Modular system for preparing beverages and processes for operating said system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems comprising at least one type of machine (1) for preparing beverages, in particular aromatic beverages such as espresso coffee for example, which machine (1) has a plurality of structural modules (11) configured as structural blocks, allowing for improved maintenance and customization of the machine (1), particularly simple and quick replacement of fluid devices (41, 42, 43). The present disclosure further relates to processes for dispensing beverages comprising at least two different types of machine (1, 1') that comprise structural modules (11) having at least one similar aspect, as well as to processes for operating said systems.

Description

MODULAR SYSTEM FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES AND OPERATION PROCESSES OF THIS SYSTEM TECHNICAL DOMAIN

[0001] The present description relates to the field of beverage preparation systems comprising beverage preparation machines operable by mixing portions of edible beverage precursor substance with a fluid flow, such as espresso coffee machines, as well as to processes for operating said systems. BACKGROUND

[0002] The state of the art includes several machines for preparing beverages of the type of the present disclosure and presenting a modular construction.

[0003] Document EP 0761150 BI discloses a coffee machine comprising several independent modules arranged so that they can be fitted into the housing chassis, each of which, in its subsequent phase, has at least one connecting element that can be respectively coupled, in the fitted state, to a corresponding connecting element in the housing chassis. Furthermore, the connecting elements are connected to each other in a corresponding manner in the housing chassis by means of cables or conduits. In particular, the machine has a rack-type configuration with several drawers arranged in a vertical alignment. Furthermore, several fluid devices are in this case retained in a single drawer-type support arranged inside the machine housing, such that access to at least one of the devices requires opening at least part of the machine housing, or a respective drawer, and replacing the device in question.

[0004] Document EP 2203094 BI discloses a coffee machine comprising a support element arranged in the machine housing, the support element being formed by a cubic structure and intended to accommodate the components for prepare hot water and steam. Furthermore, the machine's housing is subdivided into two compartments: a front compartment to house the components for preparing and dispensing coffee, and a rear compartment to house the support element.

[0005] Document EP 2278900 BI discloses a process for producing a machine that has a group of components that includes an extraction unit, an in-line heating device, a pump, one or more fluid connection members for connecting a liquid from a liquid source, such as a liquid tank, to a beverage outlet, an electrical control unit, one or more electrical sensors, and connecting at least two or three components automatically, in particular by one or more assembly devices such as robots or automatons.

[0006] Document EP 3563731 BI discloses a machine that provides ease of access to heating and fluid pressurization devices, but does not reveal a modular construction intrinsically associated with these.

[0007] Most machines for preparing aromatic beverages by extracting an edible substance, such as espresso coffee, tea infusion, and similar products, include flow pressurization devices, particularly pump-type devices. These devices are somewhat sensitive to transport conditions and may require maintenance over the course of their lifespan. It is therefore advantageous for flow pressurization and heating devices to be easily replaced without the need to disassemble the machine or send it for repair, and without substantially interrupting the operation of the beverage preparation machine.

[0008] None of the above documents presents a solution in view of the modular configuration and arrangement of fluid devices in a beverage preparation machine.

[0009] These facts are described in order to illustrate the technical problem solved by the achievements of this document. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a beverage preparation system comprising at least one type of machine having a modular construction configured to provide better operation, including better ease of immediate replacement of main components by users in case of failure, manually and without requiring the use of tools, minimizing the period of interruption of operation of the machine.

[0011] This objective is solved according to the present disclosure by means of a beverage preparation system according to claim 1, with other embodiments being described in the dependent claims.

[0012] In particular, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the system comprises a machine comprising a plurality of modules configured as building blocks whose modularity is intrinsically associated with the main fluid devices of the machine, so that it provides replacement of any of these fluid devices individually without the need to open a machine envelope box to access the fluid devices, or to remove the fluid devices from their machine attachments and fluid connections using a tool.

