DE19836067A1 - Dosing device for ground coffee or tea leaves has open-ended tubular insert fitting onto base of filter and having scales extending up from lower edge - Google Patents

Abstract

A tubular insert (2) fits onto the base of a filter. The end of the insert near the base is open and closes substantially with the base of the filter. The wall of the insert has one or more scales (10) extending from the lower edge (5) up towards the upper edge (9). The insert is conical with the wide open cross-section forming the upper opening. A tubular funnel (3) can fit in the insert and has windows to see through to the scales.

Description

The invention relates to a dosing device with a receiving space for dosing and / or portioning coffee grounds or tea leaves as an additional unit for a coffee or tea machine, wherein the metering device at least one a number of cups indicating scale.

Known coffee machines, or tea machines, usually have one Water tank with a water level indicator. Depending on the desired number of cups A corresponding amount of coffee is to be prepared in the water container Water quantity, based on this water level indicator, filled. It can do this be helpful that the coffee pot, for example as a glass jug, also has a water quantity marking so that this glass jug can be used for this can fill the water tank of the coffee machine to the desired extent. Then the desired number of cups is then in the coffee filter The appropriate amount of ground coffee is measured with a measuring spoon and entered.

Depending on the strength of the coffee to be prepared, more or less coffee will be made flour entered into the filter, often based on the experience of the user Coffee machine. In this respect, it can happen that too much or too little is accidentally created Ground coffee is entered into the filter so that the coffee made is too strong or becomes too weak. It is also not possible with this procedure that different people prepare the coffee comparable in strength, because already the measuring spoon is accumulated differently, and thus the amount of ground coffee that is used varies from person to person.

In order to have an indication of the extent to which the coffee made is strong or If the coffee becomes weak, the level indicator of the water reservoir could different scales for the coffee quantities can be assigned. It means that the scale of the level indicator, which shows the water level in the form of the number of cups indicating different second scales can be assigned to the amounts of coffee Specify flour, for example the number of measuring spoons needed to prepare Coffee in the desired strength are necessary. For a weak or mild  Coffee is then assigned to the quantity of water fewer units of flour than for a medium or strong coffee.

For a choice between mild and strong coffee is used in Germany sample 297 18 374 proposed a level indicator, one with the water has storage container in connection, vertical tube, on the trans Parent wall the water level required for a corresponding number of cups is specified. A rod is immersed in the tube, at the top of the tube is rotatable by means of a handle. There are two on the front and back of the stick different scales, indicating the number of spoons of flour, applied. The one For example, amount of flour refers to one mild coffee while the other Amount corresponds to a strong coffee.

The known dosing devices are those that are firmly inserted in the coffee machine are building. Although the level indicator for strong or weak coffee is below different units of flour are assigned, these devices bring that Problem with that it is up to the user of the coffee machine himself, who Assign a certain unit of flour quantity to the number of the scale, for example the Amount of flour in a measuring spoon. Such a measuring spoon is usually not available, so a soup spoon is often used. But if a measuring spoon is actually available, so it is used by different people and therefore mostly differentiated Lich heavily filled, so that already differed in the coffee prepared Set the results.

Starting from the prior art described above and the one shown Problem is the object of the present invention, a Dosiervor to create direction that is not only the desired strength of the coffee to be prepared or teas assigned a lot of flour or tea leaves, but the assigned one Determines the quantity fairly precisely and also that for existing coffee machines, as an additional unit, can be used.

The task is solved with a dosing device with the initially specified Characterized in that a first, tubular, on the bottom of a ground coffee  or tea leaf fillable filter of a coffee or tea machine is provided, the bottom end of which is open and essentially with the bottom of the filter and that at least one scale on its wall has, which is substantially from the lower towards the upper edge extends.

Such a metering device can be in the filter of a coffee or tea machine Additional unit can be used. Using the scale or scales on the wall of the The user of the coffee machine or the filtering device can use the insert Allocate the amount of ground coffee or tea leaves needed to make a weak, Prepare medium or strong coffee. For preparing, for example Coffee is thus a desired amount of water, according to the number of cups, in the Filled the water tank of the coffee machine, this amount of water at the filling level indicator of the water tank can be read or checked.

The filter, for example a paper filter or a permanent filter, is then inserted into the Coffee machine inserted and then the tubular insert is placed on the bottom of the Filters set up. After that, the amount of ground coffee (or tea leaves if this dosing device is used in a tea machine) in the measuring room pours, with the exact amount of flour on the scales of this dosing device can be sen.

