DE102018204685B4 - hot beverage preparation device - Google Patents

Abstract

Having a hot beverage preparation device (10), in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, with a fixed water connection (2).
- a first pump for preparing a hot drink, in particular coffee,
- at least one water tank (1) for holding water,
- a drip tray (8) for catching residual liquid (4b),
- At least one drain line (7) for draining residual water (4a) from the hot beverage preparation device (10), and
- A drainage device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i) to ensure the drainage function of the residual water (4a) from the water tank (1), the drip tray (8) and/or the drain line (7 ), characterized in that the drain device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i) comprises an overflow basin (6f) integrated in the drip tray (8), which in addition to the drip tray (8) has an additional Has drain connection (6h) to the drain line (7).

Description

The present invention relates to a hot beverage preparation device, in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, with a fixed water connection, which has a pump for preparing a hot beverage, a water tank, a drip tray and a drain line for draining off residual water.

Hot beverage preparation devices for preparing hot beverages, in particular coffee, usually have a removable and refillable water tank which can be removed by a user when empty and refilled in a targeted manner, for example under a water tap. Alternatively, there are hot drink preparation devices on the market that have a fixed water connection, e.g DE 10 2016 219 198 B3 and U.S. 2012/0 204 342 A1 is known. In this case, a water tank of the hot beverage preparation device is in direct and fluidic contact with the fixed water connection, so that the hot beverage preparation device can automatically obtain water via the fixed water connection when required. Because of this automated method, in order to prevent residual water and residual liquid from overflowing, it is absolutely necessary to provide an automated drainage system in the hot beverage preparation device at the same time. For this purpose, for example, a drain line is fluidically connected to a drip tray of the hot beverage preparation device, by means of which the residual water or the residual liquid can be discharged directly. The removal of the residual water or residual liquid is usually based on the principle of gravity. The waste water flows away purely by gravity. An additional controlled rinsing of the individual components of the hot beverage preparation device is not provided.

A disadvantage of such known hot beverage preparation devices is that, for example, deposits in the drain line cannot be removed in a targeted manner. There is a risk of contamination and in particular clogging of individual components that are provided for draining residual water.

The object of the present invention is therefore to specify a hot beverage preparation device which only reduces the above-mentioned disadvantages or does not have them, and which is therefore characterized in particular by an additional improved, in particular controlled flushing of relevant components of the hot beverage preparation device.

This object is achieved by a hot beverage preparation device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a hot beverage preparation device, in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, has a fixed water connection, a first pump, at least one water tank, a drip tray and at least one drain line. The first pump is used to prepare a hot beverage such as coffee. The water tank is used to hold water that is needed in particular for preparing the hot drink. The drip tray is used to collect residual liquid such as residual water or dripping coffee. The drain line is used to drain residual water from the hot beverage preparation device, in particular to drain residual water from the drip tray. According to the invention, the hot beverage preparation device also has an additional drainage device for ensuring the drainage function of the residual water from the water tank, the drip tray and/or the drainage line.

An additional controlled flushing can advantageously be provided and carried out by the drain device. Components of the hot beverage preparation device, such as the water tank, the drip tray and/or the drain line, can be flushed, cleaned and emptied in a targeted manner. For example, deposits from the drain line can be removed optimally and reliably in a targeted manner. It is not absolutely necessary for the user to become actively involved. The drain device is preferably activated automatically or is based on an automatic principle. This means that the drain device starts automatically when required and begins its service.

A hot beverage preparation device is to be understood in particular as a beverage dispensing machine that is suitable for providing hot beverages at the push of a button. For example, the hot beverage preparation device is a coffee machine, a fully automatic coffee machine or a built-in fully automatic coffee machine.

A water tank is to be understood in particular as any container of the hot beverage preparation device which is intended to hold liquid and in particular water and dispense it during the preparation of the hot beverage. The water tank is preferably designed to be removable from the hot beverage preparation device so that the co-user can manually fill in water or another liquid such as milk and/or manually clean the water tank and remove residues.

A fluidic connection within the meaning of the application is to be understood in particular as a direct or indirect connection between connected components through which a liquid, in particular water, can flow without leaking or running out. For example, the components are directly mechanically connected to one another in a positive and/or non-positive manner. The connection is particularly preferably designed to be liquid-stable. This means that in particular no liquid can escape from the connection.