[0013] The machine may consist of, or comprise, at least two construction modules that have a box shape with functional connections, at least for energy and fluid, so that they can be functionally connected in an operating position with at least one neighboring construction module.

[0014] In one embodiment, the construction modules further have retaining connections so that they can be connected in an operating position with at least one neighboring construction module.

[0015] In one embodiment, the machine comprises at least one of: a fluid pressure device and a fluid heating device, and further comprises a beverage preparation device, preferably operable by means of individual portion of beverage precursor substance.

[0016] In one embodiment, each of said fluid devices is confined within a respective operative module so as to provide for individual replacement of any of the fluid operable devices.

[0017] The machine may comprise a plurality of building modules configured as functionally connectable building blocks, thereby providing machine operability.

[0018] In one embodiment, two construction modules comprise respective external boxes (110) that have at least one external dimension, for example width (Wi), preferably at least two external dimensions, for example width (Wi) and height (Hi), more preferably three external dimensions, at least approximately equal.

[0019] In one embodiment, the machine according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of fluid-operated devices, including fluid heating, fluid pressurizing, and fluid-and-beverage precursor substance mixing devices, provided in upstream-to-downstream functional connection between a fluid supply source and the beverage discharge to a drinking vessel, and is operable by regulating the operation of these devices.

[0020] The beverage preparation machine allows carrying out a process which includes heating at least one processing fluid to a temperature of at least 50 °C, preferably at least 80 °C, and compressing at least one processing fluid to a pressure of at least 0.2 MPa, preferably at least 0.8 MPa.

[0021] The machine according to the present disclosure can be operated by amounts of edible substance previously dimensioned for preparation of corresponding individual portions, for example espresso type coffee, or multiple portions, for example a mug of drip coffee.

[0022] The machine according to the present disclosure can be operated to prepare coffee, milk, tea, and the like, and in this preparation water, milk, coffee, and the like can be used as the processing fluid.

[0023] The machine may be configured so as to further provide for the production of milk foam, in particular by means of flow mixing means comprising a milk foam preparation device by sucking milk and mixing it with a flow of water vapor supplied by a fluid pressurization device.

[0024] In one embodiment, the milk foam preparation device is provided as a removable part arranged adjacent to an edible substance collection device, in particular an extraction group, and directly above a beverage discharge arrangement.

[0025] In one embodiment, the system comprises beverage preparation machines including construction modules according to at least one of: compatible with at least two different machines, and functionally connectable to each other, so that they adapt to at least two different types of machines.

[0026] A further object of the present disclosure is to enable processes of operating beverage preparation systems of the type of the present disclosure, including the possibility of replacing individual components of beverage preparation machines, in particular fluid-operable devices, in particular a machine configured operable by an individual portion of a beverage precursor substance and so that it can discharge beverage into a drinking vessel, the machine including a plurality of fluid-operable devices in fluid connection downstream of a fluid source (FS) and upstream of a beverage discharge (BD).

[0027] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a modular system for preparing beverages comprising a machine (1) operable by beverage precursor substance; the machine (1) including a plurality of fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) provided with a fluid connection downstream of a fluid source (FS) and a fluid connection upstream of a beverage discharge (BD) for operating said machine (1); wherein at least two, in particular any one, of the plurality of fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) is replaceable by means of a manual movement of a respective operative constructive module (11); wherein each operative constructive module includes one or more respective fluid-operable devices.

[0028] In one embodiment, the machine (1) of the system comprises in the plurality of fluid-operable devices at least one of: a fluid pressure device (41) and a fluid heating device (42); and further comprises a beverage preparation device (43), preferably operable by an individual portion (2) of a beverage precursor substance; wherein each of the plurality of fluid-operable devices is configured to be confined within an operative building module (11) to allow replacement of any of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) individually; and / or wherein the machine (1) comprises a plurality of building modules (11, 12) configured as functionally connectable building blocks, preferably the machine includes at least two building modules (11), each of the building modules comprising an outer housing (110).