If there is only one scale in the additional part, this scale can be set to medium strong coffee, d. H. the amount of flour corresponding to the numbers speaks to the amount of ground coffee that is needed to make a medium strength coffee to prepare. If a very strong coffee is then desired, an amount of flour is used entered, for example, one scale higher than the specified Amount of flour, while when a weak coffee is to be made, one around a corresponding scale unit less amount of ground coffee in the metering device is entered. Then the additional unit is pulled out of the filter, see above that the ground coffee over the open, bottom end of this tubular insert runs out and remains in the filter of the coffee machine.  

Preferably, according to claim 2, on the wall of the insert part, several Different scales are provided, which at least the amounts of ground coffee (or Tea leaves) for the preparation of a weak, a medium or a strong one Specify beverage. With the dosing device as stated above ensures that different people who use the same coffee machine zen, using this dosing device each for the desired strength Enter the same amount of ground coffee in the machine.

To ensure that the flour or tea entered into the insert leaves, in even bulk in the interior of the insert or accumulate, should, according to claim 3, the insert part have a conical shape; the wide opening cross-section forms the upper opening, while the narrower Cross-section in the area of the lower edge placed on the bottom of the filter. However, it is also possible to taper the insert part downwards as well as upwards opposite sides to form a V-shape, so such Insert also in today's corresponding filter bags 1 × 4, 2 × 4 etc. fit the Melitta company and almost sit on its bottom (claim 4).

On the one hand to ensure that the insert part in a reproducible position the filter of the coffee or tea machine is used, and on the other hand the Handling should facilitate later removal of the insert from the filter be provided on the insert, which preferably, according to the features of Claim 5, is formed by a surface part, which at the upper edge of the one part of the set protrudes to the outside. The insert can easily be gripped at this edge become. This edge can also, with appropriate dimensioning of the tubular section of the insert, ensuring that the insert does not rest directly on the bottom of the filter and thus damage the Filters, especially if it is a paper filter, excluded is. This is especially important when the insert part is used by the user Inserting this filter, is twisted around, for example, the scale on the inner wall position the insert part so that it is clearly visible to the user.

However, if the insert is to be fully seated in the filter, then it is one  Easy handling is an advantage if it is no longer out of the filter protruding edge recesses are provided in the index finger and for removal Can intervene thumb (claim 6) without disturbing the filter wall.

Depending on the amount of coffee or tea leaves required Different degrees of strength can be determined in a further embodiment of the Dosing device according to claim 7, also in the tubular insert tubular funnel inserted. This funnel is centered on the insert and lies at least partially on the inner wall and can be rotated on the insert consolidates. At least one window area is provided on this funnel, which the different scales, applied to the inner wall of the tubular insert, assigned. By rotating this funnel against the insert, the Window area can be assigned to a scale that corresponds to the desired strength of the prepared drink corresponds. After setting this scale in the window area the required amount of ground coffee or tea leaves is then filled in for the Amount of water or the desired number of cups is required. If another strength of the drink to be prepared, the funnel is opposite Insert part rotated until the window area is assigned to a different scale or this scale is visible in the window area.

If the dosing device in the form specified above with an insert and a funnel is formed, the window area of the funnel should according to Claim 8 be formed from a transparent material so that trans Parente material the underlying, set scale on the inner wall of the first Insert becomes visible. In this version, the funnel is made of two different ones Assembled plastics, preferably sprayed in part. Alternatively can, according to claim 9, the window area of the funnel through a wall cutout be formed.

The measure of forming the window area from transparent material can be preferred in that the insert part a continuous wall without sub breaks and the ground coffee only remains in the funnel. A light reini This part is then also possible.  

To make it easier to adjust the window areas to the desired scale tern, several window areas should be provided according to claim 10, so that already twisting the funnel by a small angle in a window area a new underlying scale of the insert becomes visible.

To make it even easier to find a desired scale, according to Claim 11, several window areas evenly around the circumference of the funnel distributed; Several scales are then assigned to each window area, whereby these scales in the same order and with the same spacing from each other Repeat circumferential direction. This ensures that regardless of how the insert with the funnel is inserted into the filter, the scales are clearly visible and can be read without having to reorient both parts in the filter.

For an even better assignment of the filling level of ground coffee or tea leaves in the To obtain funnels, marking rings are provided in the insert, which are vertical run to the axis of the insert (claim 12). Such marking rings should be provided in particular if the metering device with the above specified funnel, which is displaceable in the insert, is provided.

