阅读说明：本技术 具有改进的配料系统的咖啡研磨机器以及相关方法 (Coffee grinding machine with improved dosing system and related method ) 是由 A·迪奥尼西奥 于 2020-02-05 设计创作，主要内容包括：描述了一种咖啡研磨机器,所述机器包括基于用于研磨咖啡豆的第一研磨参数彼此协作的第一研磨件和第二研磨件,从而在第一研磨周期期间获得第一剂量的研磨咖啡,其中咖啡研磨机器还包括称重装置,该称重装置构造成基本上在所述第一研磨周期结束时测量所述第一剂量的咖啡的重量,其中在所述第一研磨周期结束时测量的所述第一剂量的所述重量测量值用于设定第二剂量的第二研磨参数,第二剂量在第一剂量之后在第二研磨周期期间研磨。咖啡研磨机器构造成在所述第二研磨周期期间以不依赖于所述第二剂量的实际重量测量值的方式中断所述第二剂量的研磨。(A coffee grinding machine is described, said machine comprising a first grinding member and a second grinding member cooperating with each other based on a first grinding parameter for grinding coffee beans, so as to obtain a first dose of ground coffee during a first grinding cycle, wherein the coffee grinding machine further comprises a weighing device configured to measure the weight of said first dose of coffee substantially at the end of said first grinding cycle, wherein said weight measurement of said first dose measured at the end of said first grinding cycle is used to set a second grinding parameter of a second dose, which is ground during the second grinding cycle after the first dose. The coffee grinding machine is configured to interrupt grinding of the second dose during the second grinding cycle in a manner that is independent of an actual weight measurement of the second dose.)

1. A coffee-grinding machine (10) comprising a first grinding member (14A) and a second grinding member (14B),

wherein at least one grinding member (14B) of the first and second grinding members (14A, 14B) is movable,

wherein the first and second grinding members (14A, 14B) cooperate with each other to grind coffee beans on the basis of a first grinding parameter so as to obtain a first dose of ground coffee during a first grinding cycle,

wherein the coffee grinding machine (10) comprises a motor (30) configured to rotate the second grinding member (14B) with respect to the first grinding member (14A),

wherein the coffee grinding machine further comprises a weighing device (60) configured to measure the weight of the first dose of coffee substantially at the end of the first grinding cycle,

wherein the weight measurement of the first dose measured at the end of the first grinding cycle is used to set a second grinding parameter for a second dose that was ground during a second grinding cycle after the first dose, and

wherein the coffee grinding machine (10) is configured to interrupt the grinding of the second dose during the second grinding cycle in a manner independent of an actual weight measurement of the second dose.

2. The coffee grinding machine (10) of claim 1, wherein said motor (30) is configured to rotate said second grinding member (14B) at a substantially constant speed.

3. The coffee grinding machine (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein said second grinding parameter is the number of revolutions of a motor (30) for performing the second dose of grinding.

4. The coffee grinding machine (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein said second grinding parameter is a grinding time for performing said second dose of grinding.

5. The coffee grinding machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising frequency conversion means (40) for controlling the rotational speed of said motor (30).

6. The coffee grinding machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an angular position transducer (50) associated with said electric motor (30) for measuring the rotation speed of said electric motor (30).

7. The coffee grinding machine (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said weighing means (60) are separate from the body of the coffee grinding machine (10).

8. A method for grinding coffee beans at least between a first grinding member (14A) and a second grinding member (14B), wherein at least one grinding member (14B) of the first and second grinding members (14A, 14B) is movable, wherein the first and second grinding members (14A, 14B) cooperate with each other to grind coffee beans such that a first dose of ground coffee is obtained during a first grinding cycle, the method comprising:

rotating the second grinding member (14B) relative to the first grinding member (14A) with a first grinding parameter,

measuring the weight of the first dose of coffee substantially at the end of the first grinding cycle,

setting a second milling parameter for a second dose based on the weight measurement of the first dose measured at the end of the first milling cycle, the second dose being milled during a second milling cycle after the first dose, and

discontinuing grinding of the second dose during the second grinding cycle in a manner independent of an actual weight measurement of the second dose.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of moving at least one of the grinding members (14B) relative to the other grinding member (14A) comprises the step of rotating the second grinding member (14B) at a substantially constant speed.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said second grinding parameter is the number of grinding revolutions, and wherein said second grinding member (14B) rotates said number of revolutions correlated to the weight of said first dose of coffee.

11. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said second grinding parameter is the time and wherein said second grinding member (14B) is rotated for said time correlated to the weight of said first dose of coffee.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a machine for grinding coffee beans. The machine for grinding coffee beans may be a separate machine or may be incorporated in a machine for producing a coffee-based beverage. Such machines for grinding coffee beans are also referred to simply as "coffee grinding machines", "coffee grinders" or "grinders".

Background

It is known to use a quantity of ground coffee, commonly referred to as a "dose", in order to prepare espresso coffee. The dose of ground coffee is loaded into a filter, generally in the shape of a cup, open at the top and with micro-pores at the bottom. Usually a dose of coffee is pressed into the filter to form a cake of coffee powder. The filter is in turn supported by a handle (portafilter) configured to be removably engaged inside a dispensing unit of the espresso machine. Espresso coffee is obtained by passing hot water under pressure through a coffee cake.

The dose of coffee is usually determined by weight, usually in grams. During the actual operation of a bar, the coffeemaker normally tries to fill the handle with the same amount (weight) of coffee, for example 14 grams, all the time, if possible.

The coffee powder is obtained with a coffee grinding machine. In known coffee grinding machines, coffee beans are ground by passing them through a grinding member. Flat, conical or cylindrical types of abrasive members are known. Typically, the grinding member of a coffee grinding machine comprises a stationary member and a member that rotates relative to the stationary member. For example, in coffee grinding machines with conical grinding members, one grinding member is stationary and stationary, while the other is rotated by a motor. Some coffee grinding machines are capable of varying the distance between the grinding members to vary the particle size of the coffee powder.

A number of dosing devices are known which can be basically classified into dosing devices defining the dose of coffee beans (before the coffee beans are ground) and devices defining the dose of coffee powder. In particular, the second type of device may perform time-based ingredients, revolution-based ingredients, volume-based ingredients and ingredients based on the weight/mass of the coffee powder.

WO 2012/138327 a1 describes a method and apparatus for grinding and dosing coffee beans with automatic and continuous dose calibration.

Disclosure of Invention

Time-based dosing devices are considered inaccurate because the coffee grinding machine does not control the dose of ground coffee, but only the grinding time. At best, time-based measuring devices are considered to be capable of producing substantially constant (repeatable) doses. In the case of coffee grinding machines capable of providing highly repeatable doses, each grinding time may be associated with a respective dose determined using a scale external to the system. For example, it can be concluded that the coffee grinding machine supplies 14 grams of coffee powder in 5 seconds.

The estimation of the dose of ground coffee is therefore indirect. In fact, the coffee grinding machine controls the time and assumes that a constant dose corresponds to a constant time (and fixed setting). Obviously, as the type, particle size and environmental conditions of the coffee change, the relationship between time and dosage will also change.

The number of revolutions based dose also constitutes an indirect estimate of the dose. In essence, the grinding member is not rotated for a set time, but performs a number of revolutions that can be set. The coffee grinding machine controls the number of revolutions and assumes that a constant dose corresponds to a constant number of revolutions (and a fixed setting). Obviously, as the type, particle size and environmental conditions of the coffee vary, the relationship between the number of revolutions and the dosage also varies.

In volume-based ingredient systems, coffee grinding machines are capable of measuring the volume of ground coffee produced. Also in this case, the coffeemaker needs to determine the relationship between the weight and the volume of the ground coffee by means of trial and error.

The weight-based dosing system is a direct system. In essence, a set of scales connected to the coffee grinding machine would weigh the coffee powder in real time as it is being supplied and interrupt the ingredient when it reaches the desired weight. In some machines, when one approaches reaching the desired weight of ground coffee, the coffee grinding machine slows down in order to reach the dose in the most accurate manner possible.

