Draining flushing water from the brewing chamber of a beverage making device

Abstract

In the field of beverage making devices (10) comprising a brewing chamber (23), a flushing procedure can be applied to the beverage making device (10) for the purpose of flushing the brewing chamber (23) with water before or after a beverage brewing process. Measures are taken to achieve the discharge of flushing water from the brewing chamber (23), the discharge of flushing water taking place at another position on the brewing chamber (23) than the position of a beverage outlet (30) of the brewing chamber (23), in particular at an upstream position on the brewing chamber (23) as seen in the direction of water and brewed beverage associated with the beverage brewing process through the beverage making device (10). This can be done based on appropriate control of the operation of the beverage making device (10) during the flushing procedure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a beverage making device, which beverage making device comprises a brewing chamber, which is configured to be able to carry out a beverage brewing process, wherein the brewing chamber has a beverage outlet, which is configured to release the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process, wherein the method comprises performing a flushing program, in which the brewing chamber is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein during the flushing program, the brewing chamber is supplied with flushing water and the flushing water is later discharged from the brewing chamber at another position on the brewing chamber different from the position of the beverage outlet.

[0002] Further, the present invention relates to a beverage making device, the beverage making device comprising: a brewing chamber configured to enable a beverage brewing process, wherein the brewing chamber has a beverage outlet configured to release the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process; and a controller configured to control the operation of the beverage making device, wherein the controller is configured to apply an algorithm designed to cause the beverage making device to perform a flushing procedure, in which the brewing chamber is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein the algorithm includes the steps of enabling the supply of flushing water to the brewing chamber and later enabling the discharge of the flushing water from the brewing chamber. For example, this beverage making device can be a bean-to-cup espresso machine comprising a grinder and a ground bean compressor. Background Art

[0003] WO 2020 / 126876 A1 discloses a bean-to-cup espresso coffee machine configured to perform the functions of grinding coffee beans and brewing espresso coffee by passing pressurized hot water through the coffee grounds to produce an espresso drink. The known coffee machine comprises a water container, a heater for heating water to produce hot water and optionally steam, and a water pump for pumping the heated water and steam. During the coffee brewing process, a brewing chamber is filled with an appropriate amount of coffee grounds. Further, both the heater and the water pump are operated, wherein the heated water is pumped from the heater to the brewing chamber through a valve.

[0004] Advantageously, the coffee brewing process is preceded by a startup rinse cycle intended to preheat the brewing chamber. During the startup rinse cycle, the brewing chamber is rinsed with water heated by the heater. Under the influence of the hot water, the brewing chamber walls are heated, so that the temperature of the coffee brewed in the brewing chamber and dispensed from the brewing chamber can be achieved as desired, wherein in particular the coffee is prevented from getting too cold. The coffee machine is also capable of performing a shutdown rinse to clean the brewing chamber.

[0005] The water used in the rinsing program is supplied to a drip tray present in the coffee machine, the purpose of which is to receive and collect waste water, i.e. water that does not end up in the beverage. In order to discharge the water and the beverage, the brewing chamber has an outlet in fluid communication with the coffee outlet of the coffee machine, which outlet faces downwards and is located above the drip tray. A significant disadvantage of having a rinsing program in known coffee machines is that it is not possible to place a container on the coffee machine in advance and to operate the coffee machine using a timer, for example, in which case the rinsing water that starts the rinsing cycle would be discharged into the container and mixed with the beverage.

[0006] DE 10 2019 206 635 A1 discloses a coffee machine which is configured to avoid mixing of rinsing water and beverage. For this purpose, the coffee machine comprises a switching valve which is arranged downstream of the outlet of the brewing chamber and is configured to switch between a position which opens a discharge line to an area of ​​the coffee machine to be received by a container and a position which opens a discharge line which leads directly to a drip tray and bypasses the mentioned area. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a way of implementing a flushing procedure in a beverage making device, such as the beverage making device known from WO 2020 / 126876 A1, which way provides for a more flexible use of the beverage making machine without the risk of the beverage dispensed from the beverage making device mixing with the flushing water, and which does not require expensive measures, in particular without adding components to the beverage making device. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a further way, different from the way known from DE 10 2019206635 A1, to mitigate the adverse effects of the flushing function of the beverage making device on the quality of the beverage and / or the range of possibilities of use of the beverage making device and / or the complexity of use of the beverage making device, which way comprises adding a switching valve as described above.

[0008] In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides a method for operating a beverage making device, which beverage making device includes a brewing chamber, which is configured to be able to perform a beverage brewing process, wherein the brewing chamber has a beverage outlet, which is configured to release the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process, wherein the method includes performing a flushing program, in which the brewing chamber is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein, during the flushing program, the flushing water is supplied to the brewing chamber and later the flushing water is discharged from the brewing chamber at another position on the brewing chamber that is different from the position of the beverage outlet, and the other position on the brewing chamber that is different from the position of the beverage outlet is an upstream position on the brewing chamber as seen from the direction in which water associated with the beverage brewing process and the brewed beverage pass through the beverage making device.

[0009] Similarly, the present invention provides a beverage making device, which includes: a brewing chamber, which is configured to be able to carry out a beverage brewing process, wherein the brewing chamber has a beverage outlet, which is configured to release the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process; and a controller, which is configured to control the operation of the beverage making device, wherein the controller is configured to apply an algorithm designed to cause the beverage making device to perform a flushing program, in which the brewing chamber is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein the algorithm includes the steps of supplying flushing water to the brewing chamber and later discharging the flushing water from the brewing chamber at another position on the brewing chamber that is different from the position of the beverage outlet, wherein the other position on the brewing chamber that is different from the position of the beverage outlet is an upstream position on the brewing chamber as seen from the direction in which water and the brewed beverage pass through the beverage making device.

