replaceable accessory. The proposed solution allows rapid installation and facilitates maintenance and / or replacement operations, comprising in a single removable unit, together with sensing means, also electronic means for managing the device and means for quick-connection to the machine.

[0035] Such an advantage is particularly desirable when the weighing device is integrated in a grinder-doser intended for professional use, for example in a bar or restaurant, where operation is continuous and the time required by operators to perform such interventions must be kept to a minimum, thereby limitingD'AGOSTINI interruptions of service. The proposed solution provides a compact and integrated weighing device which is mounted on the front of a machine, inserted into the casing, and entirely removable from the outside in the manner of a cartridge, with maximum speed and ease of execution.

[0036] A second aim, derived from the previous one, is to provide a modern weighing system that can be integrated into both new models and existing models, requiring minimal modifications and adaptations, the system exhibiting a closely grouped, optimized, streamlined, and compact configuration. The proposed device is versatile, functioning as a standardized accessory that can be integrated into multiple machines, otherwise referred to as a "carry-over" system. In particular, since it is transferable in existing form, it can be manufactured consistently over time and in high production volumes, thereby ensuring optimization and well- proven, reliable functionality and operating mechanics.

[0037] A third aim is to provide a modern automatic coffee grinder-doser including real-time weight control, also referred to as "grind by weight," suitable for professional use, comprising a highly sensitive electronic weight detection device and a powerful motor, capable of effectively limiting the known disturbances caused by vibrations. In particular, innovative damping means are proposed that effectively reduce transmission of vibrations to a load cell included in a removable weighing group as described, under all operating conditions, thereby achieving higher weighing precision and enhanced protection of the internal device components, including load cells. In practice, the proposed anti-vibration system is capable of damping shocks caused by operators and vibrations generated during grinding, damping being implemented in floatation by interposing anti-vibration means atD'AGOSTINI fixing points, thereby ensuring enhanced stability and centring of the weight detection system.

[0038] In practice, the proposed anti-vibration system limits negative effects on measurement caused not only by vibrations generated by the motor, but also from accidental impacts on the support surface or on the machine itself, as well as impacts caused by engagement of a filter holder with the fork, the system being capable of effectively dissipating all stresses, internal and external, through the same interposed anti-vibration means. Basically, an innovative weighing group is proposed, in which a load cell does not rest directly on the machine body but is instead mounted in cantilever inside the machine and constrained solely by interposed anti-vibration means, as a suspended floating fixture, limiting transmission of the above-mentioned stresses to the cell and other device components.

[0039] A fourth aim is to provide a weighing device in which a load cell is enclosed and protected inside the device, the device being cantilevered inside the machine body in such a way that dirt or ground powder do not accumulate inside the device, instead falling freely downward and collecting at the bottom of the machine by gravity.

[0040] A fifth aim, in combination with the preceding aims, is to provide a compact and integrated weighing device, extractable in the manner of a cartridge, which encloses not only weight-sensing means, but also other components of the system and / or the machine, such as, merely by way of example, one or more electronic cards containing management and control programs, or integrated quick-release or standardized connectors. This solution makes it possible to group and extract these elements jointly, thereby facilitating maintenance or replacement operations, whileD'AGOSTINI also protecting the same elements; in addition, it simplifies internal machine configuration and assembly of individual components, reducing the overall costs of development, line set-up, and assembly.

[0041] The proposed device of the invention thus provides overall an innovative weighing system that is compact, removable, mechanically damped, highly effective, and versatile, capable of obviating the multiple disadvantages set out above and including positive technological innovation. The device of the invention is economical and can be manufactured in large quantities applying modern industrial processes.

