EP3752034A1

EP3752034A1 - A grinder, method and modification kit

Info

Publication number: EP3752034A1
Application number: EP19702575.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Patrik Berglund; David NEESS
Original assignee: C Grind AB; Qamcom Technology AB
Current assignee: C Grind AB; Qamcom Technology AB
Priority date: 2018-02-12
Filing date: 2019-01-30
Publication date: 2020-12-23
Also published as: SE1830049A1; WO2019154679A1; SE540779C2

Abstract

A grinder (100) comprising an inlet orifice (110), a grinding device (120) for grinding coffee beans, and a discharge orifice (130), the grinding device being arranged to receive the coffee beans via the inlet orifice (110), to grind the coffee beans, and to discharge ground coffee via the discharge orifice (130), the grinder comprising a dispenser (140) arranged to dispense a controlled amount of electrically conductive additive such that the electrically conductive additive contacts the ground coffee.

Description

A GRINDER, METHOD AND MODIFICATION KIT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a grinder for grinding coffee beans, a method for grinding coffee beans, and a modification kit for modifying a grinder.

BACKGROUND

Static electricity refers to an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material. The charge remains until it is able to move away by means of an electric current or electrical discharge. A static electrical charge can be created whenever two surfaces contact and separate, and at least one of the surfaces has a high resistance to electric current, an effect sometimes referred to as the triboelectric effect.

It is known that buildup of static electricity may occur when grinding certain foodstuffs, such as coffee beans. Buildup of static electricity during grinding causes the ground material to stick to surfaces, causing unwanted spread of the ground material. Also, discharge of the static electricity as an electrical shock may cause discomfort to an operator of the grinding device.

It is known that by adding water to the coffee beans prior to grinding, problems related to static electricity during grinding are alleviated.

DE19832413 A1 discloses a coffee maker with integrated grinder equipped with an ionizer in order to demagnetize coffee powder for better distribution in a brewing chamber.

US 8,702,021 B2 discusses adjusting a grinding dose in response to a thermal state of the grinder in order to alleviate problems related to build-up of static electricity. However, there is a further need to alleviate problems related to static electricity when grinding coffee beans. There is also a need for more advanced grinders for grinding coffee beans.

SUMMARY

An object of embodiments herein is to provide an improved grinder and method for grinding coffee beans which address the problems related to buildup of static electricity. According to a first aspect there is disclosed a grinder for grinding coffee. The grinder comprises an inlet orifice, a grinding device for grinding coffee beans, and a discharge orifice. The grinding device is arranged to receive the coffee beans via the inlet orifice, to grind the coffee beans, and to discharge ground coffee via the discharge orifice. The grinder comprises a dispenser arranged to dispense a controlled amount of electrically conductive additive such that the electrically conductive additive contacts the ground coffee.

This way, build-up of static electricity is reduced in that the electrically conductive additive facilities an electric current or electrical discharge that compensates for the build-up. Consequently, problems associated with build-up of static electricity when grinding coffee beans are alleviated.

According to some aspects, the grinding device comprises a grinding unit connected to the inlet orifice and arranged to grind coffee beans, and a chamber arranged to receive ground coffee from the grinding device, and to discharge ground coffee via the discharge orifice. The dispenser comprises an orifice arranged to dispense the electrically conductive additive into any of; the grinding unit, the chamber, and the discharge orifice.

Various advantages and disadvantages can be associated with dispensing the electrically conductive additive at different locations in the grinder arrangement. For instance, adding the electrically conductive additive in the grinding unit where the coffee beans are ground, i.e., crushed, shredded or cut, into ground coffee provides for an efficient reduction in static build-up in that the electrical discharge is efficient. Adding the electrically conductive additive into the chamber after the grinding has taken place also spares the grinding device from any issues related to the additive, such as corrosion. The addition of electrically conductive additive into the chamber, i.e., into a compartment directly after the crushing operation, also provides for an efficient reduction in static build-up. Adding the electrically conductive additive into the discharge orifice may present a convenient means of accessing the ground coffee. Arranging the dispensing of electrically conductive additive into the grinding unit 121 or the chamber 122 may not be convenient since these parts are usually made of metal, and not easily accessed. It is appreciated that there are disadvantages associated with dispensing electrically conductive additive into a coffee bean container. For instance, not all coffee beans are ground every time the grinder is started. Thus, an undesirably large amount of additive must be used to contact the ground coffee. Also, it may be disadvantageous to regularly moisten unground coffee beans.

