NL2029903B1

NL2029903B1 - Dispenser, for example seasoning dispenser

Info

Publication number: NL2029903B1
Application number: NL2029903A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Jan Drent Geert; Herman Antonius Von Piekartz Jarno
Original assignee: Fluctus
Priority date: 2021-11-25
Filing date: 2021-11-25
Publication date: 2023-06-15
Also published as: EP4436446A1; WO2023096488A1

Abstract

Dispenser, for example seasoning dispenser (1), including a chamber (2) for storing particulate product (P) to be dispensed, and a product dispensing structure (3) configured to dispense product from the chamber (2) upon movement of a movable part (3a) of that structure (3) relative to the chamber (2), wherein the dispenser (1) includes a detector (7) conﬁgured to detect movement of the dispensing structure part (3a) relative to the chamber (2) and to generate an electronic detection result. Fig. 4

Description

P127632NL00

Title: Dispenser, for example seasoning dispenser

The present invention relates to a dispenser, for example seasoning dispenser, including a chamber for storing particulate product to be dispensed, and a product dispensing structure configured to dispense product from the chamber upon movement of a movable part of that structure relative to the chamber.

Dispensers as such are known in various configurations, and can be configured for dispensing various types of particulate products, for example a powder, formula, granulate, edible foodproduct, various types of seasoning (e.g. salt, pepper) and a mix thereof.

As an example, a commonly known seasoning dispenser includes a chamber containing seasoning to be dispensed, and a manually rotatable dispensing mechanism for iteratively dispensing portions of seasoning by iteratively rotating an operating member of that mechanism. In particular, the dispensing mechanism can be configured to be operable to provide dispensing passages through which the product can flow or fall, by gravity (and e.g. shaking), from the chamber, to a product outlet. Depending on the type of seasoning, the mechanism can include crushing means for crushing dispensing seasoning, for example for crushing pepper grains or salt crystals into smaller parts.

A problem of such known, manually operable dispensers is that dosing a predetermined amount of product can be cumbersome. A user usually has to weigh (on a scale) or volumetrically measure (e.g. using a spoon) a dispensed amount of product before further use (e.g. before being added to other cooking recipe ingredients in case of an seasoning product) in case dosing precision is desired. Measuring a dosed amount, before being used, can lead to product loss and can be time consuming.

Also, a disadvantage of known manually operable dispensers is that they lack a sort of user-feedback regarding the dispenser. Besides,

certain types of product (e.g. certain powders or certain types of seasoning) may clog during prolonged storage, hampering proper dispensing.

The present invention aims to provide an improved dispenser. In particular, the invention aims to provide a dispenser that can provide improved product dosing. For example, an aspect of this disclosure aims to provide a dispenser that can efficiently dispense a predetermined amount of product, or a predetermined desired amount of product (e.g. a certain amount of seasoning that is required in a certain cooking recipe). Also, an aspect of the present disclosure aims at providing improved user- friendliness, and improved product dispensing.

According to a first aspect of the invention, to this aim there is provided a dispenser according to the features of claim 1.

It is preferred that the dispenser includes a detector configured to detect movement of the (movable) dispensing structure part relative to the chamber and to generate an electronic detection result, in particular concerning that movement.

The electronic detection result, concerning the movement of the dispensing structure part relative to the chamber, can be used e.g. for determining or predicting an amount of product that has been dispensed.

Processing of the electronic detection result can be carried out e.g. by the dispenser (e.g. in case the dispenser includes processing means configured to carry out such data processing) and/or by external processing means that may be associated with the dispenser (e.g. the detector can be provided with communication means for transmitting the detection result to a remote data processor or computer device that has communication means for receiving the electronic detection result).

For example, the electronic detection result can relate to a total or cumulative amount of movement of the movable dispensing structure part with respect to the product chamber, for example rotation and/or displacement of that part in at least one direction, and preferably in at least two orthogonal directions.

Also, for example, the electronic detection result can relate to a total or cumulative speed of a moving dispensing structure part with respect to the product chamber, for example rotation and/or displacement of that part.

