WO2011135479A1

WO2011135479A1 - Modular system for making beverages

Info

Publication number: WO2011135479A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/051622
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gianni Remo
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2010-04-26
Filing date: 2011-04-14
Publication date: 2011-11-03

Abstract

There is described a modular system (1) for making beverages of various types. In the practice, the system may comprise a basic module (3) with at least one water tank (51), an electrically powered boiler (59; 69) for heating the water, a water feeding pump (57; 67), an electronic control unit (77; 79), a user interface (81; 83) and a coffee dispensing unit (41). Moreover, the modular system may comprise one or more auxiliary modules (5; 7; 9; 11; 13) each one of which may in turn comprise functional members for making a beverage other than the coffee dispensed by the coffee dispensing unit of the basic module. Finally, there is provided a connection (89, 87, 85, 75) between the basic module and the auxiliary module.

Description

Modular system for making beverages

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements to machines for making beverages, in particular for making coffee and other hot beverages.

In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to systems and machines for making hot beverages for household purpose.

PRIOR ART

The use of automatic coffee machines for household purpose is increasingly widespread. These machines are manufactured in various more or less complex models with a variable number of functions. The basic models provide for the possibility of dispensing coffee only, typically espresso coffee. More advanced solutions, for example, besides the production of espresso coffee, also provide for the production of hot or emulsified milk.

Automatic coffee machines are usually fed with coffee beans and exhibit a coffee grinder for instantaneously grinding the coffee beans and each time produce the amount of coffee powder required for dispensing the required beverages. In other machines, normally of the manual type, but also in some automatic machines, the use of single-serving capsules or pods is provided. These contain the ingredients for making the beverage. There are systems wherein it is possible to insert only capsules or pods containing coffee powder for making coffee or espresso coffee. In other systems, there are also available capsules or pods for making other types of beverages, for example milk and coffee based, for making tea or something else.

Other coffee machines are configured for making the so-called drip coffee or American coffee, through the dripping of water at ambient pressure on a coffee powder bed for obtaining a coffee based beverage without the typical cream that forms on the surface of espresso coffee due to the high infusion pressure.

At present, the user that buys a low quality coffee, for example a capsule or pod machine, or a machine for beans with no other functions except that of coffee making, must change machine if he/she wants to dispense other types of beverages. For example, the user that has a coffee machine (either automatic or manual) designed to dispense espresso coffee only, shall be forced to buy a new machine also provided with the function for making emulsified milk or hot milk, if he/she wants to make milk and coffee based beverages. This implies a clear drawback in terms of cost.

In general, whenever the user wants to increase the functions available on the machine, he/she shall be forced to change model. In some cases, it shall even be necessary to buy two different machines, for example an espresso coffee machine and a machine for drip coffee.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a coffee machine that overcomes entirely or in part the drawbacks described above.

Substantially, according to one aspect, the invention provides for a modular system for making beverages, comprising:

- a basic module comprising: at least one water tank, an electrically powered boiler for heating the water, a water feeding pump, an electronic control unit, a user interface and a coffee dispensing unit;

- at least one auxiliary module comprising functional members for making a beverage other than the coffee dispensed by the coffee dispensing unit of the basic module;

- a connection between said basic module and said at least one auxiliary module.

With a system of this type, the user that buys an electrical coffee machine for the first time can decide to buy the basic module only and over the time he/she can expand his machine combining new modules therewith. This allows the user to increase the machine capabilities and functions without having to change it. On the other hand, the gradual investment in the end leads the user to assemble a complete machine with many functions which he/she would not be interested in buying at once due to the high cost of the entire system. Moreover, the possibility of integrating different capabilities in the same system allows preventing the purchase of different machines that would be cumbersome and difficult to manage, for example an espresso coffee machine and a drip coffee machine, or a separate emulsifying unit for making emulsified milk.