According to aspects, the electrically conductive additive comprises water. Water is a low cost and readily available additive which provides for an efficient transport of electrical charge.

According to aspects, the electrically conductive additive comprises alcohol. The addition of alcohol is advantageous in that it quickly evaporates, does not contribute significantly to corrosion, and has an anti-bacterial effect. It is appreciated that a mixture comprising water and alcohol is especially suited for the purpose of alleviating static build-up.

According to aspects, the controlled amount is below 13% by weight of the coffee beans. Above 13% biological growth may be experienced.

According to aspects, the grinder is arranged to determine the controlled amount of electrically conductive additive based on ambient humidity and/or ambient temperature. The need for reducing static build-up during grinding operation varies with temperature and with ambient humidity, i.e., the static build-up tends to be stringer in some situations, and weaker in other situations. For instance, if there is a lot of moisture in the air around the grinder, then only a smaller amount of electrically conductive additive may be necessary to reach the desired effect of reducing static build-up. Similarly, at high ambient temperatures, static build-up may be stronger, thus necessitating an increased amount of electrically conductive additive to provide a more efficient electrical discharge. By adjusting the controlled amount of electrically conductive additive based on ambient humidity and/or ambient temperature, an optimized amount of additive is obtained, which improves efficiency.

According to a second aspect, there is disclosed herein a method for grinding coffee beans by a grinder. The method comprises loading coffee beans via an inlet orifice of the grinder, grinding the coffee beans by a grinding device to produce ground coffee, discharging the ground coffee via a discharge orifice of the grinder, and

adding a controlled amount of electrically conductive additive such that the electrically conductive additive contacts the ground coffee.

According to a third aspect, there is disclosed herein a modification kit for modifying a grinder comprising an inlet orifice, a grinding device for grinding coffee beans, and a discharge orifice. The grinding device being arranged to receive the coffee beans via the inlet orifice, to grind the coffee beans, and to discharge ground coffee via the discharge orifice. The modification kit comprises a dispenser arranged to be mounted in connection to the grinder and to dispense a controlled amount of electrically conductive additive into the grinder such that the electrically conductive additive contacts the ground coffee.

The advantages associated with the grinder discussed above are also obtained by the disclosed methods and by the disclosed modification kits.

Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the inventive concept are now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a grinder for grinding coffee beans,

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a modification kit for modifying a grinder,

Figs. 3-5 schematically illustrate dispensers according to embodiments,

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating methods according to the disclosure, and

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a control unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. Aspects of the inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will help convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description. Any step or feature illustrated by dashed lines should be regarded as optional.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a grinder 100 for grinding coffee beans. According to an example, coffee beans are placed in a container 170 connected to the grinder via an inlet orifice 1 10. The inlet orifice can be horizontally oriented as illustrated in Fig. 1 , or it can have some other orientation, such as a vertical orientation. The coffee beans are fed into a grinding device 120 which grinds the coffee beans into ground coffee. Different mechanical grinder types are known for grinding coffee beans, such as flat burr grinders, conical burr grinders, roller mills, and shredders. It is appreciated that the techniques disclosed herein for alleviating problems related to build-up of static electricity are applicable to at least all these grinder types.

The ground coffee is discharged via a discharge orifice 130, where it can be collected in a container for ground coffee.

In other words, Fig. 1 shows a grinder 100 comprising an inlet orifice 1 10, a grinding device 120 for grinding coffee beans, and a discharge orifice 130. The grinding device is arranged to receive the coffee beans via the inlet orifice 1 10, to grind the coffee beans, and to discharge ground coffee via the discharge orifice 130.

The grinder 100 further comprises a dispenser 140 arranged to dispense a controlled amount of electrically conductive additive such that the electrically conductive additive contacts the ground coffee. The dispensing of electrically conductive additive which contacts the ground coffee provides for a controlled discharge of static electricity from the ground coffee to the environment. It is appreciated that the dispensing is such as to contact the ground coffee. This is different from dispensing or adding an electrically conductive additive to the coffee beans directly, e.g., in the above-mentioned container connected to the grinder. Several advantages are obtained by the dispensing such that the electrically conductive additive contacts the ground coffee directly, for instance; The electrically conductive additive contacts the ground coffee, not the coffee beans, which provides for a more efficient discharge of static electricity compared to the case when an electrically conductive additive is dispensed to contact the coffee beans prior to grinding.