[0010] According to the aforementioned definition of the method and the beverage making device according to the invention, the invention is to achieve that the flushing water is discharged from the brewing chamber at another position on the brewing chamber than the position of the beverage outlet. In this way, it is achieved that the flushing water can follow another route than the route followed by the brewed beverage to flow out of the brewing chamber. Various practical embodiments are possible, in which this advantageous effect can be achieved without the use of one or more additional valves or the like, as will become apparent from the following.

[0011] According to the present invention, the position on the brewing chamber from which flushing water is discharged from the brewing chamber at a later stage of the flushing procedure is an upstream position on the brewing chamber when viewed along the direction in which water and brewed beverage associated with the beverage brewing process pass through the beverage making device. For example, assuming that the brewing chamber has a water inlet configured to receive water and let the water enter the interior of the brewing chamber, it may be practical if the position on the brewing chamber from which flushing water is discharged from the brewing chamber at a later stage of the flushing procedure is the position of the water inlet on the brewing chamber. In this way, there is no need to design the brewing chamber with an additional outlet, and the existing structure and functionality of the beverage making device can be utilized, wherein it is sufficient if the changes relative to the conventional situation only involve an adaptation of the way in which the operation of the beverage making device is controlled.

[0012] In a practical embodiment, the beverage making device according to the invention further comprises a pumping device configured to subject the water in the beverage making device to a pumping action towards the brewing chamber and to increase the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber, and a normally closed outlet valve located at the location of the beverage outlet of the brewing chamber, which is known per se. During the beverage brewing process, the pressure increases in the brewing chamber under the influence of the pumping action until a pressure level is reached at which the outlet valve opens, so that the brewed beverage is discharged from the brewing chamber through the beverage outlet. In order to avoid that flushing water is discharged from the brewing chamber through the beverage outlet during the flushing procedure, it is feasible if measures are taken to ensure that the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber is lower than the pressure level when the outlet valve is open during the entire flushing procedure.

[0013] In the actual case that the beverage making device according to the present invention also includes a water collection area located outside the brewing chamber, in particular the position on the brewing chamber where the flushing water is discharged from the brewing chamber at a later stage of the flushing process is a position that allows the flushing water to reach the water collection area. In general, the water collection area may be an area arranged and configured to receive all waste water from the beverage making device (i.e. all water that is not ultimately present in the beverage made by the beverage making device). It is known in the art that such a water collection area may be in the form of a component, which is generally called a drip tray and is arranged at a position below the nozzle, which is configured to discharge the beverage (i.e. release the beverage to the outside of the beverage making device) so that the beverage can be collected in a container such as a cup.

[0014] Like known beverage making devices, the beverage making device may also comprise a heater and a main conduit device, the heater being configured to heat water, the main conduit device being configured to be able to convey water from the heater to the brewing chamber. In this case, the brewing chamber may be coupled and decoupled from the main conduit device. If this is the case, in practice, by placing the brewing chamber in a position decoupled from the main conduit device, it is possible to discharge the flushing water from another position on the brewing chamber than the position of the beverage outlet. In particular, during the flushing procedure, the following actions may be performed: coupling the brewing chamber to the main conduit device to receive a supply of flushing water from the main conduit device, and at a later stage decoupling the brewing chamber from the main conduit device to discharge the flushing water.

[0015] As previously mentioned, the flushing procedure performed when the beverage making device is turned on some time after the previous use (i.e., the start-up flushing procedure) is preferably also used to preheat the brewing chamber. Therefore, such a flushing procedure usually includes operating the heater to heat the water. The flushing procedure performed as part of the device shutdown procedure does not necessarily require the use of hot flushing water, but can be performed by cold flushing water, although flushing with hot water may be most effective. In any case, this means that assuming that the beverage making device also includes a heater and a main conduit device, and the brewing chamber can be connected and disconnected from the main conduit device, the present invention also covers the selection of a flushing procedure involving the action of operating the heater. In general, if it is suitable for thorough cleaning and / or other reasons, the flushing procedures can be performed one after another, and the algorithm applied by the controller of the beverage making device can be designed to repeat the flushing procedures.

[0016] Advantageously, the known option of a brewing chamber that is movably arranged in a beverage making device is applied in the context of the present invention. The fact is that when the brewing chamber is movably arranged in the beverage making device, this provides a practical possibility to change the position of the brewing chamber between a position in which the brewing chamber is coupled to the main conduit means and a position in which the brewing chamber is separated from the main conduit means. Thus, implementing the present invention may involve changing the position of the brewing chamber during a flushing procedure from a position in which the brewing chamber is coupled to the main conduit means to a position in which the brewing chamber is separated from the main conduit means, wherein as soon as the brewing chamber is moved from the first position to the second position, flushing water can be discharged from the brewing chamber at another position on the brewing chamber that is different from the position of the beverage outlet.

[0017] In a practical embodiment, the beverage making device further comprises a substance supply area configured to supply a brewable substance such as coffee grinds, wherein the position where the brewing chamber is separated from the main conduit device is a position where the brewing chamber is coupled to the substance supply area and where the brewable substance can be supplied to the brewing chamber at the beginning of the beverage brewing process. In order to put the present invention into practice, it is not necessary to define other positions of the brewing chamber than those already defined taking into account the beverage brewing process.

[0018] The present invention encompasses an advantageous option according to which, during a flushing procedure performed prior to a beverage brewing process, a priming action of draining water from the main conduit means without supplying water to the brewing chamber is performed prior to the action of supplying flushing water to the brewing chamber being implemented. The fact is that, in this way, an initial cooling effect on the brewing chamber that may occur under the influence of the amount of cold water that may be present in the main conduit means before hot water flows to the main conduit means can be avoided. Furthermore, the mentioned priming action can be performed by decoupling the brewing chamber from the main conduit, for example by moving the brewing chamber from one position to another as described above. Thus, the known option of movably arranging the brewing chamber in the beverage making device not only facilitates the purpose of draining flushing water from the brewing chamber at another position different from the position of the beverage outlet, but also facilitates the purpose of draining cold water from the main conduit means prior to the preheating flushing procedure.