In a preferred embodiment, the electronic detection result includes acceleration of the movable dispensing structure part, in particular acceleration with respect to the product chamber. To that aim, preferably, the detector can be an accelerometer. In that case, an afore-mentioned data processor can be configured to determine acceleration of the movable part of the dispensing structure in at least one dimension, preferably at least two dimensions and more preferably in three dimensions, in particular based on the electronic detection result. A detected acceleration can then be used or processed by the data processor to determine or estimate an amount of dispensed product.

As an example, the dispenser can be configured to determine or estimate an amount of dispensed product based on the electronic detection result, for example using predetermined calibration data and/or an algorithm regarding product dispensing and respective detection results.

The skilled person will appreciate that this can be achieved in various ways e.g. by microelectronics or a suitable microcontroller of or associated with the dispenser.

According to a further embodiment, the movable part of the dispensing structure and a stationary section of the dispensing structure can define a product release opening, wherein the product release opening iteratively opens and closes (for iteratively allowing passage of product out of the chamber) when said movable part moves from a first to a second position with respect of said stationary section.

In this way, well defined product dispensing can be achieved, to be detected by the detector via the above-mentioned movement detection.

According to a further embodiment the movable part of the dispensing structure can be at least one, and preferably each, of: -rotational with respect to a stationary section of the dispensing structure; - movable towards and away from the chamber; -movable in an undulated, vibrating or pulsating manner with respect of the chamber.

It is preferred that the movable part is manually operable for dispensing product from the dispenser, providing improved manufacturability and a low cost dispenser solution. It follows that the dispenser preferably does not include an electric actuator or motor for actuating the dispensing structure of the dispenser.

As follows from the above, it is also preferred that the dispenser includes and/or is associated with a data processor configured to process the detection result, for example to provide processed detection data.

According to a further embodiment the dispenser includes and/or 1s associated with a user interface for providing the detection result and/or processed detection data to a user.

Besides, the dispenser can include communication means for transmitting the detection result and/or processed detection data to a remote receiver.

Further, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a dispensing system including a dispenser according to the invention, wherein the dispenser includes communication means for transmitting the detection result and/or processed detection data to a remote receiver, wherein the system further includes a receiver configured to receive the detection result and/or processed detection data.

Preferably, the receiver includes or is provided with a user interface. The receiver can also include or be provided e.g. with a display for displaying the detection result and/or processed detection data.

Moreover, an aspect of the invention, which may be combined with 5 the first aspect, provides a dispenser, including a chamber for storing particulate product to be dispensed, and a product dispensing structure configured to dispense product from the chamber upon movement of a movable indicator part of that structure relative to the chamber, wherein the movable indicator part of the dispensing structure is at least one, and preferably each, of: -rotational with respect to a stationary section of the dispensing structure; - movable towards and away from the chamber; -movable in an undulated, vibrating or pulsating manner with respect of the chamber.

In this aspect, optionally, the movable indicator part and a stationary section of the dispensing structure can define a product release opening that iteratively opens and closes when said movable indicator part moves from a first to a second position with respect of a stationary section.

In this way, improved product dispensing can be achieved. For example, the movement of the indicator part can provide tactile feedback (as indicator) to a user, e.g. due to corresponding accelerations of respective dispenser components that can be felt by the user holding the dispenser.

Besides, such movement of the indicator part of the dispenser may be visible to the user, providing additional feedback via visual indication of the functioning of the device. Further, such movement may lead to relatively large dispenser accelerations that can provide unclogging of any clogged product contained in the chamber, leading e.g. to improved dispensing of a cloggable product.

In the following, the invention will be explained further using exemplary embodiments and drawings. The drawings are schematic. In the drawings, similar or corresponding elements have been provided with similar or corresponding reference signs. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a first non-limiting example of the invention;

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a dispensing part of the first embodiment;

Figure 3 depicts a longitudinal cross-section of the dispenser of the embodiment of Fig. 1, in an operational position;

Figure 4 is similar to Fig. 3 showing the dispenser after movement of a dispensing structure part, during dispensing product;

Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of the first embodiment during dispensing of product;

Figure 6 1s a longitudinal cross-section of part of a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 1s similar to Fig. 6, showing the part after movement of a dispensing structure part;

Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-section of part of a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a stationary section of the third embodiment;

Figure 10 is a cross-section of the stationary section depicted in

Fig. 9;

Figure 11 depicts part of a further embodiment of a dispenser;

Figure 12 is an exploded view of par of a dispenser having a grinding structure;

Figure 13 shows the dispenser of Fig. 12 in a longitudinal cross- section; and

Figure 14 is similar to Fig. 13, showing the dispenser during product discharge.

