US20150144003A1 - Modular system with small footprint autonomous module - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients provided within a capsule or pod, the system including a base station including a (e.g. removable) water reservoir of large capacity, and an autonomous beverage preparation module including an extraction head and being removably connectable to the base station from an autonomous-use mode to docked-use mode. The autonomous module includes a water inlet connection member. The autonomous module and the base station respectively include matching positioning members which engage when the beverage preparation module is connected to the base station in the docked position, and the system includes alternative water supply members and water outlet connection members adapted for connecting to the water inlet connection member of the module for supplying water to the module when the module is in the autonomous-use mode.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM
• This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/144,209, filed on Jul. 12, 2011, which is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/EP2010/050244, filed Jan. 12, 2010, which claims priority to European Application No. 09150556.0, filed Jan. 14, 2009, the entire contents of which are being incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to a modular system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients contained within a capsule or pod. In particular, the present invention relates to such a modular system comprising an autonomous beverage preparation module and a base station designed to interact with each other.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• It is known from the prior art to provide a modular beverage production system consisting of a docking station and a beverage preparation module. Thereby, the docking station and the beverage preparation module are designed to be selectively in a connected state and a disconnected state.
• WO 2007/141334 proposes a beverage preparation module which can be selectively connected to a docking station. The docking station and module are respectively provided with a control circuitry, the control circuitry of the module being designed for an autonomous control of the module in the disconnected state, and the control circuitry of the docking station being designed to take over at least partially the control of the module in the connected state.
• FR2544185 relates to a series of modular elements in order to make up espresso coffee machines. The problem solved consists in fulfilling the requirements and in simplifying the manufacture of the machines. The series is characterised in that it comprises a modular element for heating the water equipped with a heater and modular dispensing elements equipped with a spout and with two spouts, it being possible to juxtapose these elements.
SUMMARY
• Based on the known prior art, the present invention seeks to reduce the footprint, improve the portability and autonomy of a first beverage module with respect to a base station to which the beverage module can be selectively connected.
• In particular, the invention seeks to provide a very compact module having a minimized footprint and thus enhanced storage properties while at the same time, the modularity of the system is increased compared to the prior art.
• Furthermore, the invention seeks to provide a higher degree of service, improved handling properties and thus, an enhanced usability to an operator of the device.
• The present invention also aims at other objects and particularly the solution to other problems as will appear in the rest of the present description.
• The above outlined objects are especially achieved, according to a first aspect of the present invention, by a system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients provided within a capsule or pod, the system comprising a base station comprising a (e.g. removable) water reservoir of large capacity, an autonomous beverage preparation module comprising an extraction head and being removably connectable to the base station from an autonomous-use mode to docked-use mode, wherein the autonomous module comprises a water inlet connection means, wherein the autonomous module and the base station respectively comprise matching positioning means which engage when the beverage preparation module is connected to the base station in the docked position, and wherein it comprises alternative water supply means and water outlet connection means adapted for connecting to the water inlet connection means of the module for supplying water to the module when the module is in the autonomous-use mode.
• The positioning means are preferably designed to position the beverage preparation module on the base station such that a drip tray of the base station is positioned vertically below a liquid outlet of the module.
• The alternative water supply means preferably comprises a liquid reservoir connectable to the module and having a water capacity smaller than the water reservoir of the base station, e.g., the liquid reservoir having a water capacity between 50 and 250 ml.
• Moreover, the alternative water supply means may as well comprise a flexible water drawing tube and a water outlet connection means removably connectable or permanently connected to the inlet connection means; the tube being unfoldable for assuring a temporary fluid connection of the module to an external water supply source (e.g., water bottle or glass). Accordingly, the autonomous module does not have to comprise an integrally formed liquid reservoir and thus, the portability of the module can be increased.
• The water drawing tube may comprise filter means for preventing suction of undesired particles and hence clogging of the connection means.
• In the docked state of the module and the base station, a fluid connection between the base station and the module is preferably established. Thereby, dedicated liquid connection means of the base station are preferably connected to the water inlet connection means of the module. Alternatively, additional water inlet connection means may be provided at the module, which are designed to engage with the liquid connection means of the base station in the docked state. Accordingly, in the docked state, liquid is provided from the large-capacity liquid reservoir of the base station to the module.
• The beverage preparation module may further comprise electrical connection means in order to be electrically connected to the base station. The electrical connection means may be a cordless electrical connection. However, the beverage preparation module preferably comprises power supply means additional to the electrical connection means. Accordingly, the autonomous functioning of the beverage preparation module when being disconnected from the base station is enabled.
• In another aspect of the invention, the small-capacity reservoir of module and the reservoir of the base station are connectable to a three-way valve designed to take at least two positions for selectively supplying water to the functional block (i.e., pump, heater, extraction head, . . . ) depending on the mode at which the system is configured in, e.g., docked or autonomous modes. In particular, in a first position corresponding to the docked mode, the three way valve is respectively configured to selectively allow the water supply from the large-capacity reservoir of the base station and, in a second position corresponding to the autonomous mode, to selectively allow the supply from the small capacity reservoir of the module. The three-way valve is preferably actuated automatically in the suitable supply positions by the engagement/disengagement of the liquid connection means of the base station into the water inlet means of the module. It should be noted that the term “three-way valve” should not be viewed as limited to any specific structure of valve but rather encompasses all kinds of valve means providing the selective supply positions as defined.
