阅读说明：本技术 用于传送至少一种粉状原料、优选地为咖啡粉的装置 (Device for conveying at least one powdered material, preferably coffee powder ) 是由 贝皮诺·切奥托 A·佐内利 于 2019-06-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：描述了一种用于将至少一种粉状原料、优选地为咖啡粉从至少一个研磨单元(2)或从源容器传送到至少一个储存容器(3)的装置(1)。该装置包括至少一个通道(10、10’),其具有配置成从至少一个研磨单元(2)或从源容器接收至少一种粉状原料的至少一个输入部段(11、11’)以及将所述粉状原料递送到至少一个储存容器(3)中的至少一个输出部段(12、12’)。该装置包括至少一个流体源(50),优选地为加压流体,以将流体流递送到所述至少一个通道(10、10’)中。(A device (1) for transferring at least one powdery raw material, preferably coffee powder, from at least one grinding unit (2) or from a source container to at least one storage container (3) is described. The device comprises at least one channel (10, 10') having at least one input section (11, 11 ') configured to receive at least one powdery raw material from at least one grinding unit (2) or from a source container and at least one output section (12, 12 ') delivering said powdery raw material into at least one storage container (3). The device comprises at least one fluid source (50), preferably a pressurized fluid, to deliver a fluid flow into said at least one channel (10, 10').)

1. Conveying device (1) for conveying at least one powdery raw material, preferably coffee powder, from at least one grinding unit (2) or from a source container to at least one storage container (3), the device comprising at least one channel (10, 10') having at least one input section (11, 11') configured to receive at least one powdery raw material from at least one grinding unit (2) or from a source container and at least one output section (12, 12 ') delivering the powdery raw material into at least one storage container (3), characterized in that the device comprises at least one fluid source (50), preferably a pressurized fluid, to deliver a fluid flow into the at least one channel (10, 10').

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said fluid source (50) is connected to at least one opening (20) or at least one nozzle to deliver a fluid flow into said at least one channel (10, 10').

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fluid source (50) is connected to a plurality of delivery openings (20) or a plurality of nozzles for delivering a fluid flow into the at least one channel (10, 10'), preferably the plurality of delivery openings (20) or the plurality of nozzles are positioned at a distance from each other in the direction of conveyance of the powdery raw material towards the storage container (3).

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid from the source (50) is delivered at least into a position selected from: upstream of the input section (11, 11 ') of the channel (10, 10'), substantially at the input section (11, 11 ') of the channel (10, 10'), in the first half of the length range of the channel (10, 10'), or a combination thereof.

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said channel (10) comprises at least one connection portion (15) made integral with or connected to said channel, said connection portion (15) comprising at least one inlet (15a) connectable to at least one grinding unit (2) or source container and at least one outlet (15c) delivering powdery raw material to said input section (11) of said channel (10).

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the connection portion (15) comprises at least one second inlet (15b) connectable to at least one second grinding unit or second source container, preferably the first inlet (15a) for connection to a first grinding unit or first source container and the second inlet (15b) for connection to a second grinding unit or second source container are arranged in a position opposite to each other.

7. Device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the at least one opening (20) or at least one nozzle delivering a fluid flow into the at least one channel (10, 10') is arranged on the connecting portion (15), preferably the at least one delivery opening (20) or at least one nozzle delivering a fluid flow is arranged between the first inlet (15a) and the second inlet (15b) of the connecting portion (15).

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least one second channel (10 ') located downstream of the first channel (10), preferably said second channel (10') being movable with respect to said first channel (10).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said storage container (3) selects between a filter holder, preferably of the removable type, and an infusion chamber.

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fluid is air, gas or other gas.

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fluid source (50) is selected from a pump, a compressor, a fan.

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one channel (10, 10') comprises an open cross-section, preferably said at least one channel (10, 10') is substantially U-shaped.

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one channel (10, 10') transports the powdery raw material by gravity, preferably said at least one channel (10, 10') is arranged obliquely or vertically.

14. Machine (100) for preparing beverages comprising at least one delivery device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Method for cleaning a conveyor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps of operating: operating the at least one fluid source (50) to deliver a fluid flow into the at least one channel (10, 10').