Figure 1 shows a first example a dispenser 1 for dispensing particulate product P (e.g. dry seasoning product, e.g. including salt, pepper, herbs, spices, and/or a mixture of such and/or different seasoning). The dispenser can be part of a system that additionally includes at least one remote receiver T (one being depicted in Fig. 1). In Fig. 1 the dispenser is shown in a storage position (a dispenser bottom facing downwardly) whereas Figures 3-5 show the dispenser 1 during operation, in which case it can be in a substantially upside down orientation.

The dispenser 1 can be a portable (light-weight) dispenser, i.e. portable by hand, to be manually operated by a single user. Regarding portability, a maximum volume of the chamber 2 of the dispenser can e.g. be about 0.5 liter, for example maximum 100 ml. A maximum weight of the dispenser 1, filled with the product P to be dispensed, can e.g. be 1 kg, for example maximum 0.5 kg. However, the invention is not limited to such exemplary numbers.

As follows from Figures 1-3, the dispenser 1 has a chamber 2 for storing the particulate product P, and a product dispensing structure 3 configured to dispense product from the chamber 2 upon movement of a movable (indicator) part 3a of that structure 3 relative to the chamber 2.

In this embodiment, the chamber 2 includes, or 1s connected to a stationary section 3b of the dispensing structure 3. The chamber 2 can e.g. be defined by a container or chamber wall 2a , e.g. made of plastic of glass or another material, having an open top defined by a neck portion 2b. The stationary section 3b of the dispensing structure 3 can be connected e.g. to the chamber 2 via the respective neck portion 2b (see Fig. 3). For example, the connection can be releasable such that the chamber 2 can be released from the dispensing structure 3, e.g. for refilling of the chamber 2 and/of for connecting another chamber to the dispensing structure 3 (so as to provide a modular dispensing system). As an example, a connection between chamber 2 and dispensing structure 3 can be provided by a bayonet-coupling, screw- thread coupling 2c, 3c (as in the present drawings) or differently, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

The movable part (or indicator part) 3a of the dispensing structure 3 is manually operable for dispensing product from the dispenser 1. The present movable part 3a of the dispensing structure is rotational with respect to the stationary section 3b of the dispensing structure 3 (as is indicated by arrow R in Figures 2, 5); a respective axis of rotation is indicated by dashed line X (which is a center line of the present dispenser 1).

Also, the moveable part 3a of the dispensing structure is movable away from the chamber 2 (in axial direction, as is indicated by double arrow

Zin Fig. 4), e.g. as a plunger. It is preferred that the dispenser 1 includes spring means 15 for counteracting such axial movement of the moveable part 3a, i.e. for returning the moveable part 3a back to its initial axial position. The spring means can include e.g. one or more leaf springs, coil springs, elastic spring material, magnetic spring means or the-like.

For example, the movable part 3a of the dispensing structure is at least rotational with respect to the stationary section 3b of the dispensing structure 3, as well as axially movable towards and away from the chamber 2 over a distance Z of at least 0.5 mm, for example a distance Z in the range of about 0.5 — 20 mm, in particular a distance Z of at least 2 mm, in particular a distance Z in the range of about 2 — 15 mm. At such a relatively large axial displacements good results, e.g. regarding user feedback and sensor detection can be achieved. The former holds for a dispenser that does not include a detector 7 (mentioned below) configured to detect movement of the dispensing structure part 3a relative to the chamber 2 and to generate an electronic detection result.

The moveable part 3a of the dispensing structure can e.g. be held by or connected to, more particularly be positioned at least partly within, an operating member 14 (e.g. a rotatable sleeve or rotatable dispenser head) that is rotatably coupled to the stationary section 3a of the dispensing structure 3. This rotational coupling can be achieved e.g. via a suitable clicking or clamping connection 9, which can include e.g. a circumferential groove of one part cooperating with slide cam of the other part to allow rotational movement of the two parts 3b, 14. The dispenser 1 is configured such that rotation of the operating member 14 is to be carried out manually.