A drain line is to be understood in particular as a line such as a hose, for example, which is intended to conduct residual water out of the hot beverage preparation device. For example, the drain line serves to drain excess water that is caught in the drip tray out of the drip tray. A fixed water connection is particularly advantageous for built-in coffee machines, in which case not only the water supply but also the water drainage should preferably take place automatically, for example through appropriate inlets or outlets - realized via appropriately connected hoses. The drain line according to the invention is therefore used to automatically drain residual water from the hot beverage preparation device to the outside during the preparation of hot beverages, without requiring manual intervention on the part of the user.

A drip tray is to be understood in particular as any collection unit that is designed and suitable for collecting and collecting residual water or liquid that occurs during beverage preparation. Such drip trays are used, for example, in fully automatic coffee machines, are known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not explained in more detail at this point.

A first pump is to be understood in particular as any pump that is designed and suitable for pumping liquids from and into components of the hot beverage preparation device provided for this purpose when a hot beverage, such as coffee, for example, is being prepared. Such pumps are used, for example, in fully automatic coffee machines, are known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not explained in more detail at this point.

A fixed water connection of the hot beverage preparation device is to be understood in particular as any water connection that is directly and fluidly connected to the hot beverage preparation device and allows water to be automatically poured into the hot beverage preparation devices for the preparation of hot beverages. A user-dependent actuation, such as filling water into a water tank, is not required for this. A preferably automated, reliable and error-reduced method is thus made possible.

A drainage device is to be understood as meaning any component that serves to ensure or reliably ensure the drainage function of the residual water or the residual liquid. The drain device is integrated in the hot beverage preparation device and designed as a separate or additional component. Various embodiments and variants of the drainage device are discussed in more detail below.

In a preferred development of the invention, ensuring the draining function of the residual water means emptying the water tank, draining residual liquid from the drip tray and/or flushing the drain line. In this way, any components of the hot beverage preparation device that tend to deposits and contamination can be cleaned, emptied and/or flushed by means of the drain device. A hygienic, blockage-friendly or even blockage-free drainage of the residual water or the residual liquid from the respective components such as the drip tray, the water tank and/or the drain line is advantageously possible.

In a preferred development of the invention, the drain device has a second pump that is installed after the water tank. The hot beverage preparation device thus has at least two pumps, the first pump being provided for preparing coffee and the second pump being intended for ensuring the draining function of the residual water or the residual liquid.

In the present case, therefore, a separate pump is provided and used for each separate pump function. By means of the second pump, it is advantageously possible to empty the water tank and/or to flush the drain line in the form of a preferably regular and/or process-controlled function by means of the pump delivery volume. An active contribution by the user, such as pressing a button or the like, is not necessary here. Deposits can be easily and reliably removed using the second pump. Advantageously, an additional drop distance to the mains water connection is not necessary. In addition, the service life of the first pump, which is now only required for coffee production, can advantageously be increased their reduced use can be increased. The additional drain function is taken over here by the second pump, which is also integrated and arranged in the hot beverage preparation device.

In a preferred development of the invention, a bypass line is installed between the second pump and the drain line. In particular, the bypass line preferably has a jet pump. In the present case, the bypass line to the drain line is installed starting from the pump. Residual water or residual liquid can be actively drained from the drip tray by the jet pump. The risk of the drip tray overflowing is reduced with advantage.

• Die Tropfschale füllt sich mit Restflüssigkeit und verfährt bei einem vorbestimmten Flüssigkeitspegel in der Höhe oder wird gekippt, wodurch mittels des erhöhten Gefälles ein Ableiten dieser Restflüssigkeit durch die Ablaufleitung ermöglicht wird. Das Auslaufverhalten der Restflüssigkeit aus der Tropfschale verbessert sich vorteilhafterweise. Ein schwallartiges Entleeren der Tropfschale kann bereitgestellt beziehungsweise ermöglicht werden, womit die Gefahr von Verschmutzung in der Ablaufleitung im Vergleich zu einer kontinuierlichen Ableitung der Restflüssigkeit und dadurch bedingt im Vergleich zu einem kontinuierlich geringeren Schmutzwasserfluss reduziert vorliegt.