[0042] These and further advantages of the invention will better emerge from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings.Contents of drawingsFigures la and lb show the front of a coffee grinder-doser of automatic type with real-time weight control, or "grind-by-weight", as provided by the present invention. In Figure la, the weighing group is schematically indicated by a dashed line, being covered by the front panel with the filter holder fork, whereas in Figure lb the head of the weighing group is visible, the said front panel having been removed.Figure 2 is an orthogonal bottom view of the coffee grinder-doser, with the weighing group inserted inside the machine body.Figure 3a is a partial sectional view of the machine body, along the vertical sectional plane X2-X2 shown in Figure 2. A filter holder engaged with the fork is schematically indicated with a dashed line, and the insertion seat of the weighing group isD'AGOSTINI highlighted with a dashed circle, this seat being shown in the enlarged detail of Figure 3b.Figure 4a is a sectional view of the machine body, along the horizontal sectional plane Xl-Xl shown in Figure lb. The damped mounting of the weighing group is highlighted with a dashed circle and shown in the enlarged detail of Figure 4b.Figure 5 is an axonometric view of the machine body, with the weighing group extracted horizontally from the front insertion seat, and with the external front panel removed in order to show the fixing means.Figure 6 is an exploded axonometric view of the machine body with the weighing group extracted, as shown in Figure 5.Figure 7 is an opposite axonometric view of the same machine body with the weighing group extracted, as shown in Figure 6.Practical execution of the invention

[0043] With reference also to the drawings (Figures 1 to 7), in summary, the proposed invention regards a coffee grinder-doser (10) affording real-time weight control, otherwise referred to as "grind by weight", configured to grind and automatically dose coffee beans with high precision, delivering the ground product at the front. The device of the invention is particularly suitable for professional use in bars and restaurants, as it is capable of obviating various problems as described above. In particular, integration is foreseen, into the front of the machine body (130), of a specific weighing group (140) which is compact, removable, mechanically damped, and which simultaneously fulfils the multiple aims of the invention. In the following technical description, certain conventional and well-known structural elements are not specifically illustrated, although they are nevertheless included inD'AGOSTINI the machine, including for example, electrical wiring, transformer, or mechanical fastenings.

[0044] The grinder-doser machine (10) comprises a machine body (101) including a rigid load-bearing casing (103) containing a grinding chamber (104) exhibiting a gravity feed beans inlet opening and a ground coffee outlet opening. The machine body stands on support feet (112) on a horizontal support surface (201). On the casing, at the location of the inlet opening, a container (102) for whole coffee beans is fitted, possibly a conventional transparent hopper for professional coffee grinders. Inside the machine body are means for rotationally grinding coffee beans inside the grinding chamber, together with means for driving said grinding means. In particular, grinding elements (106) on opposing discs are provided, associated with an adjustment ring (105) configured to vary their spacing, with an electric motor (107) fixed to the casing and driving the grinding elements. Preferably, the motor shaft is coupled to one grinding element, which is rotatable, while the other grinding element is stationary. On the front side (130) a dispensing group (108) is provided for ground coffee powder, connected to the outlet opening of the grinding chamber and provided with a front dispensing pipe (109). Below outlet of the pipe (109), a fork (117) is located for centring and supporting an espresso filter holder (200), preferably of the type used in bars in combination with conventional espresso machines, consisting for example of a metallic filter holder containing a filter for one or two servings, and connected to a horizontal handle (Fig. la, lb, 3a).

[0045] The grinder-doser (10) comprises at least one logic unit (110) housed within the machine body (101), provided with operating programs for controlling and commanding the machine. The logic unit (110) is connected to a user-interface display (111) located on the front of the machine body (130) and also connected toD'AGOSTINI the motor (107) and to the weighing group (140), to enable interruption of the motor drive when a preset value corresponding to a desired dose or weight is reached (Fig. lb, 3a). The weighing group (140) is a compact and integrated device (Fig. 5) internally comprising an electronic load cell (152) of high-sensitivity type, operating in flexion and arranged horizontally such as to frontally associate to the fork (117) and continuously detect, in real time, the weight of the ground coffee powder dispensed into the filter holder (200). The unit (140) is inserted in cantilever into the front of the machine body (Fig. la, lb, 2) and is provided, at the points of attachment to the housing, with interposed damping means which effectively reduce the transmission of vibrations, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the measurement during motor operation, while also providing enhanced safety and protection against shocks and / or excessive loading (Fig. 3a, 4a, 5).