[0019] In view of the above-mentioned choice of starting action, it may be practical if the beverage making device comprises a non-return valve arranged in the main conduit means, the inlet of the non-return valve being coupled to the heater and the outlet extending above the water collecting area, and the beverage making device further comprises an intermediate valve coupled to the brewing chamber, the intermediate valve being configured to cause the water path from the outlet of the non-return valve to the water collecting area to be interrupted and the water path from the outlet of the non-return valve to the brewing chamber to be established when the brewing chamber is moved from a position separated from the main conduit means to a position coupled to the main conduit means. In this way, firstly setting the water path from the outlet of the non-return valve to the water collecting area so that water can be discharged from a part of the main conduit means between the heater and the non-return valve, and then setting the water path from the outlet of the non-return valve to the brewing chamber so that water can be conveyed from the heater to the brewing chamber, which can be done simply by first placing the brewing chamber in a position separated from the main conduit means and placing the brewing chamber from this position in a position coupled to the main conduit means at an appropriate moment (i.e. after the cold water has been discharged from the main conduit means downstream of the heater).

[0020] The above and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from and be elucidated with reference to the following detailed description of a practical embodiment of a bean-to-cup espresso coffee machine which can be controlled not only to perform a beverage brewing process but also to perform a flushing program in which the brewing chamber of the coffee machine is flushed with water. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals, and in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view schematically shows a coffee machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0023] Figure 2An example of a hydraulic system for a coffee machine is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following detailed description of a specific example covered by the invention is intended for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the scope of protection defined in the claims. In general, the invention belongs to the field of beverage making devices comprising a brewing chamber and relates to a flushing procedure that can be applied to beverage making devices with the aim of flushing the brewing chamber with water before or after the beverage brewing process. The invention provides another way for the flushing water to leave the brewing chamber besides through the beverage outlet of the brewing chamber, which involves many advantages, such as increasing the possibilities of using the beverage making device while avoiding the risk of the flushing water mixing with the brewed beverage.

[0025] Figure 1 A bean-to-cup espresso coffee machine 10 is shown as a practical example of a beverage making apparatus according to the invention. Figure 1 The XT400 is shown in a normal operating orientation, and when any reference to an orientation is made herein, such reference should be understood in the context of this normal operating orientation.

[0026] The coffee machine 10 comprises a body 11 having a space for accommodating a removably arranged water reservoir 12 and a space 13 for accommodating coffee beans. The coffee machine 10 also comprises an internal grinding mechanism for producing fresh coffee grounds as a brewable substance, a brewing chamber for receiving the coffee grounds, a pressurizing system for compressing the coffee grounds, a heater for heating water, and a pumping device for pumping the heated water through the coffee grounds in the brewing chamber. These components ( Figure 1 The pressurizing system for compressing the coffee grounds may be a ground bean compressor including a piston movable in the brewing chamber. For example, the heater may include a thermal block or a flow-through heater.

[0027] The coffee machine 10 has a spout 15 for outputting a coffee beverage. The spout 15 is arranged downstream of the beverage outlet of the brewing chamber. Further, the spout 15 is located above a drip tray 16, which defines a water collection area for the coffee machine 10. A trash bin 17 is provided for receiving used coffee grounds after the coffee brewing process occurs. It is practical if the trash bin 17 can be removed from the main body 11 to facilitate emptying and cleaning the trash bin 17. The coffee machine 10 also has a user interface 18 for receiving user selections (e.g., water selections and other beverage selections). At least some of the other beverage selections may involve beverage recipes including frothed milk, including beverage recipes that include both coffee and frothed milk. The user interface 18 may also be used to display relevant information to the user, in which case it may be practical if the user interface 18 includes a screen of some type.

[0028] In addition to the spout 15 for delivering the coffee beverage, the coffee machine 10 also has a steam outlet 19 for delivering steam. The steam outlet 19 can also be used to deliver hot water, depending on the user's selection at the user interface 18. The coffee machine 10 may include an additional heater for generating steam to be supplied at the steam outlet 19. Delivering steam is useful when it is desired to heat and / or froth milk. The coffee machine 10 may include, for example, a heating element for heating and / or frothing milk. Figure 1 A milk frothing unit 20 is shown, which is separate from the body 11, which can be coupled to the steam outlet 19 and includes a milk container 21 and an outlet 22 for discharging frothed milk. Delivering hot water provides the user with additional options, such as brewing tea or making instant soup. The hot water intended to be discharged at the steam outlet 19 follows another path from the heater 24 through the coffee machine 10 than the hot water intended for use in the coffee brewing process, where the hot water does not pass through the brewing chamber.

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of various components of the coffee machine 10 is shown, including a water reservoir 12, a spout 15, a drip tray 16, a user interface 18, and a steam outlet 19, as well as a brewing chamber 23, a heater 24, and a pumping device 25 located in the interior space 14 of the body 11. Figure 2 In the figure, various conduits of the conduit system of the coffee machine 10 are represented by continuous lines. The conduit system includes a main conduit device 26, which is configured to be able to transport water from the heater 24 to the brewing chamber 23, wherein the main conduit device 26 may include, for example, a tubular conduit or a tubular conduit system. The coffee machine 10 also includes various valves. In particular, the following valves are present in the coffee machine 10:

[0030] - an overpressure valve 27 between the pumping device 25 and the drip tray 16,

[0031] - an electronic valve 28 between the heater 24 and the steam outlet 19,

[0032] - an outlet valve 29 at the beverage outlet 30 of the brewing chamber 23,

[0033] a non-return valve 31 arranged in the main conduit 26, the inlet of the non-return valve 31 being connected to the heater 24, and

[0034] An intermediate valve 32 , also arranged in the main conduit device 26 , the outlet of the intermediate valve 32 being connected to a water inlet 33 of the brewing chamber 23 .

