Modular device for preparing coffee, milk and infusion-based beverages

Abstract

A modular device (10) for preparing coffee, milk and infusion-based beverages, comprising a base (12) connected to an electrical and water supply network, one or more modules (14) for dispensing beverages, the modules (14) being coupled to the base (12) and functionally identical or different from each other and completely independent from each other, the module (14) comprises mechanical means for constraining relative to the base (12) and means for electrically and hydraulically coupling with the same base (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular device for preparing beverages based on coffee, milk and an infusion. More particularly, the present invention relates to a professional device of modular construction for preparing beverages and recipes based on coffee, milk and an infusion, for use in establishments or commercial premises such as bars, cafes, restaurants, etc. As is known, with particular but not limited reference to the preparation of coffee-based beverages, extraction processes are used using boiling water and coffee powder obtained by grinding coffee beans, wherein said extraction processes can be divided into two main categories defined by immersion and percolation. Background Art

[0002] The broad category of steeping includes brewing and infusion techniques, in which ground coffee is allowed to boil in boiling water for several minutes, for example in Ethiopian (Jebena), Turkish (Ibrik), Arabic (Dallah), and similar preparations.

[0003] On the other hand, the macroscopic scope of percolation involves the use of a filter plate consisting of coffee grounds through which boiling water is passed (e.g., filtration techniques and pressure techniques, among which one can find steam pressure techniques, such as coffee obtained with a moka pot, and pump pressure techniques, such as espresso).

[0004] As is known, the preparation of good coffee is related to different factors, which are defined by good raw materials (water and coffee), by a good machine for preparing the drink, by a good grinder for obtaining the coffee powder and also by a good operator in charge of preparing the drink.

[0005] Machines for preparing beverages based on coffee, milk and infusion are of various types and may be semi-automatic, automatic or manual.

[0006] Typically, a professional machine or device for preparing beverages based on coffee, milk and infusions comprises: a body machine defining the human-machine interface and including the devices required for operating the machine or device; one or more dispenser groups for the beverages (e.g., a coffee dispenser); a boiler for water / steam, one or more spray guns for dispensing steam for frothing milk; one or more spray guns for dispensing hot water for preparing infusions; a discharge bowl; a cup warmer (usually arranged on the top of the body machine, on the side opposite to the support on the plane); a frame for constraining and supporting the hydraulic, thermal and electrical systems of the machine or device itself; a docking station for the water network (defined by pipes and pumps); a docking station for the electrical network (defined by cables and electrical boxes); an electrical system; a hydraulic system (including pipes, taps, volume counters, electric valves). Furthermore, these machines or devices have an ever-increasing size and footprint (understood as width extension), depending on the number of dispenser groups present, and are dedicated to dispensing coffee or other beverages to meet the diverse needs of customers.

[0007] For this purpose, a machine or device has been developed, comprising: distribution groups, which are independent of each other and connected with respect to electrical and hydraulic supplies, a central power supply; and a central pump, which draws water from the water supply network and supplies each group and the water / steam boiler (also individual).

[0008] Some conventional devices use thermal units in which the water is drawn off or temperature-regulated by means of a heat exchanger positioned in the boiler (which is single), which entails disadvantages associated with strong dependencies between the various components and limited regulation possibilities.

[0009] Other types of machines or devices include a structure with a base element to which several modules defining a dispensing group are assembled, the base element including the boiler and the electrical and electronic components, and to which the individual modules are connected for the power supply and the hydraulic supply (as in, for example, the device for preparing drinks from capsules described in EP 3 302 184).

[0010] However, although these solutions are characterized by a modular structure that allows taking into account different needs depending on the type of product allocated, they also have disadvantages related to the fact that the modules are dependent on a central element in a "master / slave" type configuration, in which the basic element defines the "master" structure.

[0011] Due to the above-mentioned problems, these known devices or machines also bring inconveniences related to the difficulty of reconfiguring the machine or device itself and maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0013] More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a modular device for preparing hot and cold coffee, milk and infusion based drinks. Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular device in which the modules are completely independent of each other and do not define a "master / slave" type configuration.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly flexible device with high capacity / configuration possibilities in order to take into account different needs in terms of dispensing coffee-based beverages or the like.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular device that is easy to maintain in case of repair, replacement or control operations.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular device that allows maintaining the regularity of the modules' operation even if one of the modules fails. Another object of the present invention is to provide the user with a modular device for preparing beverages based on coffee, milk, etc., suitable for ensuring high reliability and durability, making it easy and economical to implement.