Modular systems in the field of coffee machines are known, but they exhibit different features than those illustrated above and are aimed at addressing and solving problems of another nature. For example, the French utility model no. 2544185 describes a modular system for making espresso coffee, specifically intended a professional use. This known system is made for meeting the requirements of places like bars, breakfast rooms or the like. It comprises a basic module with a boiler for making hot water and steam and one or more auxiliary modules for making espresso coffee, all equal to one another. The only difference between these auxiliary modules consists in the possibility of having one or two coffee dispensing spouts. Each auxiliary module comprises a coffee grinder, a coffee bean tank, a boiler and an infusion unit for making espresso coffee. The object of this known modular system is only to increase the machine capacity, providing a number, selectable as desired, of dispensing spouts always of the same beverage, that is, espresso coffee. The purpose is to allow the buyer of a small sized machine, in order to meet the requirements of a place with limited clientele, to increase the machine possibilities without having to buy a new one. In fact, the basic solution exhibits a single auxiliary module with a single dispensing spout of espresso coffee. This system may be increased, that is, it may increase with the needs of the professional user, by combining the first auxiliary module with further auxiliary modules equal to each other so as to increase the number of dispensing spouts and accordingly, the hourly production capacity of espresso coffee. However, this known system does not provide for the possibility of increasing the machine by increasing or differentiating the number of functions the machine can carry out.

According to some embodiments, the basic module comprises an electrical connection wherewith said basic module provides electrical supply to one or more auxiliary modules. In this way, it is sufficient to have a single power supply cable and a single electrical socket to supply a plurality of different modules assembled for forming a single machine with multiple functions.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention, there is provided a connection for data transmission between the basic module and one or more auxiliary modules. The data connection may be a wired or wireless connection. In the first case, preferably, the data connection line is implemented within the seat of every single module to prevent the presence of external cables. However, in less advantageous configurations of the invention it is possible to provide for the use of external cables with relevant plugs that connect each auxiliary module to the basic module which, in this case, shall be fitted with a suitable number of ports or outputs.

Preferably, a hydraulic connection is provided between the basic module and at least some of the auxiliary modules.

The connection between adjacent modules may be obtained by providing reciprocal interconnection points between adjacent modules, made and arranged at the sides of said modules intended for being reciprocally set side by side when two modules are combined for forming an operating unit.

The interconnection points may be provided on a single side or on both sides of the modules. In some embodiments, it is possible to provide for some modules to be provided with interconnection points on one side only and other modules to be provided with interconnection points on both sides.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the system may comprise, besides the basic module, the following auxiliary modules that may be used in various combinations:

- an auxiliary module for making hot or emulsified milk;

- an auxiliary module for making iced coffee or coffee ice;

- an auxiliary module for making drip coffee;

- an auxiliary module for making hot milk or emulsified milk;

- a cup heater or hotplate module;

- a beverage infusion module from single-dose sachets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by following the description and accompanying drawing, which shows a non-limiting practical embodiment of the invention. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows an axonometric view of a complete system formed by assembling a basic module and five auxiliary modules;

Fig. 2 shows the system of Fig. 1 with separate modules;

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 schematically show three different modes for making the interface between the various modules;

Fig. 6 shows a first example of an electrical connection diagram between the assembled modules;

Fig. 7 shows a second example of an electrical connection diagram between the assembled modules;

Fig. 8 shows a third example of an electrical connection diagram between the assembled modules;

Fig. 9 shows a functional diagram of the basic module, and

Figs. 10 to 15 show functional schemes of some possible auxiliary modules. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 shows a modular system in a complex composition with a large number of modules with different functions assembled to one another. The system, globally indicated with reference numeral 1, actually forms the only complex machine that offers multiple possible different functions to the user. In some embodiments, the modular system comprises a basic module 3 and a series of auxiliary modules indicated with reference numerals 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13. Each one of modules 3 to 13 shall be briefly described hereinafter. Each module typically exhibits different features compared to the other modules for allowing the user, by buying a basic module, to combine different auxiliary modules therewith in subsequent times, for constructing a machine according to his/her needs that may change and increase over time.

