Beverage preparation device

Abstract

In a beverage preparation apparatus for the automatic dispensing of hot beverages, in particular coffee beverages, having a hot water boiler, a brewing device to which hot water can be supplied from the hot water boiler, a water pump for the delivery of water under pressure in the direction of the brewing device, an outlet device connected to the brewing device by a hot beverage line, and a control device which, after a beverage selection, controls the automatic preparation and dispensing of the selected beverage, the beverage preparation apparatus is designed in such a way that the control device is designed to vary the brewing pressure for the supply of hot water to the brewing device or the flow rate for the delivery of hot water in accordance with a predetermined or predeterminable configuration during the preparation of the selected beverage. To this end, the beverage preparation apparatus has a mechanically operated element with an electrical pick-up connected to the control device, by means of which the configuration can be predetermined by the user during the beverage preparation.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on January 31, 2022, with application number 202280018412.0 (international application number PCT / EP2022 / 052159) and entitled "Beverage Preparation Apparatus".

[0002] This invention relates to a beverage preparation apparatus for automatically dispensing hot beverages, particularly coffee beverages, comprising: a water heater; a brewing device from which hot water is supplied to the brewing device; a water pump for conveying pressurized water toward the brewing device; an output device connected to the brewing device via a hot beverage conduit; and a control device that controls the automatic preparation and dispensing of the selected beverage after beverage selection has been performed.

[0003] Fully automatic coffee machines are known in the prior art for quantitatively preparing and dispensing coffee-based beverages. Here, beverage selection is made via a user interface. After selecting the beverage type, an integrated brewing unit prepares the coffee beverage according to the user setting and dispenses it at the beverage outlet. Typically, in addition to the so-called hot beverage outlet, there are outlets for other beverage components, such as milk, milk foam, or flavoring additives. These outlets can be combined into a single output head fixedly mounted on the fully automatic coffee machine.

[0004] In addition, so-called filter holder coffee machines (Siebträgermaschinen) are known in the prior art, in which a filter holder, along with an outlet mounted thereon, is sealed in place of the output head. To prepare coffee, the filter holder is removed and filled with coffee grounds. The filter holder is then reattached to the filter holder coffee machine, and hot water is pressurized through the machine until a predetermined amount of hot water flows through the coffee sieve contained within the filter holder and the coffee cake contained within the sieve. Other beverage additives, such as milk or milk foam, are manually added to the coffee beverage by the barista.

[0005] Finally, a hybrid system is also known, in which a filter holder is also used, but the filter holder is automatically filled with ground coffee powder by an integrated coffee grinder. Such a hybrid coffee machine is described, for example, in WO2010085850A1.

[0006] Coffee made by filter stand coffee machines has long been considered by many coffee lovers to be of superior taste, especially because baristas can influence the preparation and ultimately the flavor of coffee beverages through their manual skills.

[0007] However, fully automatic coffee machines allow for the automatic preparation and dispensing of coffee beverages with consistent flavor and quality simply by pressing a button.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a beverage preparation apparatus that automates the preparation and dispensing of hot beverages, while still allowing experienced users to influence the preparation of coffee beverages and make quality improvements.

[0009] The objective is achieved through the features of Scheme 1. Advantageous design solutions can be derived from subordinate solutions.

[0010] In the beverage preparation apparatus of the type described above, according to the present invention, the control device is designed to change the brewing pressure for supplying hot water to the brewing device or the flow rate for delivering hot water according to a predetermined or predeterminable configuration during the preparation of the selected beverage, and the beverage preparation apparatus has a mechanical operating element with a receiver connected to the control device to the predetermined configuration.

[0011] The basic concept of this application is that, instead of simply maintaining a constant brewing pressure or flow rate during the preparation process using a control device, the brewing device varies over time according to a configuration that can be predetermined by the user and stored for specific preparation processes or future preparation processes of the same beverage type. To this end, the beverage preparation apparatus has a mechanical operating element with a receiver connected to the control device. The user can thus change the desired brewing parameters, i.e., brewing pressure or flow rate, over time using the operating element, and thereby predetermine a particularly personalized configuration for preparing a specific beverage or beverage type.

