System and method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, and a use of such a system

(57) System for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, e.g. coffee and / or tea, comprising a device for delivering beverage under pressure to a nozzle of the system, and at least one receiving chamber downstream of said the nozzle can be placed or placed, all this in such a way that the nozzle sprays a jet (S) of said beverage to and / or into the receiving chamber at a relatively high speed during use, the receiving chamber being provided with at least one outflow opening for dispensing beverage received in that chamber, the system being at least configured to substantially counteract or prevent foaming of said beverage, in particular during and / or spray the beverage into the receiving chamber.

NLC1029503

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The contents of this patent correspond to the original filed description with claim (s) and any drawing (s).

The Netherlands Patent Office is the Office for Industrial Property, an agency of the Ministry of

Economics

Title: System and method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, as well as a use of such a system, a receiving chamber and a container

The invention relates to a system for preparing a drink suitable for consumption.

Such a system is known from Dutch patent NL 1006039. This patent describes an apparatus for preparing coffee extract with a small-bubble froth layer, provided with at least one inlet for coffee extract and an outflow opening for discharging coffee extract with a small-bubble froth layer . The inlet is provided with at least one spout opening for generating a coffee extract jet when coffee extract is supplied to the inlet. The known device is provided with a buffer reservoir, which is positioned such that during use the coffee extract jet sprays into a liquid level of coffee extract already collected in the buffer reservoir. An advantage of the known device is that it can also prepare a coffee extract with a small-bubble froth layer under low pressure.

The present invention contemplates an entirely new system for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, for example coffee, tea and / or other beverage.

According to an aspect of the invention, the system is provided with a device for delivering beverage under pressure to a nozzle of the system, and at least one receiving chamber which can be placed or placed downstream of said nozzle, such that the nozzle sprays a jet of said beverage at a relatively high speed towards and / or into the receiving chamber during use, the receiving chamber being provided with at least one outflow opening for dispensing beverage received in that chamber, the system being at least configured to substantially counteract or prevent foaming of said beverage, in particular during and / or spray the beverage into the receiving chamber.

For example, the system can prepare beverage during use, with a beverage jet generated at a relatively low, superatmospheric pressure, whereby foaming can be prevented or substantially avoided. For example, the system may be suitable for preparing substantially foamless tea, coffee, and / or other foamable beverages suitable for consumption.

According to a further elaboration of the invention, the system is arranged to slow down said beverage jet substantially gradually and, for example, to spread it over a certain surface and / or to guide it along a delay path, in order to subsequently dispense the delayed beverage via a said outflow opening. Optionally, the delayed beverage can for instance first be collected or collected, for instance in a collecting trough, to be delivered from there to the outflow opening.

Further, the system may be configured, for example, to first convert said beverage jet during use into at least one substantially continuous beverage flow, and then deliver the substantially continuous beverage flow through said outflow opening. Such a continuous beverage flow can for instance also first be collected or collected, for example in an area where the drink has a relatively low flow rate, for instance in a collection trough, to be delivered from there to the outflow opening.

In this way it is easy to avoid that foam is obtained. The beverage flow may, for example, have a substantially constant layer or film thickness, especially during substantially gradual deceleration of the beverage. The beverage flow is, for example, so continuous that accumulation of beverage in the receiving chamber, especially where the beverage has a relatively high flow rate, can be prevented. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the formation of the continuous beverage flow can depend, inter alia, on a beverage flow rate, jet flow rate, the composition of the beverage and / or other factors. It will be clear that such factors can, for instance, be easily coordinated by means of trail-and-error methods in such a way that the drink flow mentioned can be obtained during use. Moreover, it will be clear that such factors can also be set with standard calculation models or computer simulations. In particular, by slowing down the beverage gradually downstream of the nozzle, good results can be obtained.