The electrically conductive additive is not dispensed to contact the coffee beans per se, which means that any coffee beans not ground during a given grinding session are not contacted by the additive. This reduces the total amount of additive necessary, and reduces problems associated with damp coffee beans. Also, unwanted moisture in the coffee bean container is avoided. Furthermore, build-up of mildew and other unwanted biological growth is alleviated due to the reduced moisture level in the coffee bean container.

Also, since the electrically conductive additive contacts the ground coffee directly, improved control of the dispensing is facilitated. The process of dispensing electrically conductive additive to contact the coffee beans is more difficult to control since it is more uncertain how much additive is necessary to obtain the desired effect of electrical discharge.

According to aspects, the grinder is arranged to be electrically grounded 150. In this case, the electrically conductive additive is arranged to improve an electrical connection between the ground coffee beans and electrical ground 150. This provides for an improved discharge of static electricity in some cases.

According to some other aspects, the grinding device 120 comprises a grinding unit 121 connected to the inlet orifice 1 10 and arranged to grind coffee beans, and a chamber 122 arranged to receive ground coffee from the grinding device 121 , and to discharge ground coffee via the discharge orifice 130. According to different aspects, the dispenser 140 comprises an orifice arranged to dispense the electrically conductive additive into any of; the grinding unit 121 , the chamber 122 and the discharge orifice 130.

It is noted that the electrically conductive additive may be dispensed into one or more places in the grinder 100. For instance, a first amount of additive may be dispensed into the grinding unit 121 , while a second amount of additive may be dispensed into the chamber 122, concurrently or in sequence. Furthermore, according to some aspects, the additive dispensed into the different sections may have different compositions, i.e., may comprise different ingredients or may comprise ingredients in differing relative quantities.

By dispensing additive into the chamber 122 or discharge orifice 130, i.e., after the grinding device 121 , an additional advantage of reduced corrosion in the grinding unit 121 is obtained. Thus, additive is dispensed where it has an effect of reducing static buildup but does not contact parts of the grinder 100 upstream from the dispensing location. By dispensing additive into the chamber 122 or discharge orifice 130, i.e., after the grinding device 121 , an additional advantage of reduced buildup of residue is obtained, which implies reduced cleaning needs for the grinder.

As already noted, the grinding unit 121 may comprise any of; a flat burr grinder, a conical burr grinder, a roller mill, and a shredder.

The dispenser 140 may be realized in a number of different, equally valid, ways. A number of example implementations of the dispenser will now be discussed in connection to Figs. 3-5. These examples are not exhaustive.

Fig. 3 shows a dispenser 140A comprising a container 1412 for holding the electrically conductive additive 1412. The container 1412 is connected to a dosing valve 1413. The dosing value is arranged to control the amount of additive which can flow from the container 1412. Thus, by the operation of the dosing valve 1413, the dispenser 140A is arranged to dispense the electrically conductive additive in a controlled amount. The dosing valve is connected to a nozzle 1414, which nozzle comprises the orifice. The nozzle is arranged to output 1415 the additive such that it contacts the ground coffee. Consequently, the nozzle is, according to different aspects, arranged to output the additive into any of the grinding unit 121 , the chamber 122 and/or into the discharge orifice 130.

According to aspects, the container 1412 is arranged to be pressurized by an optional pressure source 141 1 , whereby the electrically conductive additive is forced out from the container and into the dosing valve 1413 by a pressure, such as a gas pressure. According to other aspects, the container 1412 is arranged elevated relative to the nozzle 1414, thereby achieving a gravitational feed of the electrically conductive additive.

According to some aspects, the dosing valve 1413 and/or pressurize source 141 1 are arranged to be controlled by the control unit 160 to dispense the controlled amount of electrically conductive additive.