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step of operating the fluid source (50) is performed before, during or at the end of the passage of the powdery raw material in the channel (10, 10'), or by a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

17. Use of at least one fluid source (50), preferably a pressurized fluid, for cleaning at least one conveying device (1) for conveying at least one powdered material, in particular coffee powder.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of preparing beverages starting from at least one base powdered material, such as coffee powder, which is preferably infused by means of a liquid, such as hot water, preferably under pressure.

More specifically, the invention relates to a device for transferring at least one powdered raw material from a source container or from a grinding unit (grinder) to at least one storage container or destination container, such as a filter holder or an infusion chamber.

Background

Such a conveying device is used, for example, in grinders (or grinding assemblies), for example in bars, to grind coffee beans or grains by means of one or more grindstones, and to convey the powder obtained through a passage in a storage (or destination) container, for example a filter holder of a machine for preparing beverages arranged by a coffee maker downstream of the passage of the conveying means.

Furthermore, the transfer device is also used in machines for preparing beverages, such as machines for preparing coffee, preferably of the automatic type. In such machines, the coffee is in fact conveyed through a channel from a grinding unit which, as described, breaks up the coffee beans into powder, or from a source container in which the raw material, in particular coffee, in powdered form is already present, and conveyed towards at least one storage container (arranged downstream of the conveying channel), which may be, for example, an infusion chamber or a filter holder, for example of the type that can be detached from the machine.

In general, the transfer channel of the known device is preferably inclined, configured substantially like a chute, in which the powdered raw material is transferred by gravity from a source container or grinding unit arranged upstream of the channel up to a storage container arranged downstream of the channel, such as an infusion chamber or a filter holder of the raw material.

A disadvantage of the known conveying device is that, due to the successive conveying operations of doses of powdered raw material, the raw material accumulates over time, which gradually reduces the passage section in the conveying channel.

In addition, depending on the characteristics of the powdered raw material and the environmental conditions in which the apparatus operates, in particular the temperature and humidity conditions, the powder may adhere to the inner surface of the conveying channel and determine an undesired and increasing accumulation of the raw material over time and repeated conveying operations of successive doses of powdered raw material, which, as mentioned above, progressively reduces the passage section.

For example, it has been found that under given environmental conditions, such as high humidity conditions, coffee or another ingredient accumulates more frequently in the transfer passage.

The undesired reduction of the passage section of the channel determines the drawback of not being able to ensure the passage of the appropriate and desired quantity of raw material, thereby compromising the proper and efficient continuous beverage preparation.

These drawbacks are felt most strongly, for example, in machines for preparing beverages, in particular coffee, in which the heat generated by the infusion water, in addition to the vapour component of the infusion water present, for example, in a filter holder or in an infusion chamber arranged downstream of the transfer channel, can at least partially reverse back to the transfer channel of the ingredient at the end of the infusion and/or during the infusion, and thus exacerbate the undesired accumulation of coffee powder and, in general, of the conveyed powdered ingredient.

In fact, the humidity present on the walls of the conveying channel determines the adherence and the successive accumulation of the raw material.

Access to the transfer channel from the outside is not always easy, so that it is not easy to remove possible accumulations of raw material without having to disassemble a part of the machine or mill to access the transfer channel.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks reported in the known transmission devices.

More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a conveying device, which can be used, for example, in a machine for preparing beverages, in particular for preparing espresso coffee, or in a grinder or grinding unit, which allows to effectively, quickly and simply avoid undesired accumulations of powdered raw materials inside the conveying channel.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a transfer device which allows cleaning in a simple and quick manner without having to disassemble its parts or rely on the intervention of a technician.

Disclosure of Invention

These and other objects are achieved by a delivery device according to independent claim 1, and by a machine for preparing beverages, in particular coffee, and by a grinding device (for example of the standard type used in bars) comprising a delivery device according to the invention. Further aspects/features are set out in the dependent claims.

The invention also relates to a method of cleaning a conveyor.