The applicant has defined the object of improving the known weight-based dosing systems.

In particular, the applicant has noted that the above-mentioned known weight-based dosing systems are slow, since the motor of the coffee grinding machine cannot rotate at a constant speed throughout the grinding process, but slows down during the last phase of the grinding process in order to achieve the weight of the dose in the most accurate manner possible.

Furthermore, known weight-based dosing systems are very sensitive throughout the duration of the grinding process. It is often the case that a coffee maker may inadvertently impact a scale during grinding. Such accidental impacts can produce an incorrect weight signal that can interrupt grinding or extend grinding beyond a set time before the desired weight is reached. In the first case the dose volume is smaller, while in the second case the dose is much larger. If the coffeemaker does not realize that the weight of the dose has been inadvertently modified, the wrong dose (smaller amount of ground coffee or larger amount of ground coffee) of espresso coffee will be prepared, resulting in a beverage different from that obtained with the correct dose. If the coffee maker finds an error, the dose must be manually adjusted or the incorrect dose discarded and grinding repeated.

Furthermore, due to the above-mentioned sensitive nature of the scale, the coffee maker cannot move the handle during grinding. In contrast, many coffee makers tend to move the handle during grinding in order to "mix" the ground coffee within the handle.

The applicant has defined the object of providing a coffee grinding machine configured to provide doses of coffee powder in an efficient, quick and stable manner compared to known systems.

According to the present invention, a weighing device for weighing a dose of ground coffee only at the end of a grinding cycle is provided. The measured weight value is used to program the next dose.

Preferably, the grinding is performed at a constant rotational speed of the grinding member.

The grinding is carried out by maintaining a constant number of revolutions or alternatively a constant grinding time.

According to a first aspect, a coffee grinding machine is provided comprising a first grinding member and a second grinding member.

Wherein at least one of the first and second grinding members is movable,

wherein the first and second grinding members cooperate with each other to grind coffee beans on the basis of a first grinding parameter, such as a specific number of revolutions or a specific grinding time, so as to obtain a first dose of ground coffee during a first grinding cycle,

wherein the coffee grinding machine comprises a motor configured to rotate the second grinding member relative to the first grinding member,

wherein the coffee grinding machine further comprises a weighing device configured to measure the weight of the first dose of coffee substantially at the end of the first grinding cycle.

Wherein the weight measurement of the first dose measured at the end of the first grinding cycle is used to set a second parameter for grinding a second dose, which is ground during a second grinding cycle after the first dose, and

wherein the coffee grinding machine is configured to interrupt grinding of the second dose during the second grinding cycle in a manner that is independent of an actual weight measurement of the second dose.

The first grinding parameter may be a specific number of revolutions of the motor and/or a specific grinding time. Advantageously, the coffee grinding machine does not interrupt the grinding of the second dose when a certain (set) weight of the second dose is reached, but only depends on the set second grinding parameters. The weight of the second dose is measured substantially at the end of the second grinding cycle to set a third parameter for grinding a third dose, which is ground during the third grinding cycle after the second dose.

One of the advantages is that less processing is required than in the known machines, since the weight of the dose is not continuously measured, nor is it continuously compared with the desired weight, but only when the dose has been ground and the grinding member is in a standstill. The accuracy is also better, since in other known machines the grinding is interrupted when the weight reached is equal to the set weight, without taking into account that in any case some of the grinding powder will still fall immediately, usually immediately before stopping the motor.

Preferably, the motor is configured to rotate the second abrasive article at a substantially constant speed.

According to an embodiment, the second grinding parameter is the number of revolutions of the motor required for performing the second dose of grinding. Thus, the grinding of the second dose is interrupted after a set number of revolutions, which in turn depends on the measured weight of the first dose at the end of the first grinding process.

According to an embodiment, the second milling parameter is a milling time required for performing the second dose of milling. Thus, the grinding of the second dose is interrupted after a set time, which in turn depends on the measured weight of the first dose at the end of the first grinding process.

The coffee grinding machine may further comprise frequency conversion means for controlling the rotational speed of the motor.