[0035] The electronic valve 28 can be a single valve, but more than one valve can also be provided between the heater 24 and the steam outlet 14 to achieve different variations of the circuit for delivering milk / hot water / steam. Further, it is also possible that the electronic valve 28 and / or at least one additional valve is configured to be able to drain water to the drip tray 16.

[0036] The brewing chamber 23 can be moved in two positions (i.e., Figure 2 to move between the position shown and another position), the Figure 2 The position shown is a coffee brewing position, in which the brewing chamber 23 is connected to the main conduit means 26 via the intermediate valve 32, so as to be able to receive hot water from the heater 24; the other position is a coffee grind receiving position, in which the brewing chamber 23 is connected to a combination of the space 13 for accommodating coffee beans and the internal grinding mechanism used as a material supply area, so as to be able to receive coffee grinds. In the coffee grind receiving position, the brewing chamber 23 is separated from the main conduit means 26 and the intermediate valve 32 extends above the drip tray 16, wherein water that may be present in the brewing chamber 23 is allowed to freely pass through the water inlet 33 of the brewing chamber 23 and the intermediate valve 32 and fall to the drip tray 16 under the influence of gravity. In this way, any residual water from a previous coffee brewing process can be drained from the brewing chamber 23, which is a contributing factor to achieving that only clean fresh water is used in a new coffee brewing process. Furthermore, when the brewing chamber 23 is in the coffee grind receiving position, the outlet of the non-return valve 31 also extends above the drip tray 16, wherein the non-return valve 31 remains closed as long as the pressure on the inlet side of the non-return valve is below a pressure threshold, which may be in the range of, for example, 2 to 4 bars.

[0037] The intermediate valve 32 is configured such that when the brewing chamber 23 moves from the coffee grind receiving position to the coffee brewing position, the intermediate valve 32 causes the water path from the outlet of the check valve 31 to the drip tray 16 to be interrupted and establishes the water path from the outlet of the check valve 31 to the brewing chamber 23. The interruption of the water path from the outlet of the check valve 31 to the drip tray 16 can be achieved in any suitable manner. For example, the intermediate valve 32 can include a sleeve-like component that slides over the check valve 31 when the brewing chamber 23 moves from the coffee grind receiving position to the coffee brewing position, thereby forming a physical bridge along which water can flow from the outlet of the check valve 31 toward the brewing chamber 23.

[0038] The coffee machine 10 includes a controller 35 that is configured to control the operation of the coffee machine 10. To this end, the controller 35 is arranged and configured to communicate with various components of the coffee machine 10, including the internal grinding mechanism, the pressurization system for compressing the coffee grounds, the heater 24, the pumping device 25, the electronic valve 28, and the motor 34. Further, the controller 35 is configured to receive user input through the user interface 18 and take the input into account when determining corresponding operating parameters.

[0039] The controller 35 is configured to control the coffee machine 10 in such a way that, when the user activates the coffee machine 10 and indicates that a coffee beverage should be made, a preheating flushing procedure is performed before initiating the actual coffee brewing process. Generally speaking, the preheating flushing procedure comprises activating the heater 24 and activating the pumping device 25 to transfer water from the heater 24 to the brewing chamber 23 through the main conduit device 26 and the water inlet 33 of the brewing chamber 23 in the coffee brewing position, with the purpose of flushing the brewing chamber 23 with hot water and thereby heating the brewing chamber 23. The coffee brewing process includes activating the internal grinding mechanism to grind a certain amount of coffee beans, supplying coffee grounds to the brewing chamber 23 in the coffee grounds receiving position, activating the motor 34 to move the brewing chamber 23 from the coffee grounds receiving position to the coffee brewing position, activating the pumping device 25 to transfer water from the heater 24 in an active state to the brewing chamber 23 and also increase the pressure in the brewing chamber 24 to a level at which the outlet valve 29 opens and the newly brewed coffee beverage is discharged from the brewing chamber 24 through the beverage outlet 30 and dispensed from the spout 15, and activating the motor 34 again to move the brewing chamber 23 from the coffee brewing position to the coffee grounds receiving position as a rest position. The outlet valve 29 can be configured to open, for example, at a pressure of about 6 bar.

[0040] The controller 35 is configured to first apply an algorithm designed to cause the coffee machine 10 to perform a preheating rinse procedure, and then apply an algorithm designed to cause the coffee machine 10 to perform a coffee brewing process. The algorithm of the preheating rinse procedure includes the steps of operating the heater 24 to heat water and realizing the supply of hot water from the heater 24 to the brewing chamber 23 through the main conduit device 26 and the water inlet 33 of the brewing chamber 23. Advantageously, the algorithm also includes the step of first realizing the discharge of water from the main conduit device 26 to the drip tray 16, thereby realizing that the main conduit device 26 is first emptied of cold water, which is beneficial to the preheating efficiency, so that the preheating rinse procedure can be performed with a limited amount of water in a short time. The algorithm may in particular comprise the following steps: activating the pumping device 25 when the brewing chamber 23 is in the coffee grounds receiving position (rest position) so that cold water is discharged from the main conduit device 26 to the drip tray 16 through the non-return valve 31; closing the pumping device 25 to stop the discharge to the drip tray 16; activating the motor 34 to move the brewing chamber 23 from the coffee grounds receiving position to the coffee brewing position; activating the heater 24; and activating the pumping device 25 to achieve a supply of hot water from the heater 24 to the brewing chamber 23 through the main conduit device 26 and the water inlet 33 of the brewing chamber 23. It is this hot water supply that is used for the actual flushing of the brewing chamber 23, the water involved being also referred to as flushing water.