According to an aspect of the invention, the system is provided with a foaming prevention surface which receives said beverage jet during use from said nozzle. The foaming prevention surface can for instance be designed such that the beverage jet can spread and / or flow along that surface, in particular as a substantially laminar flowing beverage layer or beverage film, substantially without forming foam. Such a surface can be constructed in various ways, some non-limitative examples will be described below. The foaming prevention surface can be, for example, a beverage flow-retarding surface. Preferably, the foaming prevention surface is a substantially smooth surface, so that, for example, the beverage can flow along it without turbulence, and in particular stick to the surface. In this way, for example, air impact, and thus foaming, can be surprisingly prevented. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is possible to explain that, for example, the velocity (or energy) of the beverage that spreads over the surface, seen in the direction of flow, can gradually decrease, in particular when the layer thickness of the beverage film is thereby reduced during use. remains essentially constant. Mentioned speed decrease (resp. energy decrease) can be such that the drink has insufficient energy to still store air. After the speed of the drink flow has decreased, the drink flow can be dispensed, for example, without foaming, via said outflow opening.

According to an aspect of the invention, the system is provided with a beverage jet collecting body which can be placed or placed downstream of said nozzle, which body is designed to substantially counteract or prevent foaming of said beverage, in particular during on or in that body squirting the drink.

For instance, said beverage jet receiving body can be placed or placed in said receiving chamber. Furthermore, said collecting body can for instance be provided with an above-mentioned foaming prevention surface.

In an embodiment of the invention, said receptacle can be movable to another position at least from a foam prevention position, downstream of the nozzle. At said other position, the collecting body cannot be used, for example, to counteract or prevent foaming. Said other position may comprise various positions, for example a storage position, a position away from the receiving chamber, a position in which the receiving body can effect foaming, and / or the like.

In an embodiment of the invention, said collecting body is substantially mushroom-shaped. The receiving body can for instance be provided with a dish-shaped top part with a convex top side, and further, for instance, with a stem extending underneath that top part. Furthermore, the collecting body can for instance be at least partly spherical in shape, and / or flat, and / or comprise a curled surface, and / or otherwise designed.

According to an aspect of the invention, the system is designed such that during use the system substantially prevents turbulence of said drink when the drink is sprayed to and / or in the receiving chamber. Furthermore, the system can for instance be designed such that during use the system substantially prevents the drink sprayed to and / or into the receiving chamber from absorbing air.

For example, according to an aspect of the invention, the system may be convertible from at least a first configuration into a second configuration and vice versa, the system being configured at said first configuration to substantially counteract or prevent foaming of said beverage, in particular especially while spraying the drink to and / or in the receiving room, wherein the system in said second configuration is configured to promote foaming of said beverage. In this way, the system can be used to prepare both foamless and foam-containing drinks, depending on the configuration in which the system has been placed. For example, one or more parts of the system may be removable to bring the system from the first to the second configuration and / or vice versa. Furthermore, for example, one or more parts of the system with corresponding parts may be interchangeable to bring the system from the first into the second configuration and / or vice versa. Such removable and / or interchangeable / interchangeable parts may include, for example, said foaming prevention surface, comprise said receiving chamber, comprise said nozzle and / or comprise other parts.

According to an aspect of the invention, the system is provided with a container for holding an enclosure filled or filled with an extractable product (enveloping filter), which container may, for example, be provided with said nozzle, whether or not integrally, for containing beverage in spray the said collection chamber. The holder can furthermore for instance on t

said receiving chamber can be placed. Said casing may comprise, for example, a pouch, pad or the like. The casing may, for example, comprise filter material in which a product to be extracted is provided or can be received. Furthermore, the system can for instance be provided with a housing part which is placed between said holder and the receiving chamber during use.

In one aspect of the invention, at least one said receiving chamber is configured to substantially counteract or prevent foaming of said beverage. Such a receiving chamber can be designed in various ways, as will be explained below. An aspect of the invention further relates to a receiving chamber of a system according to the invention.

Another aspect of the invention provides an assembly comprising at least one of the aforementioned containers, the assembly being arranged to substantially counteract or prevent foaming of said beverage, the assembly further comprising, for example, a said nozzle and / or collection chamber for spraying or collecting said beverage. Another aspect of the invention relates to a holder of an assembly of the invention.

According to an aspect of the invention, a method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, for instance coffee and / or tea, in particular using a system according to the invention, of a said receiving chamber, of a said assembly and / or of a said collecting body, characterized in that the method comprises:

- delivering beverage to a nozzle under pressure;

- spraying the dispensed beverage into a receiving chamber, wherein foaming of said beverage is substantially counteracted or prevented; and

- dispensing the drink collected in the receiving chamber.