Fig. 2 shows the same modular system as Fig. 1 in a position with the single modules detached for better showing the assembly methods thereof. It should be understood that the single modules may be combined with one another in different times, according to the single user's needs.

Before describing the possible composition of the single modules, it should be noted that the modules must be assembled to one another in a simple manner by the end user, is possible without the use of particular tools or equipment. Moreover, the fixing between auxiliary modules adjacent the basic module should be devised so as to ensure a high sturdiness of the assembly. In order to keep the dimensions of the basic module compact, the hooking system should preferably be provided on board of the various auxiliary modules.

In a first embodiment (Fig. 3) it is possible to provide for the basic module to be provided with side walls 3 A, at least one of which is provided with a removable panel 15. Preferably, in order to allow the system to increase combining auxiliary modules on the two sides 3 A of the basic module 3, both sides 3A shall be fitted with a removable panel 15. The removable panel 15 may be applied on the respective side of the basic module so as to cover electrical and/or hydraulic interconnection points between the basic module and the auxiliary modules. The auxiliary modules 5-13 may be without side panels on the respective sides. In this case, an auxiliary module 5-13 is applied to one or the other of sides 3 A of the basic module 3 removing the respective removable side panel 15 and applying the latter on the side left free of the auxiliary module applied to the basic module, as schematically indicated in Fig. 3.

In this way, through panels 15 the basic module 3 is provided with, it is possible to cover the sides left free whatever the number of auxiliary modules interfaced to the basic module, by simply applying the panel removed from side 3 A of the basic module 3 to the outermost side of the last one of the auxiliary modules 5-13 applied to the basic module 3.

In a different embodiment, schematically shown in Fig. 4, sides 3A of the basic module are finished off by respective fixed panels fitted with an opening only at the electrical and/or hydraulic interconnections towards the adjacent modules. These

interconnections are protected by a removable cover 17 which, similar to panel 15 of Fig. 3, may be removed from side 3A of the basic module 3 and applied on the free side of the last auxiliary module 5-13 applied to the basic module 3, as schematically indicated in Fig. 4. The difference compared to the configuration of Fig. 3 only consists in the extension of the removable panel which, in the case of Fig. 3, forms an entire side panel 15, whereas in the case of Fig. 4 only forms a partial cover 17 that inserts into a side otherwise fixed on the respective module.

In both cases, it should be understood, as it shall be described more clearly hereinafter, that at least one or more of the auxiliary modules 5-13 may exhibit electrical and/or hydraulic interconnections on both sides, and thus the removable element 15 or 17 will normally be applied on the side left free by the last module applied. However, the possibility is not excluded for one or more of the auxiliary modules to exhibit interconnection points on one side only, whereas the other one is finished off with a fixed panel, it being free from any interconnection points. In that case, panel 15 or cover 17 will simply be removed and not used anymore.

Fig. 5 schematically shows a further embodiment of the connection system between the basic module 3 and the auxiliary modules 5-13. In this case, on sides 3 A of the basic module 3, or on at least one of them, there are applied removable panels 15 similar to panels 15 of Fig. 3. These are removed and applied on the outermost exposed side of the auxiliary module 5-13 applied to the basic module 3. Unlike the assembly system of Fig. 3, the system of Fig. 5 is also provided with an adaptor frame 19 that optimises the mechanical and aesthetic coupling between two adjacent modules. The adaptor frame 19 is preferably applied on one of the sides of each auxiliary module 5-13. In this way, the buyer of an auxiliary module will have the adaptor frame 19 available for the interconnection whereas the removable panel 15 will be available on the side of the basic module 3.

The hydraulic interconnection points between the various modules may be obtained by conventional joints, with the use of valves that allow keeping the hydraulic interconnection point on the side of the outermost module closed. For example, if system 1 consists of the basic module 3 only, both hydraulic interconnection points on the two sides 3A of the basic module 3 will be closed by respective valves that may only be opened when a corresponding joint of an auxiliary module interfaced to the basic module is engaged. The valve opening may be obtained automatically through the simple junction to a joint of an auxiliary module. The auxiliary modules may be configured for being applied on the right or on the left of the basic module and to this end, they will exhibit different interconnection points not interchangeable on the two sides.

