EP4069626A1

EP4069626A1 - System and method for preparing a beverage

Info

Publication number: EP4069626A1
Application number: EP20821432.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jacobus Petrus Maria Dessing
Original assignee: Craftworks Holding BV
Current assignee: Craftworks Holding BV
Priority date: 2019-12-03
Filing date: 2020-12-03
Publication date: 2022-10-12
Also published as: WO2021112675A1; NL2024366B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for preparing a beverage (100), comprising at least one fluid dispensing line (101) for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices (102) connected in series with each other to said fluid dispensing line (101); at least one primary pump (103) situated downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices (102) and upstream of a discharge opening; at least one non-pressurised fluid reservoir (110) connected to the at least one fluid dispensing line (101) and a return line (114), connected downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices (102) and configured to return fluid, led through at least two beverage additive dispensing devices (102), back into the reservoir (110).

Description

System and method for preparing a beverage

The invention relates to a system for preparing a beverage, in particular a beverage enriched with at least one beverage additive. The invention also relates to a beverage additive dispensing device. The invention further relates to a method for preparing a beverage by using the system according to the invention.

Flavoured beverages, such as flavoured milkshakes, fruit drinks, etcetera, have become increasingly popular, with dozens of different flavours. It is generally recognized that preparation of the beverage, by mixing water with at least one flavour, immediately before consumption results in a fresher and higher quality drink. Consumers typically would like to choose the flavour just before preparing the beverage and typically also like to be able to choose between different flavours before starting the beverage preparation process. This desired freedom of choice requires a more complicated beverage preparation system, since cross contamination between flavours and fouling of the system should be prevented as much as possible.

It is a first object of the present invention to provide an improved system for preparing beverages.

It is a second object of the present invention to provide a relatively efficient system for preparing beverages.

It is a third object of the present invention to provide a modular system for preparing beverages.

It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a system for preparing beverages which can be cleaned in a relatively effective manner.

At least one of these objects can be achieved by providing a system for preparing beverages, comprising: at least one fluid dispensing line for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices connected to said fluid dispensing line, wherein each beverage additive dispensing device comprises: at least one connecting structure for, preferably releasably, connecting the beverage additive dispensing device to a beverage additive container filled with beverage additive, preferably a liquid beverage additive, such as syrup, to be dispensed; and at least one mixing chamber configured to be connected to a discharge opening of said beverage additive container, wherein said mixing chamber is provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet for fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line, and at least one actuator for selectively allowing or preventing the beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container into the mixing chamber; wherein at least two beverage additive dispensing devices are connected in series with each other, such that the outlet of a beverage additive dispensing device is connected, preferably releasably connected, to the inlet of an adjacent beverage additive dispensing device; at least one primary pump for causing fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line to flow through at least two beverage additive dispensing devices connected in series and in the direction of at least one discharge opening of the system. The system according to the invention operates by using dedicated flow-through beverage additive dispensing devices, at least two, and preferably all, of which are connected in series, so in line with each other. These beverage additive dispensing devices are typically releasably connected to each other, which provides the system a modular character. The beverage additive dispensing devices are configured to be connected to a beverage additive container, wherein a discharge spout (discharge opening) of the beverage additive container is held and typically also secured, typically in a releasable manner, by the beverage additive dispensing device. Each beverage additive dispensing device is typically configured to allow flow-through of fluid, irrespective of the control and status of the actuator of said device. Each dispensing device comprises its own actuator to be able individually open or close a beverage additive container during the preparing of a beverage. The actuator may be configured to regulate whether the (discharge spout of the) beverage additive container is fully opened or only partially opened, to allow the system to regulate the amount of additive to be dosed to the fluid. Typically, (an end part of) the discharge spout, (a mobile part of) the actuator, the mixing chamber, and the inlet and outlet to the mixing chamber are exposed to additive and will therefore be subject to fouling. However, all these components are situated in the flow path of fluid flowing through the dispensing devices, which makes it relatively easy to efficiently clean these components during the preparation of a beverage or after the preparing of a beverage (during a separate cleaning-in-place process wherein the devices are rinsed with cleaning fluid). In this manner, a consumer of end-used can easily prepare an instant beverage with at least one additive of choice. The fluid supplied by the fluid dispensing line which is used to prepare the beverage is typically (drinking) water, but may also be formed by other liquids, such as soda (carbonated beverage), alcohol, or any other basic beverage to be enriched with one or more additives. The additive used can also be of various nature, but is typically formed by a flavour, a fragrance, or a colourant. Typically the additive used is a liquid additive, such as syrup. The system according to the invention may be used at home, but is typically designed to be used, often as integrated part of a vending machine or countertop appliance, in the catering industry, such as in restaurants, bars, hotels and the like. The beverage additive dispensing device, which is located most downstream (of all beverage additive dispensing devices), is typically coupled, either directly or indirectly, to the (beverage) discharge opening of the system. The discharge opening is normally located above a drinking cup, and/or a drinking cup accommodating space to efficiently transfer the prepared beverage into the drinking cup. It is imaginable that the system comprises a plurality of discharge openings, in particular beverage discharge openings. Here, different discharge openings may be connected directly or indirectly, for example, to different beverage additive dispensing devices.

In a preferred embodiment, the mixing chamber is configured to receive or co-act with at least a part of discharge spout of a beverage additive container. This will result in the situation that additive released by the discharge spout will directly be released into the flow-through mixing chamber, which is favourable from a practical and hygienical point of view. Preferably, the beverage additive dispensing device is configured to secure at least a part of discharge spout of a beverage additive container. This prevent the additive container to be undesirably disconnected during the beverage preparation process. To this end, the discharge spout is preferably provided with a laterally extending flange which is held, preferably clamped, by the connecting structure of the beverage additive dispensing device. The beverage additive container is preferably formed by a bag. The beverage additive container may also be a bag-in-box container with a (simple) disposable valve in the spout. The actuator preferably comprises a mobile part configured to move within the mixing chamber between an opened state, wherein beverage additive is allowed to flow from the beverage additive container, and a closed state, wherein beverage additive is prevented to flow from the beverage additive container. More preferably, the mobile part of the actuator is at least partially formed by a piston and/or pin configured to co-act with a discharge spout of a beverage additive container. In an unloaded state of the actuator preferably no (or only limited) pressure is exerted by the actuator onto the discharge spout, and in the loaded state of the actuator preferably an active pressure is exerted onto the discharge spout. Typically, and preferably, the discharge spout is closed in an unloaded state of the actuator. This can, for example, by realized to provide the discharge spout with a spring-operated valve which closes the discharge spout in unloaded condition. In this case, the actuator is designed to exert a force onto the spring-operated valve which exceeds the spring force exerted by the spring of the valve of the discharge spout, in order to open the discharge spout. Actuation of the actuator, and in particular of the mobile part of the actuator, is preferably realized pneumatically or hydraulically. Hence, the actuator is preferably a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator. However, an electrical solenoid can also be used to operate the mobile part of the actuator. The actuator, and in particular the mobile part thereof, on one side and the discharge spout of the beverage additive container on the other side are preferably are located in line with each other, more preferably at opposite sides of the mixing chamber.