This method can offer the above-mentioned advantages. According to a further elaboration, a substantially continuous, preferably laminar, beverage flow is formed from said beverage jet, for example. The beverage flow can for instance be collected and / or fed to at least one outflow opening. Furthermore, said beverage can for instance be injected into the receiving chamber at a relatively high speed, wherein the beverage is then guided along a determined delay path in order to be slowed down relatively gradually, after which the delayed beverage can be supplied to at least one outflow opening.

Further advantageous elaborations of the invention are described in the subclaims. The invention will now be elucidated on the basis of a number of non-limitative exemplary embodiments and the drawing. In it shows:

Fig. 1 is a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of a system for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption;

Fig. 2 a detail of a system according to an aspect of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a perspective top view of a part of a second exemplary embodiment, in an exploded position;

Fig. 4 is a perspective bottom view of the part of the second exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in the exploded position;

Fig. 5 is a perspective top view of the receiving chamber part of the second exemplary embodiment;

Fig. 6 is a top view of the structure shown in FIG. Receiving chamber part shown;

Fig. 7 is a section on line VII-VII of FIG. 6;

Fig. 8 such a detail as FIG. 2 of a third exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 such a detail as FIG. 2 of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 10 such a detail as FIG. 2 of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Like or corresponding measures are indicated in the present application with like or corresponding reference signs.

Figure 1 shows a system known from the prior art for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, for instance coffee, provided with a device 1 for delivering beverage under pressure to a nozzle 2 of the system, and at least one receiving chamber 3 which can be placed or placed downstream of said nozzle 2, all this in such a way that nozzle 2 has a radius S during use (not in FIG. 1 shown) of said beverage sprays to and / or into the receiving chamber 3 at a relatively high speed. The collecting chamber 3 comprises a bottom 5 and a side wall 8 extending upwards from that bottom, for instance substantially cylindrical or refrigerator-conical, The collecting chamber 3 is provided with at least one outflow opening 4 for dispensing drink collected in that chamber 3. The receiving chamber, or a part thereof, can for instance be detachably connected to a housing 30 of the device.

Furthermore, in FIG. 1 system provided with a cup-shaped container 20 for holding a casing filled or fillable with an extractable product (not shown), which container 20 is in particular provided with said nozzle 2 for injecting beverage into said collecting chamber 3. The holder 20 can be placed on said receiving chamber 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 is shown. The holder 20 is further detachably connected, for example, to the housing 30 of the device. Said casing filled or fillable with a product to be extracted can for instance comprise a filter material

029503 with extractable product, such as ground coffee, filled pouch or the like.

The system shown in Fig. 1 further comprises a cup-shaped receiving reservoir 128, which is placed in said receiving chamber. During use of this known system, hot water can be supplied from a hot water preparer 42 to a top side of a casing filled with a product to be extracted, which is placed in the container 20, in order to obtain an extract. The extract is injected through the nozzle 2 into the collection reservoir 128, so that the reservoir 128 is filled with extract. In the known system, the extract is hereby injected into the liquid level of the collecting reservoir 128, so that the system can prepare a small-bubble froth layer.

Figure 2 schematically shows part of a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The first exemplary embodiment comprises a system for preparing a drink suitable for consumption, for instance coffee and / or tea. The system is provided with a device 1 for delivering beverage under pressure to one nozzle 2 of the system, and a collection chamber 3 which can be placed or placed downstream of said nozzle 2, all this so that the nozzle 2 is use one jet S of said drink at a relatively high speed to and / or squirt into the collecting chamber 3. The receiving chamber 3 is provided with at least one outflow opening 4 for dispensing drink collected in that chamber 3. In addition, the system is provided with a holder 20 which can be placed on the receiving chamber 3 for holding a casing 40 filled or fillable with a product to be extracted. 2, for example, corresponds to corresponding features of the system shown in FIG. 1 system shown.