The coffee grinding machine may also include an angular position transducer associated with the electric motor for measuring a rotational speed of the electric motor.

According to an embodiment, the weighing means are separate from the body of the coffee grinding machine.

According to an embodiment, a method for grinding coffee beans between at least a first grinding member and a second grinding member is provided, wherein at least one of the first grinding member and the second grinding member is movable, wherein the first grinding member and the second grinding member cooperate with each other for grinding coffee beans, thereby obtaining a first dose of ground coffee during a first grinding cycle, the method comprising:

rotating the second polishing member relative to the first polishing member at a first polishing parameter,

measuring the weight of the first dose of coffee substantially at the end of the first grinding cycle,

setting a second milling parameter for a second dose based on the weight measurement of the first dose measured at the end of the first milling cycle, the second dose being milled during a second milling cycle after the first dose, and

discontinuing grinding of the second dose during the second grinding cycle in a manner independent of the actual weight measurement of the second dose.

According to an embodiment, the step of moving at least one of the grinding members relative to the other grinding member comprises the step of rotating the second grinding member at a substantially constant speed.

The second grinding parameter may be a specific number of grinding revolutions. In this case, the second grinding member rotates by a number of revolutions related to the weight of said first dose of coffee.

The second grinding parameter may be time. In this case, the second grinding member is rotated for a time related to the weight of said first dose of coffee.

Drawings

A detailed description of the invention will now be provided, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a diagram of certain components of a coffee grinding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart summarizing the main steps of a method according to an embodiment of the invention; and the number of the first and second electrodes,

figure 3 is a flow chart representing an alternative to the embodiment shown in figure 2.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows, by way of example only, a coffee grinding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of simplicity, only the machine parts relevant for the purpose of the invention are described. Other irrelevant components will not be described in detail. The described machine comprises a flat grinding element, but the invention is also applicable to machines with other types of grinding elements, such as conical or cylindrical grinding elements.

The machine 10 comprises a grinding chamber 12 having an upper inlet IN for the coffee to be ground, a first grinding member 14A and a second grinding member 14B cooperating with the first grinding member 14A, and an outlet conveyor 16 which receives the ground coffee from the grinding members 14A and 14B and conveys it for collection and use. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the ground coffee may be delivered towards a filter 91 supported by a handle 20 of any known type.

According to the embodiment of fig. 1, the first grinding member 14A is a stationary grinding member, while the second grinding member 14B is movable, e.g. rotatable.

The coffee grinding machine comprises an electric motor 30 for rotating the second grinding member 14B. In embodiments, the motor may be a universal, DC, AC, single phase, three phase, brushless, BLDC, stepper or similar motor.

Preferably, the coffee grinding machine further comprises frequency conversion means 40 for controlling the rotation speed. For example, the frequency conversion means comprises a frequency converter. The frequency conversion means 40 can change the polishing speed to allow uniform polishing at the first speed or the second speed.

According to an embodiment, the coffee grinding machine further comprises an angular position transducer (e.g. encoder 50) associated with the electric motor for measuring the rotational speed of the motor 30 in an accurate manner.

According to the invention, the coffee grinding machine 10 further comprises weighing means 60 for measuring the weight (or mass) of the dose of coffee powder. According to an embodiment, the weighing means are configured to weigh the dose of coffee powder inside the filter 21. Preferably, the weighing means 60 are configured to weigh the dose of coffee powder inside the filter 21 arranged in the handle 20.

According to the invention, the coffee grinding machine 10 further comprises a processor 70 and a memory 71, preferably located on an electronic board 72 or the like.

According to the invention, the coffee grinding machine 10 further comprises a user interface 80, in turn preferably comprising display and selection means, such as one or more buttons. Preferably, the user interface 80 is connected (directly or indirectly) to the processor 70.

Referring now to fig. 2, an improved method for obtaining a dose of coffee will now be described.