In an alternative development of the invention, the drainage device is implemented by adjusting the height and/or tilting of the drip tray in order to generate and/or increase a gradient in the direction of the drainage line. The drain or the drainage of the residual water or the residual liquid from the drip tray is as follows:

• The drip tray fills with residual liquid and, at a predetermined liquid level, moves in height or is tilted, as a result of which the increased gradient enables this residual liquid to be drained through the drain line. The outflow behavior of the residual liquid from the drip tray is advantageously improved. A surge-like emptying of the drip tray can be provided or made possible, with which the risk of contamination in the drain line is reduced in comparison to a continuous drainage of the residual liquid and, as a result, in comparison to a continuously lower dirty water flow.

In a preferred development of the invention, the height adjustment and/or tilting of the drip tray takes place automatically when a predetermined level of the residual liquid in the drip tray is reached. For example, the level is detected via a sensor or via a mechanical switch. A user-dependent actuation can thus advantageously be dispensed with, with the result that the susceptibility to errors can be reduced overall. Large flush volumes can be realized in this way without the user having to actively contribute.

The drip tray can be designed to be removable.

According to the invention, the drain device includes an overflow basin integrated in the drip tray, which has an additional drain connection to the drain line in addition to the drip tray. The drip tray accordingly has areas arranged next to one another, the drip tray area and the overflow basin, which are arranged directly next to one another. Each area has its own drain connection to the drain line. The residual water or residual liquid that occurs when preparing the hot drink is collected in the drip tray area. If this drip tray area is full or sufficiently filled with residual liquid, this overflows into the overflow basin, so that the overflow basin is filled with residual liquid from this point in time. When a predetermined level of liquid in the overflow basin is reached, the overflow basin and the drip tray area are emptied in a targeted manner, which advantageously enables a gush-like emptying, as a result of which dirt in the drain line can be removed better.

The drip tray and the overflow basin can be emptied using a second pump, as already discussed above, or using a valve based on the principle of gravity.

Advantageously, this can be used to reliably and successfully remove deposits from the drainage system. Advantageously, an additional drop distance to the mains water connection is not necessary. A targeted emptying of the drip tray is possible with advantage.

In a preferred development of the invention, the level of the residual liquid in the overflow basin is determined using a sensor or a mechanical switch. A signal generated in this way can be used, for example, to specifically control the second pump, which serves as a dirty water pump. This advantageously increases the service life of the second pump, since it is controlled in a targeted manner and thus does not run dry. Advantageously, the liquid level can be variably adjusted, with the result that possible condensate problems can be avoided.

In an alternative development of the invention, the discharge device includes an additional compressor for generating compressed air, in particular in order to empty the discharge line in a targeted manner via a pressure surge. Deposits can advantageously be removed from the discharge line with the generated pressure surge. An improved and reliable cleaning is made possible with advantage. An additional drop distance to the mains water connection is not necessary. The service life of the first pump, which is required for coffee production, is not reduced in this way, since much smaller flushing quantities are sufficient for cleaning the drain line.

In a preferred development of the invention, a check valve is arranged between the compressor and the discharge line. As a result, the pressure surge generated can be guided in a targeted manner in the direction of the drain line. Optimum cleaning of the drain line due to the largest possible pressure surge is therefore an advantage.

In an alternative development of the invention, the drainage device includes a drainage channel, which is preferably connected in such a way that escaping water frees the area or the drainage line from contamination and in particular boosts the drainage behavior. A cleaning cycle for the area of the drain line can thus advantageously be achieved in a targeted manner. For example, in the case of a switch-off rinsing process, the first pump can be fully actuated within a certain period of time and thus direct a jet of water into or onto the drain line. Advantageously, the drainage channel has no influence on the fluid system. Deposits in the area of the drain pipe as well as unpleasant odors can be advantageously removed. Overall, the drainage of the residual water can be facilitated and, in particular, stimulated. In addition, the user can ensure individually and in particular depending on the drinking behavior that the drain line does not silt up or become silted up.