The process shown in FIG. 2 is at least different from the system shown in FIG. 1, it is configured to substantially counteract or prevent foaming of said beverage, especially during spraying the beverage to and / or into the receiving chamber 3. The first exemplary embodiment is, for example, arranged such that during use the system substantially prevents turbulence of said drink when the drink is sprayed to and / or in the receiving chamber 3. The system can further be arranged, for example, such that during use the system substantially prevents the drink sprayed to and / or into the receiving chamber 3 from absorbing air.

To this end, the system shown in Fig. 2 is in particular provided with a 3-dimensional foaming prevention surface A which receives said beverage jet S during use of said nozzle 2. This surface A is preferably adapted to effect a gradual but rapid beverage flow delay during use within a relatively small space (such as an inner space of the receiving chamber 3). The foaming prevention surface A in the exemplary embodiment is designed such that the beverage jet S during use can spread and / or flow away substantially continuously along that surface A, in particular as a substantially laminar-flowing beverage layer, substantially without foaming. to shape. Beverage flow of the beverage spreading along the surface is shown in FIG. 2 indicated by lines F.

As Fig. 2, the foaming prevention surface A is, in particular, an exterior of a saucer-shaped top portion 11a of a receiving body 11 located in the collection chamber 3 downstream of the nozzle 2. As shown in FIG. 2 For example, the foam-forming prevention surface A may be provided by both an upper and downstream bottom of said top 11A, the beverage being able to flow from said top to the bottom during use. The collecting body 11 is designed to substantially counteract or prevent foaming of said drink, in particular during spraying of the drink on that body 11. The receiving body 11 of the first exemplary embodiment has a substantially mushroom-shaped form for this purpose, and is provided with said dish-shaped top part 11A with a convex, in particular curved, for instance slightly convex, top side, and a stem 11B extending centrally below it. A spherical foam-forming prevention surface part, for example a convex top of the receptacle 11, may be advantageous, particularly for use in a relatively small interior space of the system. The stem 11B is connected, for example, to a receiving plate 5 'of the receiving chamber 4 extending below the receiving body 11, which collecting plate 5' is connected, for example, to an upper wall 6 of that chamber 3 by a connecting piece 7. Said collecting body 11 can for instance extend substantially at a distance from a bottom of the collecting chamber 3, or may be arranged on or in that bottom. The collecting body 11 can for instance be arranged substantially centrally in said receiving chamber during use, or in a different position. Naturally, the collecting body 11 can also be connected in another manner, such as to another wall part of, for example, the collecting chamber, or, for example, to said holder 20. It has been found that such a collecting body 11 can surprisingly prevent foaming, depending on, for instance, the type of drink to be prepared and the flow rate of the drink.

In particular, in FIG. 2 are configured to first convert said beverage jet S during use into at least one substantially continuous beverage flow F, the rate of which is preferably gradually slowed, and then deliver the substantially continuous beverage flow F through said outflow opening 4 . Furthermore, it is advantageous if the foaming prevention surface A is a substantially smooth, smooth surface, wherein the substantially smooth, smooth surface, in particular, has a surface roughness Ra less than about 50 µm and more particularly smaller than about 25 µm, or some other surface roughness. It is noted that the term smooth is to be interpreted relatively broadly in the present application. For example, said smooth foaming prevention surface A may include smooth transitions, for example, smooth undulations (for example, as a golf ball surface or the like), as will be explained, for example, below in the second embodiment.

Furthermore, the receiving body 11 and the foam-forming prevention surface A of the first exemplary embodiment are, for example, each substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to a virtual central axis M. In the exemplary embodiment, said central axis M extends substantially centrally through the receiving chamber 3. Said virtual central axis M may, for example, extend through a center or middle part of the foaming prevention surface, for example substantially perpendicularly through such a center or center part. Said nozzle 2 is, for example, configured to direct said beverage jet S at or near an upper midpoint or middle portion of the foaming prevention surface A, as shown in FIG. 2 is shown. For example, a normal of said foam-forming prevention surface A, which normally lies in said central axis M, is directed substantially toward said nozzle 2. For example, at a position where said beverage jet S impacts on the foaming prevention surface A, said normal may be directed substantially parallel to said steel, at least during use. In addition, for example, part of the foaming prevention surface A may comprise a flat surface part, for example a central surface part extending opposite the nozzle 2. For example, the radius S can spread evenly in all radial directions over the foaming prevention surface A of the collecting body 11.