The device for transferring at least one powdery raw material, preferably coffee powder, according to the invention comprises at least one channel having at least one input section configured to receive at least one powdery raw material from at least one grinding unit or from a source container (for example, a container in which the raw material already in powdery form is stored), and at least one output section delivering the powdery raw material into at least one storage container, such as a filter holder of a machine for preparing a beverage, in particular coffee, or an infusion chamber of a machine for preparing a beverage, in particular coffee. It should be immediately noted that the term "channel" is used here and hereinafter to indicate both a material conveying element provided with an open cross-section and a material conveying element provided with a closed cross-section, thereby forming a conduit.

The transfer device according to the invention is characterized by comprising at least one fluid source, preferably a pressurized fluid, for delivering a fluid flow into the transfer channel of the powdery raw material.

Advantageously, the presence of the fluid source allows to quickly, simply and effectively prevent the formation of accumulations of powdered raw material inside the channel. In other words, the fluid source, in particular the fluid flow delivered by it, which is at least partially delivered into the transfer channel, allows for an efficient cleaning of possible residues of the powdery raw material.

Thus, the transmission device provides an economical and efficient solution to the reported shortcomings of known devices briefly discussed above.

According to an aspect of the invention, the fluid delivered is air, or gas or other gas. Advantageously, the flow of air or gas, preferably pressurized, effectively allows to eliminate in a simple and effective way the powdery residues, which are thus conveyed towards the output section thereof. In particular, with the present solution, there is no need to introduce polluting elements or substances that may remain in contact with the inner wall of the conveying channel and are therefore absorbed by the doses of powdered raw material that pass successively inside the channel. An advantage of this aspect is that the delivery of air, gas or another gas allows to avoid the use of water or other liquids which may wet the conveyor surface and which in general increase the humidity of the conveyor surface, thus having an undesired effect on the powdered raw material, preferably on the powdered coffee. For example, as mentioned above, water or moisture may promote and increase undesired adhesion phenomena of the powdered raw material to the surface of the conveying channel, and determine an undesired and increasing accumulation of the raw material over time and repeated conveying operations of successive doses of powdered raw material, thus gradually reducing the passage section.

Moreover, the use of air, gas or another gas has the advantage of effectively cleaning and removing possible residues of the powdered raw material without waiting for the conveying channel to dry (to be able to convey successive doses of powdered raw material). Indeed, unlike liquids, the use of air, gas or another gas does not wet the surface of the conveyor.

According to some aspects of the invention, the fluid is delivered at least into a location selected from: the input section of the transport path is upstream, substantially at the input section of the transport path, in a first half of a length range of the transport path, or a combination thereof.

In other words, according to a possible embodiment, a fluid flow (preferably air) is delivered such that it is at least partially directed into the conveying channel, preferably at or substantially at an upper portion thereof, in order to remove possible residues or accumulations of powdery raw material. Furthermore, according to an aspect of the invention, the fluid flow is delivered or diverted by a surface of the transfer device such that at least one component of the fluid flow is substantially directed towards the output section of the transfer channel.

According to an aspect of the invention, the fluid source, preferably air, even more preferably pressurized or compressed air, is of the type known in the art and comprises, for example, a pump or a compressor, preferably a compressor driven by direct current, or a fan, and is generally a device provided with (e.g. actuated by a motor) one or more rotating blades capable of displacing fluid, preferably air, by generating a fluid flow (streamline). However, possible embodiments are not excluded in which the fluid source comprises a tank or container containing the fluid delivered in the transfer channel.

The invention also relates to a method of cleaning a conveyor for at least one powdery raw material. The method is preferably carried out by means of a conveyor device according to the invention. The method provides the step of operating at least one fluid source to deliver a fluid stream into at least one transfer channel of the feedstock.

According to an aspect, the step of operating the fluid source is performed before, during or at the end of the passage of the powdery raw material in the conveying channel, or by a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Advantageously, the manual or automatic activation of the fluid source may be performed before, after or during the passage of a dose of material within the delivery channel.

It should be noted that, according to the present invention, what is described and/or claimed herein with reference to the transmitting device is equally applicable to the method and vice versa.

The invention also relates to the use of at least one fluid source, preferably a pressurized fluid, such as air, for cleaning at least one conveying device of at least one powdered raw material, in particular coffee powder.