Fig. 4 shows a dispenser 140B comprising an external pressurized source of electrically conductive additive 1421 , i.e., external to the dispenser 140, but not necessarily external to the grinder. The external pressurized source 1421 is connected to an optional input valve 1422. The optional input valve is in turn connected to an optional pressure reducing valve 1423. A dosing valve 1424 is arranged to control the amount of electrically conductive additive which is dispensed. A nozzle 1425 comprising the orifice is arranged to dispense 1415 the electrically conductive additive into any of the grinding unit 121 , the chamber 122 and the discharge orifice 130. It is appreciated that both the input valve 1422 and pressure reducing valve 1423 are optional. Thus, according to some aspects, the external pressurized source of electrically conductive additive 1421 is connected directly to the dosing valve 1424. According to aspects, the input valve 1422 and/or the dosing valve 1424 is arranged to be controlled by the control unit 160 to dispense the controlled amount of electrically conductive additive.

Advantageously, the pressure reducing valve 1423 may compensate or a high pressure in the external pressurized source of electrically conductive additive 1421 , and also regulate such pressure in case the pressure varies over time. Thus, providing or a more stable and robust dispensing o the electrically conductive additive.

Fig. 5 illustrates a dispenser 140C comprising a container 1431 for holding the electrically conductive additive, connected in series with a pumping device 1432, an optional pressure reducing valve 1433, an optional dosing valve 1434 and a nozzle 1435. Thus, the dispenser is operative to pump an amount of electrically conductive additive from the container 1431 towards the nozzle 1435 which comprises the orifice. The nozzle 1435 is, according to different aspects, arranged to output the additive into any of the grinding unit 121 , the chamber 122 and the discharge orifice 130.

If the pumping device 1432 has a too high or varied pressure during pumping operation, the optional pressure reducing valve 1433 is operative to control pressure into the dosing valve 1434. This way a more stable and robust dispensing is provided for. According to different aspects, the pumping device 1432 is a dosing pump, membrane pump, impeller pump or other known type of pumping device.

Depending on the nozzle 1435 type used, and pumping device 1432 type used, the pressure reducing valve 1433 and dosing valve 1434 might not be needed in order to achieve a desired controlled amount of electrically conductive additive. The optional dosing valve 1434 and pumping device 1432 is arranged to be controlled by the control unit 160 to dispense the controlled amount of electrically conductive additive.

According to examples, the nozzle 1414, 1425, 1435 comprising the orifice is implemented by any of; an open pipe, drop, spray, atomizing spray, and mist type nozzle. The dosing valve 1413, 1424, 1434 is according to some aspects integrated with the nozzle 1414, 1425, 1435 in an integrated dosing nozzle arrangement. According to aspects, the electrically conductive additive comprises water. Water is electrically conductive and is readily available in most locations, and thus provides an attractive option for the electrically conductive additive. Using an additive comprising water is advantageous in that it is readily available and also that it does not add unwanted taste or smell to the ground coffee.

According to other aspects, the electrically conductive additive comprises alcohol. Adding alcohol provides additional benefits of antibacterial properties, i.e., the electrically conductive additive serves at least the two purposes of alleviating static buildup and also alleviating problems related to biological growth, such as mildew and bacteria, in the grinder 100.

As an alternative to alcohol, some other volatile liquid, preferably having antibacterial properties, may be used instead of alcohol.

According to an example, the electrically conductive additive comprises approximately 75 percent by weight water and approximately 25 percent by weight alcohol.

According to an example, there could also be added essences of different compositions to adjust the taste and smell of the coffee such as Vanilla, chocolate, pepper, mint, hazelnuts, sugar etc., also known or named as creamers. The essence additive could be added into any of; the grinding unit 121 , the chamber 122 and the discharge orifice 130.

The value of the controlled amount of electrically conductive additive determines the effectiveness in reducing static electricity in the ground coffee. If too much additive is used the ground coffee may become soggy and may lose taste and fragrance. If too little additive is used, then there will be a reduction in the efficiency of reducing static electricity in the ground coffee.

According to an example, the controlled amount is below 13% by weight of the coffee beans. Above 13% problems related to biological growth can be expected.

According to another example, the controlled amount is between 0,1 % and 3% by weight of the coffee beans. This range of additive amount has been found sufficient for reducing problems related to static electricity significantly.