[0029] In one embodiment, the machine (1) of the system comprises at least two building modules (11, 12) functionally connectable to one another by means of corresponding fluid and energy connections (101, 102), preferably wherein the fluid and energy connections (101, 102) are arranged on outer faces of respective module housings (110) so that the building modules (11, 12) can be arranged in an operating position retained next to one another; and / or wherein the machine (1) comprises at least two operating building modules (11) of at least approximately the same shape and interconnectable to one another by means of fluid and energy connections (101, 102) arranged on mutually opposite outer faces and / or on concurrent outer faces.

[0030] In one embodiment, the machine (1) of the system comprises construction modules (11, 12) configured according to at least one of: such that all construction modules present respective fluid and energy connections (101, 102) arranged in regions corresponding with the energy and fluid connections of neighboring construction modules (11, 12) arranged operatively upstream and / or downstream; such that at least part of the construction modules present at least one retaining connection (103) associated with the respective module box (110) and configured for retaining, preferably manually removable retaining, of the construction module (11) relative to other components of the machine (1); such that that at least part of the fluid devices (41, 42, 43), preferably any of the fluid devices (41, 42, 43), can be individually replaced without requiring at least one of: use of a tool, opening of part of a machine envelope (1), direct and individual removal of retaining fluid-operable devices; so that the fluid pressure device (41) and / or the fluid heating device (42) can be individually replaced by manually removing and retaining a respective operating constructive module (111a, 111b), without the need to remove another operating constructive module (112).

[0031] In one embodiment, the machine (1) of the system comprises a connecting construction module (12) configured for functional connection to operative construction modules (111, 112) upstream and downstream thereof; wherein the construction modules are manually removable.

[0032] In one embodiment, the machine (1) of the system comprises a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) including module boxes (110) with box walls (1101) having respective fluid and energy connections (101, 102) configured according to at least one of: such that any two construction modules (11, 12) to be functionally connected can be connected by means of gearing between respective module boxes (110); such that all fluid and energy connections (101, 102) of the construction modules (11, 12) to be functionally connected are connected in an operative position if the module boxes (110) are in the same previously defined relative position, and / or if the box walls (1101) are next to each other;so that the fluid and energy connections (101, 102) can only be connected if the module boxes (110) of the building blocks (11, 12) are located at least in close proximity to one another, preferably against one another; so that the functionally connected fluid and energy connections (101, 102) are not accessible from outside the machine (1).;

[0033] In one embodiment, the machine (1) of the system comprises a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) including module boxes (110) with box walls (1101) that present respective fluid and energy connections (101, 102) both configured with respective closed perimeter portions, for example of tubular or similar type, so that they provide form-fitting meshing between respective building modules (11, 12) to be functionally connected and thereby between respective fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43); and / or wherein the machine (1) comprises a plurality of building modules (11, 12) including module housings (110) with housing walls (1101) having respective fluid and energy connections (101, 102) configured with a corresponding form of form-fitting meshing, preferably under pressure, thereby allowing functional connection and at least partial retention between building modules (11, 12) to be functionally connected to each other.

[0034] In one embodiment, the machine (1) of the system comprises a plurality of building modules (11, 12) with at least one respective box wall (1101) of module boxes (110) having fluid and energy connections (101, 102), said fluid and energy connections configured according to at least one of: configured in only one box wall (1101) or in two concomitant box walls (1101) of module box (110) to allow functional connection between neighboring building modules (11, 12); with fluid connections (101) arranged in opposite box wall regions (1101) of energy connections (102), to allow functional connection between respective building modules (11, 12) and thus between respective fluid and energy operable devices (41, 42, 43); configured as positive joint fitting elements, in particular of the male-female type, to allow removable connection between construction modules (11, 12);configured as snap-fit ​​elements to allow retention of the respective construction modules (11, 12) in an axial direction of the form fit; devoid of retaining means actuatable in a direction transverse to the axial direction of the form fit.;

