阅读说明：本技术 具有增强的清洗和残留物排放的饮料分发系统和所述系统的运行方法 (Beverage dispensing system with enhanced cleaning and residue discharge and method of operation of the system ) 是由 R·M·纳贝罗 J·梅迪娜·蒙特 于 2019-07-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种饮料分发系统,特别是一种用于制备浓缩咖啡和类似芳香饮料的系统,该系统包括例如玻璃型或杯型或类似物的饮用容器(1、1’)；可操作地与饮料制备设备(3)相关联的饮料排放装置(2)；所述饮料排放装置(2)被设计以使饮料排放流以给定的流压力沿着与重力相反的方向冲击所述饮用容器(1、1’)的底部区域(11)中的流调节装置(12),其中,所述饮料装置(3)还包括清洗装置(26),该清洗装置(26)被调整以提供通过所述饮料排放装置(2)的至少一部分并且可选地还通过可操作地啮合在所述饮料排放装置(2)上的饮用容器(1、1’)的清洗流的循环。(The present invention discloses a beverage dispensing system, in particular a system for preparing espresso coffee and similar aromatic beverages, comprising a drinking vessel (1, 1'), for example of glass or cup type or similar; a beverage discharge device (2) operatively associated with the beverage preparation apparatus (3); the beverage discharge device (2) is designed such that the beverage discharge flow impinges at a given flow pressure against the flow regulating device (12) in the bottom region (11) of the drinking vessel (1, 1') in a direction opposite to gravity, wherein the beverage device (3) further comprises a cleaning device (26), which cleaning device (26) is adapted to provide circulation of a cleaning flow through at least a part of the beverage discharge device (2) and optionally also through the drinking vessel (1, 1') operatively engaged on the beverage discharge device (2).)

1. A system for preparing a beverage, the system comprising:

-a drinking vessel (1);

-a beverage arrangement (3), the beverage arrangement (3) comprising a beverage preparation device (4), the beverage preparation device (4) being adapted such that it is possible to collect a single portion (5) of edible substance and supply a beverage discharge stream (BD) to the beverage discharge arrangement (2);

the beverage preparation device (4) is arranged in a flow-connected manner by means of a first flow circulation line downstream of the flow pressurization device (7) and upstream of the beverage discharge means (2), comprising in the continuation of the first flow circulation line by means of a beverage discharge connection (25),

the drinking vessel (1) being adapted so as to be operatively placed on the beverage discharge device (2),

the beverage discharge device (2) having a beverage discharge element (21) and a container placement support (22) surrounding the beverage discharge element (21), the beverage discharge element (21) being capable of discharging a flow into the interior of the drinking container (1) in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the beverage device (3) further comprises a cleaning device (26), the cleaning device (26) being adapted to provide circulation of a cleaning flow through the beverage discharge device (2), and the cleaning device (26) being arranged in flow connection by means of a second flow circulation line, which originates downstream of the flow pressurisation means (7), optionally also to the interior of a drinking vessel (1, 1') operatively engaged on the beverage discharge device (2).

2. The system of claim 1,

the cleaning device (26) is arranged upstream of the beverage discharge connection (25) in the direction of the cleaning flow, preferably also in the direction of the gravitational force, and

the cleaning means (26) is adapted to provide circulation of a pressurized flow of cleaning fluid through the second flow line and also along the first flow line but in a flow direction opposite to a beverage discharge direction through at least the beverage discharge connection (25) and the beverage preparation device (4), preferably also through the beverage discharge element (21) in the beverage discharge direction of the system, wherein the cleaning fluid is preferably the same fluid used for brewing edible substances on the beverage preparation device (4) and supplied from a common fluid reservoir (11).

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2,

said cleaning means (26) being arranged in side-stream connection with said beverage discharge connection (25) such that a pressurized flow of cleaning fluid can circulate through said flow pressurizing device (7) and through the interior of said beverage preparation device (4) and such that said cleaning fluid flows with the aid of said gravity through a discharge opening of said beverage preparation device (4) adapted for discharging said single portion (5) to the interior of a residue collecting means (9) arranged below said beverage preparation device (4),

and is

The cleaning device (26) is further adapted such that the cleaning flow can be collected by a residue collecting device (9), the residue collecting device (9) being configured in the shape of a container and preferably being arranged at least partially below the brewing apparatus (4).