Drawings

These and other advantages of the invention will become more apparent in the description provided below by way of example and not limitation, and in the accompanying drawings, in which:

figures 1 and 2 are two perspective views, respectively front and rear, of a possible embodiment of the transfer device according to the invention, in which the second movable tunnel is depicted in the retracted position;

fig. 1A and 2A are two perspective views, respectively front and rear, of a possible embodiment of the transfer device according to fig. 1 and 2, wherein the second movable tunnel is depicted in an extended position;

FIG. 3 is a front detail view of the output section of the transfer tunnel, with the second movable tunnel shown in an extended position;

fig. 3A and 3B are a front view of the transfer channel in which the second movable channel is depicted in the retracted position and a sectional view according to the plane B-B shown in fig. 3A, respectively.

Figures 4 and 5 are two perspective views of a possible embodiment of the transfer device according to the invention, which can be used in a machine for preparing beverages, preferably coffee, of the automatic type, wherein there is also at least one grinding unit, and wherein the second movable channel is shown in the retracted position;

fig. 4A is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the transfer device according to fig. 4, which can be used in a machine for preparing beverages, preferably coffee, of the automatic type, wherein there is also at least one grinding unit, and wherein the second movable channel is depicted in the extended position.

Detailed Description

With reference to the figures, a possible embodiment of the transfer device 1 according to the invention will now be described.

It should be immediately noted that although reference will be made hereinafter to powdered coffee, the invention is not to be understood as being limited to such materials, but it is obvious that other powdered materials may be used.

The device 1 for delivering ground coffee (not shown in the figures) comprises at least one channel 10 having at least one input section 11 configured to receive ground coffee from at least one grinding unit 2 or from a source container and at least one output section 12 delivering ground coffee into at least one storage container 3.

In fig. 1, 1A, 2A, 3 the presence of a source container 2 or grinding unit placed upstream of the transfer channel 10 is schematically illustrated, while in fig. 4, 4A, 5a possible embodiment of a transfer device 1 usable in a machine 100 for preparing coffee of the automatic type is illustrated, in which the grinding unit 2 connected to the channel 10 is also illustrated. As is known, such grinding units comprise: at least one grinding seat 2a in which one or more grindstones or similar pulverizing elements (such as one or more gears) are placed to break up the coffee grains or beans into powder inside a holding container (not shown); and at least one drive motor 2b which controls and moves the grinding stone, generally a grinding element.

In the case of a storage container 3 placed downstream of the transfer device 10, this storage container 3 is also schematically shown in the figures, and this storage container 3 may for example comprise a filter holder, for example of the removable type (such as schematically shown in the figures), or an infusion chamber, for example formed by a cup, intended to contain the coffee powder coming out of the transfer channel 10.

It should also be noted that the terms "downstream" and "upstream" are used with reference to the direction of flow of the material inside the device itself to indicate the position of one component of the device relative to another.

Embodiments in which the infusion chamber or the filter holder cooperates with a piston or a movable cylinder, such as occur in particular in machines for preparing coffee of the known art of the automatic type, are not excluded. A machine of this type is described, for example, in patent application WO2014/037495 in the name of the same applicant as one of the applicant of the present patent application, and this document is understood herein to be incorporated by reference with respect to the features of a machine for producing beverages in which the conveying device 1 according to the invention can be used. In particular, the device according to the invention can be used as a conveying device instead of the device described with reference numerals 24, 25 and 48 in application WO 2014/037495.

It should be noted that although in the figures an embodiment is shown in which the device 1 is provided with a second conveying channel 10 'downstream of the channel 10 and the second channel 10' is movable with respect to the channel 10 to form a telescopic-type conveying channel, such an embodiment is not limitative. In fact, the transfer device 1 according to the invention may not be provided with such at least one further channel 10'. As is well known and such as described in patent application WO2014/037495 or patent application WO2016/151531 in the name of the same applicant as one of the present patent applications, the configuration of the transfer passage is provided with a second passage 10 'movable with respect to the first passage, which second passage 10' can be used to provide a retracted position (shown for example in figures 1, 2, 4, 5) and an extended position (shown for example in figures 1A, 2A, 3, 4A) of the transfer passage, corresponding respectively to a position distant from a storage container 3 (for example a filter holder) placed downstream of the passage and to a position close to the storage container 3.