• 1: eine schematische Skizze einer Weiterbildung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Heißgetränkezubereitungsvorrichtung,
• 2: eine schematische Skizze einer Weiterbildung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Heißgetränkezubereitungsvorrichtung,
• 3: eine schematische Skizze einer Weiterbildung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Heißgetränkezubereitungsvorrichtung,
• 4: einen schematischen Querschnitt einer Weiterbildung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Tropfschale einer erfindungsgemäßen Heißgetränkezubereitungsvorrichtung,
• 5A, 5B: je einen schematischen Querschnitt einer Weiterbildung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Tropfschale einer erfindungsgemäßen Heißgetränkezubereitungsvorrichtung,
• 6: einen schematischen Querschnitt eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Tropfschale einer erfindungsgemäßen Heißgetränkezubereitungsvorrichtung.

Further advantages, advantageous embodiments and developments of the hot beverage preparation device result from the embodiments described below in connection with the figures. Show it:

• 1 : a schematic sketch of a development of an embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention,
• 2 : a schematic sketch of a development of an embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention,
• 3 : a schematic sketch of a development of an embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention,
• 4 : a schematic cross section of a development of an embodiment of a drip tray of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention,
• 5A , 5B : each a schematic cross section of a development of an embodiment of a drip tray of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention,
• 6 : a schematic cross section of an embodiment of a drip tray of a hot beverage preparation device according to the invention.

In the exemplary embodiments and the figures, components that are the same or have the same effect can each be provided with the same reference symbols. The components shown and their proportions to one another are generally not to be regarded as true to scale. Rather, individual elements such as, for example, layers, parts, elements, components and areas can be shown with exaggerated thickness or large dimensions for better representation and/or for better understanding.

1 shows a schematic sketch of a hot beverage preparation device 10, which has a water tank 1, a fixed water connection 2, a control valve 3, a first pump for preparing the hot beverage (not shown) and a drain line for residual water 4a. The hot beverage preparation device 10 is, for example, a fully automatic coffee machine, in particular a built-in fully automatic coffee machine, which is provided for the preparation of coffee, for example. For this purpose, a cup 5 is placed in the fully automatic coffee machine on a designated area and filled with the hot drink.

In addition to the components just mentioned, the hot beverage preparation device 10 also has a drainage device for ensuring the drainage function of residual water from the water tank 1 . For this purpose, the drainage device includes an additional second pump 6a, which is arranged downstream of the water tank 1. A bypass line is installed from the second pump 6a to the drain line. The bypass line has a jet pump as a bypass, for example, which is suitable for actively draining residual water from a drip tray, for example. With the second pump 6a and the bypass line, it is possible to empty the water tank 1 at the desired times or to flush the drain line in the form of a regular and/or process-controlled function using the pump delivery volume.

The second pump 6a can preferably be used to implement large flushing quantities in the hot beverage preparation device 10 without the user having to actively contribute. With the rinsing function, the water tank 1 can advantageously be emptied, the drain line can be rinsed and, in particular, deposits can be removed from the drain line. Advantageously, no additional fall distance to the fixed water connection 2 is required for this. In addition, the service life of the first pump that is used for increases with advantage the coffee production is used, since the flushing function is taken over by the second pump 6a.

The second pump 6a thus allows reliable and automated emptying of the water tank 1, active drainage of residual water from the drip tray and reliable and automated cleaning and rinsing of the drain line. A user-dependent action is not necessary for this, which means that there is no risk of forgetting this action or that this action does not occur too late, which is advantageous. An optimal drain cleaning program can be provided based on the second pump 6a.

In 2 a further exemplary embodiment, in particular a further schematic sketch of a hot beverage preparation device 10 is shown. The hot beverage preparation device 10 in turn has a fixed water connection 2 and is used to prepare coffee and to dispense the coffee into a cup 5. The drain device has no second pump in this exemplary embodiment, but includes a compressor 6b for compressed air generation. With the compressor 6b, it is advantageously possible to drain the drain line and in particular residual water 4a of the drain line in a targeted manner by means of a pressure surge. A check valve 6c between the discharge line and the compressor 6b is advantageous for directing the pressure surge in a targeted manner in the direction of the discharge line.