[0041] It is advantageous if the flushing water is allowed to stay inside the brewing chamber 23 before being discharged from the brewing chamber 23, so that there is enough time for the heat to be transferred from the water to the brewing chamber wall. Further, according to the present invention, the discharge of the flushing water takes place at another position on the brewing chamber 23 than the position of the beverage outlet 30. In view of this, the pumping device 25 is controlled so that the pressure in the brewing chamber 23 remains well below the level required to open the outlet valve 29, and the algorithm of the preheating flushing program may also include the following steps: shutting off the pumping device 25 after a suitable amount of flushing water has reached the brewing chamber 23; and activating the motor 34 after a waiting period to move the brewing chamber 23 from the coffee brewing position to the coffee grounds receiving position. For example, the duration of the waiting period may be in the range of 2 seconds to 20 seconds. As previously mentioned, in the coffee grounds receiving position, the brewing chamber 23 is separated from the main conduit means 26 and the intermediate valve 32 extends above the drip tray 16, wherein water that may be present in the brewing chamber 23 is allowed to freely pass through the water inlet 33 of the brewing chamber 23 and the intermediate valve 32 and fall to the drip tray 16 under the influence of gravity. Thus, by keeping the pressure in the brewing chamber 23 low enough to avoid opening of the outlet valve 29 during the flushing procedure, and by moving the brewing chamber 23 from the coffee brewing position to the coffee grounds receiving position at a certain point close to the end of the flushing procedure, it is achieved that the flushing water is contained in the brewing chamber 23 before this point and then drains out of the brewing chamber 23 through the water inlet 33. Thus, the beverage outlet 30 can be used exclusively for draining the coffee beverage from the brewing chamber 23, so that the coffee machine 10 dispenses the coffee beverage only from the spout 15. The flushing water reaches the drip tray 16 via another route than through the spout 15, wherein it does not occur that the flushing water eventually reaches a container positioned to receive the coffee beverage from the spout 15. When the brewing chamber 23 is in the coffee grounds receiving position, the coffee brewing process can start directly after the preheating rinse program is finished.

[0042] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples discussed above, but that several modifications and variations may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The present invention is intended to be interpreted as including all such modifications and variations as long as they fall within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. Although the present invention has been described and described in detail in the drawings and the specification, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only and not restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The accompanying drawings are schematic, details not necessary for understanding the present invention may be omitted, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0043] Variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention based on a study of the drawings, the specification and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0044] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, elements and aspects discussed for or in connection with a particular embodiment may be appropriately combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments. Therefore, the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "comprising" and "including" as used herein encompass the term "consisting of. Thus, the terms "comprising" or "including" may mean "consisting of" in one embodiment, but may mean "containing / having / equipped with at least the defined substances and optionally one or more other substances" in another embodiment.

[0046] Various options known to be applicable to beverage making devices are also applicable in the context of the present invention. In this regard, it is noted that in the beverage making device 10 according to the present invention, the water reservoir 12 can be internal or external or can be connected to a pipeline, a sensor in communication with the controller 35 can be provided for monitoring the liquid level in the drip tray 16, a sensor in communication with the controller 35 can be provided for monitoring the height of the material in the trash bin 17, one or more sensors in communication with the controller 35 can be provided for detecting the removal of the water reservoir 12, the drip tray 16 and / or the trash bin 17 from the body 11, etc. In addition, the beverage making device 10 may be provided with a connection device for remotely controlling the beverage making device 10, wherein the controller 35 is configured to receive remote signals. With regard to the optional grinding function of the beverage making device 10, it should be noted that the controller 35 can be configured to allow the user to overrule the function or to intentionally activate the function.

[0047] The catchment area into which the flushing water can be discharged may be an area specially provided for receiving flushing water, but it is more practical if a catchment area already provided in the design of the beverage making apparatus 10 is used, such as the area defined by the drip tray 16 (as is the case in the above examples) or the area defined by the water reservoir 12. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above-mentioned fact that the main conduit means 26 may comprise, for example, a tubular conduit or a system of tubular conduits is a general fact of the invention and is independent of any particular aspect of the above-mentioned examples. The same applies to the above-mentioned fact that the heater 24 may comprise, for example, a thermoblock or a flow-through heater.

[0048] As mentioned previously, a bean-to-cup espresso machine is only one of many possible examples of a beverage making device 10 according to the present invention. The beverage making device 10 according to the present invention does not necessarily need to be equipped with a mechanism for storing coffee beans and ground coffee beans, so that when the beverage making device 10 is operated to make a coffee drink, fresh coffee grounds can be supplied to the brewing chamber 23. As an alternative, the beverage making device 10 may be configured to receive pre-ground coffee or utilize capsules, bean pods, etc.

[0049] The hydraulic system of the beverage making device 10 according to the present invention may be of any suitable arrangement, as long as it is possible to achieve in some way that the flushing water is discharged from the beverage chamber 23 at another position on the beverage chamber 23 that is different from the position of the beverage outlet 30. For example, the beverage outlet 30 may comprise one or more openings in the brewing chamber wall. Similarly, the water inlet 33 may comprise one or more openings in the brewing chamber wall.