As indicated above, the inlet and the outlet of each beverage additive dispensing device are preferably in permanent connection with each other. This allows continuous flow through of fluid, such as beverage fluid or cleaning fluid. Moreover, this leads to a simple and efficient mechanical construction. Preferably, the inlet and the outlet are located in line with each other to create a straight flow path. This straight flow reduces the flow resistance and will therefore require less power and hence less energy to force the fluid to flow through the system. Moreover, this reduces the risk of leakages and damages. Here, the inlet and outlet are typically positioned at opposite sides of the mixing chamber. In a particular preferred embodiment, the mixing chamber encloses a substantially cruciform space having four openings, wherein in a first opening at least a part of the mobile part of the actuator is situated, wherein in an opposing second opening at least a part of the discharge spout of the beverage additive container is located, wherein a third opening is forming the inlet of the mixing chamber and an opposing fourth opening is forming the outlet of the mixing chamber. This embodiment is shown in more detail in figure 2c.

Preferably, the system comprises at least one support structure for supporting at least a part of each beverage additive container. The beverage additive containers may be hung to the support structure, but more preferably the beverage additive containers comprises one or more support surfaces, such as one or more supporting plates, to physically support the beverage additive containers. The support structure preferably comprises a plurality of drawers, wherein each drawer is configured to support and accommodate at least one beverage additive container. The drawers, or at least a number of drawers, is preferably positioned on top of each other. The drawers are typically supported by another part of the support structure, such as a supporting rack, wherein the drawers are preferably movable with respect to this other part of the support structure to facilitate loading and unloading of beverage additive containers. It is commonly favourably in case the support structure is configured to support the beverage additive containers at an angle, such that a discharge spout of each beverage additive container is situated below an opposite end part of said beverage additive container. This angle is typically situated in between 0 and 45 degrees and forces beverage additive to move towards the discharge spout of the beverage additive container, once installed on the support structure, due to gravitational forces.

At least two beverage additive dispensing devices are preferably connected in series with each other. This allows the system to use a (single) central fluid flow path through the mixing chambers, and optional one or more intermediate conduits mutually connecting the mixing chambers, which facilitates the construction of the system and, moreover, the preparation of a beverage and the cleaning (rinsing) of the system after preparation. Preferably, at least two beverage additive dispensing devices connected in series are oriented on top of each other. This stacked orientation in vertical direction of at least a number of dispensing devices is favourable to the reduce the width and the depth of the system, but - typically more importantly - this allows gravitational forces to support the flow-through of the mixing chambers in downward direction, which makes it easier to make the fluid flow through these mixing chambers. Typically, the diameter of the inlet and/or outlet is ranging from 1 to 5 millimetre to keep the mixing chamber as compact as possible. Experiments have shown that a sequence of four dispensing devices connected in series is kept as preferred maximum, in particular in case the diameters of the inlet and/or outlet of the mixing chambers is kept restricted. This means that this sequence of four dispensing devices is able to release four beverage additives. In case more dispensing devices and beverage additive containers are to be used, then it is preferable that two beverage additive dispensing devices are connected in parallel with each other. In this case a plurality of parallel branches is created, wherein at least one branch, and preferably each branch, is provided with a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices. Here, it is imaginable to apply one or more valves to selectively open or close specific branches. It is preferable that at least two beverage additive dispensing devices, which are connected in series, are positioned against each other or at a distance from each other, wherein the outlet of one beverage additive dispensing device is connected, preferably by means of a connecting conduit, to the inlet of an adjacent beverage additive dispensing device.

Preferably, the primary pump is situated in between downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices and upstream of the discharge opening. In this case, the primary pump functions as suction pump to suck the fluid and the additive (where possible) towards the discharge opening. The suction action is significantly more efficient than a pushing action to make the fluid and the one or more additive to flow through the system, in particular through a plurality of mixing chambers.

It may be advantageous to apply at least one flush valve situated upstream with respect to the beverage additive dispensing devices. The flush valve may be used to selectively open and close the connection between the fluid dispensing line on one side and the beverage additive dispensing devices on the other side. The application of such a valve allows the system to activate the primary pump to extract beverage additive from one or more (opened) beverage additive containers while preventing fluid present in the fluid dispensing line to flow through the mixing chambers. After extraction of a desired quantity of beverage additive(s), the beverage additive dispensing devices, in particular the actuators thereof, can be switched such that all beverage containers are closed, after which the flush valve will be opened to flush the mixing chambers with fluid and to flush the extracted quantity of the beverage additive(s) towards (and through) the discharge opening(s). In this manner a controlled dosing of the desired beverage additive(s) can take place. Moreover, in this manner, it can be prevented that fluid, originating from the fluid dispensing line, will flow into opened beverage additive container(s). The flush valve is preferably operated by a control unit, preferably the central control unit which is also controlling the primary pump and the beverage additive dispensing devices. Additionally, an air valve can be installed in the fluid dispensing line, preferably just above the upper beverage container. This air valve can be used to facilitate to remove fluid from and to empty the fluid dispensing line, which might, for example, be advantageous in case one of the beverage additive containers has to be removed and/or replaced. To this end, and prior to removal of the beverage additive container, the primary pump is preferably activated, wherein the air valve is open(ed), which will lead to removal of fluid from both the fluid dispensing line and the beverage additive dispensing devices.

It may be advantageous to apply at least one air inlet upstream with respect to the beverage additive dispensing devices. This air inlet may be integrated with the aforementioned flush valve, which may in this case be formed by a multi-way (or multi-port) valve.

It is imaginable that the fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line is heated or cooled prior to be discharge by at least one discharge opening, and preferably prior to be led through the mixing chambers. To this end, it can be preferred that the system comprises at least heating element for heating fluid to be led through the beverage additive dispensing devices and/or that the system comprises at least cooling element for cooling fluid to be led through the beverage additive dispensing devices.