Also, the moveable part 3a of the dispensing structure 3 can be axially slidable with respect to the respective operating member 14 to provide said axial movement in axial direction Z. For example, a sliding connection can be provided by one or more suitable cooperating cams and grooves (respective grooves 16, in this case of the moveable part 3a, are shown in Fig. 2). In a further embodiment, the afore-mentioned spring means 15 can be located in these grooves 16 to provide said spring action.

The dispenser 1 can e.g. include one or more product dispensing openings 19 for dispensing the product (to an environment), that can e.g. be provided or defined by the operating member (e.g. rotational dispenser head) 14. For example, the operating member 14 can be provided with a cover member or top 18 that includes the one or more dispensing openings 19. In this example, a cover member 18 is provided that includes a dispersion structure that has an array of dispensing openings 19, arranged concentrically with respect to said axis of rotation X. Alternatively, the dispenser can include only one downstream product dispensing opening 19, or one or more circumferential slits in or at the cover member as product dispensing opening.

It is preferred that the movable part 3a of the dispensing structure 3 and a stationary section 3b of the dispensing structure can define a product release opening 4 (e.g. a circumferential slit, see Fig. 4) there-

between. The product release opening 4 can e.g. be defined between two opposite wall sections or surfaces of the movable part 3a and stationary section 3b; a width of the opening 4 can e.g. be sufficient to allow particulate product P held in the container chamber 2 to pass the opening 4. During rotation of the moveable part 3a, the product release opening 4 preferably iteratively opens and closes, allowing iterative passage of a dose of product

P out of the chamber 2. To achieve the opening and closing, said movable part 3a of the dispensing structure 3 can iteratively move between a first and second axial position with respect of said stationary section 3b. For example, the movable part 3a of the dispensing structure 3 can include a uneven guide structure 13a (e.g. an axially wavy cam surface) that cooperates with an opposite guide structure 13b (e.g. an axially wavy cam surface) of a stationary part 3b of the dispensing structure 3 during movement of the movable part, for iteratively accelerating the movable part 3a during that movement. In an example, the uneven guide structures 13a, 13b can have mating, substantially sawtooth surfaces that provide rather abrupt accelerations during operation. In particular, each wavy cam surface of the movable part 3a and stationary part can include wave tops WT and wave bottoms WB (see Fig. 2, and also the example in Fig. 10) that are separated axially over a relatively large distance Z can e.g. be about half the above-mentioned distance Z of axial movement of the movable part 3a with respect to the stationary section 3b of the dispensing structure 3. It follows that the cooperating wavy (e.g. sawtooth-shaped) cam surfaces of the movable part 3a and stationary section 3b can include wave tops WT and wave bottoms that are separated axially over a distance Z of at least about 1 mm, for example a distance Z in the range of about 1 — 10 mm, in particular a distance Z of at least about 2 mm, in particular a distance Z in the range of about 2 — 8 mm.

Besides, according to an embodiment, the wavy cam surface of the movable part 3a can have substantially the same shape and dimensions as the opposite wave cam surface of the stationary section 3b.

In an alternative embodiment, one of the stationary section 3b and movable part 3a can include the wave cam structure, wherein the other of the stationary section 3b and movable part 3a can include a number of protrusions or individual cam sections that cooperate with that single wavy cam surface for providing said large axial displacement of the movable part 3a during its rotation.

For example, the respective acceleration can be in an axial dispenser direction, but also in other directions (e.g. circumferentially).

Thus, according to a further embodiment, the moveable part 3a of the dispensing structure 3 can be moved in an undulated, vibrating or pulsating manner with respect of the chamber 2.

Figure 3 shows a first axial position of the moveable part 3a of the dispensing structure 3, wherein product release opening 4 is substantially closed. Figure 4 shows a second axial position of the moveable part 3a of the dispensing structure 3, which is achieved by a rotational displacement of the operating member (in direction R), such that cooperation of the uneven guide structures 13a, 13b axially moves the moveable part 3a outwardly (against the spring force of said spring means 15), so that the product release opening 4 is opened and allows (gravity induced) product flow there- through. A subsequent rotational displacement of the operating member (in direction R) leads to a closing of the product release opening 4 again (by spring force of the spring means 15), wherein the opening/closing process can repeat, in particular depending on the total amount of rotational displacement and the guide structure profiles as will be clear to the skilled person.