[0012] The water pump is preferably located upstream of the water heater and thus within the cold water supply flow of the water heater. Of course, a pump suitable for hot water can also be used, positioned between the water heater and the bathing device. The water heater can also be a boiler or a pass-through heater, selected in ways already known.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the change in brewing pressure is achieved by adjusting the speed or power of the water pump. Thus, the pump speed can be increased or decreased during the preparation process by operating elements, thereby supplying water to the brewing apparatus at a higher or lower pressure.

[0014] Alternatively or cumulatively, an adjustable back pressure valve can be installed downstream of the brewing device along the flow direction. Here, the brewing pressure or flow rate can be changed by adjusting the valve opening of the back pressure valve. Thus, higher or lower back pressure can be generated on the back pressure element by increasing or decreasing the valve opening of the back pressure valve during the preparation process through the operating element.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the beverage preparation apparatus has a measuring device disposed upstream or downstream of the brewing device for determining the volumetric flow rate of the brewing water or the amount of brewing water that has been or will be guided through, and the beverage preparation apparatus has an adjustable back pressure valve disposed downstream of the brewing device along the flow direction. Here, the control device is designed to change the brewing pressure for supplying hot water to the brewing device according to a pressure configuration predetermined by the operating element, and to adjust the flow rate of the brewing water via the back pressure valve during the brewing process according to the measurement value of the measuring device, such that during the preparation process, independently of the pressure configuration predetermined by the operating element, a predetermined total amount of brewing water for the selected beverage is guided through in a predetermined total flow time.

[0016] In other words, by changing the rinsing pressure over time using operating elements, and by using a back pressure valve to seek flow regulation, the flow rate is always adapted in this way, so that a substantially constant total throughput time is achieved for a given total water volume.

[0017] The brewing pressure can be appropriately varied by manipulating the pump. This allows for a pre-determined configuration of both the brewing pressure and the total flow time. It has been proven that brewing time and pressure are the most important parameters affecting coffee flavor, thus enabling baristas to fully utilize their manual skills and experience to influence beverage quality during coffee preparation.

[0018] The back pressure valve is suitably designed as a motor-operated needle valve, and the control device opens and closes the needle valve by controlling the drive motor. The needle valve allows for very fine adjustment of the flow rate, enabling highly precise flow rate regulation through feedback control.

[0019] Preferably, a flow sensor is used as the measuring device, which is positioned upstream of the water pump or between the water pump and the brewing device along the flow direction, and thus advantageously situated in a cold water flow. On the one hand, this avoids cooling the hot water due to the flow sensor, which only needs heating at the start of product extraction. Furthermore, using it in cold water reduces wear on the flow sensor compared to using it in hot water.

[0020] The control device is suitably designed to continuously or at least repeatedly determine the amount of flushing water that has been or will be guided through from the measured volumetric flow rate value, and to further open or close the back pressure valve to increase or decrease the volumetric flow rate based on how much flushing water must still be guided through the flushing device in order to reach the predetermined total amount during the remaining time period until the predetermined total flow time is reached.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the operating element of the machine can be designed as an operating lever capable of deflecting from a neutral position in a first direction to increase pressure or flow rate, and capable of deflecting from a neutral position in a second direction to decrease pressure or flow rate. This type of lever achieves particularly intuitive operation. For example, the lever can swing upwards or forwards to increase brewing pressure or flow rate, and downwards or backwards to decrease brewing pressure or flow rate. If the lever is positioned on or adjacent to the output device, particularly ergonomic and intuitive operability is achieved.

[0022] A particular advantage here is that the beverage preparation apparatus is designed to output optical, auditory, or tactile confirmation signals when the operating element is operated. For example, pressure or flow rate can be displayed as a bar graph or triangle on a graphic display, the bar graph or triangle being larger or smaller depending on the position of the operating lever. Tactile confirmation signals can be output directly on the operating lever, for example, in the form of a positioning mechanism (Rastung), or as a driving resistance that increases continuously with the deflection of the operating lever, or as a reset force that the user can feel and that increases with the deflection of the operating lever.