[0046] In particular, the weighing means are all enclosed and / or comprised within the weighing group (140), which is a structurally compact element and is extractable from the outside, in the manner of an interchangeable cartridge unit with horizontal insertion. The cartridge unit is mounted on the front of the machine body (130), into an insertion seat (113) located in the casing (103), beneath the front delivery spout (109). For this purpose, said seat (113) is provided with an insertion opening (114) and fixing holes (115). The weighing group (140) comprises a self-supporting rigid housing (141) comprising a box-shaped longitudinal body (142), which is inserted horizontally into the machine (10) through said insertion opening (103, 114), and an attachment extremity (143) supporting it in cantilever. For this purpose, the attachment extremity (143) comprises opposing lateral fin elements (144) structurally integral to the longitudinal body (142) or to a portion of the longitudinal body (142), forming a mono-bloc element at least at the terminal portion supportingD'AGOSTINI the load cell. The fin elements are provided with fixing holes (145) corresponding to holes in the insertion seat (113) for fastening from the outside using screws (146) (Fig. 3b, 5, 6).

[0047] The longitudinal body (142) of the weighing group (140) comprises at least a load cell (152), an electronic card for operating the load cell (153), and electrical and / or electronic connection means (154) to the machine (10, 110). The load cell is oriented towards the fin elements (144), with a forward extremity (156) free to flex vertically, and an opposite extremity (155) fixed to the longitudinal body or its portion structurally integral to the fin elements, which in turn are fixed to the casing. At the extremity, centrally between the fin elements, there is a frontal opening (147) that allows the front end (156) of the load cell to be joined to the fork (117) of an external front panel (116) or cover; the fork is structurally connected to the load cell by means of an intermediate bracket (158), which is screwed on and also fixed to the front panel (Fig. 5, 6, 7).

[0048] The external front panel (116) is therefore movable, being constrained only to the front end of the load cell (156, 158), frontally covering (130) at least the attachment extremity (143, 144, 145, 146, 147) (Fig. la, lb). A rigid connecting bracket (158) is joined to the front end securing the fork (117) and external front panel (116), which can therefore be mounted and removed from the front side (130) using a single screw (119), together with the fork, fulfilling both an aesthetic function and a protective function for elements lying behind against coffee dust and dirt of any origin. In greater constructive detail, the front panel (116) comprises a rigid guard in the form of a visually attractive cover, shaped to match the front of the machine body (130) in front of the insertion seat (113), spaced away from the casing (103), attached on the rear to the front end (156) by means of the connectingD'AGOSTINI bracket (158), and joined at the front to the fork (117, 120) and to a filter holderretaining element (118). The fork is connected to the bracket by means of a through- screw or an equivalent rigid connecting means, so as to directly transmit stresses to the load cell. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the front panel covers a front surface larger than that of the insertion seat (113), with a wide margin provided around it for protective purposes and for aesthetic integration, extending upward almost to the front delivery spout (109) (Fig. la, 3a, 5).

[0049] The self-supporting rigid housing (141) can advantageously be made divisible so as to removably contain the internal components, while still complying with the above-mentioned structural and load-bearing constraints of the cell. In the preferred configuration, the longitudinal body (142) comprises a first box-like supporting element (148), open at the top to receive the load cell, arranged at the front and integrally joined to lateral fin elements (144, 145) in structural continuity, in the manner of a T-shaped monolithic element. The first element (148) is joined at the rear to a second supporting box-like element (149), comprising a lower half-shell (149a) and an upper half-shell (149b); the latter protrudes forwards (150) in correspondence with the first element (148) closing it from above. The half-shells (149a, 149b) are joined to one another and to the first box-like element (148) in a detachable manner, for example by snap-fit mechanical fasteners, or clips (151), or equivalent removable fastening means.

[0050] The first box-shaped element (148) is configured to house and secure the load cell (152, 155), while the second box-shaped element (149) is configured to enclose at least the electronic card (153) and to integrate the connection means (154), which are advantageously oriented towards the outside of the housing, possibly affording a quick-release connector for easy insertion or removal of theD'AGOSTINI electrical and / or electronic connection cabling to the machine (10, 110). The second box-shaped element (149) can advantageously be pre-assembled for application to or removal from the first box-shaped element (148, 151) as an additional subassembly that can be replaced as required, according to a methodology referred to in the electronics industry as piggy-back mounting.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment, the electronic controlling means of the load cell (153) are also associated to the logic unit (110) of the machine, both being electronic cards, all controlling means being incorporated within the weighing group (140) either inside the same housing element or coupled to one another sharing an equivalent modular logic, so as to be inserted and removed together. Likewise, the proposed solution makes it possible to implement all the control and management means together, either on the same card or on two coupled and / or connected cards.