4. The system of claims 1 to 3,

the beverage device (3) comprises a flow control arrangement such that the first flow line and the second flow line can be operated in isolation,

and is

The beverage means (3) further comprise user-facing information display means related to the operation of each of said first and second flow lines, wherein said information display means are preferably associated with said beverage discharge means (2), preferably with said container placement surface (22).

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the cleaning device (26) comprises at least one of:

-a one-way device (261), for example a one-way device (261) of the one-way valve type, and

-an electric valve (262) associated with said unidirectional device (261).

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the one-way device (261) is arranged in a flow connection upstream of the beverage discharge element (21) and the beverage discharge connection (25), preferably in the vicinity of the beverage discharge element (21) and the beverage discharge connection (25), and

the electric valve device (262) is arranged in a flow connection upstream of the one-way device (261), preferably in the vicinity of the one-way device (261).

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the beverage discharge connection (25) extends upwards from the outlet side of the beverage preparation device (4) and at least to the vicinity of the beverage discharge element (21) substantially in at least one of the following directions:

-in an at least substantially vertical direction;

-along a direction at least 35 ° and at most 90 ° above horizontal,

and is

The second flow line extends in a non-vertical direction, preferably in an inclined direction, at least in a part of the second flow line located downstream of the unidirectional device (261), so that the cleaning fluid is discharged downwards to the side of the beverage discharge connection (25).

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

the first flow line extends downstream of a fluid pressurization device (7) and up to the beverage discharge element (21), and the second flow line extends from the flow pressurization device (7), through the electric valve device (262) and up to be in flow connection with the first flow line.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

the apparatus (3) further comprises a three-way flow connection (27), the three-way flow connection (27) providing a flow connection between the first flow line, the second flow line and the beverage discharge element (21), wherein a connection portion of the three-way flow connection (27) downstream of the one-way device (261) and downstream of the beverage discharge connection (25) extends in at least one of a vertical direction and an oblique direction, preferably in at least substantially the same direction.

10. The system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 9,

the beverage discharge device (2) has a container placement support (22), said container placement support (22) comprising a bottom wall defined by an outer limiting wall and an inner limiting wall, and extending around the beverage discharge element (21), wherein preferably the space sandwiched between the outer limiting wall and the inner limiting wall is annular in shape.

11. The system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 10,

the system comprises a liquid residue discharge device (23), said liquid residue discharge device (23) being associated with said container placement support (22) and being adapted so as to provide a final discharge of the remaining liquid by gravity alone to a residue collection device (9) operatively associated in flow connection with said container placement support (22), wherein said bottom wall of said container placement support (22) preferably comprises at least one inclined area so as to facilitate the guiding of the remaining liquid towards said liquid residue discharge device (23) by gravity alone.

12. The system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 10,

the liquid residue discharge means (23) comprises a flow connection between at least one opening in the bottom wall of the container placement support (22) and the residue collection means (9), wherein the flow connection is moved solely by the action of gravity.

13. The system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 11,

the device (3) comprises a residue collection means (9), the residue collection means (9) being configured as a container such that the single portion (5) discharged from the beverage preparation apparatus (4) can also be collected under the action of gravity, and the residue collection means (9) being configured on a removable means, for example in the manner of a drawer, such that it can be removed from the inside of the base of the device (3).

14. Method for preparing a beverage, in particular by means of a system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:

-providing beverage means (3);

-placing a drinking vessel (1) on the beverage discharge device (2) in operable engagement;

-automatically opening the brewing device (4) actuated by an electrically powered device (10);

-introducing a single portion (5) in the brewing device (4);

-automatically turning off the brewing device (4) actuated by an electrically powered device (10);

-initiating a beverage preparation cycle comprising discharging beverage to the drinking vessel (1);

-removing the drinking vessel (1) from operative engagement with the beverage discharge device (2);

-confirming, by automatic means, that there are no single portions (5) of edible substance inside the brewing device (4);

-starting a washing cycle, the step of starting a washing cycle comprising a circulation of a washing flow by means of an electric valve device (261), through at least a part of the beverage discharge means (2), the circulation comprising through the beverage discharge connection (25) in a circulation direction opposite to the direction of beverage discharge.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising at least one of:

-providing an indication to the user regarding at least one of: a requirement to perform a cleaning cycle after a predetermined number of beverage preparation cycles; a need to conduct a cleaning cycle in accordance with automatic understanding data associated with at least one predefined beverage discharge flow related parameter;

-providing an indication to the user regarding at least one of: -initiating, proceeding and ending a washing cycle, wherein said indication is preferably presented by an information display means associated with said beverage discharge means (2).