[0023] According to the present invention, the position of the operating lever can be read by a control device. This can be as a continuous signal, for example, via a potentiometer, or as a digital signal, for example, via multiple mechanical push-button switches.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the control device has a training mode in which a configuration is input and stored by operating the operating element for subsequent automated product extraction. Thus, the barista can input a personal configuration that can be repeatedly recalled and implemented in subsequent product extractions.

[0025] In another embodiment, the beverage preparation apparatus has at least one output head that can be fixed to the output device for dispensing one or more beverage components guided to the output device via a separate food conduit, and the output device has a mechanical interface for hermetically connecting the output head. It is particularly advantageous here that the beverage preparation apparatus includes multiple output heads that can be alternately connected to the output device for different beverages or beverage groups. For example, a first output head can be configured for a single shot of espresso, and a second output head with dual outlets can be configured for dispensing double shots of espresso into two espresso cups. Separate output heads can also be provided for beverages containing milk and / or flavorings.

[0026] The output head can preferably be designed as a filter holder, but the upper side of the filter holder is formed by a sealing surface, which has a connection port but is otherwise closed. Thus, the operation of this machine is equivalent to that of a traditional filter holder coffee machine, the difference being that in this fully automatic beverage machine, beverage preparation can be performed by manually changing the pressure or flow rate settings.

[0027] Furthermore, the beverage preparation device is preferably designed as a truly fully automatic coffee machine and has a grinding mechanism for grinding coffee beans, which works in conjunction with the brewing device to automatically fill the brewing device with a measured amount of freshly ground coffee powder. The fully automatic preparation and output of the beverage, including the grinding of coffee beans and the filling of the brewing device, is achieved by simply selecting the beverage to be dispensed, for example, through a graphical user interface.

[0028] However, this invention is not limited to fully automatic coffee machines, but can also be used in portion coffee machines (Portionskaffeemaschine) that utilize coffee capsules or coffee bags.

[0029] Other design features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 A view of a beverage preparation apparatus designed as a dual-device unit is shown. Figure 2 A water circuit diagram of a beverage preparation apparatus is shown, and Figure 3a A removable, dual-outlet output head is shown for use with the beverage preparation apparatus according to the invention, and Figure 3b Two additional output heads are shown that can be used alternately with the beverage preparation apparatus according to the invention.

[0030] exist Figure 1The coffee machine 1 shown is designed as a dual device with two separate coffee preparation units 2a and 2b. Each coffee preparation unit 2a and 2b has an output device 3, which has an output head 4 with an outlet therein, through which the prepared coffee beverage is dispensed into a drinking vessel disposed below it.

[0031] An operating lever 5 is mounted on the output device 3, the lever being able to swing up and down from a neutral position. The operating lever 5 is configured in advance for the brewing pressure or flow rate, which is used to prepare the currently dispensed or future beverage, as detailed below.

[0032] Two bean containers 6 for fresh coffee beans are provided on the upper side of the device. The bean containers 6 are respectively connected to an electric coffee grinder located below them, which quantitatively grinds coffee powder for preparing a single serving of coffee beverage. In addition, the coffee machine 1 also has a powder container 6a for instant powder, such as cocoa powder, which can be used to prepare instant beverages as an additional beverage component.

[0033] A touch-sensitive display 9 is installed above the output device 3 as a graphical user interface. The display shows and allows the user to select different types of beverages available. After selection, the selected beverage is automatically prepared and dispensed. During preparation, parameters such as brewing pressure or flow rate can be changed via the lever 5.

[0034] A steam jet 7 is centrally located on the device. Steam for frothing milk can be output via the steam jet by operating the lever 7a. A hot water tap 8 is located next to the steam jet 7. Hot water can be output from the tap 8 by operating another lever 8a, for example, for preparing tea or for rinsing or preheating cups.

[0035] exist Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the structure of a brewing apparatus for preparing coffee beverages, which can be used, for example, in beverage preparation apparatuses 2a and 2b. The brewing apparatus includes a brewing component 10, a water heater 12 designed as a through-type heater in the form of a heating cylinder, a water pump 13 on the inflow side, and an outlet 4 for dispensing freshly brewed coffee beverages. A main water valve 15 is located upstream of the water pump 13 along the flow direction, and the brewing apparatus is connected to a drinking water supply pipe 16 via this main water valve. On the pressure side, the pump 13 is connected to the inlet of the heating cylinder 12 via a flow sensor 17 (flow meter). Hot water from the heating cylinder 12 is supplied to the brewing component 10.