To be able to adjust the scales of the respective coffee machine, you can choose between Insert part and the funnel are provided with a thread such that the Funnel, with rotation, in the axial direction upwards or downwards against the insert moves below (claim 13). With such a rotatable and displaceable Arrangement of the funnel in the insert part allows the scales in their axial position tion so that the scales, depending on their height position above half of the bottom of the filter, different amounts of flour or tea leaves assigned become.

Due to the features of claims 15 and 16, the funnel can be rotated and take out, so generally handle better.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are  described in more detail below. In the drawing shows

Fig. 1 shows the upper part of a coffee filter receptacle and metering device in an exploded view,

Fig. 2 shows the dosing device of the Fig. 1, without a filter, in a position for the hot fi processing of liquor,

Fig. 3 shows the metering device of Fig. 2 in the position for the preparation of a mild drink,

Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section through the metering device according to the cut IV-IV of Fig. 2,

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the funnel shown in FIG. 2,

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the insert according to FIG. 2, but without the scale printed on,

Fig. 7 shows a section through a one-piece dosing device, and

Fig. 8 shows a section through a metering device without a filter, in which the insert and the funnel can be displaced relative to one another by means of a thread.

The metering device 1 , as shown in FIGS . 1, 2 and 3, comprises an outer insert part 2 and a funnel 3 inserted therein. The two parts 2 , 3 are tubular, in the examples shown with a circular cross section. The contour of the parts 2 , 3 , as seen along their longitudinal axis 25 , tapers conically from the upper opening 4 to the lower opening 5 lying in the region of the bottom.

The funnel 3 lies with its outer wall 24 on the inner wall 23 of the insert part 2 , but can be rotated against the insert part 2 in the direction of arrow 6 or vice versa.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the funnel 3 has three window regions 7 distributed around the circumference and in each case equally spaced from one another, which in the embodiment shown are formed from transparent plastic, while the insert part 3 is otherwise made from colored or transparent plastic is made. The remaining three segments 22 of the funnel 2 are made of colored plastic.

On the inner or outer wall 23 or 28 of the insert 2 , scales 10 are printed, embossed or otherwise attached according to FIGS. 2 and 3, with consecutive numbers and with increasing numerical values from bottom to top. However, for the sake of simplicity, these scales 10 are not shown in FIG. 6. But they are of course also there.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the respective window area 7 also extends into an outwardly projecting edge 8 of the funnel 3 in order to be able to better recognize the scales 10 on the insert part 2 via the window areas 7 . In the vicinity of the bottom of the insert 2 or on its edge 9 , a label or a symbol is additionally assigned to a corresponding section, with the information "medium", "mild" and "strong" or as a "semi-filled", "empty" or "full""Cup 29 shown. In this way, the operator recognizes whether he selects the scale 10 with a mild, semi-strong or strong unit. Depending on how the funnel 3 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 6 against the insert 2 , the information "strong" or "medium" or "mild" or "full", "half-full" or "empty" appears in the respective window areas 7 "Cup 30 , 29 visible, which indicates the strength of the drink to be prepared. The respective scales 10 are then assigned to the different scales 10 , the filling height X ( FIG. 7) for the designation “strong”, corresponding to the respective cup numbers, being higher than that for the designations “medium” or “mild” Case is. This means, for example, that if 12 cups of coffee are to be prepared, the filling level X of the ground coffee in the funnel 3 , for example up to the upper edge 8 according to FIG. 2, extends for a strong coffee, while the filling height X of the ground coffee for 12 cups of "mild" coffee ends below the rim 8 of the funnel 3 , as shown in FIG. 3.

If coffee is to be prepared using the dosing device 1 described above, as shown in FIG. 1, a paper filter 13 , as is customary, is first inserted into the filter basket 11 of a coffee machine 12 which is only indicated, as can be pivoted out of the housing 31 . Then the Dosiervor direction 1 is inserted with the parts 2 , 3 so that the insert part 2 sits with its lower opening 5 on the bottom of the paper filter 13 . It should be mentioned that the lower area of the opening 5 of the metering device 1 should essentially be adapted to the bottom area of the paper filter 13 , so that the opening 5 is almost flush with the bottom (not shown) of the paper filter 13 in order not to receive incorrect measurements .

The prepared dosing device 1 is then adjusted by rotating the funnel 3 against the insert 2 to the desired strength of the coffee to be prepared, for example "strong" as shown in FIG. 2 or "mild" as shown in FIG. 3 is. Since the respective scales 10 are repeated in the circumferential direction in the sequence "strong", "medium" and "mild", the desired scale 10 can be quickly adjusted with a slight rotation of the funnel 3 against the insert part 2 and can also be easily adjusted from each side of this metering device 1 visible from.