[0035] In one embodiment, the machine (1) of the system comprises a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) with respective module boxes (110) presenting fluid connections (101) configured according to at least one of: presenting a tubular portion that extends outwards from a module box (110) of a first construction module (11; 12) and towards the interior of the module box (110) of a second construction module (11; 12); presenting at least one fluid connection (101) in the case of operative construction modules (101) and at least three fluid connections (101) in the case of a connecting construction module (12); each fluid connection (101) comprising a fluid check valve type device; and / or wherein the machine (1) comprises a plurality of functionally connectable construction modules (11, 12) and with respective module boxes (110) having energy connections (102) configured in accordance with at least one of: having a tubular portion extending outwards from a module box (110) of a first construction module (11; 12) and into the module box (110) of a second construction module (11; 12); having one energy connection (102) in the case of operative construction modules (101) and at least two energy connections (102) in the case of a connecting construction module (12); each power link (102) comprising a plurality of electrical power conductors.

[0036] In one embodiment, the machine (1) of the system comprises a plurality of building modules (11, 12), preferably two or three building modules (11, 12), which are functionally connected and have retention connections (103) configured for manual operation providing retention, preferably comprising additional retention of fluid and energy connections (101, 102) between pairs of building modules (11, 12) functionally connected to retain all building modules (11, 12) in an operative position.

[0037] In one embodiment, the system comprises at least two types of machines (1, 1') including construction modules (11, 12) compatible with at least two different machines (1, 1') and / or including construction modules (11, 12) functionally connectable to each other to allow at least two different types of machines (1, 1').

[0038] In one embodiment, the system comprises different machines (1, 1') comprising construction modules (11, 12) of the same type and at least one respective construction module (12, 12') with the same function and of a different type; and / or where the system comprises different machines (1, 1') comprising a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) connected to each other through connection and retention means (10) of the same type.

[0039] In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one of: construction modules (11, 12) of the same type, preferably at least operative construction modules (11) that enclose respective fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) of the same type, and configured so that operative construction modules (11) of the same type are compatible with machines (1, 1') of different types; construction modules (11, 11'; 12, 12') of different types, preferably at least connecting construction modules (12, 12') that enclose fluid and energy connections between operative construction modules (11) and do not enclose any fluid-operable device (41, 42, 43) of different types, to allow machines (1, 1') of different types.

[0040] In one embodiment, the system comprises construction modules (11, 12) of the same type, including at least one of: a shape of the module box (110) at least approximately the same, preferably of at least one of: first operative construction modules (111, 112) comprising heating and fluid pressurization devices (41, 42), and a second construction module (112) comprising a beverage preparation device (43); at least one of functional and retaining connections (101, 102, 103) arranged in at least approximately equal relative positions and correspondingly configured in respective construction modules (11, 11'), so that they provide a form-fitting connection; and / or where the system comprises construction modules (11, 12) of a different type, including at least one of: at least one of a different outer shape and different outer dimension of the respective module box (110);at least one of a different number and relative position of fluid connections (101); different fluid operable device (41, 42, 43);

[0041] In one embodiment, the machine (1) of the system is configured to be operable by an individual portion (2) of a beverage precursor substance is further configured to discharge the beverage into a drinking vessel (3).

[0042] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of operating a modular beverage preparation system, comprising a beverage precursor substance-operable beverage preparation machine (1), the machine (1) including a plurality of fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) provided with a fluid connection downstream of a fluid source (FS) and a fluid connection upstream of a beverage discharge (BD); wherein the method includes a step of replacing one of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43), preferably at least two of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) by manually replacing a respective operative constructive module (11) of the machine (1) with a respective replacement operative constructive module (11).

[0043] In particular, the process includes a step of manually removing a construction module in relation to other construction modules, and preferably said removal step is not preceded by a step of opening or removing another part of the machine.