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the washing cycle is carried out according to at least one of the following:

-without any intervention by the user associated with the washing cycle;

under the intervention of the user.

17. The method according to claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of:

-providing an indication to a user regarding a wash cycle still to be initiated;

-placing a drinking container (1, 1') in operable engagement on said container placement support (22);

-confirming the implementation of the previous step;

-initiating the washing cycle;

-providing an indication to the user regarding the finished wash cycle.

8.8.1.2019, Rician book

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of beverage dispensing systems, in particular systems for preparing beverages on the basis of a single portion of precursor edible substance (e.g. espresso coffee and the like), having means for discharging the beverage towards the inside of the drinking container in a direction substantially opposite to the force of gravity.

Background

It is known to provide beverage drainage in a direction opposite to gravity and through the wall of a drinking vessel.

In particular, in the case of aromatic beverages (for example, espresso coffee), this beverage discharge is a relevant process which has a potential impact on the quality of the beverage obtained in the drinking vessel. In several respects, it is important to ensure that any eventual liquid residue from the discharge of the beverage does not lead to a degradation of the quality of the beverage. In particular, the prior art includes solutions relating to the discharge of residues and the purge flow of the beverage discharge device (dispensing).

Document EP 1991094B 1 discloses a drinking container adapted so that it can be filled from the bottom and having a sealable bottom wall for this purpose, wherein the beverage is filled with sufficient pressure to open a valve provided as a flow regulating element for the beverage discharge flow.

Document EP 2285687B 1 discloses a system with beverage discharge through the bottom region of the glass. The system includes a drain designed to empty liquid residue from the beverage drain. In particular, the system has a surface opening for placement of a container, the surface opening being configured in the form of a bowl, wherein the opening is adapted to drain a final remaining portion of the drained beverage that accumulates on the container placement surface.

Furthermore, the system has a cleaning device. The cleaning device comprises a cleaning line connected to a water source and adapted to clean a jet (injector) of the beverage discharge. The purge line includes a valve that can be operated in a manual or automatic manner. Further, a drain valve may be used with the purge valve to drain the purge liquid from the beverage discharge area. Actuation of the purge valve may cause the purging liquid to be directed through the discharge spout, while actuation of the discharge valve may provide an alternative path for the purging liquid without passing through the discharge spout. In one embodiment, a container is placed on a discharge device, and a valve is opened for fluid flow between a conduit and the container; closing the valve to stop flow, removing the container, opening a second valve to the purge line, completing purging of the drain and closing the second valve.

Document EP 2120652B 1 discloses a system of the type of the invention in which the bottom region of the drinking receptacle can be held by means of a screw thread on a placement device configured as a brewing device, so as to be able to collect capsules of edible substances comprising a precursor of the beverage downstream of the discharge of the fluid and upstream of the bottom portion of the drinking receptacle. Furthermore, the bottom region of the placement device has three lateral projections extending inwardly and which correspond to the three lateral projections associated with the fluid discharge device and extending outwardly, whereby placement and retention of the placement device on the fluid discharge device is provided by means of rotation of the placement device about the respective central axis, thereby providing in fluid communication connection of the upstream fluid discharge with the downstream drinking container.

Document EP 2928347B 1 discloses a system of the type of the invention which discloses a discharge device designed to empty liquid residues from a beverage discharge device. In particular, the discharge means are provided as engaging elements connecting a side portion of the flexible tube that is directed downwards from the outlet side of the brewing device and a beverage discharge tube that is directed upwards in a vertical direction, wherein the discharge tube extends towards the separate outlet. The engagement element is arranged to be actuated between a rest position and a working position.

Therefore, there is a need for a simple and effective purge flow solution suitable for the type of beverage discharge, in particular in the direction opposite to gravity.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage dispensing system with a beverage discharge device which causes a beverage discharge flow to be pressure injected into the interior of a drinking vessel through a bottom region thereof in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity, the system being adapted such that an effective cleaning of the beverage discharge device and an associated brewing apparatus is provided by simple and reliable construction and operation means.