• In a preferred embodiment, the beverage preparation module further comprises a cup support selectively connectable to the module only when the module is disengaged from the base station in the autonomous mode. Thereby, the cup support can be a separate pad, e.g., a rubber pad, or a support which is swivelled at the module and can take a retracted position when the module is fitted in the base station in the docked position.
• Moreover, the extraction head of the module is preferably designed to be selectively brought into contact with or at least into the vicinity of the cup support by means of a rotation about a horizontal axis of a body of the beverage preparation module. Accordingly, the beverage preparation module can be brought into a very compact arrangement by rotating the extraction head about the horizontal axis and thus, bringing the extraction head to abut on the cup support.
• In a second aspect, the invention relates to a system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients provided within a sealed capsule or pod, the system comprising a base station comprising a drip tray, an autonomous beverage preparation module comprising an extraction head having a liquid outlet and being removably connectable to the base station, wherein the autonomous module and the base station respectively comprise matching positioning means which engage when the beverage preparation module is connected to the base station, and wherein the positioning means are designed to position the beverage preparation module on the base station such that the drip tray of the base station is positioned vertically below the liquid outlet of the module.
• The base station and the beverage preparation module are adapted to be selectively in a connected or docked state and a disconnected state. The connection and disconnection can e.g. be carried out by a manual user operation.
• In a preferred embodiment, the extraction head having the liquid outlet is rotatably arranged with respect to a horizontal axis of a body of the autonomous module. Accordingly, the position of the liquid outlet with respect to the drip tray or a cup support connectable to the module can be modified.
• Moreover, the vertical position of the drip tray of the base station is preferably designed to be selectively adjusted.
• Accordingly, it is possible to vary the distance between the liquid outlet of the extraction head and the exact position of the liquid outlet with respect to the drip tray of the base station in the connected state of the module and the base station. Therefore, receptacles of different forms and sizes can be placed beneath the liquid outlet in order to receive liquid provided by the beverage preparation module respectively the outlet thereof. A user may therefore easily adapt the module and the base station to place an espresso, a lungo or a caffe latte receptacle beneath the liquid outlet of the module.
• The positioning means for connecting the beverage preparation module and the base station preferably comprise matching surfaces and/or profiled sections of the beverage preparation module and the base station. The matching surfaces and/or profiled sections of the module and the base station enable a preferably single easy-to-fit position and a stable support of the beverage preparation module at the base station in their connected state.
• As already described, the beverage preparation module may comprise a cup support selectively connectable to a base portion of the module. Preferably, the cup support is connectable to the beverage preparation module by means of positioning means. In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of the positioning means for connecting the module to the base station also serves to connect the module and the cup support of the base station. Therefore, the cup support is preferably only connectable to the module when the module is not connected to the base station. Accordingly, a very integrated and compact arrangement of the system can be provided.
• The autonomous beverage preparation module is provided with means for producing a beverage from ingredients contained in a capsule. Accordingly, the autonomous beverage preparation module preferably comprises a functional block including a water pump and water heating means. Moreover, the functional block preferably comprises an extraction chamber housed in the extraction head of the module. Thereby, the extraction chamber is designed for housing an ingredient containing capsule and for being supplied with heated pressurised liquid from the water pump and the water heating means. The water pump and the heating means are preferably connected to a liquid reservoir of the module.
• The capsule may be directly provided to the extraction chamber of the module by an operator. Moreover, additional means such as a capsule-holder may be connected to the extraction head of the module in order to provide a capsule to the extraction chamber thereof.
• With the module according to the present invention, it is possible to enable an interaction between liquid supplied by the liquid reservoir and the pump of the module and ingredients contained in a capsule provided to the extraction chamber. The internal pressure within the sealed capsule which is built up due to the liquid supply to the capsule causes a lower face of the capsule to open which enables the output of the beverage to be prepared. Thereby, the injection of the liquid provided by the module takes place at an upper face of the capsule which is for example pierced by a dedicated injection member of the module. As already described, the output of the beverage to be prepared takes place at the lower face of the capsule thus, enabling a direct flow of the liquid. Accordingly, a receptacle such as a cup can be placed beneath the capsule in order to receive the beverage to be prepared.
• WO 03059778 relates to such a capsule which is preferably used for beverage preparation with the present module. The capsule contains one or more ingredients. After the injection of liquid into the capsule, the pouring from the capsule may be delayed in order to provide sufficient time for the interaction of the liquid and the ingredients contained within the capsule. For the pouring of the beverage to be prepared from the capsule, opening means such as reliefs against an outlet membrane which open a lower wall of the capsule may be provided. These opening means interact with the pressure rise within the capsule when the liquid is injected. The capsule has amongst others the advantage that beverages can be prepared without “cross-contamination” i.e. that a first beverage to be prepared does not transmit one or more undesired characteristics such as taste, colour and/or odour to a second beverage distributed after the first. The present invention may as well apply to any other food or beverage cartridge, pod or sachet containing ingredient(s) brewed, dissolved or diluted in a beverage device according to any other principle than WO 03059778.