With the pressure surges generated by the compressor 6b, deposits and contaminants can be removed from the discharge line in an optimal, reliable and targeted manner. Advantageously, no additional fall distance to the fixed water connection 2 is required for this. Advantageously, the service life of the first pump, which is required for coffee production, is not reduced, since the rinsing system manages with significantly smaller rinsing quantities. In addition, the control valve is advantageously not additionally activated during the washing program. In the present case, these functions are taken over by the additional compressor 6b.

3 shows an alternative embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device 10 with an additional drain function or drain device. To ensure the draining function of residual water from the hot beverage preparation device 10 , a drainage channel 6j is provided here, which is arranged downstream of a valve 3 for hot water/steam/air 9 and opens into a drain line 7 . The drainage channel 6j is connected in the hot beverage preparation device 10 in such a way that any residual water that emerges frees the area of the discharge line 7 from contamination and boosts the discharge behavior. A cleaning cycle for the area of the drain line 7 can thus be achieved in a targeted manner. Advantageously, no separate steam expander is required in addition to the valve 3 for hot water/steam/air 9 since steam can be injected directly into the drain line 7 via the drainage channel 6j. The user can specifically supply fresh water to a domestic water line to the hot beverage preparation device 10 without the need to clean the coffee spout.

4 shows an alternative embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device 10 with an additional drain function or drain device. A tiltable drip tray 8 is provided in the present case to ensure the draining function of residual water from the hot beverage preparation device 10 . The drip tray 8 is used in particular to collect residual liquid 4b occurring during the preparation of the hot drink and to discharge it to a drain line 7 . For this purpose, the drip tray 8 has a connection for the drain line 7 in a lower area. The residual liquid 4b can flow directly into the drain line 7 in this way. In order to increase a gradient in the outflow direction for the residual liquid 4b and thus to improve the outflow and to be able to operate it more efficiently, a tilting mechanism 6d is provided, which allows the drip tray 8 to be tilted in the direction of the outflow line 7 .

The residual liquid 4b is drained from the drip tray 8 as follows: the drip tray 8 fills with residual liquid 4b. If a desired or predetermined liquid level has been set, the drip tray 8 tilts in order to increase the gradient in the outlet direction or even to create it in the first place. The desired or predetermined liquid level can be detected, for example, via a sensor or via a mechanical switch.

The drip tray 8 is preferably designed to be removable for the user from the hot beverage preparation device 10 .

With the tilting mechanism 6d provided, the liquid gradient can thus be increased and the outflow behavior improved overall. In addition, it is advantageous for the drip tray 8 to be emptied in a surge. This advantageously reduces the risk of contamination and deposits in the discharge line 7 compared to a continuous and, in particular, lower residual liquid flow. With this, large flush volumes can be realized without requiring an active contribution from the user.

In the 5A and 5B a similar principle is shown. Compared to the in 4 shown embodiment is the drip tray 8 of the embodiment of 5A , 5B not tiltable, but adjustable in height. A height adjustment 6e is used for this purpose. If a desired or predetermined liquid level of the residual liquid 4b in the drip tray 8 is reached, the drip tray 8 moves in height by means of the height adjustment 6e, which advantageously increases the liquid gradient in the outlet direction, in particular in the direction of the outlet line 7, or even creates it in the first place . In order to avoid damage to the drain line 7, it is preferably designed to be flexible, so that the drain line 7 is not pinched, broken or damaged in any other way when the height is adjusted.

The desired or predetermined liquid level can in turn be detected via a sensor or via a mechanical switch. The drip tray 8 can in turn be designed to be removable for the user.

Adjusting the height of the drip tray 8 in turn makes it possible to increase the liquid gradient and thus improve the drainage behavior of the residual liquid 4b from the drip tray 8. The height adjustment 6e allows the drip tray 8 to be emptied in a surge, which reduces the risk of dirt and contamination in the drain line 7 can. Large flush volumes can be realized without requiring any active input from the user.