According to the present invention, this object is achieved by means of a beverage preparation system according to claim 1, wherein preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

In particular, the above object is achieved by means of a system wherein the beverage means comprise two flow circulation lines extending from the pressurizing device, said two flow circulation lines comprising a first line and a second line in flow connection, said first line extending through the brewing device and the beverage discharge connection to the beverage discharge element, said second line extending through the one-way valve and up to the vicinity upstream of said beverage discharge element, so as to be able to provide a circulation of a rinsing flow through said first flow circulation line and up to the brewing device in a circulation direction opposite to the beverage discharge direction (BD), said rinsing flow being collected by means of a collecting means arranged below.

The beverage apparatus may further comprise a control device adapted such that a flow cycle may be controlled by only one of the two flow cycles at a time. In particular, the control device may control the circulation of the purge flow instead of the beverage preparation flow by means of the actuation of a solenoid valve device associated with the second flow circulation line.

Furthermore, the second flow circulation line may also comprise a device of the one-way valve type, preferably arranged in the vicinity of the connection with the first flow circulation line and adapted such that the beverage discharge flow is prevented from circulating through the second flow circulation line.

Preferably, the first and second flow circulation lines extend in a similar direction (in particular in a non-horizontal direction) at least in respective regions in the vicinity upstream of the beverage discharge element.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of preparing a beverage, the method comprising the use of a drinking vessel and a beverage discharge device, wherein the beverage discharge flows through a bottom region of the vessel, thereby providing a user with effective cleaning of the beverage discharge device and associated brewing apparatus in a reliable and ergonomic manner.

This object is achieved according to the invention by means of a method for preparing a beverage according to claim 14, wherein preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

Drawings

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in more detail based on preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

The figures show in simplified schematic form:

FIG. 1: side and front views of the main components of a system of edible products of the type of the present invention;

FIG. 2: a diagram of a drinking vessel (1) operatively placed on a beverage discharge device (2) of a beverage device (3) according to the prior art;

FIG. 3: a diagram of a flow cycle of a system according to the invention;

FIG. 4: a side view of an embodiment of a system according to the invention;

FIG. 5: a side sectional view of part of the operating components of the embodiment of the beverage unit (3) shown in fig. 4;

FIG. 6: a front cross-sectional view of part of the operating components of the embodiment of the beverage unit (3) shown in fig. 4;

FIG. 7: a perspective view of the bottom of a part of the operating assembly from an embodiment of the beverage device (3) of the system according to the invention;

FIG. 8: a perspective view of the top of a part of the operating assembly from an embodiment of the beverage device (3) of the system according to the invention;

FIG. 9: a perspective view of the top of a part of the operating assembly from an embodiment of the beverage device (3) of the system according to the invention;

FIG. 10: figure 9 shows a top view of an embodiment of the beverage unit (3) of the system according to the invention;

FIG. 11: top view of a second embodiment of the beverage unit (3) of the system according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 2 show the main operating components of a preferred embodiment of a system for dispensing edible products of the type of the present invention.

The system comprises at least one type of drinking vessel (1, 1'), such as a cup or glass, which drinking vessel (1, 1') is adapted so as to be operably held on a beverage discharge device (2) of a beverage device (3).

The drinking container (1, 1') has a collecting space (a) defined by a bottom wall (11) and a side wall (12), and further has a flow regulating device (13) provided as at least one of:

-a pressure-actuated device, such as a one-way valve, which is preferably held on the side of the flow channel (110) by means of a pressure fitting;

-microporous means arranged upstream, preferably in the vicinity, of the entry zone of the beverage flow in the region of the bottom wall (11) of the collection space (a).

The system may further comprise a plurality of types of drinking vessels (1, 1'), said drinking vessels (1, 1') having different dimensions, in particular different dimensions (e.g. of diameter) of the respective bottom wall (11), but which dimensions can be adjusted to engage on the same type of beverage discharge device (2), wherein said at least one of said types of drinking vessels (1, 1') is not a disposable vessel.

The beverage apparatus (3), for example in the form of a machine for preparing espresso coffee and similar aromatic beverages, provides at least one brewing device (4), the at least one brewing device (4) being arranged such that a portion (5) of edible substance, which is a beverage precursor (for example contained in a capsule or the like), can be collected.

Furthermore, the beverage device (3) may comprise a fluid reservoir (not shown) and a fluid pressurizing means (7) and a fluid heating means (6) (not shown in these figures) so that the Flow (FS) may be supplied at a temperature comprised between 60 ℃ and 100 ℃ and a pressure comprised between 1 bar and 20 bar (preferably higher than 10 bar) in order to interact with said edible substance.