[0052] Furthermore, the proposed weighing group (140) comprises isolating means (161) mounted on the front of the machine body (130), interposed between the insertion seat (113) and the attachment extremity (143), configured to support in floating cantilever the longitudinal body (142), which is therefore not in contact with the machine body (101, 103), thereby rendering the weighing group (140) resiliently floating. In greater technical detail, the isolating means (161) comprise damping rings (162) interposed between the fixing holes of the fin elements (144, 145) and the screws (146) that fasten them in their seating, exhibiting flanged centring bushings (163, 164, 165) that uniformly compresses them; preferably, the rings (162) are of dual diameter with a central constriction so as to engage into the hole (145), which is provided with an opening to facilitate their assembly (Figs. 4b, 6). The damping rings (162) are made of a resilient and / or elastic material, for example rubber, silicone, silicone-rubber or an equivalent resilient and / or elastic and / orD'AGOSTINI elastoplastic polymer of hardness between 40 Shore and 80 Shore. To ensure adequate damping, the isolating means exhibit minimum compressible thickness of 0.5 mm.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, additional isolating means are provided beneath the machine body (101) in order to eliminate shocks and / or vibrations originating from the support surface (201). For this purpose, damping elements made of a similar resilient and / or elastic material are mounted in correspondence with the support feet (112), such as to comprise damping feet. In practice, the weighing group (140) is damped in a localized manner at the isolated fixing points (115, 161) (Fig. 4b), which are preferably four opposing points arranged in a square, configured to counterbalance the loads acting as a floating structure (Figs, lb, 4a, 5) that eliminates, or at least substantially reduces, the transmission of vibrations and / or shocks originating from the motor (107) and / or the fork (117, 200) through the housing (103, 113). In addition to this, in order to achieve greater absorption effectiveness, protection of the load cell, and accuracy of measurement, it is also possible to limit in advance the transmission of vibrations and / or shocks originating from the support surface (201), by means of the aforementioned damping supports on the feet (112), thereby implementing a complete damping system.

[0054] In addition to the aforementioned isolating means for damping and absorbing vibrations, in order to provide greater protection and safety for an extremely delicate sensing means, the weighing group (140) and / or the external front panel (116) comprise further protective means for limiting the maximum deflection of the load cell (152), such protective means being of the type exhibiting an adjustable end-stop or with a calibrated yielding support. For example, aD'AGOSTINI particularly effective embodiment is an adjustable end-stop (166) comprising a support foot associated to a fine-pitch screw that directly engages the lower surface of the cell (152) such as to limit downward deflection of the cell against the insertion seat (113) (Fig. 3b).

[0055] It has been experimentally observed that the proposed weighing group (140), when constructed in this manner and mounted on the front of the machine body (113, 130), exhibits isolated fastenings (115, 161) that implement a structural decoupling capable of significantly reducing the negative effects of vibrations on the load cell (152) during motor operation, as well as reducing the negative effects of possible impacts occurring during engagement of the filter holder with the fork (117, 200). The result is improved accuracy of measurements combined with effective and long-lasting protection. Additional isolating means on the feet and protective means configured to limit the maximum deflection of the load cell, render the weighing system even safer and more reliably protected.