[0050] The salient aspects of the invention are summarized as follows. In the field of a beverage making apparatus 10 comprising a brewing chamber 23, a flushing procedure may be applied to the beverage making apparatus 10, the purpose of which is to flush the brewing chamber 23 with water before or after a beverage brewing process. Provision is made to achieve a discharge of flushing water from the brewing chamber 23, the discharge of flushing water taking place at another position on the brewing chamber 23 than the position of the beverage outlet 30 of the brewing chamber 23, in particular at an upstream position on the brewing chamber 23 as seen in the normal direction of water and brewed beverage through the beverage making apparatus 10 (i.e. the direction of water and brewed beverage associated with a beverage brewing process). This may be done based on appropriate control of the operation of the beverage making apparatus 10 during the flushing procedure. It is not necessary to have a separate outlet for flushing water on the brewing chamber 23, since, for example, the water inlet 33 of the brewing chamber 23 may be used in order to discharge flushing water from the brewing chamber 23.

[0051] The methods encompassed by the following definitions are also included in this disclosure:

[0052] - a method of operating a beverage making device 10, the beverage making device comprising a brewing chamber, the beverage making device comprising a brewing chamber 23, the brewing chamber being configured to be able to perform a beverage brewing process, wherein the brewing chamber 23 has a beverage outlet 30, the beverage outlet being configured to release the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process, wherein the method comprises performing a flushing procedure, in which the brewing chamber 23 is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein during the flushing procedure, flushing water is supplied to the brewing chamber 23 and flushing water is discharged from the brewing chamber 23 at a later time at another position on the brewing chamber 23 different from the position of the beverage outlet 30, wherein the brewing chamber 23 has a water inlet 33, the water inlet being configured to receive water and let water enter the interior of the brewing chamber 23, and wherein the position on the brewing chamber 23 from which flushing water is discharged from the brewing chamber 23 at a later time of the flushing procedure is the position of the water inlet 33 on the brewing chamber 23;

[0053] - A method for operating a beverage production device 10, the beverage production device comprising a brewing chamber 23, the brewing chamber being configured to enable a beverage brewing process, wherein the brewing chamber 23 has a beverage outlet 30, the beverage outlet being configured to discharge the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process, wherein the method comprises performing a flushing procedure, in which the brewing chamber 23 is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein during the flushing procedure, a flushing water supply to the brewing chamber 23 is achieved and a connection with the beverage outlet is later made on the brewing chamber 23 30, wherein the beverage making device 10 further comprises a pumping device 25 and a normally closed outlet valve 29, wherein the pumping device is configured to cause the water in the beverage making device 10 to be pumped toward the brewing chamber 23 and increase the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber 23, and the normally closed outlet valve is located at the position of the beverage outlet 30 of the brewing chamber 23, and wherein, during the entire flushing procedure, the pumping device 25 is operated to keep the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber 23 below the level at which the outlet valve 29 is opened;

[0054] - a method of operating a beverage making device 10, the beverage making device comprising a brewing chamber 23, the brewing chamber being configured to enable a beverage brewing process, wherein the brewing chamber 23 has a beverage outlet 30, the beverage outlet being configured to release the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process, wherein the method comprises performing a flushing procedure, in which the brewing chamber 23 is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein during the flushing procedure, flushing water is supplied to the brewing chamber 23 and later on drained from the brewing chamber 23 at another position on the brewing chamber 23 that is different from the position of the beverage outlet 30, wherein the beverage making device 10 further comprises a water collection area 16 located outside the brewing chamber 23, the water collection area being arranged and configured to receive all water from the beverage making device 10, except for water that is ultimately present in a beverage made by the beverage making device 10, and wherein the position on the brewing chamber 23 at which the flushing water is drained from the brewing chamber 23 at a later stage of the flushing procedure is a position that allows the flushing water to reach the water collection area 16;

[0055] - A method for operating a beverage making device 10, the beverage making device comprising a brewing chamber 23, the brewing chamber being configured to be able to perform a beverage brewing process, wherein the brewing chamber 23 has a beverage outlet 30, the beverage outlet being configured to release the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process, wherein the method comprises performing a flushing procedure, in which the brewing chamber 23 is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein, during the flushing procedure, flushing water is supplied to the brewing chamber 23 and flushing water is later discharged from the brewing chamber 23 at another position on the brewing chamber 23 that is different from the position of the beverage outlet 30; wherein the beverage making device 10 further comprises a heater 24 and a main conduit device 26, the heater being configured to heat water, the main conduit device being configured to be able to discharge water from the heating chamber 24 to the main conduit device 26 The device 24 is transported to the brewing chamber 23, wherein the brewing chamber 23 can be connected and separated from the main conduit device 26, and wherein, during the flushing program, the brewing chamber 23 is connected to the main conduit device 26 for receiving the flushing water supply from the main conduit device 26, and is separated from the main conduit device 26 at a later time to discharge the flushing water; wherein, optionally, the brewing chamber 23 can be movably arranged in the beverage making device 10, and wherein, during the flushing program, the position of the brewing chamber 23 is changed from a position where the brewing chamber 23 is connected to the main conduit device 26 to a position where the brewing chamber 23 is separated from the main conduit device 26, and / or, during the flushing program performed before the beverage brewing process, an action of discharging water from the main conduit device 26 without supplying water to the brewing chamber 23 is performed before the action of supplying flushing water to the brewing chamber 23 is performed.