As is known, for example in the above-mentioned patent applications, the retracted position of the second channel 10' is useful to prevent the transfer channel from interfering with a movable cylinder or piston cooperating with the filter holder and, in general, with the infusion chamber, to perform the infusion of the coffee. The movement of the movable channel 10' can take place according to known means, such as described in application WO2016/151531, by means of a kinematic system by means of teeth possibly synchronized with the movement of the movable piston (if present). Such movement means, for example a movable channel 10 'comprising a motor adapted to move a toothed guide placed under the second channel 10', see for example fig. 3B, are not described in detail here, since they are known in the art and have been described for example in application WO2016/151531, which is understood here as being incorporated in the text.

Returning to the conveying channels 10, 10', it should be pointed out that the term "channel" is used in this patent application to indicate both an element with a closed section and an element suitable for conveying provided with an open section.

In other words, the channel 10 may comprise an open section, such as shown in the figures, and may in particular be substantially U-shaped, i.e. may be provided with a lower surface and two side surfaces, for example according to a configuration similar to a slide. Nevertheless, although not shown in the drawings, the transfer channel 10 may also take the form of a closed cross-sectional shape, i.e. a duct having a suitably chosen closed cross-sectional shape, for example substantially rectangular or circular, etc.

According to one aspect, the conveying channel 10 transports the powdery raw material by gravity and is thus arranged obliquely or vertically.

According to one aspect, the transfer channel has a substantially longitudinal development and preferably substantially along a rectilinear direction or axis X.

Furthermore, according to an aspect, the conveying channel, in particular its lower surface, is not flat, but may be V-shaped or U-shaped, if viewed in cross-section. In general, the lower surface of the transfer channel may have a lowered central portion, forming a recess or a lowered fold, such as in the embodiment shown in the detail front view of fig. 3. Such a shape allows to improve the distribution of the coffee powder delivered into the storage container 3 through the transfer channel, for example in the filter holder 3, so as to make it uniform.

What is described and/or claimed with reference to the transfer channel 10 also applies to possibly at least one second or further channel 10' (possibly movable with respect to the first channel), which may also be provided with an open or closed cross-section. Furthermore, the channel 10 and/or the at least one further channel 10' may be provided with a door 8 or a closing device at its ends and preferably at its output section. As shown for example in the figures, according to a possible embodiment, the door 8 extends at least partially in the upper part of the channel and forms part of the upper surface of the second channel 10'.

The opening and closing of the door 8 is obviously preferably automatic and preferably takes place when the movable channel 10' is in the extended position.

As mentioned, according to the invention, the transfer device 1 comprises at least one fluid source 50, preferably pressurized, to deliver a fluid flow into at least one transfer channel 10. The fluid source 50 may be configured to deliver fluid into at least one additional channel 10' (if present). The delivery of the fluid may occur in at least one channel selected from the first channel and the second channel, or both. In other words, the delivery of the fluid may take place directly in the first channel 10 or directly in at least one further channel 10', or the fluid flow delivered into the channel may be conveyed and thus may pass in at least one further channel 10' (if present) downstream of the channel 10 located in front of it.

As mentioned, the presence of the fluid source 50 advantageously allows to quickly, simply and effectively prevent the formation of accumulations of powdery raw material inside the channel. In other words, the fluid source, in particular the fluid flow generated thereby, which is at least partially delivered into the transfer channel 10 allows for an efficient cleaning of possible residues of the powdery raw material.

According to an aspect of the invention, the fluid source is fluidly connected to at least one transfer channel 10, 10 'such that at least a part of the fluid flow may be directed into the transfer channel 10, 10' of the feedstock.

The expression "fluidly connected" or "fluidly connected" is used herein to indicate that a component of the device is connected to another component thereof to allow fluid to be transferred between them, i.e. to allow fluid communication.

According to an aspect of the invention, the fluid is preferably air or gas, and in general gas.