Said collecting body 11 can have various dimensions, depending for instance on the type of beverage and a beverage flow rate of which foaming is prevented during use. For example, a contour of said foaming prevention surface A, in particular the contour of the dish-shaped top part 11A of the collecting body 11, may have a diameter D larger than about half a diameter of said collecting chamber 3. The diameter D can also have a different value, see for example the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9 (which are further explained below). Said diameters are, for example, measured in a direction transverse to said central axis M. Furthermore, said foam-forming prevention surface A can for instance extend at a certain distance from said nozzle 2, for instance a distance of more than about 1 mm, in particular more than about 2 mm, for example in a range of about 1 mm - 2 cm, or some other distance. Preferably, this distance is such that drink which spreads over the collecting body 11 during use substantially no longer comes into contact with the nozzle 2, or with possible drops that can hang around the nozzle 2. In an aspect of the invention, said foaming prevention surface A is integrated on or in the receiving chamber 3. On the other hand, said foaming prevention surface, or a part provided with that surface, in FIG. 2 the collecting body 11 can be removed, for example from said receiving chamber 3. For example, the receptacle 11 can at least from the position shown in FIG. 2, the foam prevention position downstream of the nozzle 2 can be moved to another position, at which other position the receiving body 11 is not used to counteract or prevent foaming.

According to an aspect of the invention it is advantageous if the system can be brought from at least a first configuration into a second configuration and vice versa. Figure 2 shows, for example, a said first configuration, wherein the system is configured to substantially counteract or prevent foaming of said drink, in particular during the spraying of the drink to and / or in the receiving chamber 3. In a second configuration, not shown, the system may be configured, for example, to promote foaming of said beverage. To this end, said mushroom-shaped collecting body 11 can for instance be removable from the collecting chamber 3, or be replaced, for example, by one in fig. 1 shows foam-forming receptacle 128 or other foam-promoting construction.

Furthermore, for example, in a case shown in FIG. 1, or a similar system, a foam prevention body 11 is placed in the receiving reservoir 128, or the like, to change the configuration of the system. For example, a collection body 11 suitable for foaming prevention can be placed releasably in the collection reservoir 128, fixed in a suitable foam prevention position and / or the like by means of optionally releasable couplings relative to the collection reservoir. The latter couplings can comprise various connecting means, for instance snap connections, clamp connections, glue connections and / or other suitable couplings.

The invention can for instance also be embodied in an assembly at least provided with a said holder 20, wherein the assembly is designed to substantially counteract or prevent foaming of said drink, the assembly in particular being provided with a said nozzle 2 and / or collection chamber 3 for squirting said drink to be collected respectively. By designing suitable parts of this assembly to be replaceable and / or removable from the system, the system can be brought from said first into a second configuration or vice versa in a relatively simple manner, for instance to first prepare a foamless drink and then one of foamed drink. For example, a container 4 and / or collection chamber 3 specifically designed for foam avoidance can be supplied separately from the system, for instance to replace a foam-forming container and / or foam-forming collection chamber of a beverage preparation system.

The process shown in FIG. 2, the system shown is arranged, for example, to deliver beverage to the nozzle under pressure during use, which pressure is, for example, superatmospheric and, for example, is in the range of about 0.8 - 2.5 bar, preferably 1.0 - 1 , 8 bar. The first exemplary embodiment is further arranged, for example, to deliver a beverage flow rate to the nozzle 2 during use, which flow rate is, for example, in the range of approximately 2-8 ml / s, preferably 5-7 ml / s. Furthermore, an average diameter of a beverage jet of the system dispensed by the nozzle 2 during use can for instance lie in the range of about 0.51.2 mm, preferably about 0.85-0.95 mm. The system can also use, for example, other values ​​of the aforementioned parameters pressure, flow and beverage jet diameter.

While using the device shown in FIG. 2, for example, a substantially foamless tea can be made by placing a tea-filled casing 40 in the container 20. Hereby a tea extract is obtained, which extract can be delivered under pressure to the nozzle 2, so that this drink, in particular at a relatively high speed, is sprayed as a jet S on the top of the receiving body 11. As mentioned above, the beverage can be delivered to the nozzle under a pressure, for example, which pressure is in the range of 0.8 - 2.5 bar, preferably 1.0 - 1.8 bar. Moreover, it is possible

said beverage flow rate delivered to the nozzle, for example, are in the range of about 2-8 ml / s, preferably 5-7 ml / s.