As a first step (101), a desired coffee dose is set. Generally, the desired dosage is expressed in units of weight, such as grams. The setting of the desired dose may be performed by the coffeemaker by pressing a button corresponding to the desired dose, or may be performed by the coffeemaker by entering a number corresponding to the desired weight, or the setting may be increased or decreased by pressing a special button until the weight value of the desired dose is reached. The setting operation may also be performed by voice command or any other means. In an embodiment, the setting of the desired dose may be performed by means of a separate device connected to the coffee grinding machine. For example by means of a tablet computer or smartphone belonging to the person for whom the coffeemaker or coffeemaker has to prepare espresso.

For example only and for the purpose of providing context for the present description only, the set dose may be 14 g.

After setting the dose, the coffee grinding machine 10 is started.

It is evident that, before starting the coffee grinding machine, a filter 21, which internally collects the coffee powder obtained by grinding, is positioned below the outlet for ground coffee. Preferably, the filter 21 is placed inside the handle 20. Preferably the handle and filter are suitably supported by the weighing means 60. It is preferably envisaged that the weighing means 60 is capable of calculating the weight of the handle 20 and the empty filter (deadweight) and zeroing the measurement so that the weighing means 60 can more easily measure the weight of the dose of ground coffee.

According to a first embodiment, the machine 10 is programmed to grind at a constant number of revolutions (step 102). I.e. the grinding member is always rotated by the same amount. This is possible due to the speed sensor 50 described above.

At the end of the predetermined number of revolutions corresponding to the set weight of the dose, the motor 30 is stopped and the grinding is stopped.

Once grinding has terminated, the weighing device 60 weighs the dose of ground coffee (step 103). The weighing of the ground coffee is only carried out at the end of grinding. In any case, according to the invention, even if the weighing means continuously or discontinuously weighs the ground coffee during grinding, the value of the weight of the ground coffee before grinding is ended will not be taken into account.

According to the invention, the coffee grinding machine is configured to compare the weight of the dose obtained with the weight of the set dose (step 104).

If the weight of the obtained dose of ground coffee is equal to the set weight of ground coffee (plus or minus a margin of error deemed acceptable), the next dose will be obtained by keeping the number of revolutions unchanged (step 110). I.e. if the coffeemaker wishes to obtain the same next dose as the one just ground, she/she will keep the number of revolutions unchanged. If the coffeemaker wishes to have a larger or smaller dose, the number of revolutions will be adjusted according to the number of revolutions corresponding to the dose just obtained. Obviously, at the end of each grinding operation, the weight of the dose obtained must be measured again (step 103) and compared again with the weight of the desired dose (step 104).

If the weight of the obtained dose of ground coffee is greater than the set dose of ground coffee (120), the next dose will be obtained by appropriately reducing the number of revolutions (step 121). Preferably, at the end of each grinding operation, the weight of the dose obtained must be measured again (step 103) and compared again with the weight of the desired dose (104).

If the weight of the obtained dose of ground coffee is less than the weight of the set dose of ground coffee (130), the next dose will be obtained by suitably increasing the number of revolutions (step 131). Preferably, at the end of each grinding step, the weight of the dose obtained must be measured again (step 103) and compared again with the weight of the desired dose (104).

In any case, the weight of one dose at the end of milling is used to set the number of revolutions for obtaining the next dose. The machine continuously checks the weight and corrects the number of revolutions after each grinding operation.

Unlike what occurs in known coffee grinding machines, the weight of one dose is not used to stop the grinding process, but to obtain a subsequent dose having a weight corresponding to the set dose.

Preferably, the coffee grinding machine comprises a memory having a relation between the weight and the number of revolutions of the dose. For example, the memory may contain information as shown in table 1 below.

TABLE 1

If the coffee grinder machine is shut down, the coffee grinder machine will start from the last used value during the next start-up (e.g. 7.00 revolutions if the set dose is 14 grams).

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating an alternative method to the method shown in fig. 2. Unlike the method shown in fig. 2 (based on the relationship between the weight of the dose and the number of revolutions), the method according to fig. 3 is based on the relationship between the weight of the dose and the grinding time.

The setting of the dose may be performed as described in detail with reference to fig. 2.