The electrical connection (power connection) for supplying the modules adjacent the basic module 3 may be obtained by standard interconnection or plugs or electrical male/female connection arranged on the sides of the various modules.

As regards the connection for data transfer from a central control unit on the basic module 3 to electronic boards preferably free from processing capacity, arranged on board of the auxiliary modules, as shall be described in greater detail hereinafter, various solutions may be used, three of which are schematically illustrated in Figs. 6, 7 and 8.

More in particular, Fig. 6 schematically shows a solution wherein in the basic module 3, represented schematically and limited to the electronic logic components, there is arranged a board 21 with a microprocessor, a micro-controller or other programmable component that can supervise and manage the system operation. The electronics on board 21 is interfaced with utilities and sensors of the basic module, globally indicated with block 23, as well as an interface 25 comprising a console, a display and/or any other user interface means for providing information on the machine operation, command and control elements such as mechanical buttons, capacitive controls or others. Electronics 21 is connected to wired data transmission line, globally indicated with reference numeral 27. In the example shown, electronics 21 is connected to a three-way connection line 27 but it should be understood that the ways may be in a different number than those shown in the diagram of Fig. 6.

The same diagram in Fig. 6 generically shows auxiliary modules 5-13 that may consist of one or the other of the modules shown in Fig. 1. Each auxiliary module 5-13 comprises an electronic board 29 connected to the data transfer line 27 and to a block globally indicated with reference numeral 31 that represents the utilities and/or the sensors of the specific auxiliary module. With reference to Figs. 9 to 15, some examples of

configuration of the single modules and of the utilities and sensors on board of each module shall be described. With an arrangement of this type, the user has an interface on the basic module (block 25) to control the entire system. Data are exchanged between the basic module 3 and the data transfer line 27 consisting of a wiring that connects the various modules through connectors on the sides of the coupled modules.

In other embodiments, it is possible to provide for the connection between one module and the other to be obtained for example with an interface provided with an optical system with transmitters and receivers that transform electrical signals into optical signals and vice versa, at the interface between each module.

The diagram in Fig. 7, wherein same numbers indicate same or equivalents parts to those of the diagram of Fig. 6, the data connection between one module and the other is obtained through a wireless connection. Antennas schematically indicated with reference numeral 33 of which each module 3-13 is provided, transmit and receive data for allowing the communication between the basic module 3 and the auxiliary modules 5-13. In this way, the physical interconnection points that must be provided on the sides of the various modules are reduced, since such interconnection points shall be limited to the electrical power supply connections and to the hydraulic connections.

In a less advantageous embodiment, schematically shown in Fig. 8, where same numbers indicate same parts or equivalent to those of the previous blocks 6 and 7, data transfer between the basic module 3 and the auxiliary modules 5-13 is obtained by an external wiring schematically indicated with reference numeral 35. In this case, each auxiliary module 5-13 exhibits at least one cable with a plug that may be connected to a port obtained on the basic module 3, preferably at the back of the latter. In this way, the connections on the sides of each module, intended for data transfer, are eliminated, thus simplifying the interconnection between the modules, but a less advantageous configuration is obtained as regards the aesthetics and the functionality of the assembled system, since wiring 35 remains exposed at the back of the various modules side by side and assembled to one another.

Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 9 to 15, functional diagrams of the various modules 3-13 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 shall be described.

More in particular, Fig. 3 shows a functional diagram of the basic module 3.

Module 3 in particular contains an infusion unit 41 for making espresso coffee. On top of the infusion unit 41 there is arranged a tank 43 for coffee beans that are collected and fed to an underlying coffee grinder 45 actuated by a motor 47. The coffee powder produced by the coffee grinder is charged into an infusion chamber (not shown) formed within the infusion unit 41 for dispensing espresso coffee through a dispensing line 49. The empty coffee powder discharged by the infusion unit 41 is collected in an underlying empty coffee container 51.