6 shows an embodiment of a hot beverage preparation device with a drip tray 8 for catching residual liquid 4b and a drain line 7 for draining residual liquid 4b or residual water. As a drainage device according to the invention for ensuring the drainage function, the present drip tray 8 has an overflow basin 6f, which fills with residual liquid 4b if the drip tray 8 overflows or is full. The overflow basin 6f, in particular the liquid level in the overflow basin 6f, is monitored using a sensor 6g or a switch. When a specific residual liquid level is reached in the overflow basin 6f, the overflow basin 6f and the drip tray 8 can be emptied in a targeted and reliable manner. For this purpose, both the overflow basin 6f and the drip tray 8 each have a drain connection 6i, 6h, which makes it possible to transfer residual liquid 4b from the overflow basin 6f or from the drip tray 8 into the drain line 7. Advantageously, a non-return valve or a valve is additionally arranged in the drain line (not shown), which prevents water from overflowing from the drain line 7 in the direction of the drain connection 6h.

The drip tray 8 or the overflow basin 6f can be emptied via a second pump 6a or via a valve. Overall, it is possible to empty the drip tray 8 and the overflow basin 6f in a targeted manner.

The additional overflow basin 6f can advantageously be used to flush large quantities without requiring the user to actively contribute. With these large flushing quantities, impurities and deposits in particular can be removed from the drain line 7 reliably, optimally and independently of the user. An additional drop distance to the mains water connection is not necessary. Targeted emptying of the drip tray 8 is advantageously possible. The second pump 6a, which is provided for draining off the residual liquid 4b, is controlled in a targeted manner via a signal from the sensor 6g. This targeted control advantageously increases the service life of the second pump 6a, since dry running can be avoided. By setting the predetermined liquid level in the overflow basin 6f in a variable manner, condensate problems can advantageously be avoided.

The explanation of the hot beverage preparation device according to the invention based on the exemplary embodiments described above is not to be regarded as a limitation of the invention to these. Rather, the invention encompasses every new feature and every combination of features, which in particular includes every combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or this combination itself is not explicitly stated in the patent claims or the exemplary embodiments.

reference list

10

hot beverage device

1

water tank

2

mains water connection

3

control valve

4a

residual water

4b

residual liquid

5

Cup

6a

second pump

6b

compressor

6c

check valve

6d

tilt mechanism

6e

height adjustment

6f

overflow basin

6g

sensor

6h, 6i

drain connection

6y

drainage channel

7

drain line

8th

drip tray

9

hot water / steam / air

Claims (9)

Hot drink preparation device (10), in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, with a fixed water connection (2), having - a first pump for preparing a hot drink, in particular coffee, - at least one water tank (1) for holding water, - a drip tray (8) for collecting residual liquid (4b), - at least one drain line (7) for draining residual water (4a) from the hot beverage preparation device (10), and - a drain device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i) for Ensuring the drainage function of the residual water (4a) from the water tank (1), the drip tray (8) and/or the drainage line (7), characterized in that the drainage device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i) comprises an overflow basin (6f) integrated in the drip tray (8) which, in addition to the drip tray (8), has an additional drain connection (6h) to the drain line (7). Hot drink preparation device claim 1 , characterized in that ensuring the drainage function of the residual water (4a) is emptying the water tank (1), draining residual liquid (4b) from the drip tray (8) and/or flushing the drain line (7). Hot drink preparation device claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the drain device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i) has a second pump (6a) which is installed after the water tank (1). Hot drink preparation device claim 3 , characterized in that a bypass line is installed between the second pump (6a) and the discharge line (7), which has in particular a jet pump. Hot drink preparation device claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the drainage device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i) is realized by adjusting the height and/or tilting of the drip tray (8) in order to avoid a gradient in the direction of the drainage line (7). generate and/or increase. Hot drink preparation device claim 5 , characterized in that the height adjustment and/or tilting of the drip tray (8) takes place automatically when a predetermined level of the residual liquid (4b) in the drip tray (8) is reached. Hot drink preparation device claim 1 or 6 , characterized in that the level of the residual liquid (4b) in the drip tray (8) or a level of the residual liquid (4b) in the overflow basin (6f) is determined via a sensor (6g) or a mechanical switch. Hot drink preparation device claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the discharge device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i) comprises an additional compressor (6b) for generating compressed air, in particular in order to empty the discharge line (7) in a targeted manner via a pressure surge. Hot drink preparation device claim 8 , characterized in that between the compressor (6b) and the discharge line (7) a check valve (6c) is arranged.

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