[0056] In particular, it has been found in professional use that the grinder-doser (10) described above comprises a weighing group (140) that is advantageously compact, removable, and damped, according to the various intended purposes, simultaneously ensuring reliable measurements for dispensing exact doses, and significantly easier maintenance and replacement procedures. Specifically, the weighing device is compact and modular, like a removable accessory, frontally mounted and inserted within the machine casing (103, 113, 130), so as to be entirely extractable from the outside in the manner of a cartridge, affording extremely rapid and easy execution. In practice, it is sufficient to unscrew a first screw (119) from the outside in order to remove the external cover plate (116), and, if necessary, a second through screw (120) where the fork is directly connected to the bracket; then it isD'AGOSTINI sufficient to unscrew the four weighing group fastening screws (146, 161) from the outside to remove it entirely (Fig. 5), disconnecting during extraction the connection cabling to the internal control board (153) by means of quick-connectors (154) located at the extremity and / or bottom (Figs. 1, 6). Subsequent replacement of the weighing group (140) is achieved by performing the same operations in reverse order, without dismantling the machine (10, 101) and without individually replacing the components of the weighing system, as is necessary in known conventional systems. As a result, replacement can be performed rapidly, without intervention by a technician and without moving the machine to a specialized workshop, requiring only conventional readily available tools to remove the aforementioned fastening screws from the outside.References(10) a grinding-dosing machine for coffee beans of the type with real-time automatic weight control, also referred to as "grind by weight", as foreseen for the present invention;(101) machine body;(102) container for whole roasted coffee beans, conical in shape;(103) casing, supporting;(104) grinding chamber;(105) adjustment ring;(106) grinding elements, e.g. one mobile grinding element and one fixed grinding element;(107) electric motor, attached to the casing;(108) dispensing unit, provided with sliding ductsD'AGOSTINI(109) front delivery spout of the dispensing unit;(110) logic unit;(111) user interface display;(112) support foot.(113) weighing group insertion seat;(114) insertion opening;(115) fixing hole in the insertion seat;(116) external front panel, front cover supporting the fork and for closure;(117) centring and supporting fork, for a filter holder;(118) filter holder-retaining element;(119) fixing screw for external front panel;(120) fixing screw for fork;(121) power knob;(130) front of the machine;(140) compact, removable, damped weighing group, mounted on the machine front;(141) rigid self-supporting, divisible housing;(142) longitudinal body;(143) attachment extremity;(144) attachment extremity lateral fin elements affording fixing holes;(145) attachment extremity fixing hole in the fin elements;(146) attachment extremity fixing screw;(147) front opening, for connecting the load cell to the fork;(148) first box-shaped load-bearing element with a T-shaped structure;(149) second box-shaped pre-assembled supported element, comprising a lower semi-housing (149a) and an upper semi-housing (149b);D'AGOSTINI(150) upper closing protrusion, included in the upper semi-housing;(151) removable mechanical fastening, of male-female snap-together type, clip type, or equivalent system;(152) load cell;(153) electronic board for managing the load cell;(154) integrated electrical and / or electronic connection means, of plug-in quick connector type;(155) rear end of the load cell, fixed;(156) front end of the load cell, free to flex vertically;(157) load cell fixing screw;(158) connecting bracket;(159) bracket fixing screw;(160) plate;(161) isolating, anti-vibration means of the weighing group;(162) damping ring on hole;(163) flanged centring bushing compressing the damping ring;(164) flat wide head;(165) perforated stem;(166) adjustable end-stop for protecting the cell;(200) espresso coffee filter holder;(201) support surface.