[0036] An adjustable back pressure valve 19 is provided between the brewing assembly 10 and the output head 4, and the back pressure valve is controlled by the controller 10 based on the measurement value of the flow sensor 17. The controller 10 can be implemented using a microprocessor, which can also be used to implement other control and adjustment processes in the beverage preparation apparatus. Furthermore, an operating lever 15 or a receiver provided with the operating lever 5 can be connected to the controller 10, and the receiver reads the position of the operating lever 5.

[0037] Furthermore, the controller 10 is connected to the water pump 13 and primarily controls the rotational speed of the water pump 13, thereby controlling its delivery capacity. Additionally, a pressure sensor 18 is installed in the cold water inlet of the heating cylinder 12, and the measured value of the pressure sensor is read by the controller 10. Finally, the controller 10 can also operate the heating cylinder 12 and pre-determine the heating power of the heating cylinder, thereby pre-determining the temperature of the hot water.

[0038] The brewing assembly 11 includes a heating element 11a and a brewing chamber 11b in a manner known per se. The heating element preheats and maintains the temperature of the brewing assembly, and a measured amount of freshly ground coffee powder 11c is loaded into the brewing chamber. Brewing assemblies that can be used within the scope of this invention are described, for example, in EP 2561778 A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0039] The brewing assembly 11 is designed to open to allow the addition of a measured amount of freshly ground coffee powder, which is prepared in portions in the grinder of the beverage preparation apparatus. Furthermore, after the brewing process, when the brewing assembly is opened, any remaining coffee grounds are disposed of into a residue container. The brewing assembly 11 also has a movable piston (not shown) that compresses the added coffee powder against a brewing sieve located in the brewing assembly 11b. After the piston retracts, pressurized brewing water can flow through the thus-compacted coffee powder 11c.

[0040] The pressure generated by pump 13 to guide the brewing water through brewing chamber 11b is typically about 8 to 12 bar, but the invention is not limited thereto. This pressure of the brewing water is reduced in conventional coffee machines via the coffee grounds 11c compacted in brewing chamber 11b. The flow rate of the brewing water through the coffee grounds 11c depends primarily on the grind size, type, quantity, and compaction of the coffee grounds. In contrast, in the brewing apparatus described herein, the pressure reduction occurs primarily at the back pressure valve 19 located downstream of brewing chamber 11b, which, via controller 10, allows for targeted control of the flow rate or velocity of the brewing water through the brewing chamber, and can be controlled based on the actual flow rate measured in flow sensor 17. In this embodiment, the back pressure valve 19 is designed as a needle valve driven by a stepper motor.

[0041] The operating lever 5 is hinged to the output device 3 and has a receiver 5a that generates a signal related to the deflection of the operating lever 5. Here, the receiver can operate either analog or digitally. For example, a potentiometer can be used as the receiver, with a voltage proportional to the deflection decreasing across it. Alternatively, multiple discrete microswitches can be used, which are switched by the lever 15 based on its deflection. The operating lever 5, as already described, serves as a mechanical operating element for configuring brewing parameters input by the user. The operating lever 5 can deflect in two directions from a neutral position, such as its intermediate position. The receiver 5a is connected to a controller that reads the operating state of the operating lever 5. The controller 10 changes the relevant brewing parameters based on the deflection of the operating lever 5.

[0042] In this embodiment, the brewing pressure can be increased or decreased via the operating lever 5. If the controller 10 detects a corresponding deflection of the operating lever 5, the controller decreases or increases the speed of the water pump 13 to increase or decrease the brewing pressure. If the brewing pressure decreases, the flow rate through the brewing assembly 11 also decreases. This is detected by the flow meter 17 and read by the controller 10, which then increases the opening of the back pressure valve 19 to increase the flow rate again, thereby achieving a predetermined total flow time. This ensures that a predetermined total volume of hot water flows through the brewing assembly 11 for a predetermined total flow time, regardless of how the pump speed is changed during the preparation process by operating the operating lever 5.