As indicated at step 202, according to a second embodiment, the machine is programmed to grind for a constant period of time. I.e. the grinding member is rotated for a predetermined time corresponding to the default weight of the dose. Preferably, a timer is provided, preferably associated with the board 70.

At the end of the predetermined time corresponding to the set weight of the dose, the motor 30 is stopped and the milling is stopped.

Once grinding has terminated, the weighing device 60 weighs the dose of ground coffee (step 203). The weighing of the ground coffee is only carried out at the end of grinding. In any case, according to the invention, even if the weighing means continuously or discontinuously weighs the ground coffee during grinding, the value of the weight of the ground coffee before grinding is ended will not be taken into account.

According to the invention, the coffee grinding machine is configured to compare the weight of the dose obtained with the weight of the set dose (step 204).

If the weight of the obtained dose of ground coffee is equal to the set weight of ground coffee (plus or minus a margin of error deemed acceptable), the next dose will be obtained by keeping the grinding time constant (step 210). I.e. if the coffeemaker wishes to obtain the same next dose as the one just ground (plus or minus an error margin considered acceptable), the number of revolutions will remain unchanged. If the coffeemaker wishes to have a larger or smaller dose, the grinding time will be changed according to the grinding time corresponding to the dose just obtained. Obviously, at the end of each grinding operation, the weight of the dose obtained must be measured again (step 203) and compared again with the weight of the desired dose (204).

If the weight of the obtained dose of ground coffee is greater than the weight of the set dose of ground coffee (220), the next dose will be obtained by reducing the time appropriately (step 221). Preferably, at the end of each grinding step, the weight of the dose obtained must be measured again (step 203) and compared again with the weight of the desired dose (step 204).

If the weight of the obtained dose of ground coffee is less than the weight of the set dose of ground coffee (230), the next dose is obtained by suitably increasing the time (step 231). Preferably, at the end of each grinding step, the weight of the dose obtained must be measured again (step 203) and compared again with the weight of the desired dose (204).

In any case, the weight of one dose at the end of milling is used to set the time for obtaining the next dose. The machine will continuously check the weight and correct the time after each grinding operation.

Unlike what occurs in known coffee grinding machines, the weight of one dose is not used to stop the grinding process, but to obtain a subsequent dose having a weight corresponding to the set dose.

Preferably, the coffee grinding machine comprises a memory with the relationship between the weight of the dose and the time. For example, the memory may contain information as shown in table 2 below.

TABLE 2

The machine according to the invention is faster because it is not necessary to slow down, compared to a coffee grinding machine with weight-based ingredients, which slows down the speed in order to obtain the dose in a precise manner.

The coffee grinding machine according to the invention is also less sensitive to disturbances. For example, grinding a 14g portion takes about 5 seconds. During this time, the counter, coffee grinding machine or handle must not be knocked or bumped or subjected to vibration. According to the invention, the weighing time is reduced to only two moments: for obtaining the initial and final moments of the deadweight. Thus, the time the system is exposed to disturbing external pressure is shorter.

Another element providing a greater degree of reliability to the machine according to the invention lies in the fact that each individual grinding step is determined by the number of revolutions (or, if appropriate, time) and not by weight. Thus, if a disturbance occurs during that brief weighing instant, the dose is not affected.

The reduced susceptibility to interference also results in operational practices that are more consistent with current use. Indeed, it is common practice for a coffee maker to move a handle during grinding to dispense powder. This operation cannot be performed using conventional systems because it changes weight. In contrast, in the proposed system, the coffee maker can move the handle as desired, except for the instant when grinding begins and the instant when grinding ends.

From the above description it is clear that the present invention does not increase the repeatability of the dose of a coffee grinder. It is in fact a solution that allows the coffee grinding machine to maintain a "constant" dose (by weight), even if the particle size, the environmental conditions that can alter the behaviour of the coffee beans, the frequency of use of the machine, the type of coffee or the rotation speed of the grinding member vary.

The operation of setting the coffee grinding machine can be performed more easily by the coffee maker. The coffeemaker must only deal with adjusting the particle size and not the amount of ground coffee.