The system according to the invention preferably comprises at least one control unit. The control unit is preferably connected, either directly or indirectly, to all or most components which contribute to the preparation of the beverages, such as pumps, actuators, valves, sensors, a control panel (if applied), etc. Preferably, the control unit is configured to individually control the beverage additive dispensing devices, and more in particular to individually control the actuators of the beverage additive dispensing devices. This allows the control unit to determine, normally based upon input given by a user, which additives should be added to be beverage to be prepared. Typically, the control unit is programmed to activate and deactivate the primary pump dependent on the individually control of the beverage additive dispensing devices, preferably, for a predefined period of time. This allows the system to dose and release a predefined quantity, typically a single-serve quantity, of beverage. In order to monitor the quality of the beverage to be released and/or to monitor the progress of the beverage preparation process, it is favourable to apply at least one sensor to measure at least one property of the beverage to be released. Here, it is beneficial in case the system comprises at least one colour sensor configured to detect the colour of the fluid downstream of at least one beverage additive dispensing device. By using a colour sensor, it can, for example be determined whether the right additive, and in the right amount, has been added to the fluid prior to release the beverage by using the discharge opening. It may also be favourable the system comprises at least one conductivity sensor configured to detect the conductivity of the fluid downstream of at least one beverage additive dispensing device and/or in that the system comprises at least one temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the fluid downstream of at least one beverage additive dispensing device. Preferably, the control unit is programmed to activate and deactivate the primary pump dependent on values measured by at least one sensor.

It is conceivable that the system comprises at least one fluid dispensing bypass line for supplying fluid, such as water, ice (in particular ice cubes, ice flakes or ice nuggets), or milk, directly to a discharge opening of the system. This additional fluid will further contribute to the preparation of the beverage, though without needing to flow through the mixing chambers of the beverage additive dispensing devices. Preferably, the system comprises at least one secondary conveyor, in particular a secondary pump, for causing the fluid in the fluid dispensing bypass line to flow towards the discharge opening. It is also imaginable that at least one fluid dispensing bypass line for supplying fluid, such as water, ice, or milk, is connected, either directly or indirectly, to the primary pump (acting as central pump).

The system may also comprise at least one powder dosing station configured to co act with at least one powder cannister and to discharge an amount of powder. The powder has to be considered as a separate beverage ingredient. The discharged amount of powder to further contribute to the beverage preparation. The powder may be discharged directly - as powder - via a separate discharge opening into a drinking cup, but may also be mixed with fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line, either prior to or after passing the mixing chambers.

In a preferred embodiment the system comprises at least one cleaning fluid dispensing line, connected to a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices, for rinsing the mixing chambers of said devices with cleaning fluid, such as water. Preferably, the system comprises at least one tertiary pump for causing the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid dispensing line to flow towards the mixing chambers. Fouled cleaning water will typically be collected and/or will be discharged by using a drain of the system. Typically, the system comprises at least one drinking cup holder for holding a drinking cup, wherein the drinking cup holder is positioned or positionable below each discharge opening for receiving the beverage prepared by the system. The drinking cup holder may, for example, be formed by a tray or housing. The drinking cup holder may be displaceable between a loading position, wherein a drinking cup supported by the drinking cup holder is positioned below the discharge opening(s) for collecting beverage released by said discharge opening(s), and a unloading position, allowing a user to remove the drinking cup from the drinking cup holder. The drinking cup holder is preferably provided with a drain. At least one drain pump may be connected to this drain. The drain pump may be formed by the tertiary pump, and/or may co-act with the tertiary pump to tune the cleaning process of the system.

Although the system may be sold in the market without beverage additive containers, in use the system typically comprises a plurality of the beverage additive containers, wherein each beverage additive container is, preferably releasably, connected to a connecting structure of a beverage additive dispensing device. Preferably, each container comprises a discharge spout, wherein the discharge spout comprises a valve to be operated by an actuator of a beverage additive dispensing device. As indicated above, said the valve is preferably a spring-operated valve which forces the valve in an unloaded state to be positioned in a closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises at least one fluid reservoir, in particular a water reservoir, connected to at least one fluid dispensing line for supplying fluid, in particular water, to said fluid dispensing line. Preferably, the fluid reservoir is positioned above the plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices. The fluid reservoir is preferably a non-pressurized fluid reservoir, in particular an open, non-pressurized fluid reservoir. This open reservoir means that the interior space of the fluid reservoir is in direct and open contact with the surrounding atmosphere. This allows the fluid reservoir easily to vent (off), which prevents air to be led into the fluid dispensing line. The fluid reservoir may be closed, but in this case the fluid reservoir is preferably provided with at least one venting element, such as a venting valve, configure to level the air pressure in the reservoir (typically the headspace above the fluid, in particular water, contained by the reservoir) with the atmospheric pressure. This venting element may be switchable, for example dependent on the air pressure in the headspace of the reservoir and/or time- dependent, such as periodically at predefined time intervals, to level the internal pressure with the atmospheric pressure. During this venting process, a possible internal overpressure or underpressure (vacuum), with respect to atmospheric pressure, created in the reservoir during use of the system can be made undone. This will typically improve the flow control of the fluid through the system, in particular since the primary pump can be used for example as only driving force to force the fluid flow through the system. The fluid reservoir may be considered as (intermediate) fluid container to collect sufficient fluid to prepare a beverage. The fluid reservoir is thus not an ordinary water conduit, but a container with a predefined volume, preferably with a volume of 1 -20 litre. Typically, the fluid reservoir is connected to at least one fluid supply line, such as a water conduit and/or a return line (see below), for filling the reservoir. Here, at least fluid supply may comprise a water conduit for providing clean drinking water or any other unfouled consumable fluid to the fluid reservoir.

Preferably, the system comprises at least one return line, wherein said return line is configured to return fluid, led through at least one, preferably at least two beverage additive dispensing devices, back into the (water) reservoir. This makes it possible to return at least a fraction of the (fouled) fluid led through the beverage additive dispensing devices back to the and into the fluid reservoir and/or to efficiently clean (in place) the beverage additive dispensing devices, in particular the mixing chambers thereof. The primary pump is preferably located upstream with respect to a return line, which is preferably applied and preferably used for cleaning purposes. The primary pump can be used to pump (fouled) fluid through the return line and to create a circulating circuit of fluid to rinse and clean conduits, valves, lines, mixing chambers, etc, which make part of said circulating conduits. In a particular preferred embodiment, the system comprises a multi-way valve situated downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices and upstream of the discharge opening, wherein said multi-way valve comprises:

- at least one inlet connected, either directly or indirectly, to an outlet of at least one beverage additive dispensing device,

- at least one first outlet connected, either directly or indirectly, to at least one discharge opening, and

- at least one second outlet connected, either directly or indirectly, to a return line, wherein said return line is configured to return fluid, led through at least two beverage additive dispensing devices, back into the reservoir.