[0017] These and other objects are achieved by the invention having the features specified in claim 1 .

[0018] According to the present invention, a modular device for preparing a beverage based on coffee, milk, and an infusion is provided, comprising: a base connected to the electrical and water supply networks; one or more modules for dispensing the beverage, one or more modules being coupled to the base, the one or more modules being functionally identical or different and completely independent of one another, the modules comprising mechanical means for restraining the module relative to the base and means for electrical and water coupling relative to the same base. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The construction and functional characteristics of the modular device for the preparation of beverages based on coffee, milk and infusion according to the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show an embodiment of the invention given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, and in which:

[0020] Figure 1 schematically represents a front view of a modular device for preparing a beverage based on coffee, milk and an infusion according to the invention, according to an exemplary assembly configuration, and more particularly according to a configuration comprising three modules for preparing said beverage;

[0021] Figure 2A top view schematically illustrates the components of the modular device of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematically shows a top view of the constituent elements of a modular device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 Schematically shows the reference Figure 2 A bottom view of the components of the modular device of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 Schematically shows the reference Figure 1 An axonometric view of the components of the modular device of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Schematic representation of a module for preparing a beverage according to a front axonometric view and a rear axonometric view, respectively;

[0026] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The components of the individual modules are schematically represented according to a front axonometric view and a rear axonometric view, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] With reference to the above-mentioned figures, a modular device for preparing beverages based on coffee, milk and infusion is indicated as a whole by 10 in the figures, comprising: a base 12; one or more modules 14 for dispensing beverages, the modules 14 being arranged relative to the base 12 so as to be functionally identical or different from each other and completely independent of each other; a possible cup warming structure 15 ( Figure 1 and Figure 4 ).

[0028] The width extension of the base 12 is proportional to the number of modules 14 required and includes means for mechanically housing the individual modules 14 and for connecting them to electrical and hydraulic supplies, as described in more detail below.

[0029] Each individual module 14 has the function of converting the raw materials (coffee, milk and infusion) to dispense a beverage and is characterized by being completely autonomous with respect to the operation of the other modules, having its own electronics, user interface, thermal system, hydraulic system, software and firmware, and possibly its own two-way telemetry system.

[0030] The width extension of the base 12 is a function of the number of modules 14 that the base 12 must accommodate, the base 12 includes a device for supporting a plane, for example defined by a foot 17, and the base 12 includes: a base plate element 16; a pair of transversely opposite and parallel profiles 18, the profiles 18 are arranged transversely to the width extension of the plate element 16 and are arranged at the end portion of the plate element 16; one or more further transverse profiles 19, the transverse profiles 19 are arranged parallel to the profiles 18 and are arranged in an intermediate position relative to the profiles 18; a longitudinal profile 20, the longitudinal profile 20 is arranged at one of the width extension sides of the plate element 16, and the longitudinal profile 20 together with the transversely opposite and parallel profiles 18 and one or more further transverse profiles 19 define a "U"-shaped cavity 22, which defines a seating portion for accommodating the individual modules 14.

[0031] In the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, the possible cup-warming structure 15 is stabilized in a removable manner relative to the base 12 by side uprights 15 ′ constrained relative to the transversely opposite and parallel profiles 18 of the base, as well as by a rear upright 15 ″ constrained on the opposite side relative to the insertion of the module 14 into the cavity 22 of the base 12 to the longitudinal profile 20 .

[0032] According to an alternative embodiment, the cup warmer 15 is removably stabilized relative to the single module 14 and can itself be modular, adapted to the number and / or type of modules stabilized relative to the base.

[0033] The longitudinal profile 20 defines: a seat for positioning a device for docking with a water network 23; a seat for a tubular element for distributing water to the base 12 (and the module 14); a seat for an independent tubular element 25, which is used to distribute water to the module 14; a seat for a cable 26 for docking with an electrical network, which includes wiring (not depicted) for distributing the power supply to the individual modules 14 through the device described below; a seat for a hydraulic connector 27, which is arranged at each individual cavity 22 for accommodating a module 14; and a seat for an electrical connector 28, which is also arranged at each individual cavity 22 for accommodating a module 14.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2A , an independent dedicated water supplier 23 ′ may be provided for each single module so as to supply different water sources to the module according to its own purpose and operating characteristics.