Subsequently, the collecting body 11 can spread the drink over said foam-forming prevention surface A, wherein the drink flow rate and that surface A, among others, are preferably such that the drink along that surface A substantially attains a layer or film thickness which lies, for example, in the range of about 0.01mm-1mm or in any other range. Said layer thickness can, for instance, already be reached at a relatively short distance between an impact area of ​​said beverage jet S on that surface A. For example, the foaming prevention surface A provides a certain delay path along which the beverage is guided and can be slowed down relatively gradually. Such a gradual delay may include, for example, a substantially constant delay, viewed in a direction of flow of the beverage, a / or non-linear delay, a substantially square delay and / or another delay. Preferably, the beverage delay, at least along said foaming prevention surface A, is non-abrupt. Said delay path may comprise, for example, a 3-dimensional path (see, for example, the first, second and fifth exemplary embodiments in Figures 220, 7, 10) or a substantially 2-dimensional path (see, for example, the third and fourth exemplary embodiment in Figures 8 and 9), or for example a 1-dimensional trajectory (not shown).

Said beverage jet can for instance be spread substantially continuously in at least one relatively thin layer over the foaming prevention surface A during use and be discharged to at least one outflow opening. As Fig. 2, the beverage may, for example, spread over both the top and the bottom of the upper part 11a of the receptacle 11, for example under the influence of adhesion. Spreading through the said underside can provide a good delay of the drink, in particular when that underside is for instance provided with a concave part (see Fig. 2). In this manner, for example, a substantially continuous, preferably laminar, beverage flow F can be formed from said beverage jet S. Downstream of the foaming prevention surface A, the beverage flow F, at least delayed beverage, can for instance be collected again and fed to said outflow opening 4.

Figures 3-7 show part of a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. The second exemplary embodiment differs from that shown in FIG. 2 illustrate the first exemplary embodiment, which comprises a bottom 5 of the collecting chamber 3 extending opposite said nozzle 2, said foaming prevention surface A. The foaming prevention surface A is provided with, for example, surface-enlarging profiling, in particular a substantially undulating surface or surface part, viewed in cross section (see Fig. 7). The foaming prevention surface A of the second exemplary embodiment is provided with one or more substantially circular ripples, however it will be clear that the foaming prevention surface A can also be corrugated in a different manner.

As figures 3 and 4 further show, the second exemplary embodiment is provided with a holder 20, with a part 23 which can be placed thereon and which is provided centrally on a bottom side of one said nozzle 2 (not visible in figures 3-4).

The second exemplary embodiment is further provided with a, for instance substantially cylindrical, housing part 21 which, for example, can be placed between said holder 20 and the receiving chamber 4 during use. Said housing part 21 can for instance form a spacer between the holder 20 and the receiving chamber 3, or bottom 5 thereof. Said housing part 21 may, for instance, be provided with a passage 22, central in the exemplary embodiment, to let through a said beverage jet S from nozzle 2. Said house part 21

10295Π3 can for instance be connectable to or on a side wall 8 of the receiving chamber 3, or to another part of the system, for instance with suitable clamp connection, snap connection, bayonet connection 24a, 24b, or other coupling.

In the second exemplary embodiment, said foam-forming prevention surface A is provided with a substantially flat, central surface part A1, which extends substantially transversely with respect to a spraying direction of said nozzle 2. Furthermore, said foam-forming prevention surface is provided with a surface part A2 situated near the flat surface part A1 and deepened relative to the flat surface part A1, at least deepened in a direction away from the nozzle 2. Said recessed surface portion A2 is substantially surrounded by an elevated surface portion A3 of the foaming prevention surface A. Said elevated surface portion