According to a further example, the controlled amount is above 0.1 % by weight of the coffee beans. This minimum amount of additive has been found sufficient for reducing problems related to static electricity significantly under some favorable conditions. It has been found that the static build-up is dependent on ambient humidity, where a high ambient humidity implies a reduced need for additive, and a low ambient humidity implies an increased need for the additive. There are three main measurements of humidity: absolute, relative and specific, and all measures are relevant in this context. Absolute humidity is the water content of air expressed in gram per cubic meter or grams per kilogram. Relative humidity, expressed as a percent, measures the current absolute humidity relative to the maximum for that temperature. Specific humidity is the ratio of the mass of water vapor to the total mass of the moist air parcel.

It has furthermore been found that the static build-up is at times dependent on ambient temperature.

According to some aspects, the grinder 100 is arranged to determine the controlled amount of electrically conductive additive based on ambient humidity and/or ambient temperature. Towards this end, the grinder may comprise a control unit 160 arranged to determine ambient humidity and/or temperature. The control unit 160 may comprise sensor arrangements for measuring temperature and humidity outside the grinder 100, and also internally, e.g. inside the grinding unit 121 and/or chamber 122. The control unit 160 is, according to some aspects, arranged to control the dispenser 140, whereby the dispenser 140 is arranged to dispense the controlled amount of electrically conductive additive based on ambient humidity and/or ambient temperature.

The control unit 160, according to some aspects, comprises a storage module configured to store data relating to different controlled amounts as a function of humidity and/or temperature, and to control the operation of the dispenser based on sensor readings and on the stored data. The data may be determined a-priori from laboratory experiments and/or mathematical analysis.

The control unit 160, according to some aspects, comprises or is operatively connected to a weight scale device configured to measure an accumulated amount of grounded coffee exiting the orifice 130.

The control unit 160 is, according to some aspects, arranged to delay an initial dispensing of electrically conductive additive. The delay can optionally be based on time, or on accumulated weight of grounded coffee. As the static charge is built up during the start of a grinding session, and it takes a few seconds before it reaches critical levels, the dispensing of electrically conductive additive is delayed in order to avoid dispensing additive when it is not needed. In other words, according to some aspects, the adding of electrically conductive additive comprises delaying an onset of the adding until a pre-determ ined time has elapsed from grinder start. This way, advantageously, the electrically conductive additive does not enter an empty mill or grinding chamber. This prevents or alleviates problems associated with corrosion. Also, the static electricity build-up is not instant, but comes after some delay. Thus, the electrically conductive additive is not needed during the very first period of grinding operation.

The Control unit 160 is, according to some aspects, arranged to stop adding the conductive additive based on any of remaining time or weight. Thereby a remaining amount of electrically conductive additive left after grinding completion is minimized. Thus, the adding operation, according to some aspects, comprises ceasing addition at a pre-determined time interval prior to when the grinder operation is stopped. According to an example, in case the grinder has been configured to grind for a pre- determined amount of time, then the addition of electrically conductive additive may cease some time interval prior to the configured grinding time has elapsed.

The adding operation, according to some other aspects, comprises ceasing addition when a set amount of coffee less than the configured amount of coffee has been ground. For example, if an amount of coffee corresponding to a weight of 500g is configured for grinding, then the addition of electrically conductive additive ceases after 450 g coffee has been ground.

To exemplify, suppose an amount of 100 g of ground coffee is desired. The control unit 160 may then cease dispensing at about 80 g of ground coffee. Thus, the last coffee beans are not contacted by as much electrically conductive additive, which reduces the remaining amount.

According to some further aspects, the adding operation may comprise ceasing addition of the electrically conductive additive in case a coffee bean fill level reaches a pre-configured low level. In this case the coffee beans are about to, or have already, run out. Coffee beans must then be re-filled before the grinding operation can be resumed. It is advantageous to stop the addition of electrically conductive additive when this happens.

It is appreciated that, when measuring an amount of ground coffee, in general, it is an option to measure the amount of coffee including the additive. This measure can be made using, e.g., a scale. It is another option to measure the amount without the additive. In this case, a measurement of the weight of the additive is subtracted from a measure of total weight to yield the weight of ground coffee without additive.