According to a possible embodiment, such as shown in the figures, the source of pressurized air 50 comprises a compressor, which can be connected to the conveying channel 10 by means of a duct 51, for example made of silicone or other material.

Generally, the fluid source 50 is connected to at least one opening 20 or at least one nozzle to deliver a fluid flow into the at least one transfer channel 10, 10'.

At least one opening 20 for delivering a fluid flow may be arranged on the surface of at least one conveying channel not in contact with the powdery raw material, but possible embodiments are not excluded in which at least one opening 20 for delivering a fluid or a nozzle is arranged on the surface of the channel over which the powdery raw material passes, for example on the lower bottom surface of the channel 10. In this case, the opening or nozzle is suitably protected or shielded to prevent the powdery raw material from entering the interior of the opening or nozzle, but at the same time to allow the fluid flow through the interior of the passage 10.

It should also be noted that the opening 20 or nozzle delivering the stream may assume a shape for spreading the stream.

Furthermore, such as shown in the cross-sectional view of fig. 3B, according to a possible embodiment, the opening or nozzle for delivering the flow may for example comprise a first portion (for example rectilinear) and a second portion (for example perpendicular to the first portion) having different cross-sections from each other.

In general, it should be noted that the shape and/or cross-section of the delivery opening or nozzle 20 may be suitably selected. For example, the output section of the delivery opening or nozzle may be, for example, different and/or have different dimensions relative to the input section of the delivery opening or nozzle.

Obviously, embodiments are not excluded in which there is more than one opening or more than one nozzle for delivering fluid into at least one channel 10. In this case, according to a possible embodiment, the plurality of delivery openings 20 or the plurality of nozzles are arranged at a distance from each other in the direction of conveyance of the raw material towards the storage container 3, i.e. at a distance from each other in the longitudinal extension direction X of the channel.

According to a possible embodiment, such as shown in the figures, the transfer channel 10 comprises at least one connection portion 15, which can be made in one piece therewith or can be connected thereto. The connecting portion 15 comprises at least one inlet 15a connectable to at least one grinding unit 2 or at least one source container and at least one outlet 15c conveying powdery raw material to said input section 11 of the channel 10.

In fig. 4, 4A, 5a grinding unit 2 is shown connected to the inlet 15a of the connecting portion 15. In fig. 1-3, the grinding unit is not shown for simplicity of illustration.

According to a possible embodiment, the connection portion 15 comprises at least one second inlet 15b connectable to at least one second grinding unit or a second source container. Although only one grinding unit 2 is shown in the figures, it should be noted that the connecting portion 15 may also be provided with a second inlet 15b connectable to a second grinding unit or a second source container.

It should be noted that, according to a possible embodiment, at least one inlet 15a, 15b of the connecting portion 15 is arranged laterally with respect to the flow direction of the raw material inside the channel 10, and generally laterally with respect to the longitudinal extension direction X of the channel 10. This configuration advantageously allows to be able to arrange one or more grinding units sideways with respect to the conveying channel 10 and in any case to be able to transport the dose of raw material in the transmission channel 10 coming from one or both grinding units.

Furthermore, according to an aspect of the invention, at least one inlet 15a, 15b of the connection portion 15 is located in a plane incident to, and preferably substantially perpendicular to, the plane of the input section 11 of the conveying channel 10.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the first inlet 15a and the second inlet 15b for connecting to the first and second grinding units 2, or the connecting portions 15 of the first and second source containers, are arranged in positions opposite to each other. In other words, the two inlets 15a, 15b (if present) are preferably arranged in opposite and preferably symmetrical lateral positions with respect to the conveying direction of the powdery raw material, and preferably with respect to the longitudinal extension axis X of the conveying channel 10.

It should be pointed out that according to a possible embodiment of the connecting portion 15 where there is a transfer channel 10, the fluid source 50 is connected to the connecting portion 15. Such as shown in the figures, at least one delivery opening 20 or at least one nozzle for delivering a fluid flow into the channel 10 is arranged on the connection portion 15.

According to a possible embodiment, at least one delivery opening 20 or at least one nozzle connected to the delivery fluid flow of the source fluid 50 is arranged between the first inlet 15a and the second inlet 15b of the connecting portion 15.