• In the context of the invention, the term “capsule” is used to encompass any type of suitable packages containing food ingredients adapted to be inserted in an extraction/brewing chamber of the extraction head of the beverage preparation module such as a sealed aluminium or plastic capsule and/or a filter pod, a pouch, a cartridge or a sachet using these other brewing principles.
• The rotatable arrangement of the extraction head of the beverage preparation module may enable the provision of several operational modes of the module. Accordingly, a predefined angular displacement or position of the rotatable extraction head with respect to the body of the module may correspond to a predefined operational mode or status of the module. For example, the extraction head being rotatably moved in order to be in vicinity of the base portion of the module may correspond to a sleep mode of the module. Accordingly, the provision of electric power to the functional block or some parts of the functional block of the beverage preparation module such as the heating means may be interrupted if the extraction head is brought into the dedicated sleep mode position.
• Moreover, on its connected respectively docked state, the extraction head may be rotated such as to be in vicinity of the drip tray of the base station connected to the beverage preparation module in order to bring the module into the sleep mode. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a very compact arrangement of the beverage preparation module in the sleep mode and thus, enhance the storage properties of the module since the required space of the module is decreased in the storage position.
• To bring the module from the sleep or storage mode to an on-mode, the operator has to rotate the extraction head with respect to the body of the module upwardly, i.e. away from the drip tray of the base station respectively a cup support connected to the module. Hence, in the on-mode, power is supplied to the module and in particular to the functional block of the module in order to enable the preparation of beverages with the module.
• The liquid reservoir of the beverage preparation module is preferably a low-capacity reservoir of a preferred volume between 50 and 250 ml. Thereby, the liquid reservoir can be selectively connected to the beverage preparation module and preferably to a base portion of the beverage preparation module or a recess formed at the body of the module.
• Accordingly, a smaller footprint of the machine can be achieved and also a lighter and more portable but autonomous beverage preparation module can be provided. Due to the enhanced portability of the beverage preparation module, an operator may easily carry the module to any desired place at which he intends to prepare a beverage, totally independent of the base station. Moreover, further recesses may be provided at the body of the module in order to provide a storage position for the liquid reservoir in a non-operational mode of the module and hence, in order to minimize the required space of the module.
• The beverage preparation module is provided with electric supply means. The base station can be free of electric supply means or be provided with electric supply means. The base station may receive its electrical power supply from the beverage module, in which case, the positioning means further comprise matching electrical connections for the base station to be supplied in electrical power from the beverage preparation module.
• Moreover, the system according to the present invention preferably further comprises liquid connecting means for establishing a liquid connection between the beverage preparation module and the base station.
• Thereby, the beverage preparation module preferably comprises an electronic control circuitry which is designed for an autonomous control of the operation of the beverage preparation module when the module is not connected with the base station.
• The base station can be designed to offer to the beverage preparation module at least one or more of advanced electronic control resources, fluid resources, electrical power resources, user interfacing resources (control buttons, displays, . . . ) etc. . . . .
• The base station may carry additional electrical devices such as for example a MP3/MP4-Player, a USB-port or a radio.
• In a preferred embodiment, the base station comprises at least an additional liquid reservoir which is essentially larger than the low-capacity liquid reservoir of the beverage preparation module. The volume of the additional large-capacity reservoir is preferably between 500 to 1000 ml. Thereby, the base station can be provided with means for supplying essentially unpressurised liquid to the pump of the beverage preparation module.
• The liquid connecting means of the system may comprise an extension conduit designed to enable a connection between the beverage preparation module and an external liquid reservoir. Accordingly, the beverage preparation module may also be supplied with liquid from an external liquid supply, such as e.g. water provided in a glass or bottle, in case the beverage preparation module is not connected to the base station and the dedicated liquid reservoir of the beverage preparation module is not connected thereto.
• In another aspect, the present invention relates to a modular system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients provided within a capsule or pod, the system comprising a base station comprising a water reservoir, an autonomous beverage preparation module comprising an extraction head and being removably connectable to the base station from an autonomous-use mode to docked-use mode, at least one base station comprising at least one functional accessory providing additional functions to the module. This functional accessory may be integrated to the base station or be separable from the base station.
• In a preferred embodiment, the modular system comprises a selection of at least two base stations comprising at least one different functional accessory associated to each one.
• Thereby, the least one functional accessory is a digital data communication terminal (USB, internet, ethernet, wife, bluetooth) and/or media player (TV screen, radio, MP3, MP4, etc.), a low-voltage charging terminal for mobile devices (e.g., cell-phone or digital media player) and combinations thereof.
• Moreover, the at least one functional accessory may as well be a cup heater, a water chilling device, a milk frother, a sweetener (e.g., sugar) dispenser, spoon dispenser and combinations thereof.
• In a further aspect, the invention relates to a beverage device of small footprint comprising a body having a recess for receiving a small-capacity reservoir in a storage mode, the reservoir being displaceable from its storage mode into a water connection mode to a water inlet of the body; the device having a smaller footprint in the storage mode than in the water connection mode.
• In a preferred embodiment, a removeable or unfoldable water connector may be connected to the module in order to establish a fluid connection between water inlet and a small-capacity liquid reservoir in the water connection mode. Accordingly, the connector may be unfolded from a retracted position in the machine to an expanded position such as by sliding means, a swivel etc.
• The advantage of this embodiment is a very compact machine in the storage mode while still providing a reserve of water for about two cups by means of the liquid reservoir in the water connection mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Further features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent for the skilled person when reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the figures of the enclosed drawings.
• FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view of a preferred embodiment of a system according to the present invention, the system comprising a beverage preparation module and a base station, whereby the beverage preparation module is not connected to the base station.
• FIG. 2ashows a schematic drawing of the embodiment of the beverage preparation module according toFIG. 1, wherein the module is shown in storage mode.
• FIG. 2bshows a schematic drawing of the embodiment of the beverage preparation module according toFIG. 1, wherein the module is connected to a liquid reservoir by means of a connector.
• FIG. 2cshows a schematic drawing of the embodiment of the beverage preparation module according toFIG. 1, wherein the module is shown in fluid connection mode.
• FIG. 3 shows a perspective side view of the beverage preparation module and the base station being in their connected state.
• FIG. 4 shows another preferred embodiment of a system according to the present invention in perspective side view, the beverage preparation module and the base station being in their disconnected state.
• FIG. 5 shows a perspective side view of the system according toFIG. 4, whereby the beverage preparation module and the base station are in their connected state.
• FIG. 6 shows a perspective side view of the system according toFIG. 5, whereby the beverage preparation module is rotated about a horizontal axis of the body of the module.
• FIG. 7ashows a schematic drawing of another preferred embodiment of the beverage preparation module, whereby the module comprises a small reservoir placed in a rear recess of the module.
• FIG. 7bshows a schematic drawing of the module according toFIG. 7a, wherein instead of a small reservoir, an extension conduit is disposed in the rear recess of the module.
• FIG. 7cshows the module according toFIG. 7b, wherein the extension conduit is used for connecting the module to an additional liquid reservoir.
• FIG. 8 shows another preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention, wherein a large liquid reservoir supported by a base station is directly connected to the module according to the embodiments shown inFIG. 7aandFIGS. 7band7crespectively.
• FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of the system ofFIG. 5 wherein the base station selectively supplies water to the module via a three-way valve means.
• FIG. 10 shows the module ofFIG. 9 in autonomous mode wherein the small-capacity water reservoir selectively supplies water to the fluid circuit of the module via the three-way valve means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• FIG. 1 shows a system according to the present invention in perspective side view. According to the invention, the system comprises abeverage preparation module2 and abase station1 which can be connected to each other.
• Thebeverage preparation module2 is preferably an autonomous module comprising a functional block (cf.FIG. 4) comprising apump10a, heating means10band acontrol unit10cconnected to at least thepump10aand the heating means10bof themodule2.
• In a preferred embodiment, themodule2 preferably comprises a small liquid reservoir (reference29 inFIG. 2a-2cand11 inFIG. 4), selectively connectable to themodule2. At least thepump10aand the heating means10bof the functional block of themodule2 are in fluid connection to the liquid reservoir and an extraction chamber (not shown) within theextraction head4 of themodule2. A human operator may insert a capsule30 (FIG. 1) to theextraction head4 respectively to the extraction chamber of theextraction head4. Thereby, thecapsule30 may be inserted to the extraction chamber by means of an aperture provided at theextraction head4 or by means of a capsule-holder for housing the capsule which can be selectively connected to an aperture at theextraction head4. According to this embodiment, heated pressurized liquid can be provided to the extraction chamber and thus to thecapsule30 housed therein.
• Theextraction head4 preferably comprises acontrol lever18 which can be used for selecting cold or hot water to be injected into thecapsule30 when being inserted into theextraction head4. Thereby, thecontrol lever18 preferably comprises three positions, a neutral, a hot water and an unheated water position. Accordingly, when the lever is held in the neutral position, no water is supplied to theextraction head4 and hence to thecapsule30 housed within theextraction head4. If a user changes the lever position from neutral to the hot or unheated water position, hot or respectively unheated water is injected to thecapsule30 within theextraction head4 until the position of the lever is changed back to neutral. Thereby, the unheated or hot water injected into thecapsule30 is made to interact with ingredients provided within thecapsule30 in order to form a cold or hot beverage which is then poured from aliquid outlet4aat theextraction head4. It should be understood that theliquid outlet4amay as well be formed by a lower face of thecapsule30 being provided to theextraction head4, thereby enabling a direct flow of liquid through thecapsule30.
• Thebeverage preparation module2 comprises alower stand portion19a, preferably flat, which enables a stable positioning of themodule2.
• At a rear portion of thebeverage preparation module2, electrical connection means16a,such as an electrical cable and plug, may be arranged which enable the connection of themodule2 to the mains supply. Accordingly, the supply of electricity to themodule2 at least during the autonomous usage, i.e. when themodule2 is not connected to thebase station1, can be ensured.
• Thebase station1 of the system preferably comprises abody portion1ato which adrip tray3 can be connected. The vertical position of thedrip tray3 is preferably adjustable. Hence, receptacles of different heights can be placed onto the drip tray in order to receive beverage dispensed from theliquid outlet4aof thebeverage preparation module2 without creating too much splashing.
• Thebase station1 is preferably designed to offer to thebeverage preparation module2 at least one or more of advanced electronic control resources, fluid resources, electrical power resources, user interfacing means etc.
• As shown inFIG. 1, thebase station1 comprises aliquid reservoir12 which is removably connectable to thebody1aof thebase station1. Thereby, theliquid reservoir12 is essentially of larger capacity than the liquid reservoir (reservoir29 inFIG. 2a-2c) which is connectable directly to thebeverage preparation module2. Therefore, in the docked state of the module to the base station, the liquid supply is designed to provide a sufficient capacity which corresponds to a typical sedentary usage of the beverage preparation machine.
• Theliquid reservoir12 of thebase station1 preferably comprises ahandle12ain order to enable a facilitated handling of theliquid reservoir12 by an operator. Theliquid reservoir12 preferably also comprises a filling aperture covered by a lid (not shown) in order to enable a refilling of thereservoir12.
• Thebase station1 further may comprise electrical supply means16bwhich are preferably arranged at a rear portion of thebase station1. The electrical supply means16bis preferably a cable and plug for connecting thebase station1 to the mains supply. In addition, an on/offbutton21 is preferably arranged at the module2 (cf.FIG. 3) in order to enable the user of themodule2 to switch between the on- and off-state of themodule2. Thereby, feedback means such as an LED for example may be arranged at themodule2 in order to indicate, whether themodule2 is in its on or off-state.