Also, it 1s preferred that the movable part 3a of the dispensing structure 3 can provide or define a bottom B to the interior of the chamber 2

(facing e.g. an opposite chamber wall 2d), wherein the bottom B is preferably convex, for example cone-shaped (see Fig. 3, 4). In an operating position (said convex bottom B facing substantially upwards), product P can be guided by the bottom B towards the product release openings 4 to allow efficient, controlled product dispensing. Figure 11 shows an example wherein the bottom B of the movable part 3a of the dispensing structure 3 includes a relief, for example number of inwardly (i.e. upwardly) extending protrusions or vanes 20 (e.g. three vanes 20), that can further improve product dispensing. The relief (e.g. vanes 20 or other types of protrusions) on the bottom B can stir or disperse product P during bottom rotation, improving product stream towards the product release opening 4.

Advantageously, the dispenser 1 can include a detector 7 configured to detect movement of the dispensing structure part 3a relative to the chamber 2 and to generate an electronic detection result (depending on such movement). It should be noted that an alternative embodiment does not include the detector 7, but does include the product release opening 4 that can iteratively open and close when the movable part 3a moves from a first to a second position with respect of said stationary section 3b (e.g. allowing improved dispensing and visual and/or tactile user feedback).

Moreover, it should be noted that another alternative embodiment does not include an iteratively opening-closing product release opening 4, see e.g.

Figures 12-14, wherein the movable part 103a of the dispenser can provide an indicator part, e.g. indicating operation.

The detector 7 is preferably integrated in the dispensing structure 3, e.g. in its movable part 3a as in the drawings, and/or in another part of the dispensing structure. The detector 7 can e.g. be provided on an optional detector base 5, e.g. a printed circuit board, that is fixed to or integral part of the movable dispensing structure part 3a. In case of an electrically powered detector 7, the dispenser 1 can include e.g. a battery or power source 6 for electrically powering the detector 7 (and any other electric components, e.g. a data transmitter 11, if present).

Also, the dispenser 1 can include and/or be associated with a data processor 8 configured to process the electronic detection result, for example to provide processed detection data. In an example, the data processor 8 can be part of the remote receiver T, but that is not required. Alternatively, the data processor can be located e.g. at a suitable location in the dispenser 1, e.g. near or next to the detector 5 or be integrated with the detector 5.

In case of a remote receiver T, the dispenser 1 can include communication means 11 for transmitting a detection result and/or processed detection data (as will be explained below) to the remote receiver

T, whereas the receiver T can have receiving means 12 to receive the detection result and/or processed detection data. The communication means 11 of the dispenser 1 can be e.g. part of or integrated with the detector 7.

The remote receiver T can be configured in various ways and can include or be provided e.g. with a user interface UI, display, touch screen, for displaying detection result and/or processed detection data et cetera. Data communication between (achieved/carried out by) the communication means 11, 12 of the dispenser 1 and remote receiver T can be provided in various ways, e.g. via suitable electromagnetic and/or optical, via one or more of various protocols (e.g. Bluetootht™ ‚ BLE, WIFI, Zigbee, LTE, NFC or the- like) as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

In this embodiment, the dispenser 1 is associated with a remote user interface UI, namely the UI of the remote receiver T, e.g. for providing the detection result and/or processed detection data to a user. The remote receiver T can e.g. be and/or include suitable micro-electronics, hardware, software, a computer, a cell phone, a tablet computer and/or different type of remote receiver as will be clear to the skilled person.

Alternatively, or additionally, the dispenser 1 can include or be provided e.g. with a user interface UI, display, touch screen, for displaying detection result and/or processed detection data et cetera (for example in case said data processor is part of the dispenser 1).

The data processor 8 can be configured to determine or estimate an amount of dispensed product based on a received detection result, for example using predetermined calibration data and/or an algorithm regarding product dispensing and respective detection results. For example, the data processor 8 can include a memory that stores predetermined calibration data. Such data can e.g. be based on a number of dispenser calibration runs (wherein e.g. the dispenser 1 has been operated a number of times to dispense product P, wherein resulting dispensed product amounts have been measured and respective detector signals/results have been obtained, wherein the measured dispensed product amounts and the respective detector signals have been stored in the memory as a calibration data set). Also, a data processor 8 can use an algorithm regarding product dispensing and respective detection results, wherein the algorithm may have been can be based on the results of such calibration runs.