[0035] Each cavity 22 includes a mechanical device for installing / assembling the single module 14, the mechanical device including opposite and parallel first guide members 30 and a second guide member 31 arranged at an intermediate position between the first guide members 30, for configuring the coupling device of each module 14 to: facilitate the assembly of the single module 14 relative to the base 12, couple the single module 14 with a hydroelectric docking device, and prevent any vertical displacement of the single module relative to the base.

[0036] At the front end of each second guide 31 , a fitting 32 of a discharge bowl is arranged, which is intended to be connected to a corresponding coupling device of each cell module 14 .

[0037] On the lower front, on the side opposite to the side of the cavity 22 housing the module 14 , the base 12 houses a discharge manifold comprising a nipple 34 and a pipe 37 connected to the discharge tubular 24 by means of said nipple.

[0038] Reference module 14 (eg Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), the modules 14 can be functionally different from each other and completely independent of each other, the modules 14 having width and depth dimensions corresponding to the width and depth dimensions of the cavity 22 of the base 12, the modules 14 having means for connecting to the cavity and means for connecting to the power grid and the water grid.

[0039] The means for coupling with the cavity 22 of the base 12 and the means for connecting to the electrical and water networks are formed on a block or drawer 44 which is stabilized at the lower front of the cell module 14 .

[0040] The device for connecting to the cavity 22 of the base 12 includes: a pair of opposite and parallel tracks 40, which are suitable for connecting to the pair of opposite and parallel first guide members 30; and an additional track 42, which is located in an intermediate position relative to the tracks 40 and is suitable for connecting to the second guide member 31 of the base 12.

[0041] The connection to the water network comprises a hydraulic connector 45 for coupling to the hydraulic connector 27 of the single cavity 22 of the base 12 , and the means for connecting to the electrical network comprise an electrical connector 46 , preferably a female electrical connector 46 , for coupling to the corresponding (male) electrical connector 28 of the single cavity 22 .

[0042] Said block or drawer 44 comprises a fitting 43 adapted to couple with the fitting 32 of the cavity 22 of the base 12 , wherein said fitting is formed on a front portion 44 ′ of the block or drawer 44 on the side opposite to the side of the electrical and hydraulic connectors.

[0043] The block or drawer 44 is also used to connect and support a basin 48 (the basin 48 is suitable for defining a support and a compartment, the support being for a cup to be filled with a drink and the compartment being used to collect the residues of the drink that flows out of the drink dispensing device of the module or from the drink residue that flows out of the cup itself), the basin 48 being constrained to the front part 44 ′ of the block or drawer 44.

[0044] From the above it can be seen that the advantages achieved by the modular device for preparing beverages based on coffee, milk etc. according to the present invention are evident.

[0045] The modular device for preparing beverages based on coffee, milk, etc., according to the invention advantageously allows defining a structure in which the individual modules are completely independent of one another in terms of electrical and hydraulic supply, thus creating a highly flexible device with high capacity / high configuration possibilities, taking into account different needs in dispensing coffee-based beverages, etc. (for example, the possibility of using modules for different types of water or coffee, etc., or the possibility of using modules defining different temperature or pressure profiles according to specific needs).

[0046] A further advantage is that maintenance of the device is easy in the event of repair, replacement or inspection operations; in fact, in the event of inspection or repair of a module, the other modules can continue to operate and, moreover, any faulty module to be inspected or subjected to maintenance can be replaced without difficulty by a completely equivalent module.

[0047] A further advantage of the device according to the invention is that it constitutes a solution that is scalable over time.