A3, for example, can extend to approximately the same height as said flat surface part A1. Around the foam-forming prevention surface A, in particular around said raised surface part A3, a concentric collecting gutter 9A can for instance be provided, which can be surrounded by a side wall 8 of the collecting chamber 3. The receiving trough 9A provides a beverage collection area for collecting radially flowing, delayed beverage and discharging it to an outflow opening 4. Furthermore, the foaming prevention surface A is provided, for example, with a recessed discharge part 9B, for example with a radially extending discharge chute 9B, for discharging drink, in particular to said outflow opening 4. As the figures show, said recessed discharge part 9B extends, for example, through said raised surface part A3. The different parts of the foam-forming prevention surface A preferably merge smoothly, viewed in radial directions from the central part A1. Furthermore, neighboring crests and troughs of the undulations of the foam formation prevention surface2929503 may for example be at various distances X (see Fig. 7) from each other. As Fig. 7 For example, slightly sinusoidal undulations, or other relatively smooth curves, may be provided in the foaming prevention surface A.

In one aspect of the invention, said foaming prevention surface A extends at least from a first level L1 to a second, lower level L2 (see Fig. 7), the vertical distance Y between the first and second levels being various distances include.

The use of the second exemplary embodiment proceeds analogously to the use of the first exemplary embodiment described above, wherein one said beverage jet is sprayed on a central part A1 of the foam-forming prevention surface A. In the second exemplary embodiment, the beverage can then spread evenly over the undulations or ripples of that surface A, over the central part A1, said recessed part A2, and raised part A3, in radial directions away from said central axis M. The drink herein preferably forms a relatively thin flow film of a relatively constant thickness. This flow Glm, which can be slowed down considerably in radial directions when spread over the surface A, can be collected by the concentric collecting trough 9A. This collection trough 9A can be filled with beverage to a certain height (higher than the film thickness mentioned above). Said radial discharge chute 9B can, for example, also cause the beverage level in said recessed part A2 to remain relatively low during use, but this is not necessary.

The foaming prevention surface A of the second embodiment is a relatively large, preferably smooth, surface. The various concentric slopes, or waves, of this surface can make an effective contribution to the gradual slowing down of the drink, in a relatively small space, so that foaming can be well prevented.

Figure 8 shows a part of a third exemplary embodiment, which shows therein the example shown in FIG. 2 shown in the embodiment shown differs in that the foaming prevention surface A is a substantially 2-dimensional, substantially flat surface. In the third exemplary embodiment, the planar foaming prevention surface A comprises in particular an outside of a collecting body 11 'placed in the receiving chamber 3, downstream of the nozzle 2. In particular, the collecting body 11 'is a relatively large disc or the like placed opposite the nozzle 2. The foaming prevention surface A of the third exemplary embodiment, in the configuration shown, extends substantially transversely to a beverage jet (not shown) sprayed on that surface A during use through the nozzle 2.

For example, the operation of the third exemplary embodiment proceeds substantially in accordance with the operation of the method shown in FIG. 2 shown, in which beverage can spread, for example, along the foaming prevention surface A in radial directions, for example radially with respect to a central axis M, and are delayed.

Figure 9 shows part of a fourth exemplary embodiment, which shows therein the example shown in FIG. 8 shows a different embodiment in that the foaming prevention surface comprises a relatively small area A which is placed near the nozzle 2. In particular, the receiving body 11 of the third embodiment is a relatively small disc, with a substantially flat foaming prevention surface A.

Figure 10 shows a part of a fifth exemplary embodiment, which shows therein the example shown in FIG. 2 shown in the embodiment shown differs in that the foam-forming prevention surface comprises a relatively long surface A of a cruciform receiving body 11 'placed opposite the nozzle 2. In this case, the foaming prevention surface A is, for example, a self-rolled or wound surface of a certain distance in itself, or a curled surface of that body 11 ', for example such that a beverage stream S can be placed on or in the body 11' received, between windings or a curl of that surface A can be received and delayed. For example, a virtual central axis or axis Z of the curl of the receiving body 11 'may extend substantially transversely to the spray direction of said nozzle 2, or in another direction. With such a collecting body 11 'or foam-forming prevention surface A, a good inhibition of the drink can be obtained in a relatively compact space.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described. Various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as set out in the following claims. For example, measures of the above-described embodiments can be combined in various ways. For example, a said collecting body can be provided with an undulating foaming prevention surface A, or the like.

I