• Thebase station1 further comprises arecess19bwhich is preferably formed at thebody portion1aof thebase station1 and which is preferably encompassed by positioning means5b.The position means5bare preferably profiled, protruding and/or recessed elements of thebody portion1aof thebase station1. The positioning means5bare designed to interact with correspondingly formed positioning means5aprovided at thebeverage preparation module2. Thereby, the positioning means5aof themodule2 and the positioning means5bof thebase station1 may be any means, such as complementary shaped protruding and recess surfaces, suitable for enabling a stable arrangement of themodule2 when being connected to thebase station1.
• Therecess19bof thebase station1 is preferably designed to abut on thestand portion19aof thebeverage preparation module2 when being connected to thebase station1.
• Within therecess19b,additional positioning means7aare preferably arranged which may be any recessed and/or protruding surfaces which are designed to enable a correct positioning of thebeverage preparation module2 when being connected to thebase station1.
• Moreover, a connection means7bare preferably arranged withinrecess19bof thebase station1. The connection means7bare preferably designed to enable a fluid connection between themodule2 and thebase station1. Accordingly, a fluid supply from thebase station1 to themodule2 is enabled during the connected state of themodule2 and thebase station1.
• Electrical connection means may also be provided in therecess19bwhich cooperates in engagement with complementary electrical means placed at thelower stand19aof the module. Preferably, the electrical connection means and liquid connection means are separate and spaced apart on each of the surfaces of the base station and module so that the electrical connection means are as less as possible contaminated with residual liquid.
• In a simplified embodiment, the base station is free from electrical supply means (i.e., nocable16bprovided) and only the module is supplied in electrical power by means16a.In this case, the base station only ensures the liquid supply function (i.e., by reservoir12) and the liquid residual collecting function (i.e., by drip tray3). In such embodiment, thesurface19ais preferably provided with a passage (not shown) for enabling the electrical supply means16ato traverse the base station and be directed to the rear or side of the station for connection to the supply mains.
• FIGS. 2ato2crefer to schematic drawings of the embodiment of thebeverage preparation module2 according toFIG. 1. As shown in the figures, thebeverage preparation module2 has a storage mode (FIG. 2a) and a fluid connection mode (FIG. 2c).
• Thebody33 of themodule2 preferably comprises astorage recess31awhich is designed for housing theliquid reservoir29 in the storage mode. Thestorage recess31ais preferably situated in the front portion of thebody33. Moreover, thestorage recess31ais preferably formed beneath theextraction head4 of themodule2 and corresponds to the recess provided for placing a receptacle beneath theextraction head4 in order to receive a beverage to be prepared by the module. In addition, thebody33 comprises arear recess31bwhich is formed at a rear portion of thebody33 and which is designed for housing thereservoir29 in a fluid connection mode (cf.FIG. 2c).
• Therecesses31aand31bare preferably specifically designed to engage with matching surfaces of theliquid reservoir29 to be connected to themodule2. Accordingly, theliquid reservoir29 can be selectively connected to thefront recess31aand therear recess31bof themodule2.
• Theliquid reservoir29 is preferably of small volume, preferably between 50 and 250 ml, most preferably of between 110 and 250 mL, for being able to deliver at least one large cup or two small cups of beverage.
• Hence, the weight and overall measures of theautonomous module2 can be minimized also in the use mode.
• As shown inFIG. 2a, theliquid reservoir29 is supported by support means34 provided at thefront recess31ain order to enable a stable support of theliquid reservoir29 when being connected to thefront recess31a.
• In its storage mode, the arrangement ofmodule2 andliquid reservoir29 is very compact and space saving. Accordingly, a very small footprint of thestand portion19aofmodule2 is obtained and thus, the storage properties of themodule2 are significantly enhanced. As a result, the footprint of the machine, i.e., the space surface occupied by the device, is lower in the storage mode of the reservoir (FIG. 2a) than in the liquid supply mode of the reservoir (FIG. 2c). For instance, the footprint of the machine can be 10 to 30% smaller in the storage mode than in the use mode.
• As shown inFIG. 2b, anintermediate connector32 may be provided which enables the connection ofliquid reservoir29 to themodule2. More specifically, theconnector32 is designed to enable a fluid connection between water inlet connection means27 of themodule2 and water outlet connection means28 of theliquid reservoir29 by means of atubular member32a.For this reason, theconnector32 further comprises two connectingplugs32barranged at each end of thetubular member32ato which the water inlet connection means27 respectively the water outlet connection means28 can be plugged. Thereby, the water outlet means28 of theliquid reservoir29 are preferably arranged at a lower portion of thereservoir29.
• It should be understood that theconnector32 can be a member separate to themodule2 and theliquid reservoir29 as shown inFIG. 2b. For convenience, the connector may be, for instance, stored in a storage compartment or aperture of the base station. Hence, theconnector32 can be completely removed from themodule2 and thereservoir29. However, theconnector32 may as well be an integral part of themodule2. Thereby, the connector may be unfoldable or retractable from themodule2. Accordingly, one of the two connectingplugs32bof theconnector32 may be fixedly connected to the water inlet connection means27 of themodule2.
• Of course, theliquid reservoir29 is provided with an aperture and a covering lid (not shown) at a top portion thereof, in order to enable a refilling of the liquid reservoir.
• FIG. 2crefers to a fluid connection mode of themodule2 in which thereservoir29 is stably connected to therear recess31bof themodule2. Thereby, the fluid connection between thereservoir29 and themodule2 is established by means of theconnector32.
• It should be understood that the water inlet connection means27 are preferably housed within arecess22 of thebody33 of themodule2. Moreover, the water inlet connection means27 are connected to the functional block of themodule2, i.e. to thepump10aand the heating means10b.Hence, in the shown connected state, liquid can be drawn by thepump10bof themodule2 from theliquid reservoir29 to themodule2.
• As theconnector32 extends the footprint of thestand portion19aofmodule2 to the rear, the footprint of the module in the fluid connection mode as shown inFIG. 2cis larger than in the storage mode according toFIG. 2a. Hence, in order to obtain a very compact and space-saving arrangement of themodule2, a user may bring themodule2 into its storage mode according toFIG. 2ain which the footprint of themodule2 is minimized.
• FIG. 3 refers to the connected or docked state of thebeverage preparation module2 and thebase station1 according toFIG. 1. Thereby, thestand portion19aof themodule2 is placed within the receivingrecess19bof thebase station1. It should be noted that theliquid reservoir29 according toFIGS. 2a-2cis not connected to themodule2 in the shown connection state.