[0044] In one embodiment, the process is devoid of a step of opening a portion of a machine housing in situ or ex situ, or of sending the entire machine for repair at an ex situ location.

[0045] Within the scope of this disclosure, it is considered that in situ corresponds to the location where the machine is operated by a user, and ex situ corresponds to a location remote from the in situ location and / or where repair of a machine component can be carried out. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0046] For easier understanding, the figures are attached, which represent preferred embodiments that are not intended to limit the scope of this description.

[0047] Figure 1: Schematic side view of a first embodiment of a machine (1) according to the invention comprising operative construction modules (11).

[0048] Figure 2: Schematic side view of a second embodiment of a machine (1) comprising operative construction modules (11).

[0049] Figure 3: Schematic side view of a third embodiment of a machine (1) comprising operating construction modules (11) and a connection construction module (12).

[0050] Figure 4: Schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of a machine (1) comprising operating construction modules (11) and a connection construction module (12).

[0051] Figure 5: perspective view from above and from the front side of an embodiment of a first machine (1).

[0052] Figure 6: Perspective view from above and from the front of the machine (1) according to Figure 5.

[0053] Figure 7: Side and front views of the machine (1) according to Figure 5.

[0054] Figure 8: side sectional view of the machine (1) according to Figure 5.

[0055] Figure 9: perspective view from above and from the front side of an embodiment of a second machine (1').

[0056] Figure 10: Side view of the machine (1') according to Figure 9.

[0057] Figure 11: Top view of the machine (1') according to Figure 9.

[0058] Figure 12: Front and rear views of the machine (1') according to Figure 9.

[0059] Figure 13: first exploded perspective view of a machine (1) according to Figures 5 to 8.

[0060] Figure 14: Second exploded perspective view of a machine (1) according to Figures 5 to 8.

[0061] Figure 15: exploded perspective view of a construction module (111) enclosing a fluid heating device (42).

[0062] Figure 16: Front side elevation views of a construction module (111) enclosing a fluid heating device (42).

[0063] Figure 17: Side sectional view of a construction module (111) confining a fluid heating device (42).

[0064] Figure 18: Detail view of the retaining connection (103) of a construction module (111) confining a fluid heating device (42).

[0065] Figure 19: Top view of a connection module (12) with associated second operating module (112).

[0066] Figure 20: Perspective view of a connection module (12) and respective retention connections (103) for a second operating module (112).

[0067] Figure 21: Exploded perspective view of a connection module (12) and its fluid and energy components and connections (101, 102).

[0068] Figure 22: Side sectional view of a connection module (12) and its components and fluid and energy connections (101, 102) and retention connections (103), in functional connection position with a second operating module (112). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The present disclosure relates to beverage preparation systems comprising machines (1) for preparing beverages and portions of edible substances, the machines (1) comprising a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) presenting respective module boxes (110) functionally connectable to each other manually.

[0070] For the purpose of simplification of the examples, the description will be made based on machines (1) configured operable by individual portions (2) of edible beverage precursor substance, including fluid-operable devices downstream of a fluid container (FR) and upstream of a beverage discharge (BD) into a drinking container (3).

[0071] Figures 1 to 4 represent four embodiments of a machine (1) for preparing beverages according to the present disclosure, adapted for the preparation of aromatic beverages, such as espresso coffee, tea and the like, through the extraction of a respective individual portion (2) in an extraction chamber, by means of a pressurized fluid flow upstream, so as to obtain a respective drink via a downstream drink discharge (BD) into a drinking container (3).

[0072] This type of beverage preparation machine based on a single portion (2) is known to a person skilled in the art, so that a more detailed description of the respective components is omitted here.

[0073] In the case of the embodiments represented in Figures 1 and 2, the machines (1) represented comprise only operative construction modules (11), in particular a first construction module (111) comprising a fluid pressurization device (41) and a fluid heating device (42), and a second construction module (112) enclosing a beverage preparation device (43) upstream of a beverage discharge (BD).