[0048] Although the present invention has been described above with particular reference to embodiments given by way of non-limiting example only, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. It is therefore intended that the present invention encompass all modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular device (10) for preparing a beverage based on coffee, milk and an infusion, characterized in that The modular device (10) comprises a base (12) connected to an electricity and water supply network, and comprising one or more seats for housing one or more modules (14) for dispensing beverages, one or more modules (14) being coupled to the base (12) and being functionally identical or different and completely independent of each other, and comprising mechanical means for restraining the module (14) relative to the base (12), the mechanical means being adapted to be coupled to corresponding means for mounting / assembling the individual modules (14). The invention relates to a method for connecting a plurality of modules (14) to a base (12) and a corresponding device thereof, wherein the corresponding device is included in a seating portion for accommodating one or more modules (14), and the module (14) includes a device for electrically connecting to and connecting to water with the same base (12), and the device for electrically connecting to and connecting to water with the same base (12) is suitable for connecting to a device for docking with the water network and the power grid of the base (12), and one or more seating portions for accommodating one or more modules (14) include an assembly part (32) of a discharge bowl, and the assembly part (32) is used to connect to the corresponding connection device of each single module (14).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The base (12) comprises a width extension which is a function of the number of modules (14) that the base (12) has to accommodate, and the base (12) comprises: a base plate-like element (16); a pair of transversely opposite and parallel profiles (18) arranged transversely to the width extension of the plate-like element (16) and at the end portions of the plate-like element (16); one or more further transverse profiles (19) arranged transversely opposite and parallel to the width extension of the plate-like element (16); The parallel profiles (18) are parallel and arranged in a central position relative to the laterally opposite and parallel profiles (18); a longitudinal profile (20) is arranged at one of the widthwise longitudinally extended sides of the plate-like element (16), the longitudinal profile (20) together with the laterally opposite and parallel profiles (18) and one or more further transverse profiles (19) realizing a "U"-shaped cavity (22), the cavity (22) defining a seat for accommodating the single module (14).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The longitudinal profile (20) defines: seats for positioning the devices for docking with the water network (23, 23') and corresponding in number to the modules (14); seats for the discharge tubular element (24); seats for independent tubular elements (25) for distributing water to the base (12) and the modules (14); seats for cables (26) for docking with the electrical supply network, including cables for supplying electricity to the water supply network; Wiring to be allocated to the cell modules (14); a seat for a hydraulic connector (27), which is arranged at each cell cavity (22) for housing the module (14), for supplying water to the module (14); a seat for an electrical connector (28), which is also arranged at each cell cavity (22) for housing the module (14), for supplying electricity to the module (14).

4. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that Each cavity (22) of the base (12) includes a device for installing / assembling the single-unit module (14), the installation / assembly device including opposite and parallel first guides (30) and a second guide (31) arranged in an intermediate position between the first guides (30), each second guide (31) including a discharge bowl assembly (32) at the front end, the discharge bowl assembly (32) being used to connect with the corresponding coupling device of each single-unit module (14).

5. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that Each module (14) has a width dimension and a depth dimension corresponding to the width dimension and the depth dimension of the cavity (22) of the base (12), and the module (14) includes a device for mechanically coupling with the cavity and a device for connecting with the power grid and the water network, and the device for mechanically coupling with the cavity (22) and the device for connecting with the power grid and the water network are formed on a block or drawer-type member (44), and the block or drawer-type member (44) remains stable at the lower front of the single module (14).

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The device for mechanically coupling to the cavity (22) of the base (12) comprises: a pair of opposite and parallel tracks (40), the tracks (40) being adapted to couple to the pair of opposite and parallel first guides (30); and a further track (42) being located in an intermediate position relative to the tracks (40) and being adapted to couple to the second guides (31) of the base (12).

7. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The means for connecting to the water network comprise a hydraulic connector (45) for coupling to a hydraulic connector (27) of a single cavity (22) of the base (12), and the means for connecting to the electrical network comprise an electrical connector (46), preferably a female electrical connector for coupling to a corresponding male electrical connector (28) of a single cavity (22).

8. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The device comprises a bowl (48) defining a support for a cup to be filled with a drink and a compartment for collecting the residues of the drink that escape from the module or from the cup itself, the bowl (48) being constrained to the front portion (44') of the block or drawer (44).

9. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The device comprises a cup warming structure (15) covering one or more modules (14), wherein the cup warming structure (15) is stable relative to the base and is removably stable relative to the base (12).

10. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The device comprises a cup warming structure (15) which is removably stabilized relative to a single module (14) and comprises a modular structure adapted to the number and / or type of modules (14) which are stabilized relative to the base.

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