Then, the discharge flow (BD) is guided from an outlet of the brewing device (4) to a beverage discharge arrangement (2) arranged downstream of the brewing device (4), and the beverage discharge arrangement (2) comprises at least one beverage discharge element (21), the at least one beverage discharge element (21) being adapted such that a drinking container (1, 1') can be held, preferably by means of a mechanical engagement with a bottom area (11) of the drinking container (1, 1').

As shown in fig. 2, a drinking container (1, 1') of the type described may have a flow regulating means (12), for example of the one-way valve type (12) (symbolically indicated by a triangle), said flow regulating means (12) being arranged to be retained on the passage opening (110) of the bottom wall (11) and being adapted so as to provide a passage to the pressurized beverage discharge flow (BD) downstream, in the direction opposite to gravity, in the event of an impact of a flow pressure greater than the previously defined flow pressure value.

The beverage preparation device (3) may further comprise:

-a flow pressurization device (7), such as a pump, said flow pressurization device (7) being adapted such that the fluid Flow (FS) can be supplied at a pressure comprised between 1 bar and 20 bar (preferably, at least 10 bar),

-a stream heating device (6), for example a stream heating device (6) of the thermoblock type, said stream heating device (6) being adapted such that it is possible to heat the Fluid Stream (FS) to a temperature of at least 60 ℃ (preferably, at least 80 ℃).

The apparatus (3) may further comprise electrically powered actuation means (10) of the beverage preparation device (4), the electrically powered actuation means (10) being arranged in data connection with the control device and being adapted such that components of the beverage preparation device (4) can be moved between an open position, in which a portion (5) of the edible substance can be collected, and a closed position, in which a pressurized flow can be injected, and vice versa.

Fig. 3 shows a flow cycle diagram of the beverage unit (3) in the system according to the invention.

The beverage apparatus (3) preferably comprises a fluid source (11), such as a fluid reservoir or a connection to a fluid supply network, the fluid source (11) being arranged in flow connection with a fluid pressurizing device (7), e.g. of the pump type, and preferably with a fluid heating device (6), e.g. of the thermoblock type, downstream of the fluid pressurizing device (7).

The beverage apparatus (3) further comprises two fluid lines extending downstream from said flow pressurising device (7).

The beverage arrangement (3) further comprises a beverage preparation device (4), said beverage preparation device (4) being adapted such that it can be actuated between an open position, at which a single portion (5) of edible substance can be collected, and a closed position, at which a pressurized fluid can be injected and a beverage discharge stream (BD) of the resulting beverage is supplied to the beverage discharge arrangement (2).

The beverage arrangement (3) comprises a first flow circulation line connecting the flow pressurisation device (7) to the beverage preparation device (4) and connecting the beverage preparation device (4) to the beverage discharge arrangement (2), in particular connecting the beverage preparation device (4) to the beverage discharge arrangement (2) by means of a beverage discharge connection (25), so that a beverage discharge is injected through the beverage discharge element (21) into the interior of a drinking vessel (1) operatively held on the beverage discharge arrangement (2).

According to an inventive aspect, the beverage arrangement (3) further comprises a washing device (26), the washing device (26) being adapted to provide circulation of a washing flow through the beverage discharge device (2) and being arranged in flow connection through a second flow circulation line downstream of the flow pressurisation device (7).

The second flow circulation line extends from a position downstream of the flow pressurization device (7) and upstream of the brewing device (4) in a manner diverging from the first circulation line. Furthermore, the second circulation line preferably provides a flow connection with a device of the one-way valve type (261) and a device of the electric valve type (262) in a region in the vicinity upstream of the beverage discharge element (21), and also with the first flow circulation line.

Here, the circulation of the rinsing flow is arranged through the second flow circulation line and the first flow circulation line in a direction opposite to the beverage discharge direction up to the brewing device (4).

The beverage device (3) also comprises a control device (not shown) adapted to actuate only said device (262) of the electrically operated valve type, so that the circulation of the flow through said flow circulation line is completed with said brewing device (4) closed and without a portion (5) of edible substance inside it.

Here, the purge stream is circulated through a one-way valve type device (261) and downstream thereof.