Claims

D'AGOSTINICLAIMS1. A grinding-dosing appliance (10) for coffee beans of the type with automatic weight control in real time or grind by weight type, incorporating: a machine body (101) inclusive of a load bearing casing (103) accommodating a grinding chamber (104) with a gravity feed beans inlet opening and a ground coffee outlet opening, mounted on support feet (112); a coffee beans hopper (102), mounted on the casing in correspondence with said beans inlet opening; means for rotary grinding of the coffee beans in the grinding chamber, with grinding burrs (106) coupled to an adjustment ring (105); means to drive said grinding burrs, with an electric motor (107) mounted internally to the casing and connected thereto; means to dispense the ground coffee, with a dispenser unit (108) connected to said outlet opening and equipped with a front delivery spout (109); means to secure a ground coffee collection container below the front delivery spout, with a centring and support fork (117) for an espresso coffee portafilter (200); means to weigh the ground and dispensed coffee in real time, with a load cell (152) mounted internally to said casing and linked to the fork (117); electronic monitoring and control means, with at least one logic unit (110) internal to the machine body (101) being equipped with operating programs, and with a user interface display (111) located on the front of theD'AGOSTINI machine body (130), said means (110, 111) connected to one another, to the motor (107) and to the load cell (152) to stop motor operation in correspondence with a predetermined weight value defining the required dosage; isolation means to protect said load cell from vibration generated by the motor and / or from external impact; said grinding-dosing appliance (10), characterised by the fact that said weighing means are accommodated in a compact weighing unit (140) being extractable from the exterior, as an interchangeable horizontally inserted cartridge, being mounted on the front (130) of the machine body in an insertion housing (113) located in the casing (103), below the front delivery spout (109), and equipped with an insertion opening (114) and fixing holes (115); said weighing unit (140), having a rigid load bearing case (141) composed of a box-section longitudinal element (142) inserted horizontally into the interior of the casing through said insertion opening (103, 114), and a locking head (143) that provides cantilever support (142), having lateral wings (144) that are solidly connected to it and have fixing holes (145) corresponding to the holes of the insertion housing (114), to be fixed from the exterior with screws (146); said weighing unit (140) having said longitudinal element (142) that incorporates at least: the load cell (152), an electronic circuit board to manage it (153) and electrical and / or electronic means (154) for connection to the appliance (10, 110), wherein said load cell has the front end (156) free to flex vertically while the opposite end (155) is fastened to said longitudinal element (141, 156, 160); said locking head (143) having a front opening (147) between said wings (144) corresponding to the front end (156) of the cell in order to join this end to the fork (117) of an external front panel (116).D'AGOSTINI2. A grinding-dosing appliance (10) according to the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that said external front panel (116) is mobile, being fastened only at the front end (156) of the cell, to cover at least said locking head (143, 144, 145, 146, 147) at the front (130); said external front panel (116) being a rigid front cover moulded on the front of the machine body (130) in front of the insertion housing (113), detached from the casing (103), fastened at the rear to said front end (156) by means of a connecting bracket (158) and joined at the front to the fork (117) and to a portafilter locking element (118).

3. A grinding-dosing appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised by the fact that said rigid load bearing case (141) of the weighing unit (140) is demountable, having said longitudinal element (142) being composed of a first load bearing box section element (148), which is open at the top and joined to said lateral wings (144, 145) in a structurally continuous manner, as a monobloc tee-shaped part, which is joined at the rear to a second supported box section element (149), being composed of a lower case half (149a) and an upper case half (149b) which protrudes at the front (150) in correspondence with said box section element (148), these parts (149a, 149b) being the two halves joined together and to said first box section element (148) in a removable manner, with click-lock or clip type mechanical fixings (151); and wherein the first box section element (148) serves to hold and secure the load cell (152, 155, 157), while the second box section element (149) serves to enclose said electronic circuit board (153) and incorporate said connection means (154), facing towards the exterior of the case in the manner of a quick connector; and where said box section element (149) is preassembled and removable from said first box section element (148, 151) as a subassembly.D'AGOSTINI4. A grinding-dosing appliance (10) according to the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that said load cell electronic control means (153) are paired with said logic unit (110) of the appliance, all parts being incorporated inside said second box section element (149).

5. A grinding-dosing appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4, characterised by the fact that said isolation means (161) mounted on the front of the machine body (130), interposed between said insertion housing (113) and said locking head (143) to provide cantilever and floating support of said longitudinal element (142) producing a shock absorbing effect on said weighing unit (140); said isolation means (161) incorporating shock absorbing rings (162) in a resilient and / or elastic material interposed between said fixing holes of the wings (144, 145) and said screws (146), with a flanged centring bush (163, 164, 165) that compresses said shock absorbing rings.

6. A grinding-dosing appliance (10) according to the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that it has further isolation means mounted under the machine body (101), including shock absorbing elements in a resilient and / or elastic material integrated in the support feet (112).

7. A grinding-dosing appliance (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised by the fact that said external isolation means are made of rubber or silicone or of silicone- rubber or an equivalent resilient and / or elastic and / or elastoplastic polymer having hardness between 40 Shore and 80 Shore.

8. A grinding-dosing appliance (10) according to the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that said isolation means have minimum compressible thickness of 0.5 mm.D'AGOSTINI9. A grinding-dosing appliance (10) according to at least one of the claims from 1 to 8, characterised by the fact that said weighing unit (140) and / or external front panel (116) feature protective means to limit maximum flexure of the load cell (152), of the adjustable travel limit type (166).

10. A grinding-dosing appliance (10) according to at least one of the claims from 1 to8, characterised by the fact that said weighing unit (140) and / or said external front panel (116) feature protective means to limit the maximum flexure of the load cell (152), of the calibrated yield support type.

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