The control unit 160 is, according to some aspects, arranged to measure an available level of electrically conductive additive. According to some aspects, the available level is represented by a fill level of the additive container, such as containers 1412, 1421 , or 1431 . Thereby, a user or operator can be notified when it is time to refill the electrically conductive additive.

In addition to being arranged to control operations related to the dispensing of the electrically conductive additive, the control unit 160 is, according to some aspects, arranged to measure an amount of coffee beans in a hopper or coffee bean container 170 of the grinder 100, and notify a user or operator of the grinder when a coffee bean level reaches a pre-determ ined low level. It is appreciated that the operation of measuring the amount of coffee beans can be controlled by the control unit 160, or, alternatively, by a further control unit 180, shown in Fig. 1 .

A problem during grinding of a pre-determ ined amount of coffee beans is that there may not be enough beans in the coffee bean container 170. For example, if an operator of the grinder wishes to grind 500g of coffee beans, and there is only 200g available in the container 170, then the grinding operation must be stopped mid-way and the coffee beans re-filled. To alleviate this issue, the control unit 160 is, according to some aspects, arranged to give feedback to the operator in case a configured amount of coffee beans to be ground represents an amount above an available amount in the coffee bean container 170. Thus, an operator is spared the process of re-filling and re- starting the grinding process.

The control unit 160 is, according to some further aspects, arranged to pause and give feedback to an operator indicating that the coffee bean container 170 is in need of re- fill. The operator can then continue from a paused position and does not need to re- configure a new grinding session.

Another problem associated with grinders, and with coffee bean grinders in particular, is to plan maintenance operations at suitable intervals. The coffee bean grinder requires servicing at regular intervals, but a suitable interval in terms of elapsed time can vary due to differences in usage patterns. Thus, a coffee bean grinder which is run often requires maintenance more often compared to a grinder which is run more seldom. To solve this problem, the control unit 160 is, according to some aspects, arranged to collect sensor data from the coffee bean grinder, and determine a suitable maintenance interval based on the collected sensor data. The control unit 160 is also, according to some aspects, arranged to indicate the suitable maintenance interval to an operator, and/or indicate when maintenance is due. The sensor data may comprise any of; run time of the grinder, total ground weight of coffee, time elapsed since last maintenance.

The control unit 160, according to some further aspects, comprises a connectivity module 190 arranged to send grinding and monitoring telemetry to a remote server. The connectivity module may comprise, e.g., a wireless local area connection device, a wired local area connection, a cellular access device, a Bluetooth device, or similar communications device configured to provide information exchange between the control unit 160 and the remote server. The grinding and monitoring telemetry may, according to different aspects, comprise any of; temperature, fill level of the coffee bean container, ground weight of coffee, error signals associated with an operation of the coffee grinder, level of static electricity build-up, and measured vibration indicating malfunction of the grinder.

The connectivity module 190 is, according to some further aspects, arranged to receive commands from a remote server. A command could for example change a parameter related to the grinder function or update the software in the control unit.

According to aspects, the control unit 160, via the connectivity module 190, is arranged to establish and to maintain a connection to an external network, such as the Internet. The external connection is operative to share maintenance information with other coffee grinders, and with one or more central maintenance servers. Thereby, the control unit 160 may optimize maintenance based also on the sensor data measured at the other coffee grinders.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a modification kit 200 for modifying a grinder 210. The grinder 210 comprises an inlet orifice 1 10, a grinding device 120 for grinding coffee beans, and a discharge orifice 130. The grinding device is arranged to receive the coffee beans via the inlet orifice 1 10, to grind the coffee beans, and to discharge ground coffee via the discharge orifice 130. The modification kit 200 comprises a dispenser 240 arranged to be mounted in connection to the grinder 210 and to dispense a controlled amount of electrically conductive additive into the grinder 210 such that the electrically conductive additive contacts the ground coffee. The dispenser 240 is, according to aspects, equivalent to the dispenser 140 discussed herein, and comprises the same features.

Thus, by the disclosed modification kit, an existing coffee grinder may be upgraded to reduce problems associated with static electricity build-up during operation of the coffee grinder.

According to an example, the existing coffee grinder 210 is modified by drilling a hole to provide a conduit for the additive to reach the ground coffee. The dispenser 240 is then arranged to dispense additive into the drilled hole according to the above discussion.