According to a first embodiment, advantageously, the detector 7 can be an accelerometer (e.g. configured to provide an electronic detection signal that is dependent on acceleration of the detector 7). In that case the data processor 8 can be configured to determine acceleration of the movable part of the dispensing structure in at least one dimension, preferably at least two dimensions and more preferably in three dimensions (e.g. three orthogonal dimensions), based on the detector detection result.

For example, movement and in particular acceleration of the moveable dispensing structure part 3a can correlate with an amount of dosed product, in particular when the dispenser is being held in a predetermined orientation (e.g. the depicted substantial vertical orientation with the dispensing opening facing downwards). In particular, a said undulated, vibrating or pulsating movement (causing respective accelerations) can be detected in a straight-forward manner by the acceleration detector 7.

During operation, as shown in Fig. 5, a user (not depicted ) can hold the dispenser 1 and turn the operating member 14 in the respective direction R, with respect to the chamber 2. As a result, the product release opening 4 iteratively opens and closes (as in Figures 3, 4) due to a resulting axial movement of the movable dispensing structure part 3a 9 (as explained above). Each time that the product release opening 4 1s open, a certain amount of product P can drop through the opening to be delivered via the downstream product dispensing opening/openings 19 of the cover member 18.

The integrated accelerometer 7 detects respective acceleration and transmits a corresponding detection result via the communication means 11 to the communication means 12 of the remote receiver T (data transmission being indicated by arrow S). The data processor 8 of the receiver T processes the received detection result and informs the user of a corresponding dispensed product amount, e.g. via the user interface (e.g. display and/or via sound/voice). It will be appreciated that the dispensed amount can be indicated by the user interface UI in various ways or units, e.g.by (detected, calculated or estimated) weight, volume, number of dispensed particulates, teaspoons, and/or a combination of such or other quantities.

Moreover, in a further embodiment, the data processor 8 can be configured to inform a user of a certain cooking recipe, e.g. via the user interface UI, wherein the cooking recipe at least includes the product P that 1s stored in the dispenser as an ingredient. In that case, the data processor 8 can be configured to determine if a dispensed amount of product meets a required recipe amount of product, and can inform the user (via the user interface UI) whether or not the required amount of product has been dispensed. Besides, in a further embodiment, the system can include a plurality of dispensers 1 that are filled with different recipe ingredients. In that case, the data processor 8 can lead the user through a certain cooking recipe, via the user interface UI, which cooking recipe makes use of the different ingredients. In this way, a user can efficiently prepare a recipe, wherein the system can inform the user if required amounts (doses) of products have been dispensed.

Figures 6, 7 depict a further example of part of the dispenser, which differs from the embodiment shown in Figures 1-5 in that the detector 7 includes a switch (e.g. microswitch) that has a first state when the moveable part 3a of the dispensing structure is in its first axial position (Fig. 6), and in a second switch state when the moveable part 3a of the dispensing structure is in its second axial position (Fig. 7). For example, the switch 7’ can be mechanically operated (i.e. for changing the state of the switch) by a respective switch activation part 3e of the moveable dispensing structure part 3a (wherein an axial position of the switch activation part 3e, relative to the stationary section 3b, determines a state of the switch 7’).

The switch-type detector 7’can be e.g. connected to or provided with an afore-mentioned communication means 11 for transmitting detection results to communication means 12 of/associated with the processor 8. As in the above embodiment, a resulting detector result (e.g. a switch position and/or a change of the switch state) can be used by the data processor 8 to determine or estimate a respective amount (dose) of dispensed product.