Application of the multi-way valve allows the system, in a rather simple and efficient manner, to return at least a fraction of the (fouled) fluid led through the beverage additive dispensing devices back to the and into the fluid reservoir. In this manner, and as already addressed above, a cleaning circuit is realized that can be used after the preparation of a beverage, and preferably after the preparation of each beverage, in order to prevent fouling of the system as well as to prevent a discharge (via at least one discharge opening) of a beverage contaminated with an undesired additive. It is preferred that each outlet of the multi-way valve can be individually opened and closed. Preferably, the multi-way valve is connected to the (central) control unit of the system. This allows the multi-way valve to be operated in an automated manner, wherein, preferably, the first outlet(s) and the second outlet(s) can be opened and closed alternatingly in an automated manner. This makes it possible to open the first outlet and to close the second outlet during the preparation of a beverage, wherein, after the beverage preparation process, the first outlet is closed and the second outlet is opened to rinse and clean the system by circulating (cleaning) fluid originating from the reservoir via the fluid dispensing line, via the beverage additive dispensing devices, preferably via the primary pump, via the multi-way valve, and via the return line back into the reservoir. It is preferably to drain fouled fluid, for example by using a discharge opening, prior to preparing a next beverage. As already indicated above, it is preferred that the primary pump, in this case acting as suction pump, is situated downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices and upstream of the discharge opening, and wherein the multi-way valve is situated downstream of the primary pump and upstream of the discharge opening. This makes it possibly to use the primary pump both for the preparation of a beverage, as well as for a subsequent cleaning (in place) process by using the return line. The return line is preferably provided with a heater, in particular a flow-through heater, for heating fluid led through the return line, preferably to a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius. A heater may be used to (pre)heat the beverage to be prepared, but the typical main purpose of such a heater is to efficiently disinfect (pasteurize) and/or sanitize the fouled fluid led through the return line. In order to further improve the cleaning process, detergent may be added to a component the cleaning circuit, such as the return line or fluid reservoir. In general, it is imaginable that the system comprises, instead of a multi-way valve, a plurality of single-way valves, such as solenoids, which are preferably connected in series.

The invention also relates to a beverage additive dispensing device for use in a system according to the invention, comprising: at least one connecting structure for, preferably releasably, connecting the beverage additive dispensing device to a beverage additive container filled with beverage additive, preferably a liquid beverage additive, to be dispensed; and at least one mixing chamber configured to be connected to a discharge opening of said beverage additive container, wherein said mixing chamber is provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet for fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line, and at least one actuator for selectively allowing or preventing the beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container into the mixing chamber.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing a beverage, preferably by using the system according to the invention, comprising the steps of: A) providing a plurality of beverage additive containers, B) connecting each beverage additive container to the connecting structure of a beverage additive dispensing device, C) controlling at least one actuator of at least one beverage additive dispensing device to allow beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container into the mixing chamber of said beverage additive dispensing device, D) activating the primary pump to cause fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line to flow through the mixing chambers of a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices, wherein the fluid will be enriched with beverage additive in each mixing chamber of at least one beverage additive dispensing device allowing beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container into said mixing chamber, to at least one discharge opening of the system and E) discharging the fluid enriched with beverage additive via at least one discharge opening of the system. Further embodiments of the system and corelated method of using said system, including its advantages, have already been described above in an extensive manner.

Further preferred embodiments of the system, the beverage additive dispensing device, and the method according to the invention are set out in the non-limitative set of clauses presented below:

1. System for preparing a beverage, comprising: at least one fluid dispensing line for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices connected to said fluid dispensing line, wherein each beverage additive dispensing device comprises: o at least one connecting structure for, preferably releasably, connecting the beverage additive dispensing device to a beverage additive container filled with beverage additive, preferably a liquid beverage additive, such as syrup, to be dispensed; and o at least one mixing chamber configured to be connected to a discharge opening of said beverage additive container, wherein said mixing chamber is provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet for fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line, and o at least one actuator for selectively allowing or preventing the beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container into the mixing chamber; wherein at least two beverage additive dispensing devices are connected in series with each other, such that the outlet of a beverage additive dispensing device is connected to the inlet of an adjacent beverage additive dispensing device; at least one primary pump for causing fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line to flow through at least two beverage additive dispensing devices connected in series and in the direction of at least one discharge opening of the system.

2. System according to clause 1 , wherein the mixing chamber is configured to receive or co-act with at least a part of discharge spout of a beverage additive container.

3. System according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the beverage additive dispensing device is configured to secure at least a part of discharge spout of a beverage additive container.

4. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the actuator comprises a mobile part configured to move within the mixing chamber between an opened state, wherein beverage additive is allowed to flow from the beverage additive container, and a closed state, wherein beverage additive is prevented to flow from the beverage additive container.

5. System according to clause 4, wherein the mobile part of the actuator is at least partially formed by a piston configured to co-act with a discharge spout of a beverage additive container.

6. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the actuator is a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator.

7. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the inlet and the outlet of each beverage additive dispensing device are in permanent connection with each other.

8. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the system comprises at least one support structure for supporting at least a part of each beverage additive container.

9. System according to clause 8 , wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of drawers, wherein each drawer is configured to support and accommodate at least one beverage additive container. 10. System according to clause 8 or 9, wherein the support structure is configured to support the beverage additive containers at an angle, such that a discharge spout of each beverage additive container is situated below an opposite end part of said beverage additive container.

11 . System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein at least two beverage additive dispensing devices connected in series are oriented on top of each other.

12. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein at least two beverage additive dispensing devices connected in series are positioned at a distance from each other, wherein the outlet of one beverage additive dispensing device is connected, preferably by means of a connecting conduit, to the inlet of an adjacent beverage additive dispensing device.

13. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein at least two beverage additive dispensing devices are connected in parallel with each other.

14. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the primary pump is situated downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices and upstream of the discharge opening.

15. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the system comprises at least heating element for heating fluid to be led through the beverage additive dispensing devices.

16. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the system comprises at least cooling element for cooling fluid to be led through the beverage additive dispensing devices.

17. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the system comprises a control unit. 18. System according to clause 17, wherein the control unit is configured to individually control the beverage additive dispensing devices, and more in particular to individually control the actuators of the beverage additive dispensing devices.

19. System according to clause 18, wherein the control unit is programmed to activate and deactivate the primary pump dependent on the individually control of the beverage additive dispensing devices.

20. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the system comprises at least one colour sensor configured to detect the colour of the fluid downstream of at least one beverage additive dispensing device.

21. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the system comprises at least one conductivity sensor configured to detect the conductivity of the fluid downstream of at least one beverage additive dispensing device.

22. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the system comprises at least one temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the fluid downstream of at least one beverage additive dispensing device.

23. System according to one of clauses 17-19, and one of clauses 20-22, wherein the control unit is programmed to activate and deactivate the primary pump dependent on values measured by at least one sensor.

24. System according to one of clauses 17-23, wherein the control unit is programmed to activate the primary pump for a predefined period of time.

25. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the system comprises at least one fluid dispensing bypass line for supplying fluid, such as water, ice, or milk, directly to a discharge opening of the system.

26. System according to clause 25, wherein the system comprises at least one secondary conveyor, in particular a secondary pump, for causing the fluid in the fluid dispensing bypass line to flow towards the discharge opening. 27. System according to clause 25 or 26, wherein at least one fluid dispensing bypass line for supplying fluid, such as water, ice, or milk, is connected, either directly or indirectly, to the primary pump.

28. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the system comprises at least one cleaning fluid dispensing line, connected to a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices, for rinsing the mixing chambers of said devices with cleaning fluid, such as water.

29. System according to clause 28, wherein the system comprises at least one tertiary pump for causing the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid dispensing line to flow towards the mixing chambers.

30. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the system comprises at least one powder dosing station configured to co-act with at least one powder cannister and to discharge an amount of powder via at least one discharge opening of the system.

31 . System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the system comprises at least one drinking cup holder for holding a drinking cup, wherein the drinking cup holder is positioned or positionable below each discharge opening for receiving the beverage prepared by the system.

32. System according to clause 31 , wherein the drinking cup holder is provided with a drain.

33. System according to clause 32, wherein at least one drain pump is connected to the drain.

34. System according to one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the system comprises a plurality of the beverage additive containers, wherein each beverage additive container is, preferably releasably, connected to a connecting structure of a beverage additive dispensing device. 35. System according to clause 34, wherein each container comprises a discharge spout, wherein the discharge spout comprises a valve to be operated by an actuator of a beverage additive dispensing device.

36. System according to clause 35, wherein the valve is a spring-operated valve which forces the valve in an unloaded state to be positioned in a closed position.

37. System according to one of the foregoing clauses wherein the system comprises at least one fluid reservoir, in particular a water reservoir, connected to at least one fluid dispensing line for supplying fluid, in particular water, to said fluid dispensing line.

38. System according to clause 37, wherein the fluid reservoir is an open, non- pressurized reservoir.

39. System according to clause 37 or 38, wherein the fluid reservoir is connected to at least one fluid supply line for filling the reservoir.

40. System according to clause 39, wherein at least fluid supply comprises a water conduit for providing clean drinking water to the fluid reservoir.

41 . System according to clause 39 or 40, wherein the system comprises a multi way valve situated downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices and upstream of the discharge opening, wherein said multi-way valve comprises: at least one inlet connected, either directly or indirectly, to an outlet of at least one beverage additive dispensing device, at least one first outlet connected, either directly or indirectly, to at least one discharge opening, and at least one second outlet connected, either directly or indirectly, to a return line, wherein said return line is configured to return fluid, led through at least two beverage additive dispensing devices, back into the reservoir.

42. System according to clause 41 , wherein each outlet of the multi-way valve can be individually opened and closed. 43. System according to clause 41 or 42, wherein the primary pump is situated downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices and upstream of the discharge opening, and wherein the multi-way valve is situated downstream of the primary pump and upstream of the discharge opening.

44. System according to one of clauses 41-43, wherein the return line is provided with a heater, in particular a flow-through heater, for heating fluid led through the return line, preferably to a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius.

45. System according to one of clauses 37-43, wherein the fluid reservoir is provided with at least one supply opening for detergents.

46. Beverage additive dispensing device for use in a system according to one of the foregoing clauses, comprising: at least one connecting structure for, preferably releasably, connecting the beverage additive dispensing device to a beverage additive container filled with beverage additive, preferably a liquid beverage additive, to be dispensed; and at least one mixing chamber configured to be connected to a discharge opening of said beverage additive container, wherein said mixing chamber is provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet for fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line, and at least one actuator for selectively allowing or preventing the beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container into the mixing chamber.

47. Method for preparing a beverage, using the system according to one of clauses 1-45, comprising the steps of:

A) providing a plurality of beverage additive containers,

B) connecting each beverage additive container to the connecting structure of a beverage additive dispensing device,

C) controlling at least one actuator of at least one beverage additive dispensing device to allow beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container into the mixing chamber of said beverage additive dispensing device,

D) activating the primary pump to cause fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line to flow through the mixing chambers of a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices, wherein the fluid will be enriched with beverage additive in each mixing chamber of at least one beverage additive dispensing device allowing beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container into said mixing chamber, to at least one discharge opening of the system and E) discharging the fluid enriched with beverage additive via at least one discharge opening of the system.