According to aspects, the modification kit 200 also comprises a control unit 260 configured to operate in the same manner as the control unit 160 discussed in connection to Fig. 1 above.

According to aspects, the grinding device 120 comprises a grinding unit 121 connected to the inlet orifice 1 10 and arranged to grind coffee beans, and a chamber 122 arranged to receive ground coffee from the grinding device 121 , and to discharge ground coffee via the discharge orifice 130. The dispenser 240 comprises an orifice arranged to dispense the electrically conductive additive into any of; the grinding unit 121 , the chamber 122, and the discharge orifice 130. Consequently, the existing coffee grinder 210 must be modified to provide a conduit into the point of addition of the electrically conductive additive, and the dispenser configured to dispense additive at the point of addition.

According to aspects, as discussed above, the modification kit 200 comprises a control unit 260 arranged to determine the controlled amount of electrically conductive additive based on ambient humidity and/or ambient temperature.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating methods according to the disclosure. There is illustrated a method for grinding coffee beans by a grinder 100. The method comprises loading S1 coffee beans via an inlet orifice 1 10 of the grinder, grinding S2 the coffee beans by a grinding device 120 to produce ground coffee, discharging S3 the ground coffee via a discharge orifice 130 of the grinder, and adding S5 a controlled amount of electrically conductive additive such that the electrically conductive additive contacts the ground coffee. The same advantages as discussed above in connection to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are also obtained by the disclosed methods. According to aspects, the grinder is arranged to be electrically grounded 150, wherein the adding comprises adding the electrically conductive additive to improve electrical connection between the ground coffee beans and electrical ground 150.

According to aspects, the grinding device 120 comprises a grinding unit 121 connected to the inlet orifice 1 10 and arranged to grind coffee beans, and a chamber 122 arranged to receive ground coffee from the grinding device 121 , and to discharge ground coffee via the discharge orifice 130, wherein the adding S5 comprises adding the controlled amount of electrically conductive additive into any of; the grinding unit S51 , the chamber S52 and the discharge orifice S53.

According to aspects, the adding comprises adding S54 an electrically conductive additive comprising water.

According to aspects, the adding comprises adding S55 an electrically conductive additive comprising alcohol. As an alternative to alcohol, some other volatile liquid, preferably having antibacterial properties, may be used instead of alcohol.

According to aspects, the adding comprises adding S56 an amount below 13% by weight of the coffee beans to be ground. The controlled amount should be above 0.1 % by weight of the coffee beans to be ground. Preferably, the controlled amount is between 1 % and 2% by weight of the coffee beans to be ground.

According to aspects, the method comprises determining S4 the controlled amount of electrically conductive additive based on ambient humidity and/or ambient temperature.

As discussed above, the method, according to some aspects, comprises delaying S57 an onset of the adding until a pre-determ ined time has elapsed from grinder start.

The method, according to some aspects, also comprises ceasing addition S58 a pre- determined time interval prior to grinder stop.

According to further aspects, the adding operation may comprise ceasing addition in case coffee bean fill level reaches a pre-configured low level.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates, in terms of a number of functional units, the components of a control unit 700, such as the control units 160, 180, and 190 discussed above, according to an embodiment of the above discussions. Processing circuitry 710 is provided using any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit (CPU), multiprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), etc., capable of executing software instructions stored in a computer program product, e.g. in the form of a storage medium 730. The processing circuitry 710 may further be provided as at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or field programmable gate array (FPGA).

Particularly, the processing circuitry 710 is configured to cause the control unit 700 to perform a set of operations, or steps. For example, the storage medium 730 may store the set of operations, and the processing circuitry 710 may be configured to retrieve the set of operations from the storage medium 730 to cause the control node 700 to perform the set of operations. The set of operations may be provided as a set of executable instructions. Thus, the processing circuitry 710 is thereby arranged to execute methods as herein disclosed.

The storage medium 730 may also comprise persistent storage, which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid state memory or even remotely mounted memory.

The control unit 700 may further comprise a communications interface 720 for communications with at least one external device, e.g., a transponder control unit 700. As such the communication interface 720 may comprise one or more transmitters and receivers, comprising analogue and digital components and a suitable number ports for wireline or wireless communication, as well as an antenna 740.