• When themodule2 is connected to thebase station1, the encompassing positioning means5benclose the positioning means5aof themodule2 in order to enable a stable connection of themodule2 and thebase station1.
• In addition, the protruding and/or profiled positioning means7a(cf.FIG. 1) formed in therecess19bare received by dedicated correspondingly shaped recessed and/or profiled positioning elements (e.g. recess22, cf.FIG. 2a-2c) formed at thestand portion19aof themodule2. Hence, the stable connection of themodule2 when being connected to thebase station1 can be further enhanced.
• In the connected state of themodule2 and thebase station1, the connection means7bof thebase station1 directly connect to the waterinlet connection element27 of the module2 (cf.FIG. 2a-2c) in order to enable a fluid connection between thebase station1 and themodule2. Hence, water necessary for the beverage preparation by means of themodule2 can be drawn from thelarge liquid reservoir12 of thebase station1 in the connected state. Theliquid reservoir12 of the base station preferably holds a volume of 500 to 1000 ml.
• As already outlined, therecess19bmay as well comprise an additional connector suitable for establishing an electrical connection between thebase station1 and themodule2 in their connected state. Accordingly, thebase station1 may comprise electrical supply means16bfor connecting thebase station1 to the mains supply.
• However, thebase station1 may as well not be provided with power supply means. Furthermore, an additional passage such as an aperture or hole inrecess19band a lower groove in a base portion of thebase station1 connected to the hole or aperture may be provided through which theelectric cable16aof themodule2 can be passed when themodule2 is connected tobase station1.
• Preferably, theliquid reservoir12 is detachably arranged with respect tobody1aof thebase station1. Accordingly, aconnection valve20 is arranged at thebody1ain order to enable a fluid connection between theliquid reservoir12 and thebase station1. Thereby, a fluid conduit linking thevalve20 and the connection means7bof thebase station1 enables the provision of liquid fromreservoir12 tomodule2 in the shown connected state.
• As can be seen inFIG. 3, areceptacle40 such as a caffe latte glass can be placed at least partially into thefront recess31aof themodule2 and thus, beneath theextraction head4. Thereby, the position of thereceptacle40 with respect to theextraction head4 can be altered by means of the verticallyadjustable drip tray3. Accordingly, the spilling of liquid during the beverage preparation is effectively prevented.
• For altering the vertical position ofdrip tray3, several grooves may be formed at different heights in the front of thebody1aof thebase station1 into which correspondingly shaped tongues of the drip tray may engage. Accordingly, a stable key and slot joint is established between thedrip tray3 and the supportingbody1aof thebase station1.
• FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a system according to the present invention in perspective side view, thebeverage preparation module2 and thebase station1 being in their disconnected state.
• As shown in the figure, a smallliquid reservoir11 is connectable to abase portion9 of themodule2. Thereby, the volume of theliquid reservoir9 is preferably between 50 a 250 ml. Moreover, theliquid reservoir11 is preferably arranged such that the level of liquid within thereservoir11 can be observed during usage of themodule2.
• Themodule2 according to the shown embodiment further comprises acup support8 which can be connected tobase portion9 of themodule2. The cup support preferably comprises a plurality of horizontal ridges protruding from a bottom portion of the cup support. Accordingly, spilled liquid is collected at the bottom portion of thecup support8, whereby areceptacle40 is supported by the ridges. Accordingly, the risk of liquid sticking to the receptacle bottom after the receptacle has been placed onto thecup support8 is minimized
• Preferably, positioning means22aare provided at the front of thebase portion9 to which thecup support8 can be connected. Thecup support8 may be integral with the positioning means22aor be a separable part.
• Theextraction head4 of themodule2 comprises an aperture to which a capsule-holder18 suitable for receiving acapsule30 can be connected.
• Thebase station1 according to the shown embodiment of the system comprises asupport area23awhich is provided at a top portion of thebody1aof the base station. Thereby, thesupport area23ais enclosed by positioning means23b.The positioning means23bis preferably an upwardly protruding edge specifically designed for enclosing thebase portion9 of themodule2. Moreover, dedicated positioning means22bare provided at a front portion of thebase station1 suitable for interacting with the positioning means22aof themodule2. Accordingly, the positioning means22aof themodule2 can be used for positioning respectively connecting both, thecup support8 and thebase station1 to themodule2.
• Themodule2 preferably comprises information means25 such as an LED or a display which enables a feedback whether themodule2 is switched on- or off. Preferably, the information means25 are arranged in vicinity of the on/off-switch21.
• As shown inFIG. 5, themodule2 can be seated on thededicated support area23aof thebase station1. Thereby, a bottom face of thebase portion9 of themodule2 abuts on thesupport area23a.In the connected state, the positioning means22aof themodule2 engage with correspondingly-shaped positioning means22bof thebase station1. Furthermore, dedicated positioning means23benclosebase portion9 of themodule2 in the connected state. At the rear of thebase station1 can be provided alarger capacity reservoir12 for supplying themodule2 in the connected state.
• As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, theextraction head4 can be rotated about an axis C of themodule2 as indicated by arrow Z. Preferably, thewhole body6 and theextraction head4 ofmodule2 can be rotated about axis C. For this purpose, thebody6 preferably compriseslinear grooves26 which are circumferentially provided at thebody6 and in which preferably T-shaped guiding tongues (not shown) are engaged which are connected to thebase portion9 of themodule2. Hence, the guiding rails support and guide thebody6 and theextraction head4 connected tobody6 of themodule2.
• When being rotated about axis C, theextraction head4 of themodule2 can be brought in vicinity ofdrip tray3 respectivelycup support8 being connected to the module2 (when themodule2 is not connected to the base station1). This rotational position of theextraction head4 corresponds to a sleep-mode or storage-mode of themodule2 in which the support of electric energy to at least the heating means10bof themodule2 is disabled. Accordingly, energy can be saved during sleep-mode. Moreover, the required storing space of themodule2 can be minimized in the sleep-respectively storage-mode.
• When rotating theextraction head4 respectively thebody6 back to a position distanced from thedrip tray3 respectively thecup support8, themodule2 is brought from its sleep- or storage-mode into its normal operating mode again and thus, support of electric energy to the heating means10bis enabled. The sleep mode can correspond to a mode at which minimal electrical supply functions are assured or no electrical function is assured. For instance, the sleep mode can simply switch the heater off so to save electrical power during this mode. When the body is rotated back to the normal operating mode, the heater is automatically switched on without further interaction needed with the machine by the user.