The water for coffee infusion is collected from a water tank 51 through an extraction conduit 53 wherealong a flow meter 55 is arranged. The water is fed through a high pressure pump 57, for example a pressure which, given the features of the hydraulic circuit the pump is inserted in, may be comprised between 10 and 20 bar and preferably between 12 and 18 bar. The water under pressure fed by pump 57 is heated in a boiler 59 before being introduced into the infusion unit 41.

On the coffee feeding line 49 there is arranged a baffle solenoid valve 61 that allows dispensing the coffee produced by the infusion unit 41 towards a dispensing spout or a pair of dispensing spouts 63 schematically shown in Fig. 9, which are enclosed within a seat 63 in front of the basic module 3 (Figs. 1 and 2) and lead underneath such seat. Underneath the dispensing spout(s) 63 there is arranged a support surface 65 for cups T wherein the beverage produced by the infusion unit 41 is collected.

Within the basic module 3 there is provided a second pump 67 at a lower pressure than pump 57, for example a pump suitable for dispensing water at about 3-4 bar to a boiler 69 connected to a hot water or steam dispensing spout 71.

The basic module 3 further comprises an electrical supply 73 which may be connected through a cable 75 to an outlet of the power supply mains and which supplies the electrical energy to all the components of the basic module 3 and to an electrical supply line 75 which exhibits two electrical connections 75A and 75B on the sides of the basic module 3 for supplying auxiliary modules that may be coupled to the latter.

The basic module 3 is further provided with electronics 77, comprising a programmable control unit 79, for example a microcontroller or a microprocessor.

Electronics 77 is connected to a user interface comprising, for example, a display 81 and a keyboard 83 for allowing the user to set the machine functions, select menu items and impart commands to the machine, in particular to both the basic module 3, and to any auxiliary modules connected thereto. To this end, there is provided a data transmission line 85 with side connections 85 A and 85B arranged on the two sides of the basic module 3.

On one side of the basic module 3 there is also provided a hydraulic connection 87 for feeding coffee produced by the infusion unit 41 and, on the opposite side, a hydraulic connection 89 for feeding the water sucked from the water tank 51 by a pump seated in one of the hydraulic circuits of one of the auxiliary modules connected to the basic module 3. All the actuators and the sensors of the basic module 3 are connected to electronics 77 for exchanging data and control signals. In particular, electronics 77 is connected to motor 47 for controlling the grinding of beans, to the actuator of the infusion unit 41 for opening and closing the infusion chamber, to pumps 57 and 67, to flow meter 55, to boilers 59 and 69 provided with respective temperature sensors, to solenoid valve 61.

Fig. 10 shows a functional block diagram of the auxiliary module 5 for making iced coffee or coffee ice. This module comprises an electronic board 101 connected to a data line 103 that crosses the auxiliary module 5 for reciprocally connecting two connections 103 A and 103B arranged on the two sides of the auxiliary module 5. On the side where the connection of data line 103 A is arranged there is also located a hydraulic connection 105 A of a hydraulic line 105 wherethrough coffee is fed into a container 107 carrying a rotor 109 therein, controlled by a motor 111. Ice is inserted in tank 107 which, mixed with the coffee coming from line 105, is crushed by rotor 109 for making iced coffee or coffee ice.

The electrical supply to the auxiliary module 5 is provided through the electrical supply line 113 provided with connections 113A and 113B arranged on the sides of the auxiliary module 5.

In the practice, therefore, the auxiliary module 5 exhibits three interconnections points 103 A, 105 A and 113A on a side intended for coupling with the corresponding side of the basic module 3, and two interconnection points 103B and 113B intended for interfacing with corresponding interconnection points of the auxiliary module adjacent thereto.

The auxiliary module 5 may be provided with a small interface 115 connected to the electronic board 101, for example for signalling faults or particular conditions of the auxiliary module 5. In general, however, fault signalling, the auxiliary module status and other conditions are signalled to the user through interface 81 of the basic module. Likewise, the controls to the auxiliary module 5 are provided through interface 83 on the front portion of the basic module 3.