The present invention will be explained further on the basis of the non-limiting embodiment examples presented in the following figures. Similar reference signs correspond to similar or equivalent elements within these figures.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a system 100 according to the present invention. The system 100 is in particular configured for preparing a beverage. The system 100 comprises a fluid dispensing line 101 for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water and a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices 102 connected to said fluid dispensing line 101. The embodiment shown in the figure comprises two beverage additive dispensing devices 102, however, a higher number of beverage additive dispensing devices 102 could also be applied. Each beverage additive dispensing device 102 comprises at least one connecting structure for (releasably) connecting the beverage additive dispensing device 102 to a beverage additive container filled with beverage additive, at least one mixing chamber and at least one actuator, this is shown in more detail in figures 2a-c and 3a-c. The system 100 further comprises at least one primary pump 103 for causing fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line 101 to flow through at least two beverage additive dispensing devices 102 connected in series and in the direction of at least one discharge opening of the system 100. The system 100 comprises a support structure for supporting at least a part of each beverage additive container, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of drawers 104. Each drawer 104 is configured to support and accommodate at least one beverage additive container. The support structure is preferably configured to support the beverage additive containers at an angle, such that a discharge spout of each beverage additive container is situated below an opposite end part of said beverage additive container. This is schematically shown in figure 1 . The beverage additive dispensing devices 102 are, in the shown embodiment, connected in series and are oriented on top of each other. Additionally, they are positioned at a distance from each other, wherein the outlet of one beverage additive dispensing device 102 is connected via a connecting conduit 105, or intermediate conduit 105, to the inlet of an adjacent beverage additive dispensing device 102. The primary pump 103 is situated in between downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices 102 and upstream of the discharge opening 106. It is further conceivable that the system comprises a cooling element for cooling fluid to be led through the beverage additive dispensing devices 102. A colour sensor 108 is present and configured to detect the colour of the fluid downstream of at least one beverage additive dispensing device 102. In the shown embodiment, the colour sensor 108 is present upstream from the primary pump 103, but it is also conceivable that a(n) (additional) colour sensor 108 is positioned downstream from said pump 103. It is further conceivable that system 100 comprises a conductivity sensor and/or a temperature sensor (not shown) configured to detect respectively the conductivity and/or the temperature of the fluid downstream of at least one beverage additive dispensing device 102. Typically, a control unit is programmed to activate and deactivate the primary pump 103 dependent on values measured by at least one sensor 108 and/or based upon predetermined time intervals. The fluid which can be flushed through the fluid dispensing line 101 is possibly provided via a (venting) open, unpressurized reservoir 110. The system 100 may have a plurality of fluid feed lines 111 a-c provided with valves 112. The feed lines 111 a-c could for example be configured for providing a fluid such as water. The feed line 111a upstream from a flush valve 109 is a primary feed line 111a, which is typically configured to fill the reservoir 110 with (clean) drinking water. The secondary feed lines 111 b, 111c are in the shown embodiment present downstream from the primary pump and configured for providing (for example) respectively water with a predetermined temperature (hot/cold) and/or carbonized water. The secondary feed lines 111 b, 111c could also be a fluid dispensing bypass line. The system 100 comprises a multi-way valve 113, here a three-way valve. The three-way valve 113 is typically controlled by a control unit (not shown). The three-way valve 113 comprises an inlet connected via the primary pump 103 and the colour sensor 108 to the beverage additive dispensing devices 102. The three-way valve comprises a first outlet connected to the discharge opening 106, and comprises a second outlet connected to a fluid return line 114, which is configured to return (cleaning) fluid led through the beverage additive dispensing devices 102 back into the open reservoir 110. The return line 114 is provided with a heating element 107, preferably a flow through heater, to heat (fouled) return fluid flowing through the return line 114 to a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 80 degrees Celsius to disinfect (pasteurize) the return fluid. The application of the three-way valve 113 makes it possible to alternatingly open and close first outlet and the second outlet of the valve 113, to switch between a beverage preparation mode (first valve outlet is open, second valve outlet is closed) and a cleaning (in place) mode (first valve outlet is closed, second valve outlet is open). The primary pump 103 can be used to cause the fluid flow through the system, in both the beverage preparation mode and in the cleaning mode. In the cleaning mode, fluid originating from the reservoir will be circulated via the fluid dispensing line 101 , via the beverage additive dispensing devices 102, optionally via the colour sensor 108, via the primary pump 103, via the three-way valve 113, and via the return line 114 and the heater 107 back into the reservoir 110. It is preferably to drain fouled fluid, for example by using the discharge opening 106, prior to preparing a next beverage.

In order to be able to prepare a beverage, the system 100 should initially be filled with beverage additive. Once the beverage additive containers are connected to the connecting structure of a beverage additive dispensing device 102 the actuator of the device 102 is to be controlled in order to allow beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container into the mixing chamber of said beverage additive dispensing device 102. The flush valve 109 is optionally a multi-way valve provided with an air inlet 105. The flush valve 109 should be closed during this filling step in order to prevent flushing of fluid during the filling step. The primary pump 103 should be activated such that beverage additive will flow through the fluid dispensing line 101. Once a sensor of the system 100, for example sensor 108, detects a liquid interface the primary pump 103 can be closed again. In order to dose the beverage additive, the primary pump 103 can be activated temporarily for a predetermined time interval in order to dose a desired amount of beverage additive. The actuator should be closed after the dosing step, such that it can be prevented that beverage additive will continue to flow from the beverage additive container into the mixing chamber. Subsequently, (a water inlet of) the flush valve 109 should be opened (and the air inlet of the flush valve 109 closed) and the primary pump 103 can be activated such that fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line 101 can flow through the mixing chambers of the beverage additive dispensing devices 102. Within the mixing chamber the fluid will be enriched with beverage additive. The supplied fluid is typically provided in a predetermined amount based upon the desired concentration of the final beverage. If this desired concentration is obtained can be checked via for example the colour sensor 108. The enriched fluid will flow towards, and through, the discharge opening 106 of the system, preferably into a drinking cup (not shown). Instead of, or in addition to, a multi-way valve 109, also a separate air valve (shown with a dashed arrow) can be applied in the system 100 as shown in figure 1 , wherein the air valve is preferably positioned downstream of flush valve 109 in order to facilitate emptying the fluid dispensing line 101 and the beverage additive dispensing devices 102. In case emptying of the fluid dispensing line 101 and the beverage additive dispensing devices 102 would be desired, for example to remove and/or replace a beverage additive container, the primary pump 103 is activated and the air valve is opened. During the preparation of a beverage and during cleaning of the system 100, the air valve is typically closed.