After the desired scale has been set, a quantity of ground coffee corresponding to the number of coffee to be prepared is poured into the receiving space 40 of the funnel 3 directly from the ground coffee bag (not shown) until the quantity of ground coffee specified according to the number of cups is filled onto this graduation line 17 . With this filling method, a spoon can be omitted. A spoon or other small shovel can also be used as a pouring aid. Subsequently, the metering device 1 is taken out from the filter 13, so that the flour passes out through the bottom opening 5 of the hopper 3 and comes to rest as in the filter paper. 13 Now the coffee machine can be switched on after entering water and the coffee can be prepared.

With the metering device 1 , it is ensured that a mild, medium or strong coffee in constant dependence on the number of cups has the same strength again and again, both when a different number of cups is to be prepared and when different people have the desired coffee Prepare (or tea).

As shown in FIG. 4, the funnel is inserted in such a way that also funnel-shaped insert part 2 3 that its outer wall 24 against the inner wall 23 of the insert part 2. The funnel-shaped parts 2 , 3 are connected to the bottom 5 towards the opening 5 still cylindrical collar 33 , 34 , which are also concentric with each other and abut each other. So that the funnel 3 is detachably held in the insert part 2 , knob-like projections 35 are evenly distributed on the outer wall 23 in the region of the annular collar 34 , which engage in longitudinal slots 36 formed on the annular collar 33 of the insert part 2 if a corresponding scale 10 corresponds to one the window area 7 is aligned. Due to the circumferentially distributed longitudinal slots 36 , the individual sections 37 of the collar 33 act as resilient sections, so that when the funnel 3 is rotated, the projections 35 by expanding the speaking section 33 rotate well ver in this area with a certain frictional force to let. As a result, an automatic rotation of both parts 2 , 3 is avoided ver. By engaging the projections 35 in the longitudinal slots 36 , the funnel 3 is also held in a grid-like manner in the insert part 2 . However, it is also conceivable to additionally form a groove 38 ( FIG. 4) on the inner wall 23 of the insert part 2 , into which a rib 39 resiliently engages. The groove 38 and the rib 39 are, however, only shown in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 4 and 6, the edge 9 is located at some distance above the upper opening 4 of the insert part 2, so that the edge 9 is not a hindrance when turning the hopper 3.

According to FIG. 5, the hopper 3 from a one-piece plastic part, however, provided with colored plastic segments 22 are molded onto the transparent plastic material provided with segments or panes 7 during the injection process of the funnel 3. FIGS. 4 and 5, the edge 8 of the hopper 3 Diame tral opposite recesses 26 that are intended for better gripping of the hopper 3 or the dosing device 1, for example, when the edge 8 is closely surrounded by a paper filter 13. Here, the end of the index finger and the thumb of an operator (not shown) can easily engage in the recesses 26 without disturbing the inner wall of the paper filter 13 . At the same time, the fingers can be inserted into the recesses 26 until they strike the edge 9 of the insert part 1 . In this way, the metering device 1 can be lifted out of the paper filter 13 particularly easily.

While a metering device 1 comprising a funnel 3 and an insert part 2 is shown in FIGS . 1 to 6, a sectional view of an individual insert part 14 as metering device 1 can be seen in FIG. 6.

In FIG. 7, a double edge 15 is provided on the upper side of the insert part 14 , the lower edge 15 being able to serve to form the support on the filter basket 11 , while the upper edge 15 is used for gripping around the insert part 14 or insert the dosing device 1 into the paper filter 13 of a coffee or tea machine and take it out again. The lower opening 5 of the insert 14 is used so that after the corresponding amount of ground coffee or tea leaves (not shown) in this insert 14 to the desired height according to the cups and strength is filled, after removing the insert 14, the coffee flour or the tea leaves flows through the opening 5 into the paper filter 13 and remains there for brewing.