Fig. 11 shows a functional block diagram of the auxiliary module 9. This comprises an electronic board 121 connected to a data line 123 with an interconnection point 123A to an end and an interconnection point 123B at the opposite end, the interconnection points 123A and 123B being on the two opposite sides of the auxiliary module 9.

The auxiliary module 9 further comprises a hydraulic circuit with a low pressure pump 125, for example with a pressure in the range of 3-4 bar, which feeds a boiler 127 for making steam or hot water. The water is sucked through a conduit 129 connected through an interconnection point 129A to an interconnection point 89A of conduit 89 of the basic module 3. Within the auxiliary module 9 there is also provided a hydraulic conduit 131, in flow connection with conduit 129 ending with an interconnection point 131 A on the side opposite that whereon the interconnection point 129A is located, for allowing feeding water to an adjacent auxiliary module.

The hot water or the steam generated in boiler 127 are fed through a conduit 133 towards an emulsifier 135, the structure whereof is per se known and the function whereof is to heat or emulsify milk collected from a tank 139 of cold water through a conduit 137 in flow connection with emulsifier 135. This tank is contained in a thermally insulated seat 141 arranged within or next to the auxiliary module 9. The outlet of emulsifier 135 consists of a dispensing spout 143 which is arranged on the front side of the auxiliary module 9, as schematically shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Emulsifier 135 is also interfaced with an air suction line 147, whereon a solenoid valve 149 is arranged, which opens or closes a suction gap. In a per se known manner, in this way it is possible to alternatively make emulsified milk or hot water, feeding steam under pressure along line 134, and sucking milk through conduits 137 and optionally air along conduit 147.

The auxiliary module 9 is fed through an electrical supply line 150 which crosses the module and exhibits respective interconnection points 150A and 150B on the two sides of the module for being interconnected to the corresponding interconnection points on the sides of the adjacent modules, in the example shown the basic module 3 and the auxiliary module 11.

Fig. 12 shows an auxiliary module 9A similar to the auxiliary module 9 and having the same function. Same numbers indicate same parts or equivalent to those of the diagram in Fig. 11. The difference between modules 9 and 9A schematically shown in Figs. 11 and 12 consists in that while the auxiliary module 9 is provided with a simple seat 141 thermally insulated for storing a milk container 139 at low temperature for a limited time, on the other hand the auxiliary module 9 A exhibits a refrigerated cell 141 A provided with an electrically powered refrigerating unit 142. The refrigerating unit 142 may be a unit with a compressor and an expander or also a Peltier cell unit, or other suitable system for extracting heat from within chamber 141 A and thus allowing the storage of milk contained in container 139 for even long time.

Moreover, by way of an example, in module 9 A there is also shown a flow meter 126 arranged upstream of pump 125, for providing board 121 with information on the amount of water sucked from container or tank 51. Flow meter 126 may also be used in module 9.

For the rest, the auxiliary module 9A is substantially equal to the auxiliary module 9 and thus it is not described in more detail.

Fig. 13 shows a functional block diagram of the auxiliary module 7. The latter is a module for making drip coffee or the so-called American coffee, through a dripping system. The auxiliary module 7 comprises an electronic board 151 connected to a data transmission line 153 with interconnection points 153 A, 153B arranged on the opposite sides of the auxiliary module 7 and intended for being interfaced with corresponding

interconnection points on the sides of the adjacent modules, in particular the auxiliary modules 5 and 13 in the configuration of Figs. 1 and 2.

Reference numeral 155 indicated a power supply line that exhibits interconnection points 155A and 155B on the two opposite sides of the auxiliary module 7.