Preferably, the purge flow circulates through the beverage discharge connection (25) up to the brewing device (4) in a direction opposite to the beverage discharge direction, at which brewing device (4) said flow falls into a residual collecting means (9) arranged below the brewing device (4).

Furthermore, it is preferred that the washing flow also circulates through the beverage discharge element (21) in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

Preferably, the hydraulic charge on the second flow circulation line is less than the hydraulic charge on the first flow circulation line, and the hydraulic charge on the second flow circulation line is adjusted such that the purge flow is circulated at a hydraulic pressure less than the hydraulic pressure of the beverage discharge flow.

In particular, it is preferred that the washing flow is circulated with a hydraulic pressure adjusted so that it can circulate through the beverage discharge element (21) but not be sprayed above the beverage discharge element (21) so that said flow can be collected by liquid residue collecting means (23), said liquid residue collecting means (23) being associated with said beverage discharge means (2) and being adjusted to provide a flow connection with said residue collecting means (9).

It is further preferred that the control device is adapted to provide an indication to a user about the need to perform a washing cycle after a predetermined number of beverage preparation cycles.

It is further preferred that the control device is adapted to provide for the implementation of a wash cycle without any actuation by the user for this purpose.

It is further preferred that the control device is adapted to provide an indication to the user regarding at least one of: a washing cycle to be started, ongoing and ended, wherein the indication is preferably presented by means of an information display means associated with said beverage discharge (2).

Fig. 4 to 6 show different views of a preferred embodiment of the relative arrangement of the washing device (26) in the system according to the invention.

As shown in the figures, it is preferred that the cleaning means (26) is arranged in a side-stream connection with the beverage discharge connection (25) such that a pressurized flow of cleaning fluid can be circulated through the flow pressurizing device (7) and through the interior of the beverage preparation device (4) and such that the cleaning fluid flows with the aid of gravity through a discharge opening of the beverage preparation device (4) adapted for discharging the separate part (5) into the interior of a residue collecting means (9) arranged below the beverage preparation device (4).

Preferably, the cleaning device (26) comprises at least one of:

a one-way device (261), for example of the one-way valve type,

-an electric valve (262) associated with said unidirectional device (261).

It is further preferred that the one-way device (261) is arranged in a flow connection upstream of the beverage discharge element (21) and the beverage discharge connection (25), preferably in the vicinity of the beverage discharge element (21) and the beverage discharge connection (25), and that the solenoid valve device (262) is arranged in a flow connection upstream of the one-way device (261), preferably in the vicinity of the one-way device (261).

Fig. 7 to 9 show different views of a preferred embodiment of the relative means of the cleaning device (26) in the beverage device (3) of the system according to the invention.

It is particularly preferred that the beverage discharge connection (25) extends upwards from the outlet side of the beverage preparation device (4) and at least to the vicinity of the beverage discharge element (21) generally in at least one direction comprising: along an at least substantially vertical direction and along a direction at least 35 ° and at most 90 ° above the horizontal direction.

In the case of the embodiment shown, the beverage discharge connection (25) extends along a direction inclined upwards with respect to the horizontal plane, in particular along an angle comprised between 40 ° and 50 °.

It is further preferred that the second flow circulation line, at least in a part of the second flow line located downstream of the unidirectional device (261), extends in a non-vertical direction, preferably in an inclined direction, such that the washing fluid is discharged downwards to the side of the beverage discharge connection (25).

It is further preferred that said first flow line extends downstream of the flow pressurisation device (7) and up to said beverage discharge element (21); and the second flow circulation line extends from the flow pressurisation device (7), through the electrically operated valve type device (262) and up to being in flow connection with the first flow circulation line.

According to another embodiment, the apparatus (3) further comprises a three-way flow connection (27), the three-way flow connection (27) providing a flow connection between the first and second flow lines and the beverage discharge element (21), wherein the connection portion of the three-way flow connection (27) downstream of the one-way device (261) and downstream of the beverage discharge connection (25) extends in at least one of a vertical direction and an oblique direction, preferably in at least substantially the same direction.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the cleaning device (26) is further adapted such that the cleaning flow can be collected by a residue collecting device (9), the residue collecting device (9) being configured in the form of a container and preferably being arranged at least partially below the brewing apparatus (4).

Fig. 10 and 11 show two top views of two alternative embodiments, in particular of the opposing means of the higher part of the second flow circulation line and the associated washing means (26) in the vicinity of the beverage discharge means (2).

8.8.1.2019, Rician book