According to one aspect, the at least one delivery opening 20 or nozzle is arranged in a substantially intermediate position with respect to the two inlets 15a, 15b, preferably at the intermediate plane, or in any case in a position substantially equidistant from the two inlets 15a, 15b, so as to inject the raw material into the connecting portion 15 of the channel 10 and so that the fluid delivered thereby can effectively eliminate powdery residues and remove possible accumulations from the two grinding units 2 or source containers that may be connected to the two inlets 15a, 15 b.

The invention also relates to a method of cleaning a transfer device 1 as described and/or claimed herein.

The method provides the following steps: the fluid source 50 is operated to deliver a fluid flow into the transfer channels 10, 10'.

The step of operating the fluid source 50 may be performed before, during or at the end of the passage of the powdered raw material in the conveying channel, or by a combination of two or more of the foregoing.

According to an aspect, the step of operating the fluid source 50 can be carried out before, during or at the end of the activation of the grinding unit 2, in particular of the motor 2b, for preparing the powdered raw material conveyed inside the channel 10, 10', or by combining two or more of the aforementioned ways.

It should be noted that the step of delivering the fluid may be performed manually or automatically, for example by means of a control unit of the device 1 not shown in the figures.

This control unit may be connected to the control unit of a machine in which the conveyor 1 according to the invention can be used for preparing a beverage, or may correspond to the control unit of a machine in which the conveyor 1 according to the invention can be used for preparing a beverage.

Manual operation may occur, for example, when a user, such as a coffee maker, notices an undesired accumulation of material in the passage, for example, by noticing that the amount coming out of the transfer passage does not correspond to the usual amount and notices a decrease thereof. In combination with or instead of manual control, the step of delivering fluid may be automated, for example a fluid flow may be delivered after each grinding cycle or after a given number of preset grinding cycles to clean the transfer channel.

According to an aspect, the cleaning and thus the operation step of the source 50 delivering the flow into the transfer channel lasts more than 1 second, preferably more than 3 seconds.

As mentioned, the transfer device 1 described and/or claimed herein can be used, for example, in grinding devices for raw materials, preferably coffee, such as those used for providing coffee in a bar starting from beans or grains contained in a container connected to the grinding unit 2 and delivering them into the storage container 3, such as a removable filter holder of a machine for preparing espresso coffee, which is temporarily placed by a user (e.g. a coffeemaker) downstream of the output section 12 of the transfer channel 10.

In other words, the transfer device 1 according to the invention can be integrated and thus used in a standard grinding device or grinder (provided with a container of coffee beans or coffee particles connected to a grinding unit), and can be used in conjunction with a coffee machine to provide the machine's removable filter holder with ground coffee when the coffee maker moves the filter holder at the grinder or grinding unit.

Advantageously, as mentioned above, the presence of a fluid source, in particular air, advantageously allows to remove possible residues or accumulations of coffee powder from the transfer channel 10.

Furthermore, the delivery device 1 described and/or claimed herein may be used, for example, in a machine 100 for preparing beverages, preferably a machine for preparing coffee. In particular, the device may be used in a machine for preparing coffee of the automatic type. This type of machine is described, for example, in patent application WO2016/151531 and patent application WO2014/037495, both in the name of the same applicant as one of the applicants of the present patent application. The contents of such documents are intended to be incorporated herein by reference.

According to one aspect, the automatic coffee machine 100 using the transfer device 1 according to the invention comprises a coffee bean or coffee granulate container supplying a grinder or grinding unit (shown for example in fig. 4, 4A, 5) which in turn supplies the filter holder 3 with coffee powder by means of the transfer channel 10 of the device according to the invention.

As mentioned above, it should be pointed out that the machine may comprise a first and a second coffee container (not shown) for the particles to be ground, which supply a first and a second grinder 2 (only one shown in the figures), respectively, to prepare a dose of ground coffee brought to the transfer channel 10 through the connecting portion 15 of the transfer channel 10.

Furthermore, the coffee machine comprises at least an infusion unit having an infusion piston (not shown in the figures) which can be moved by suitable movement means, for example an electric motor, and which cooperates with a filter holder 3 for infusing the beverage.