Moreover, module 7 comprises its own water tank 157 and therefore it is not hydraulically connected to the adjacent module. This is in consideration of the fact that this module consumes large amounts of water and thus it is useful that it is provided with an independent tank. Tank 157 is connected through a hydraulic supply line 159 to a heat exchanger 161 arranged in a base 163 whereon a jug 165 is placed for collecting the coffee produced through dripping. In base 163 there is provided an electrical resistance 167 powered by the power line 155. The water fed along the descending conduit 159 is thus heated and rises along an ascending conduit 169 which at the top end exhibits a dispensing nozzle 171 wherefrom the hot water is made to drip within a filter holder 173 wherein a filter is arranged which contains a bed of coffee powder 175. The hot water flows through the bed of coffee powder 175 extracting the flavours therefrom and the beverage thus obtained is collected in the underlying jug 165. The latter is kept hot by the effect of the contact of base 163 wherein resistance 167 is seated.

Fig. 15 shows a functional block diagram of the auxiliary module 13. This module simply comprises a space 181 wherein there are arranged one or more electrical resistances 183 A, 183B supplied by a power line 185 connected through an interconnection point 185 A to a corresponding interconnection point on the side of the adjacent module, in the example of Figs. 1 and 2 module 7. Reference numerals 187 A and 187B indicate two switches that may be provided for switching on or off independently of one another the two resistances 183 A and 183B. In the embodiment shown, resistance 183 A serves for heating a top surface 181A of seat 181 that forms a support for cups T that are thus kept warm when resistance 183 A is on.

On the other hand, resistance 183B is arranged in an inner position within space 181 for allowing heating food V that may be placed by the user within the space itself. There may also be provided thermal sensors, one of which is indicated with reference numeral 189, connected to an electronic board 190 connected, through a line 191 and an interconnection point 191 A, to a corresponding interconnection point on the side of the adjacent module. The electronic board 190 allows controlling the temperature and thus the automatic switching on and off of resistances 183 A and 183B.

Finally, Fig. 15 shows a functional block diagram of the auxiliary module 11. The latter is a module for making beverages through single-serving sachets C, for example capsules, pods or the like. This single-serving sachets may contain ingredients of various types for making coffee, or beverages of other types, for tea, white coffee, cappuccino, flavoured coffee or other hot beverages that require the extraction through hot water. The latter is fed through a pump 201 arranged on a hydraulic supply line 203 which exhibits an interconnection point 203 A to a corresponding interconnection point of an adjacent module, module 9 in the example of Figs. 1 and 2. Upstream of pump 201 or downstream thereof there is preferably arranged a flow meter 205 for detecting the amount of water fed by pump 201 to a boiler 207 wherefrom the hot water under pressure is fed to an infusion unit globally indicated with reference numeral 209, comprising two parts moving relative to one another wherein there is arranged a capsule or pod C for extracting the beverage. The beverage produced is dispensed through a spout 209A into a cup T resting on a support surface 211 (see also Figs. 1 and 2).

On the hydraulic line 203 there may optionally be arranged a flow rate limiting

213 for modifying the pressure conditions at which the flavour extraction from capsule C takes place, according to the nature of the same capsule or to the customer's requirements. Valve 213 may be controlled by the electronics on board of the basic module 3. As an alternative or in combination it is possible to modify the operating conditions of pump 201, for example through an electronic control of the same, in order to modify the flow rate and thus the infusion pressure.

Reference numeral 215 indicates an electronic board that receives and transmits data on a data line 217 provided with connection points 217A and 217B for communicating with the adjacent modules, in the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the auxiliary module 9 only. In this way, the electronic board 215 communicates with the central control unit contained in the basic module 3, as it happens for the remaining electronic boards of the remaining auxiliary modules. Moreover, line 217 is capable of transferring data to the optional adjacent auxiliary module (not provided herein).

Reference numeral 219 indicates the electrical power line with interconnection points 219A and 219B arranged on the opposite sides of module 11. The electrical power line 219 supplies boiler 207, pump 201, and optionally an opening and closing actuator of the infusion chamber of the infusion unit 209, which among the other things may also be manually actuated by a lever, as schematically indicated in the example shown with reference numeral 223 in Figs. 1 and 2.

Underneath the infusion chamber 209 there is arranged a collecting space 225 for the empty pods or single-serving capsules C discharged by the infusion unit 209.