[0043] Through the user interface 9, the user can also select an alternative operating mode in which the flow rate is directly increased or decreased by the operating lever 5 instead of the rinsing pressure. In this case, the controller 10 controls the back pressure valve 19 according to the deflection of the operating lever 5.

[0044] Furthermore, a training mode can be initiated via the graphical user interface 9. In training mode, the deflection of the lever 5 is recorded during the beverage preparation process, and the input configuration is stored. This configuration can then be used to prepare and dispense future beverages. Thus, the coffee machine 1 can automatically prepare and dispense coffee types personalized by the barista.

[0045] Conversely, this function corresponds to the design adaptability of a traditional fully automatic coffee machine (coffee machine 1) based on a professional filter holder type coffee machine. Therefore, the output head 4 is adapted to the shape of the filter holder. Figure 3a The image shows a first output head 4. This output head has a support 4a, which is shaped similarly to a conventional filter support and has a handle 4b. The handle 4b is optional and can be omitted or designed in other forms, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the image, it is designed with only a narrow, forward-protruding handle edge.

[0046] A circular sealing surface 20 is formed on the upper side of the bracket 4a. In the illustrated embodiment, an opening 21 is provided in the sealing surface, which corresponds to the dual outlets 22 on the lower side of the output head. Two coffee cups can be placed below the dual outlets 22 and poured in simultaneously. The output head 4 is designed to be replaceable and is inserted into and locked in the receiving part of the output device 3. The sealing surface 20 achieves a sealed connection and fluid communication between the output head 4 and the output device 3. The coffee tube terminates in the output device 3, which leads from the brewing assembly 11 to the output device 3. In addition, additional tubes for beverage components, such as milk, milk foam, or flavoring additives, also lead to the output device 3. The corresponding outlet holes in the receiving part of the output device mate with the sealing surface 20 of the output head 4. If used in Figure 3a As shown in the output head 4, these additional outlet holes are sealed by the sealing surface 20, so that no other beverage components can be dispensed except for espresso.

[0047] exist Figure 3b The diagram shows two additional, interchangeable output heads 4' and 4''. The left output head 4' exemplarily contains four outlet holes 21a, 21b, 21d, and 21g, which correspond to the respective outlets in the receiving portion of the output device 3. Thus, this output head 4' allows for the dispensing and mixing of a total of four different beverage components. For example, a coffee beverage with milk foam and additional liquid flavoring additives can be dispensed.

[0048] The output head 4'' has two holes 21a and 21b, which correspond to two outlets 22a and 22b on the lower side of the output head 4''. Two beverage components can be dispensed through the output device 3' via the outlet holes 21a and 21b and the corresponding outlets 22a and 22b. The middle outlet hole 21a is used to dispense freshly brewed coffee, and the output device 21b is used to dispense milk foam.

[0049] Thus, different beverages can be dispensed according to the selection of the corresponding output heads 4, 4', 4''. That is, depending on which beverage to be prepared and dispensed, the barista selects the appropriate output head and connects it to the output device 3. Preferably, the output heads 4, 4', 4'' are equipped with RFID tags, which can be read by an RFID reader installed on the output device 3. The output heads and the beverage components that can be dispensed by the output heads can be identified via RFID tags, thereby allowing the beverage preparation device to be controlled accordingly on the user interface 9 of the beverage preparation device, releasing and displaying only the beverages or beverage types that can be dispensed by the relevant output heads 4, 4', 4'' for selection. Thus, other beverage types can be provided by simply changing the output heads.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, a heating cylinder with a small thermal mass is used as the water heater 12, which enables rapid heating. The heating cylinder has a cylindrical inner body and an outer shell surrounding the inner body, with a spirally extending flow channel for the water to be heated formed between the circumference of the inner body and the inner side of the outer shell. In addition to the small thermal mass, this structural form also achieves a particularly compact construction.

[0051] In this structural form, the electric heating element is designed as a spiral heating element, which is spirally arranged within a cylindrical inner body, extending around the central axis of the inner body in axially adjacent sections. Specifically, the spiral heating element can be wound around a high-temperature resistant core arranged axially. The space between the spiral heating element and the outer shell of the inner body can be filled with a powdered material, such as magnesium oxide or other oxides, which is both electrically insulating and thermally conductive.