The processing circuitry 710 controls the general operation of the control node 700, e.g., by sending data and control signals to the communication interface 720 and the storage medium 730, by receiving data and reports from the communication interface 720, and by retrieving data and instructions from the storage medium 730. Other components, as well as the related functionality, of the control node 700 are omitted in order not to obscure the concepts presented herein.

Claims

1 . A grinder (100) for grinding coffee, the grinder comprising an inlet orifice (1 10), a grinding device (120) for grinding coffee beans, and a discharge orifice (130), the grinding device being arranged to receive the coffee beans via the inlet orifice (1 10), to grind the coffee beans, and to discharge ground coffee via the discharge orifice (130), the grinder comprising a dispenser (140) arranged to dispense a controlled amount of electrically conductive additive such that the electrically conductive additive contacts the ground coffee.

2. The grinder (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the grinding device (120) comprises a grinding unit (121 ) connected to the inlet orifice (1 10) and arranged to grind coffee beans, a chamber (122) arranged to receive ground coffee from the grinding device (121 ), and to discharge ground coffee via the discharge orifice (130), wherein the dispenser (140) comprises an orifice arranged to dispense the electrically conductive additive into any of; the grinding unit (121 ), the chamber (122) and the discharge orifice (130).

3. The grinder according to any previous claim, wherein the electrically conductive additive comprises water.

4. The grinder according to any previous claim, wherein the electrically conductive additive comprises alcohol.

5. The grinder according to any previous claim, wherein the controlled amount is below 13% by weight of the coffee beans, or wherein the controlled amount is between 0,1 %-3% by weight of the coffee beans.

6. The grinder according to any previous claim, wherein the grinder (100) is arranged to determine the controlled amount of electrically conductive additive based on ambient humidity and/or ambient temperature.

7. The grinder according to any previous claim, wherein the grinder (100) is arranged to delay an initial dispensing of electrically conductive additive by a configured delay amount, wherein the configured delay amount is configured based on time, or on an accumulated weight of ground coffee.

8. The grinder according to any previous claim, wherein the grinder (100) is arranged to stop adding the conductive additive based on any of remaining time or accumulated weight of ground coffee.

9. The grinder according to claim 8, wherein the grinder (100) is arranged to stop adding the conductive additive a configurable amount of time before a set amount of ground coffee has been produced.

10. The grinder according to any previous claim, wherein the grinder (100) is arranged to detect if any of the electrically conductive additive or the coffee beans run out, and to cease operation in case of the detection.

1 1 . The grinder according to any previous claim, wherein the grinder (100) is arranged to establish a connection to an external network, such as the Internet, the external connection being operative to share maintenance information with other coffee grinders, and/or with one or more central maintenance servers.

12. A method for grinding coffee beans by a grinder (100), comprising

loading (S1 ) coffee beans via an inlet orifice (1 10) of the grinder,

grinding (S2) the coffee beans by a grinding device (120) to produce ground coffee, discharging (S3) the ground coffee via a discharge orifice (130) of the grinder, and adding (S5) a controlled amount of electrically conductive additive such that the electrically conductive additive contacts the ground coffee.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the grinding device (120) comprises a grinding unit (121 ) connected to the inlet orifice (1 10) and arranged to grind coffee beans, and a chamber (122) arranged to receive ground coffee from the grinding device (121 ), and to discharge ground coffee via the discharge orifice (130), wherein the adding (S5) comprises adding the controlled amount of electrically conductive additive into any of; the grinding unit (S51 ), the chamber (S52) and the discharge orifice (S53).

14. The method according to any of claims 12-13, wherein the adding comprises adding (S54) an electrically conductive additive comprising water.

15. A modification kit (200) for modifying a grinder (210), the grinder (210) comprising an inlet orifice (1 10), a grinding device (120) for grinding coffee beans, and a discharge orifice (130), the grinding device being arranged to receive the coffee beans via the inlet orifice (1 10), to grind the coffee beans, and to discharge ground coffee via the discharge orifice (130), the modification kit (200) comprising a dispenser (240) arranged to be mounted in connection to the grinder (210) and to dispense a controlled amount of electrically conductive additive into the grinder (210) such that the electrically conductive additive contacts the ground coffee.