While the invention has been described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings, which show a possible embodiment thereof, such example and the above description should be deemed as illustrative of a possible non- limiting embodiment of the invention, which is not limited to the example shown.

In particular, the number and type of modules that make up the system may vary against what shown in the embodiment shown in the drawings. The single elements of the various modules may be made in various ways, according to the knowledge of the man skilled in the art. Moreover, different features may be combined in a single module. For example, it is possible to make a module that, besides means for making a beverage, also comprises means for heating food. It is also possible to provide for more complex modules that can dispense two types of beverages. Moreover, it is possible to integrate some of the additional functions to the basic module, which in the example shown have been incorporated in separate auxiliary modules.

In the scope of the description and of the annexed claims, when the term "comprise" is used, such term should be understood as indicative of the possibility of further elements, means, features or functions in addition to or in combination with the elements, means, features or functions explicitly indicated. The following claims describe particular and advantageous features of embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that features object of single dependent claims may variously be combined with one another, also combining even only some features of one or more dependent claims. The presence of any reference numerals in the following claims has the sole purpose of facilitating reading of the claims in the light of the description and of the accompanying drawings and does not in any way limit the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A modular system for making beverages, comprising:

- a basic module (3) comprising: at least one water tank (51), an electrically powered boiler (59; 69) for heating the water, a water feeding pump (57; 67), an electronic control unit (77; 79), a user interface (81; 83) and a coffee dispensing unit (41);

- at least one auxiliary module (5; 7; 9; 11; 13) comprising functional members for making a beverage other than the coffee dispensed by the coffee dispensing unit of the basic module;

- a connection (89, 87, 85, 75) between said basic module and said at least one auxiliary module.

2. Modular system according to claim 1, wherein said connection comprises an electrical connection (75) wherewith said basic module (3) supplies electrical supply to said at least one auxiliary module (5; 7; 9; 11; 13).

3. Modular system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said connection comprises a data transmission connection (85) between said basic module (3) and said at least one auxiliary module (5; 7; 9; 11; 13).

4. Modular system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said connection comprises a hydraulic connection (89; 87).

5. Modular system according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said connection (89, 87, 85, 75) is provided between two auxiliary modules (5; 7; 9; 11; 13).

6. Modular system according to claim 5, comprising at least two auxiliary modules (5; 7; 9; 11; 13) and wherein a connection between said two auxiliary modules comprises at least one of the following:

- an electrical supply connection (113);

- a data connection (103); - a hydraulic connection (105);

- a combination of said connections.

7. Modular system according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said connection comprises reciprocal interconnection points between said modules (3; 5; 7; 9; 11;

13), made and arranged at the sides of said modules intended for being reciprocally set side by side when two modules are combined for forming an operating unit.

8. Modular system according to claim 7, wherein said interconnection points are protected by a respective covering panel (15; 17).

9. Modular system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said basic module (3) comprises interconnection points on two opposite sides (3 A).

10. Modular system according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein said at least one auxiliary module (5; 7; 9; 11; 13) comprises interconnection points on a single side only.

11. Modular system according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein said at least one auxiliary module (5; 7; 9; 11; 13) comprises interconnection points on two opposite sides.

12. Modular system according to one or more of claims 7 to 11, wherein said interconnection point comprises hydraulic joints or electrical connections, or a combination of hydraulic joints and electrical connections.

13. Modular system according to any one of the previous claims, comprising at least one interface frame (19) between mutually connected modules.

14. Modular system according to one or more of the previous claims, comprising reciprocal hooking devices between said modules, said hooking devices not requiring the use of tools.

15. Modular system according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said connection comprises a wireless data connection (33) between modules (3; 5; 7; 9; 11; 13).

16. Modular system according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a combination of said basic module with one or more of the following auxiliary modules:

- an auxiliary module (5) for making iced coffee or coffee ice;

- an auxiliary module (7) for making drip coffee;

- an auxiliary module (9) for making hot milk or emulsified milk;

- a cup heater or hotplate auxiliary module (13);

- an auxiliary module (11) for beverage infusion from single-serving sachets.