Figures 8-10 depict a yet a further example of part of the dispenser, which differs from the embodiments shown in Figures 1-7 in that the detector 7” includes an optical sensor or encoder configured to detect rotation (in particular an amount of rotation) of the moveable part 3a of the dispensing structure 3. For example, the sensor of the detector 7” can be located opposite an inner surface of a stationary part 3b, which surface can be provided with an optically detectable marking 25 that 1s associated with the uneven guide structure guide structure 13b of the stationary part 3b. As in the above embodiments, during operation, a resulting detector result (e.g.

the detector 7” a detecting a passing mark of the marking structure 25) can e.g. be transmitted to the data processor 8, to be used by the data processor 8 to determine or estimate a respective amount of dispensed product.

Figures 12-14 show an example of a dispenser 101 that is similar to the above examples, and includes a chamber 102 for storing particulate product P to be dispensed, and a product dispensing structure 103 configured to dispense product from the chamber 102 upon movement of a movable indicator part 103a of that structure 103 relative to the chamber.

The example which differs from the examples of Fig. 1-11 in that a grinding structure 121, 122 is integrated therein.

The grinding structure 121, 122 is configured for grinding the product P, and in particular to discharge the product P. For example, the grinding structure can include a fixed/stationary grinding part 121 that is rotationally fixed with respect to the stationary section 103b of the dispensing structure (e.g. via a connecting element or bolt 123), as well as an opposite rotating grinding part 122 that is coupled/connected to or integrated with a rotatable operating member 114 of the dispenser 101 to be rotated thereby. The stationary grinding part 121 and rotating grinding part 122 define a grinding slit 135 there-between (in particular between opposite grinding surfaces 121a, 1224, which may e.g. be opposite substantially conical grinding surfaces) for receiving and grinding product

P. During operation, rotation of the operating member 114 (around a central axis X) leads to rotation of the respective grinding structure part 122 with respect to the stationary section 103b (a stationary grinding part), such that the two grinding parts 121, 122 grind product P (supplied from the chamber 2) there-between and discharge ground product P’ towards the discharge opening(s) 119 of the dispenser 101. It is preferred that a width of the grinding slit 135 between the stationary grinding part 121 and rotating grinding part 122 is adjustable, which can e.g. be achieved via a screw- threaded adjusting means.

In the embodiment of Figures 12-14, the dispenser 101 includes a detector 107 configured to detect movement of a respective indicator structure part 103a relative to the chamber 102 and to generate an electronic detection result, as in above embodiments. In this example the movable indicator part 103a 1s located opposite/downstream with respect to the grinding structure 121, 122 and is axially movable between a first axial position (see Fig. 13) and second axial position (see Fig. 14), over a distance

Z, with respect to the grinding structure 121, 122. To that aim (as in the earlier embodiment) the movable part 103a includes a uneven guide structure 113a that cooperates with a guide structure 113b of a stationary part 103b of the dispenser 101 during the rotation of the movable part 103b.

It follows that in the present example the movable part 103a structure 103 and respective stationary section 103b of the dispenser 101 do not define a dedicated product release opening that iteratively opens and closes when said movable part 103a moves from a first to a second position with respect of the stationary section 103b.

Also, the detector 107 can be connected to the cover member 118, that 1s coupled to the axially movable indicator part 103a of the dispenser.

The same holds for a respective battery 108.

The example of Figures 11-13 allows for ease of grinding and dosing of a grindable product P, wherein the optional detector 107 can provide an electronic detection result (as in the above examples) regarding the dispensing operation. Besides, the axial movement of the indicator part 103a and respective axially moving dispenser parts provide above- mentioned advantages.

While the invention has been explained using exemplary embodiments and drawings, these do not limit the scope of the invention in any way, said scope being provided by the claims. It will be appreciated that many variations, alternatives and extensions are possible within said scope, as will be clear to the skilled person from the description and the drawings.

For example, it will be appreciated that manually moving of a part 3a of the dispensing structure 3 relative to the product containing chamber 2 can include moving the chamber 2 with respect to that part 3a, i.e. the chamber 2 and dispensing structure part 3a are movable with respect to each other.

The electronic detection result, generated by the detector 7, can e.g. be an analogue signal and/or a digital signal, representing information concerning the detected movement.

An accelerator type detector can e.g. be a MEMS or micromechanical type accelerometer, piezoelectric accelerometer, or differently, as will be clear to the skilled person.

