Apparatus for preparing a beverage and a decoction device

An apparatus for preparing a beverage, comprising a decoction device for performing a beverage preparation cycle, said decoction device comprising a decoction body having a decoction chamber that is surrounded by a chamber wall and that extends axially between a first bottom and a second bottom of said decoction device that lie opposite each other,

• wherein said first bottom and said second bottom are received for axial movement inside said chamber wall,
• wherein said chamber wall is provided locally with a filling opening for admitting into the decoction chamber at least one ingredient for the beverage to be prepared,
• wherein the decoction chamber is provided with an inlet for admitting a liquid under increased pressure and temperature,
• wherein the decoction chamber is provided with a dispenser for dispensing a beverage prepared from the liquid and the at least one ingredient,
• wherein the decoction device further comprises a drive mechanism coupled to the decoction body and wherein the apparatus further comprises a motor configured to power the drive mechanism,
• wherein the decoction body is driven during operation by the driving mechanism to impart said preparation cycle to the decoction device, said preparation cycle comprising:
• a first state in which the filling opening opens into the decoction chamber and is situated between said first bottom and said second bottom;
• a second state in which said first bottom and said second bottom have moved closer to each other inside the chamber wall and the liquid is guided through the decoction chamber;
• a third state in which a space between said first bottom and said second bottom lies next to the chamber wall exposing a possible residue of said at least one ingredient thus allowing the decoction chamber to get rid of said residue,
• wherein said first bottom and said second bottom are both located at a first side of said filling opening in said second state,
• wherein said first bottom and said second bottom are both located at said first side of said filling opening in said third state, and
• wherein moving said decoction device from said second state into said third state comprises driving said chamber wall of said decoction body in a first direction, away from said first bottom and said second bottom, and over at least one of said first bottom and said second bottom, until said space between said first bottom and said second bottom lies at said first side of said filling opening outside said chamber wall.