• In the shown embodiment, the vertical position of thedrip tray3 connected to the front ofbase station1 can be adapted to a desired height as indicated by arrow Y inFIG. 5.
• As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, themodule2 preferably comprises avalve member50 which is connected between thepump10a,the small-capacity liquid reservoir11 of themodule2 and the water inlet connection means27 thereof. Preferably, thevalve member50 is a three-way-valve designed to selectively supply water from the small-capacity liquid reservoir11 or an external liquid supply connected to the water inlet connection means27 of themodule2.
• When themodule2 is in its autonomous state as shown inFIG. 10, the three-way-valve50 is designed to supply water from the small-capacity reservoir11 of themodule2 to thepump10aand hence to the flow circuit of themodule2. In this state, the valve shuts the line of the inlet connection means27 so that there is no risk of dripping of water out from the base of the module.
• In the docked state of themodule2 and thebase station1 as shown inFIG. 9, wherein both, the small-capacity reservoir11 and the large-capacity reservoir12 of thebase station1 are connected to the three-way-valve50, thevalve50 is preferably designed to supply liquid only from the large-capacity reservoir12 to thepump10a.
• Thereby, thevalve50 may be actuated automatically in the suitable position by the engagement/disengagement of the connection means7bof thebase station1 into thewater inlet connection27 of the module.
• Thevalve50 may as well be designed to switch its supply position from the large-capacity reservoir12 to the small-capacity reservoir11 if no liquid can be drawn from the large-capacity reservoir12, i.e. in case thereservoir12 is empty.
• Further, the valve means50 may as well be designed to supply liquid drawn from the large-capacity reservoir12 of thebase station1 at least partially to a leakage supply (not shown) provided between the valve means50 and thereservoir11 which enables liquid provision to the small-capacity reservoir11 of themodule2, in case the small-capacity reservoir11 is not full of liquid. Accordingly, in the docked state of themodule2, liquid may be provided from the large-capacity reservoir12 of thebase station1 to the small-capacity reservoir11 of themodule1 during the beverage preparation process. Hence, the small-capacity reservoir11 may be automatically filled during beverage-preparation in the docked-state and does not need to be filled manually by the operator.
• FIG. 7ashows a schematic drawing of another preferred embodiment of thebeverage preparation module2, whereby the lowcapacity liquid reservoir29 is integrally connected to arecess34 formed in the rear portion of themodule2. Thereby, thereservoir29 is removably connected to therecess34.
• A compact arrangement of themodule2 is obtained as therecess34 is equipped with water inlet connection means27awhich directly engage with the water outlet connection means28 provided at a base portion of thereservoir29.
• Moreover, thedrip tray39awhich is arranged below theextraction head4 andliquid outlet4aof themodule2 is preferably pivoted at a bottom portion of thebody33 ofmodule2 by means of apivot39b.Accordingly, thecup support39acan be rotated aboutpivot39b(e.g., in counterclockwise direction) to assume a retracted position in which thedrip tray39ais stored in adedicated recess39cformed at the bottom portion ofbody33. Accordingly, the footprint of the shown embodiment of themodule2 can be minimized for storing purposes. Before operation of themodule2 however, thedrip tray39acan be rotated aboutpivot39bin order to assume its extended position as shown inFIG. 7a.
• The drip tray according to the embodiment shown inFIG. 7ais preferably made of rigid plastic or aluminum.
• As shown in an alternative embodiment according toFIG. 7b, instead of the low capacity reservoir29 asupport member35 for anextension conduit36 may be arranged within therear recess34 of themodule2. Thereby, thesupport member35 is preferably a rolling device which preferably serves to roll up theextension conduit36 in order to enable an efficient storing of the conduit within therecess36. Instead of being rolled up, the tube-like extension conduit could as well be placed in therear recess34 which may be closed by a removable door.
• Theextension conduit36 is preferably used for connecting an external liquid reservoir or an external liquid source to the water inlet connection means27aof themodule2. Thereby, theextension conduit36 preferably comprises at least one ending having aconnector member36awhich can be selectively connected to the water inlet connection means27 of themodule2.
• For establishing a connection between themodule2 and an externalliquid source37 as for example a water bottle as shown inFIG. 7c, theextension conduit36 is unrolled from thesupport member35, theconnector member36ais connected to the water inlet connection means27aof themodule2 and the other ending of theextension conduit36 is dunked below thewater line39 of theexternal liquid reservoir37. Accordingly, no dedicated liquid reservoir has to be present within themodule2 and hence, the portability and the independency of themodule2 is significantly enhanced, since any externalliquid source37 can be easily connected to themodule2 in order to prepare a beverage.
• As shown inFIGS. 7band7c, aremovable drip tray38 may be provided to the bottom portion of thebody33 of themodule2. Thedrip tray38 as shown inFIGS. 7band7cis preferably a rubber pad associated as a separate element below themodule2 when dispensing the beverage in the autonomous mode. The pad preferably has a few ridges and may be rinsed under fresh water after use. Accordingly, the footprint of themodule2 can be minimized and the movability and the storage properties of themodule2 are enhanced.
• FIG. 8 shows another preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention, wherein alarge liquid reservoir41 supported by thebase station1 is directly connected to themodule2 according to the embodiment shown inFIG. 7aandFIGS. 7band7crespectively. Thereby, thebase station1 basically corresponds to the base station as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 respectivelyFIGS. 4 to 6.
• As shown inFIG. 8, themodule2 may be connected to thebase station1 such that a liquid outlet connections means28 of thelarge liquid reservoir41 supported by thebase station1 directly engage with the liquid inlet connection means27aof themodule2 which are situated in therear recess34 of themodule2. Thelarge liquid reservoir41 is partially supported by themodule2 and partially supported by thebase station1. Accordingly, a very compact and modular arrangement of thebase station1 and themodule2 can be obtained while at the same time the volume of theliquid reservoir41 of the system is maximized.
• In the connected state as shown in the figure, therotatable drip tray39aof themodule2 is in its retracted position and thus, housed by therecess39c.Accordingly, themodule2 can be perfectly fitted onto therecess7bofbase station1 and thedrip tray3 of thebase station1 can be used.
• As shown in the figure, theelectrical cable16aof themodule2 may be guided through a providedhole42aformed in therecess7bof thebase station1 and a passage or groove42bconnected to thehole42ato a rear portion of thebase station1.
• Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, many modifications and alternations may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of this invention which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (8)