Claims

Conclusions

A dispenser, e.g. a spice dispenser (1; 101), comprising a chamber (2; 102) to store product (P) to be dispensed, and a product dispensing structure (3; 103) configured to dispense product from the chamber (2 ; 102) to be delivered upon movement of a movable part (3a) of said structure (3; 103) relative to the chamber (2; 102), the dispenser (1; 101) comprising a detector (7; 107) configured to detect movement of the dispensing structure member (3a; 103a) relative to the chamber (2; 102) and to generate an electronic detection result.

A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the movable part (3a) of the dispensing structure (3) and a stationary part (3b) of the dispensing structure define a product release opening (4), the product release opening (4) opening and closing iteratively when said movable part (3a) moves from a first to a second position relative to said stationary part (3b).

A dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable part (3a) of the delivery structure is at least one, and preferably each, of: -rotatable with respect to a stationary part (3b) of the delivery structure (3); -movable towards and away from the room (2); -movable in an undulating, vibrating or pulsating way relative to the chamber (2).

A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable part (3a) can be operated manually to dispense product from the dispenser (1).

A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser comprises and/or is associated with a data processor (8) configured to process the detection result, for example to provide processed detection data.

A dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the data processor (8) is configured to determine or estimate an amount of dispensed product based on the detection result, for example using predetermined calibration data and/or an algorithm regarding product dispensing and respective detection results.

A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detector is an accelerometer (7) 1s.

A dispenser according to claim 7 in combination with claim 5 or 6, wherein the data processor is configured to determine acceleration of the movable portion of the delivery structure in at least one dimension, preferably at least two dimensions and more preferably in three dimensions.

A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser (1) comprises and/or is associated with a user interface (UI) for delivering the detection result and/or processed detection data to a user.

A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising communication means (11) for transmitting the detection result and/or processed detection data to a remote receiver (T).

A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable part (3a) of the dispensing structure (3) provides a bottom to the chamber (2), the bottom preferably being convex, for example conical.

A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable part (3a) of the dispensing structure (3) comprises a non-planar guide structure (13a) cooperating with a guide structure

(13b) of a stationary part (3b) of the delivery structure (3) during movement of the movable part, for iteratively accelerating the movable part (3a) during that movement.

A delivery system, comprising: -a dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser comprises communication means (11) for sending the detection result and/or processed detection data to a remote receiver (T); and - a receiver (T) configured to receive the detection result and/or processed detection data.

The system of claim 13, wherein the receiver (T) includes or is provided with a user interface (UI).

A system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the receiver (T) comprises or is provided with a screen for displaying the detection result and/or processed detection data.

16. Dispenser, for instance a herbal dispenser (1; 101), for instance a dispenser according to any one of claims 1-12, comprising a chamber (2; 102) for storing particulate product (P) to be dispensed, and a product dispensing structure (3 ; 103) configured to dispense product from the chamber (2; 102) upon movement of a movable indicator member (3a; 1034) of that structure (3; 103) relative to the chamber (2; 102), the movable indicator part (3a; 1034) of the delivery structure is at least one, and preferably each, of: - rotatable with respect to a stationary part (3b; 103b) of the delivery structure (3; 103); movable towards and away from the chamber (2; 102); -movable in an undulating, vibrating or pulsating manner relative to the chamber (2; 102),

wherein the movable part (3a) of the dispensing structure (3) and a stationary part (3b) of the dispensing structure optionally define a product release opening (4) which iteratively opens and closes when said movable part (3a) moves from a first to a second position relative to said stationary part (3b).

A dispenser according to claim 16, wherein the dispenser (1) comprises spring means (15) to oppose an axial movement of the movable indicator part (3a; 103a), for example to move the movable part (3a; 1032) back to a initial axial position relative to a stationary part (3b; 103b).

A dispenser according to any one of claims 16-17, wherein the movable indicator part (3a; 103a) of the dispensing structure is at least rotatable relative to a stationary part (3b; 103b) of the dispensing structure (3; 103), as well as movable axially. towards and away from the chamber (2; 102) by a distance (Z) of at least 0.5 mm, e.g. a distance (Z) in the range of about 0.5 - 20 mm, in particular a distance (Z ) of at least 2 mm, in particular a distance (Z) in the range of approximately 2 - 15 mm.

A dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a grinding structure (121, 122) for grinding the particulate product (P).