[0056] Similarly, beverage making apparatus 10 encompassed by the following definitions are also included in the present disclosure:

[0057] - a method of operating a beverage making device 10, the beverage making device comprising a brewing chamber 23 and a controller 35, the brewing chamber being configured to be able to perform a beverage brewing process, wherein the brewing chamber 23 has a beverage outlet 30, the beverage outlet being configured to discharge the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process, the controller being configured to control the operation of the beverage making device 10, wherein the controller 35 is configured to apply an algorithm designed to cause the beverage making device 10 to perform a flushing procedure, in which the brewing chamber 23 is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein the algorithm comprises the steps of supplying flushing water to the brewing chamber 23 and later draining the flushing water from the brewing chamber 23 at another position on the brewing chamber 23 different from the position of the beverage outlet 30, wherein the brewing chamber 23 has a water inlet 33, the water inlet being configured to receive water and let water enter the interior of the brewing chamber 23, and wherein the another position on the brewing chamber 23 different from the position of the beverage outlet 33 is the position of the water inlet 33 on the brewing chamber 23;

[0058] - A beverage making device 10, comprising a brewing chamber 23 and a controller 35, the brewing chamber being configured to be able to perform a beverage brewing process, wherein the brewing chamber 23 has a beverage outlet 30, the beverage outlet being configured to release the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process, the controller being configured to control the operation of the beverage making device 10, wherein the controller 35 is configured to apply an algorithm designed to cause the beverage making device 10 to perform a flushing procedure, in which the brewing chamber 23 is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein the algorithm includes realizing supplying the brewing chamber 23 with water. The beverage making device 10 further comprises a pumping device 25 and a normally closed outlet valve 29, wherein the pumping device is configured to cause the water in the beverage making device 10 to be pumped toward the brewing chamber 23 and increase the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber 23, and the normally closed outlet valve is located at the position of the beverage outlet 30 of the brewing chamber 23, wherein the algorithm is designed to operate the pumping device 25 to keep the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber 23 below the level at which the outlet valve 29 is opened during the entire flushing procedure;

[0059] - A beverage making device 10, comprising a brewing chamber 23 configured to enable a beverage brewing process, and a controller 35, wherein the brewing chamber 23 has a beverage outlet 30, which is configured to release the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process, and wherein the controller 35 is configured to control the operation of the beverage making device 10, wherein the controller 35 is configured to apply an algorithm designed to cause the beverage making device 10 to perform a flushing procedure, in which the brewing chamber 23 is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein the algorithm includes implementing a step of supplying flushing water to the brewing chamber 23 and later draining the flushing water from the brewing chamber 23 at another position on the brewing chamber 23 that is different from the position of the beverage outlet 30; the beverage making device 10 further comprises a water collection area 16 located outside the brewing chamber 23, the water collection area being arranged and configured to receive all water from the beverage making device 10, except for water that is ultimately present in the beverage made by the beverage making device 10, and wherein the position on the brewing chamber 23 where the flushing water is drained from the brewing chamber 23 at a later stage of the flushing process is a position that allows the flushing water to reach the water collection area 16; and

[0060] - A beverage making device 10, the beverage making device comprising a brewing chamber 23 and a controller 35, the brewing chamber being configured to be able to perform a beverage brewing process, wherein the brewing chamber 23 has a beverage outlet 30, the beverage outlet being configured to release the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process, the controller being configured to control the operation of the beverage making device 10, wherein the controller 35 is configured to apply an algorithm designed to cause the beverage making device 10 to perform a flushing program, in which the brewing chamber 23 is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein the algorithm comprises the steps of supplying flushing water to the brewing chamber 23 and later discharging the flushing water from the brewing chamber 23 at another position on the brewing chamber 23 different from the position of the beverage outlet 30; the beverage making device 10 also comprises a heater 24 and a main conduit device 26, the heater being configured to heat water, the main conduit device being configured to be able to discharge water from the heater The heat generator 24 is transported to the brewing chamber 23, wherein the brewing chamber 23 is capable of being connected and disconnected from the main conduit device 26, and wherein, during the flushing program, the brewing chamber 23 is connected to the main conduit device 26 for receiving the flushing water supply from the main conduit device 26, and is later disconnected from the main conduit device 26 to discharge the flushing water; wherein, optionally, the brewing chamber 23 is capable of moving in the beverage making device 10 between a position where the brewing chamber 23 is disconnected from the main conduit device 26 and a position where the brewing chamber 23 is connected to the main conduit device 26, and wherein the steps of the algorithm include changing the position of the brewing chamber 23 from the position where the brewing chamber 23 is connected to the main conduit device 26 to the position where the brewing chamber 23 is disconnected from the main conduit device 26, and / or the algorithm also includes the following steps: if the flushing program is to be performed before the beverage brewing process, draining water from the main conduit device 26 without supplying water to the brewing chamber 23 before supplying flushing water to the brewing chamber 23.

Claims

1. A method of operating a beverage making device (10), the beverage making device comprising a brewing chamber (23), the brewing chamber being configured to enable a beverage brewing process, wherein: The brewing chamber (23) has a beverage outlet (30), which is configured to release the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process, wherein the method comprises performing a flushing procedure, in which the brewing chamber (23) is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein, during the flushing procedure, the brewing chamber (23) is supplied with flushing water and the flushing water is later discharged from the brewing chamber (23) at another position on the brewing chamber (23) different from the position of the beverage outlet (30), the other position on the brewing chamber (23) different from the position of the beverage outlet (30) being an upstream position on the brewing chamber (23) as seen from the direction in which water and brewed beverage associated with the beverage brewing process pass through the beverage making device (10), The beverage making device (10) further comprises a heater (24) and a main conduit device (26), wherein the heater is configured to heat water, and the main conduit device is configured to transport water from the heater (24) to the brewing chamber (23), wherein the brewing chamber (23) is connectable to and disconnectable from the main conduit device (26), and wherein during the flushing procedure, the brewing chamber (23) is connected to the main conduit device (26) for receiving a supply of flushing water from the main conduit device (26), and is disconnected from the main conduit device (26) at the later stage to discharge the flushing water.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The brewing chamber (23) has a water inlet (33) configured to receive water and allow the water to enter the interior of the brewing chamber (23), and wherein the position on the brewing chamber (23) where the flushing water is discharged from the brewing chamber (23) at the end of the flushing process is the position of the water inlet (33) on the brewing chamber (23).