As can be seen in the sectional view of FIG. 7, circumferential marking rings are provided on the inner wall 2 of the insert part 14 as graduation marks 17 , for example in the form of grooves or printed or glued-on displays, which clearly mark the filling heights X that a desired one Cup number corresponds. The insert part 14 according to FIG. 4 also has a slightly conical shape tapering downwards.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of a metering device 1 in the "mild" position, which is comparable to the embodiment of FIG. 3. This dosing device 1 in turn has an insert part 2 and a funnel 3 inserted therein. In contrast to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3, a thread 19 is additionally provided between the funnel 3 and the insert part 2 . Due to this thread 19 , the funnel 3 moves when it is rotated in the direction of the arrows 6 about its longitudinal axis 25 upwards or downwards, so that the scale 10 with the numbers 1 to 12 can be changed in height. In addition, a window area 7 can also be provided in the edge 8 of the funnel 3 in order to set the different information (not shown), such as “mild”, “medium strength” and “strong”, which is applied to the edge 9 . In the event that, for example, a strong coffee is to be prepared, the funnel 3 is rotated so that the indication "strong" on the edge 9 of the insert part 2 can be seen in the window area 7 . Here, the funnel 3 was then rotated so far up that the scale 10 , in this case applied to the inner wall 23 of the funnel 3 , is shifted far upward. This means that, for example, for a cup number of 12 to be prepared, more flour is required for a "strong" coffee than in a lower position for a "mild" coffee, ie again, the lower end 42 of the funnel 3 is further from the lower end 41 of the insert 2 removed as shown in FIG. 8, so that the receiving space 40 thus enlarged can also hold more coffee grounds or tea leaves and therefore a stronger coffee or tea is produced with the same amount of water.

In addition, the embodiment of FIG. 6 shows a vertically upstanding wall section 21 on the funnel 3 , which forms an easily graspable handle.

It is understood that different features of the individual embodiments can be combined with one another without this being shown in more detail. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, several scales, which are assigned under different preparation types and filling quantities, can be provided. In addition, the circumferential marking rings 17 are also possible in the embodiment of FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 6.

Claims (15)

1. dosing device ( 1 ) with a receiving space ( 40 ) for dosing and / or portioning ground coffee or tea leaves, as an additional unit for a coffee or tea machine, the dosing device ( 1 ) having at least one scale ( 10 ) indicating a number of cups, characterized in that a tubular insert ( 2 ; 14 ) which can be inserted onto the bottom of a filter ( 13 ) is provided, the bottom end ( 5 ; 16 ) of which is open and essentially ends with the bottom of the filter ( 13 ) and its Wall has at least one scale ( 10 ) which extends substantially from the lower ( 5 ) towards the upper edge ( 9 ). 2. Dosing device according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of different scales ( 10 ) are arranged on the wall of the insert part ( 2 ; 14 ). 3. Dosing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert part ( 2 ; 14 ) has a conical shape, the wide opening opening cross-section forming the upper opening. 4. Dosing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the insert part ( 2 , 14 ) also extends downward in a V-shape. 5. Dosing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert part ( 2 , 14 ) has an upper edge ( 15 ). 6. Dosing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert ( 14 ) on its upper edge ( 8 ) has recesses ( 26 ). 7. Dosing device according to claim 2, characterized in that a tubular funnel ( 3 ) is provided, which is inserted into the insert ( 2 ), at least partially against the wall thereof, and that the funnel ( 3 ) in its wall at least one Window area ( 7 ) over which the scales ( 10 ) on the insert part ( 2 ) are visible, wherein by rotating the funnel ( 3 ) against the insert part ( 2 ) through the window area ( 7 ) differently scales ( 10 ) optionally visible are. 8. Dosing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the window area ( 7 ) of the funnel ( 3 ) is formed from a transparent material. 9. Dosing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the window area ( 7 ) of the funnel ( 3 ) is formed by a wall cutout. 10. Dosing device according to claim 7, characterized in that a plurality of window areas ( 7 ) are provided in the funnel ( 3 ) through which the respective scales ( 10 ) are visible. 11. Dosing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the plurality of window areas ( 7 ) are distributed uniformly around the circumference of the funnel ( 3 ) and each window area ( 7 ) is assigned a plurality of scales ( 10 ), the plurality of scales ( 10 ) repeat in the same order and at the same distance from each other in the circumferential direction. 12. Dosing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the funnel ( 3 ) in planes, perpendicular to its axis ( 18 ), has a plurality of spaced marking rings ( 17 ). 13. Dosing device according to claim 7, characterized in that between the first insert part ( 2 ) and the funnel ( 3 ), a thread ( 19 ) is formed such that the rotation of the funnel ( 3 ) in the first insert part ( 2 ) Funnel ( 3 ) from a basic position upwards out of the first insert ( 2 ). 14. Dosing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the funnel ( 3 ) has at its upper end an edge ( 8 ) which is formed above the edge ( 9 ) of the insert part ( 2 ). 15. Dosing device according to claim 14, characterized in that the edge ( 8 ) has recesses ( 26 ).