Figures 2a-2c show a schematic representation of a beverage additive dispensing device 202 according to the present invention in more detail. Figure 2a shows a top view, where figures 2b and 2c show a cross-sectional side view. Figure 2c shows details of figure 2b. The beverage additive dispensing device 202 is in a closed state in said figured. Figures 3a-c show the same beverage additive dispensing device 202 as shown in figures 2a-c, but then in an opened state. Figure 3a shows again a top view, and figures 3b and 3c show a cross-sectional view. The beverage additive dispensing device 202 can be applied in a system 100, 300 shown in figures 1 and/or 3. The beverage additive dispensing device 202 comprises a connecting structure 213 for (releasably) connecting the beverage additive dispensing device 202 to a beverage additive container 214 filled with (liquid) beverage additive, such as syrup, which is to be dispensed. The containers 214 is typically positioned in a drawer 204, which drawer 204 is positioned at an angle between, 0 and 45 degrees and preferably between 5 and 20 degrees, seen from a horizontal plane, such that beverage additive is forced to move towards the discharge spout 220 of the beverage additive container 214 due to gravitational forces. The container 214 can for example be a bag-type container. The beverage additive dispensing device 202 further comprises a mixing chamber 215 configured to be connected to a discharge opening 216 of said beverage additive container 214. The mixing chamber 215 is provided with at least one inlet 217 and at least one outlet 218 for fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line (not shown). The device 202 further comprises an actuator 219 for selectively allowing or preventing the beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container 214 into the mixing chamber 215. As outlined before, the outlet 218 of a beverage additive dispensing device 202 is, directly or via, for example, an intermediate conduit, connected to the inlet 217 of an adjacent beverage additive dispensing device 202. The mixing chamber 215 is configured to receive or co-act with at least a part of discharge spout 220 of a beverage additive container 214. At least a part the discharge spout 220 is secured by the beverage additive dispensing device 202. The actuator 219 comprises a mobile part 221 configured to move within the mixing chamber 215 between a closed state (figures 2a-2c), wherein beverage additive is prevented to flow from the beverage additive container 214 (to the mixing chamber 215) and an opened state (figures 3a-3c), wherein beverage additive is allowed to flow from the beverage additive container 214 (to the mixing chamber 215). In the shown embodiment, the mobile part 221 of the actuator 219 is formed by a piston 221 configured to co-act with the discharge spout 220 of the beverage additive container 214. Typically, the actuator 219 is a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator 219. The inlet 217 and the outlet 218 of each beverage additive dispensing device 202 are typically in permanent connection with each other, in particular under the intervention of the mixing chamber 215. The system typically comprises a control unit which is configured to individually control the beverage additive dispensing devices 202. Preferably the control unit is configured to individually control the actuators 219 of the beverage additive dispensing devices 202. In a further embodiment, the control unit may be programmed to activate and deactivate the primary pump (103 of figure 1) dependent on the individually control of the beverage additive dispensing devices 202.

Figure 4 shows a schematic embodiment of another possible embodiment of a system 300 according to the present invention. Part of the system 300 partially corresponds the system 100 as shown in figure 1. The system 300 comprises a fluid dispensing line 301 for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water and a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices 302 connected to said fluid dispensing line 301. In the shown embodiment, the beverage additive dispensing devices 302 are connected in parallel with each other. The system 300 further comprises at least one primary pump 303 for causing fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line 301 to flow through the beverage additive dispensing devices 302. The primary pump 303 is in the shown embodiment situated in between downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices 302 and upstream of the discharge opening 306. The system 100 further comprises heating elements 307 for heating fluid to be led through the beverage additive dispensing devices 302, and a hot water bypass valve 312a. The system 300 comprises multiple sensors, amongst which a colour sensor S, a conductivity sensor C, a temperature sensor T and a flow sensor F. The system also comprises a plurality of flush valves 309 and fluid valves 312. The system 300 comprises a control unit CU which is configured to at least individually control the beverage additive dispensing devices 302. The fluid which can be flushed through the fluid dispensing line 301 is possibly provided via a (venting) reservoir 310. The system 300 further comprises fluid dispensing bypass lines 330 for supplying beverage ingredients such as ice I, and/or milk L, and/or additive powder P, preferably directly to a discharge opening of the system . Ice I, milk L and/or powder P could be stored in secondary reservoirs 331 . In the embodiment shown, the system comprises a powder dosing station 333 configured to co-act with powder cannisters (secondary powder reservoirs) and to discharge an amount of powder P via at least one discharge opening of the system. The system 300 also comprises at least one secondary conveyor, in particular a secondary pump 335, for causing the fluid in the fluid dispensing bypass line 300 to flow towards the discharge opening. If the system 300 comprises cleaning fluid dispensing line, connected to a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices 302, for rinsing the mixing chambers of said devices with cleaning fluid, such as water it is beneficial if the system 300 comprises at least one tertiary pump for causing the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid dispensing line to flow towards the mixing chambers. Further, at least one drinking cup holder 334 is present which is configured for holding a drinking cup 332, wherein the drinking cup holder 334 is positioned or positionable below each discharge opening 306 for receiving the beverage prepared by the system. The drinking cup holder 334 is typically provided with a drain 336 via a drain pump 337. The plurality if beverage additive dispensing devices 302 is in line with the beverage additive dispensing devices as shown in more detail in figures 2a-3c. The system 300 may further comprise at least one mixing element 338 configured to mix for example the fluid and beverage additive. In the shown embodiment, the system 300 comprises multiple discharge openings 306. It is conceivable that the final beverage is prepared by mixing the fluid provided via said multiple discharge openings 206. It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the embodiment examples presented and described here, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the appended claims, which will be obvious to a person skilled in the art. It is conceivable that various inventive concepts and/or technical measures of the embodiment variants described above may be combined completely or partially without departing from the inventive concepts described in the appended claims.

The verb "comprise" and conjugations thereof used in this patent specification mean not only "comprise", but also the expressions "include", "consist essentially of", "formed by", and conjugations thereof.

Claims

1. System for preparing a beverage, comprising:

- at least one fluid dispensing line for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water,

- a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices connected to said fluid dispensing line, wherein each beverage additive dispensing device comprises: o at least one connecting structure for, preferably releasably, connecting the beverage additive dispensing device to a beverage additive container filled with beverage additive, preferably a liquid beverage additive, such as syrup, to be dispensed; and o at least one mixing chamber configured to be connected to a discharge opening of said beverage additive container, wherein said mixing chamber is provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet for fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line, and o at least one actuator for selectively allowing or preventing the beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container into the mixing chamber; wherein at least two beverage additive dispensing devices are connected in series with each other, such that the outlet of a beverage additive dispensing device is connected to the inlet of an adjacent beverage additive dispensing device;

- at least one primary pump for causing fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line to flow through at least two beverage additive dispensing devices connected in series and in the direction of at least one discharge opening of the system, wherein the primary pump is situated downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices and upstream of the discharge opening,

- at least one non-pressurized fluid reservoir, in particular a water reservoir, connected to at least one fluid dispensing line for supplying fluid, in particular water, to said fluid dispensing line, and a return line, situated downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices, and configured to return fluid, led through at least two beverage additive dispensing devices, back into said reservoir.

2. System according to claim 1 , wherein the mixing chamber is configured to receive or co-act with at least a part of a discharge spout of a beverage additive container.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the beverage additive dispensing device is configured to secure at least a part of a discharge spout of a beverage additive container.

4. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the actuator comprises a mobile part configured to move within the mixing chamber between an opened state, wherein beverage additive is allowed to flow from the beverage additive container, and a closed state, wherein beverage additive is prevented to flow from the beverage additive container.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein the mobile part of the actuator is at least partially formed by a piston configured to co-act with a discharge spout of a beverage additive container.

6. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the actuator is a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator.

7. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the inlet and the outlet of each beverage additive dispensing device are in permanent connection with each other, and wherein, preferably, the inlet and the outlet are located in line with each other to create a straight flow path.

8. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises at least one support structure for supporting at least a part of each beverage additive container.

9. System according to claim 8 , wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of drawers, wherein each drawer is configured to support and accommodate at least one beverage additive container.

10. System according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the support structure is configured to support the beverage additive containers at an angle, such that a discharge spout of each beverage additive container is situated below an opposite end part of said beverage additive container.

11 . System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein at least two beverage additive dispensing devices connected in series are oriented on top of each other.

12. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein at least two beverage additive dispensing devices connected in series are positioned at a distance from each other, wherein the outlet of one beverage additive dispensing device is connected, preferably by means of a connecting conduit, to the inlet of an adjacent beverage additive dispensing device.

13. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein at least two beverage additive dispensing devices are connected in parallel with each other.

14. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises at least one air valve to facilitate emptying of the fluid dispensing line and the beverage additive dispensing devices.

15. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises at least heating element for heating fluid to be led through the beverage additive dispensing devices.

16. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises at least cooling element for cooling fluid to be led through the beverage additive dispensing devices.

17. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises a control unit.

18. System according to claim 17, wherein the control unit is configured to individually control the beverage additive dispensing devices, and more in particular to individually control the actuators of the beverage additive dispensing devices.

19. System according to claim 18, wherein the control unit is programmed to activate and deactivate the primary pump dependent on the individually control of the beverage additive dispensing devices.

20. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises at least one colour sensor configured to detect the colour of the fluid downstream of at least one beverage additive dispensing device.

21. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises at least one conductivity sensor configured to detect the conductivity of the fluid downstream of at least one beverage additive dispensing device.

22. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises at least one temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the fluid downstream of at least one beverage additive dispensing device.

23. System according to one of claims 17-19, and one of claims 20-22, wherein the control unit is programmed to activate and deactivate the primary pump dependent on values measured by at least one sensor.

24. System according to one of claims 17-23, wherein the control unit is programmed to activate the primary pump for a predefined period of time.

25. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises at least one fluid dispensing bypass line for supplying fluid, such as water, ice, or milk, directly to a discharge opening of the system.

26. System according to claim 25, wherein the system comprises at least one secondary conveyor, in particular a secondary pump, for causing the fluid in the fluid dispensing bypass line to flow towards the discharge opening.

27. System according to claim 25 or 26, wherein at least one fluid dispensing bypass line for supplying fluid, such as water, ice, or milk, is connected, either directly or indirectly, to the primary pump.

28. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises at least one cleaning fluid dispensing line, connected to a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices, for rinsing the mixing chambers of said devices with cleaning fluid, such as water.

29. System according to claim 28, wherein the system comprises at least one tertiary pump for causing the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid dispensing line to flow towards the mixing chambers.

30. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises at least one powder dosing station configured to co-act with at least one powder cannister and to discharge an amount of powder via at least one discharge opening of the system.

31 . System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises at least one drinking cup holder for holding a drinking cup, wherein the drinking cup holder is positioned or positionable below each discharge opening for receiving the beverage prepared by the system.

32. System according to claim 31 , wherein the drinking cup holder is provided with a drain.

33. System according to claim 32, wherein at least one drain pump is connected to the drain.

34. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the system comprises a plurality of the beverage additive containers, wherein each beverage additive container is, preferably releasably, connected to a connecting structure of a beverage additive dispensing device.

35. System according to claim 34, wherein each container comprises a discharge spout, wherein the discharge spout comprises a valve to be operated by an actuator of a beverage additive dispensing device.

36. System according to claim 35, wherein the valve is a spring-operated valve which forces the valve in an unloaded state to be positioned in a closed position.

37. System according to one of claims 34-36, wherein the mixing chamber is co acting with at least a part of a discharge spout of a beverage additive container.

38. System according to one of claims 34-37, wherein the beverage additive dispensing device is secured to at least a part of a discharge spout of a beverage additive container.

39. System according to one of the foregoing claims, wherein the fluid reservoir is connected to at least one fluid supply line for filling the reservoir.

40. System according to claim 39, wherein at least fluid supply comprises a water conduit for providing clean drinking water to the fluid reservoir.

41. System according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the system comprises a multi way valve situated downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices and upstream of the discharge opening, wherein said multi-way valve comprises:

42. System according to claim 41 , wherein each outlet of the multi-way valve can be individually opened and closed.

43. System according to claim 41 or 42, wherein the primary pump is situated downstream of the beverage additive dispensing devices and upstream of the discharge opening, and wherein the multi-way valve is situated downstream of the primary pump and upstream of the discharge opening.

44. System according to one of claims 41-43, wherein the return line is provided with a heater, in particular a flow-through heater, for heating fluid led through the return line, preferably to a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius.

45. System according to one of claims 37-43, wherein the fluid reservoir is provided with at least one supply opening for detergents.

46. Beverage additive dispensing device for use in a system according to one of the foregoing claims, comprising:

- at least one connecting structure for, preferably releasably, connecting the beverage additive dispensing device to a beverage additive container filled with beverage additive, preferably a liquid beverage additive, to be dispensed; and

- at least one mixing chamber configured to be connected to a discharge opening of said beverage additive container, wherein said mixing chamber is provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet for fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line, and

- at least one actuator for selectively allowing or preventing the beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container into the mixing chamber.

47. Method for preparing a beverage, using the system according to one of claims 1-45, comprising the steps of:

A) providing a plurality of beverage additive containers, B) connecting each beverage additive container to the connecting structure of a beverage additive dispensing device,

C) controlling at least one actuator of at least one beverage additive dispensing device to allow beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container into the mixing chamber of said beverage additive dispensing device, D) activating the primary pump to cause fluid originating from the fluid dispensing line to flow through the mixing chambers of a plurality of beverage additive dispensing devices, wherein the fluid will be enriched with beverage additive in each mixing chamber of at least one beverage additive dispensing device allowing beverage additive to flow from the beverage additive container into said mixing chamber, to at least one discharge opening of the system and

E) discharging the fluid enriched with beverage additive via at least one discharge opening of the system.