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The beverage making device (10) further comprises a pumping device (25) and a normally closed outlet valve (29), wherein the pumping device is configured to subject water in the beverage making device (10) to a pumping action toward the brewing chamber (23) and to increase the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber (23), the normally closed outlet valve being located at the position of the beverage outlet (30) of the brewing chamber (23), and wherein, throughout the flushing procedure, the pumping device (25) is operated to keep the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber (23) below the level at which the outlet valve (29) opens.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The beverage making device (10) further comprises a pumping device (25) and a normally closed outlet valve (29), wherein the pumping device is configured to subject water in the beverage making device (10) to a pumping action toward the brewing chamber (23) and to increase the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber (23), the normally closed outlet valve being located at the position of the beverage outlet (30) of the brewing chamber (23), and wherein, throughout the flushing procedure, the pumping device (25) is operated to keep the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber (23) below the level at which the outlet valve (29) opens.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The beverage making device (10) further comprises a water collection area (16) located outside the brewing chamber (23), the water collection area being arranged and configured to receive all water from the beverage making device (10) except for water that ultimately ends up in the beverage made by the beverage making device (10), and wherein the position on the brewing chamber (23) where flushing water is discharged from the brewing chamber (23) at the later stage of the flushing procedure is a position that allows the flushing water to reach the water collection area (16).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The brewing chamber (23) is movably arranged in the beverage making device (10), and wherein, during the flushing program, the position of the brewing chamber (23) changes from a position in which the brewing chamber (23) is coupled to the main conduit device (26) to a position in which the brewing chamber (23) is separated from the main conduit device (26).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: During the flushing program performed before the beverage brewing process, the action of draining water from the main conduit device (26) without supplying the water to the brewing chamber (23) is performed before the action of supplying flushing water to the brewing chamber (23) is performed.

8. A beverage making device (10), comprising: a brewing chamber (23) configured to enable a beverage brewing process, wherein the brewing chamber (23) has a beverage outlet (30) configured to release the brewed beverage at the end of the beverage brewing process, and - a controller (35) configured to control the operation of the beverage making device (10), wherein the controller (35) is configured to apply an algorithm designed to cause the beverage making device (10) to perform a flushing procedure, in which the brewing chamber (23) is flushed with water before or after the beverage brewing process, and wherein the algorithm includes the steps of supplying flushing water to the brewing chamber (23) and subsequently draining the flushing water from the brewing chamber (23) at another position on the brewing chamber (23) that is different from the position of the beverage outlet (30), the other position on the brewing chamber (23) that is different from the position of the beverage outlet (30) being an upstream position on the brewing chamber (23) as seen in the direction of water and brewed beverage passing through the beverage making device (10), A heater (24) and a main conduit device (26), wherein the heater is configured to heat water, and the main conduit device is configured to be able to transport water from the heater (24) to the brewing chamber (23), wherein the brewing chamber (23) can be connected to and separated from the main conduit device (26), and wherein during the flushing procedure, the brewing chamber (23) is connected to the main conduit device (26) for receiving a supply of flushing water from the main conduit device (26), and is separated from the main conduit device (26) at the later stage to discharge the flushing water.

9. The beverage making device (10) according to claim 8, wherein: The brewing chamber (23) has a water inlet (33), which is configured to receive water and allow the water to enter the interior of the brewing chamber (23), and wherein another position on the brewing chamber (23) different from the position of the beverage outlet (33) is the position of the water inlet (33) on the brewing chamber (23).

10. The beverage making device (10) according to claim 8, further comprising a pumping device (25) and a normally closed outlet valve (29), wherein the pumping device is configured to cause water in the beverage making device (10) to be pumped toward the brewing chamber (23) and increase the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber (23), and the normally closed outlet valve is located at the position of the beverage outlet (30) of the brewing chamber (23), wherein The algorithm is designed to operate the pumping means (25) to maintain the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber (23) below a level at which the outlet valve (29) is open throughout the flushing procedure.

11. The beverage making device (10) according to claim 9, further comprising a pumping device (25) and a normally closed outlet valve (29), wherein the pumping device is configured to cause water in the beverage making device (10) to be pumped toward the brewing chamber (23) and increase the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber (23), and the normally closed outlet valve is located at the position of the beverage outlet (30) of the brewing chamber (23), wherein: The algorithm is designed to operate the pumping means (25) to maintain the fluid pressure in the brewing chamber (23) below a level at which the outlet valve (29) is open throughout the flushing procedure.

12. The beverage making device (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising a water collection area (16) located outside the brewing chamber (23), the water collection area being arranged and configured to receive all water from the beverage making device (10), except for water that is ultimately present in the beverage made by the beverage making device (10), wherein The position on the brewing chamber (23) where the flushing water is discharged from the brewing chamber (23) at the later stage of the flushing process is a position that allows the flushing water to reach the water collection area (16).

13. A beverage making device (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: The brewing chamber (23) is capable of moving in the beverage making device (10) between a position where the brewing chamber (23) is separated from the main conduit device (26) and a position where the brewing chamber (23) is connected to the main conduit device (26), and wherein the steps of the algorithm include changing the position of the brewing chamber (23) from the position where the brewing chamber (23) is connected to the main conduit device (26) to the position where the brewing chamber (23) is separated from the main conduit device (26).

14. The beverage making device (10) according to claim 12, wherein: If the flushing program is to be performed before the beverage brewing process, the algorithm further comprises the step of draining water from the main conduit means (26) without supplying the water to the brewing chamber (23) before supplying flushing water to the brewing chamber (23).

15. The beverage making device (10) according to claim 13, wherein If the flushing program is to be performed before the beverage brewing process, the algorithm further comprises the step of draining water from the main conduit means (26) without supplying the water to the brewing chamber (23) before supplying flushing water to the brewing chamber (23).

16. Beverage making device (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 11 and 14 to 15, being a bean-to-cup espresso machine comprising a grinder and a ground bean compressor.

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