[0052] Due to its small heat mass, the brewing temperature can be changed during beverage preparation by adjusting or altering the heating power, thus allowing brewing not only at variable flow rates and pressures but also at variable temperatures.

Claims

1. A beverage preparation apparatus for automatically dispensing hot beverages, particularly coffee beverages, said beverage preparation apparatus comprising: Water heater (12); The brewing device (11) is equipped with a water heater (12) from which hot water can be supplied to the brewing device. A water pump (13) is used to deliver pressurized water toward the rinsing device (11); An adjustable back pressure valve (19) is provided downstream of the brewing device (11) along the flow direction; The output device (3) is connected to the brewing device (11) via a hot beverage pipe; A mechanical operating element (5) having a receiver (5a) for providing time-varying user input during the preparation process; and control device (10), the control device being connected to the water pump (13), the back pressure valve (19) and the receiver (5a). Its features are, The control device (10) is configured to control both the water pump (13) and the back pressure valve (19) in a coordinated manner to change at least one of the brewing pressure and flow rate during the brewing process, wherein the control of at least one of the water pump (13) and the back pressure valve (19) is performed in direct response to user input from the mechanical operating element (5) over time.

2. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The change in rinsing pressure is achieved by adjusting the rotational speed of the water pump (13).

3. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The change in the rinsing pressure or the flow rate is achieved by adjusting the valve opening of the back pressure valve (19).

4. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the beverage preparation apparatus has a measuring device (17) disposed upstream or downstream of the brewing device (11) for determining the volumetric flow rate of the brewing water or the amount of brewing water that has been or will be guided through. in, The control device (10) is configured to change the brewing pressure used to supply hot water to the brewing device (11) according to a pressure configuration predetermined by the operating element (5). The flow rate of the rinsing water is controlled by the back pressure valve (19) during the rinsing process based on the measurement value of the measuring device (17), and Designed such that, during the preparation process, a predetermined total volume of brewing water for the selected beverage is guided through during a predetermined total flow time, independently of the pressure configuration predetermined by the operating element (5).

5. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The back pressure valve (19) is designed as a motor-operated needle valve and the control device (10) further opens or closes the needle valve by controlling the drive motor.

6. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The measuring device (17) includes a flow sensor, which is disposed upstream of the water pump (13) or between the water pump (13) and the brewing device (11) along the flow direction.

7. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The control device (10) is designed to continuously or at least repeatedly determine the amount of flushing water that has been or will be guided through from the measured volumetric flow rate value, and to further open or close the back pressure valve (19) to increase or decrease the volumetric flow rate based on how much flushing water must still be guided through the flushing device in order to reach the predetermined total amount during the remaining time period until the predetermined total flow time is reached.

8. The beverage preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The mechanical operating element (5) is designed as an operating lever that can deflect from a neutral position in a first direction to increase pressure or flow rate, and can deflect from a neutral position in a second direction to decrease pressure or flow rate.

9. The beverage preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, When the operating element (5) is operated, an optical, acoustic or tactile confirmation signal is output.

10. The beverage preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The control device (10) has a training mode in which a configuration is input and stored by operating the operating element (5) for subsequent automatic product extraction.

11. The beverage preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the beverage preparation apparatus comprising at least one output head (4, 4', 4'') fixable to the output device (3) for dispensing one or more beverage components guided to the output device (3) via separate food pipes, and the output device (3) having a mechanical interface for hermetically connecting the output head (4, 4', 4'').

12. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The beverage preparation apparatus includes multiple output heads (4, 4', 4'') that can be alternately connected to the output device (3) for different beverages or beverage groups.

13. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The output head (4, 4', 4'') is designed as a filter support, but the upper side of the filter support is formed by a sealing surface (20), which has connection ports (21, 21a, 21b, 21d, 21g), but is otherwise closed.

14. The beverage preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the beverage preparation apparatus has a grinding mechanism for grinding coffee beans, the grinding mechanism cooperating with the brewing device (11) to automatically fill the brewing device with a measured amount of freshly ground coffee powder.

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