1. A system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients provided within a capsule or pod, the system comprising:

a base station comprising a water reservoir;

an autonomous beverage preparation module comprising an extraction head and being removably connectable to the base station from an autonomous-use mode to a docked-use mode;

the autonomous module comprises a water inlet connection;

the autonomous module and the base station respectively comprise matching positioning members which engage when the beverage preparation module is connected to the base station in the docked position; and

an alternative water supply and water outlet connection adapted for connecting to the water inlet connection of the module for supplying water to the module when the module is in the autonomous-use mode.

2. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the positioning are designed to position the beverage preparation module on the base station such that a drip tray of the base station is positioned vertically below a liquid outlet of the module.

3. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the alternative water supply comprises a liquid reservoir connectable to the module and having a water capacity smaller than the water reservoir of the base station.

4. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the alternative water supply comprises a flexible water drawing tube and a water outlet connection connected to the inlet connection, the tube being unfoldable for assuring a temporary fluid connection of the module to an external water supply source.

5. A modular system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients provided within a capsule or pod, the system comprising:

at least one base station comprising a water reservoir;

an autonomous beverage preparation module comprising an extraction head and being removably connectable to the base station from an autonomous-use mode to a docked-use mode;

and

the base station comprising at least one functional accessory providing additional functions to the system selected from the group consisting of a digital data communication terminal, a media player, a low-voltage charging terminal for mobile devices and combinations thereof.

6. The modular system according toclaim 5, comprising a selection of at least two base stations comprising at least one different functional accessory associated with each one.

7. The modular system according toclaim 5, comprising additional functional accessories selected from the group consisting of a cup heater, a water chilling device, a milk frother, a sweetener dispenser, spoon dispenser and combinations thereof.

8. A beverage device comprising:

a body having a recess for receiving a small-capacity reservoir in a storage mode, the reservoir being displaceable from its storage mode into a water connection mode to a water inlet of the body, and the device having a smaller footprint in the storage mode than in the water connection mode.

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