[0074] The machine (1) represented in Figure 1 comprises a first operating module (11) that encloses the fluid pressurization (41) and fluid heating (42) devices, and is configured so that it can be directly retained in functional connection of fluid and energy downstream with a second operating constructive module (112) that encloses the beverage preparation device (43) which in turn includes means for introducing individual portions (2) and beverage discharge means (BD).

[0075] As represented in Figure 2, the first construction module (111) may comprise two sub-modules (111a, 111b) configured so that each one encloses one of: a fluid pressurization device (41) and a fluid heating device (42), preferably the sub-modules (111a, 111b) have a shape that is at least approximately the same.

[0076] As shown, it is advantageous when the fluid container (FR) has a housing with a shape at least approximately equal to that of at least one of the operative construction modules (11), and such that it can be functionally connected upstream of a first operative construction module (111) or sub-module (111a) thereof.

[0077] In the case of the embodiments represented in Figures 3 and 4, the machine (1) further comprises a connection module (12) configured so that its module box (120) confines fluid and energy connections between upstream and downstream building modules (111, 112).

[0078] The connection module (12) may be configured so that it comprises a base portion (121) configuring a support base, preferably extending along at least the major part of the base of the machine (1). Furthermore, the connection module (12) is configured so that the respective module box (120) contains a collection portion (122) for collecting fluid and power connections (101, 102) with operational construction modules (111, 112), preferably at least one upstream operational construction module (111) and one downstream operational construction module (112). The collection portion (122) is further configured to collect a control device (5) of the machine (1), and power connection means to a power supply external to the machine (1).The connection module (12) also presents a waste portion (123) configured for collection from an operating waste collection container, namely from individual portions (2), as will be shown in greater detail in embodiments below.

[0079] In the case of the machine (1) shown in Figure 3, the connection module (12) extends over part of the height (H) of the machine (1), and may comprise operative construction modules (111, 112) in different portions of a respective module box (120), including on a rear wall and on an upper wall of a collector portion (122) of the respective module box (110).

[0080] In the case of the machine (1) shown in Figure 5, the connection module (12) extends over the entire height (H) of the machine (1) and may comprise operative construction modules (111, 112) in different portions of a respective module box (120), including in a rear wall and a front wall of a collector portion (122) of the respective module box (120).

[0081] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises operative construction modules (11) according to at least one of: - at least two, preferably three, particularly preferably at most three operative construction modules (11); - each of the operational construction modules (11) containing a maximum of two, preferably only one of: fluid pressure device (41), fluid heating device (42) and beverage preparation device (43); - a first operative construction module (111) configured so that it can be functionally connected to at least one fluid source (FS); - a first operative construction module (111) operable in functional connection with at least one of: downstream of a fluid container (FR) and upstream of a second operative construction module (112), the first operative construction module (111) preferably including a fluid pressure device (41) and a fluid heating device (42); - a first operative construction module (111) comprising two sub-modules (111a, 111b) with respective sub-module housings, wherein a first sub-module (111a) includes the fluid pressure device (41) and the second sub-module (111b) includes the fluid heating device, preferably the two sub-modules (111a, 111b) comprising functional and retaining connections (101, 102, 103) corresponding to each other and to other machine parts (1) so that they can be replaced jointly or individually; - a second operative construction module (112) provided so that it comprises, and / or can be functionally connected with, at least one beverage outlet (BD); - a second operative constructive module (112) operable downstream of the first operative constructive module (111) and upstream of a beverage discharge (BD), the second operative constructive module (112) preferably having a beverage preparation device (43), more preferably operable by means of an individual portion (2); a second operative constructive module (112) having at least one of: an individual portion inlet portion (2), individual portion (2), beverage discharge means (BD), a drinking vessel retaining portion (3) and a user interface (UI).

[0082] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises construction modules (11, 12) configured so that they enclose fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) and / or fluid connection means between them, and present respective functional connections, at least for fluid and energy (101, 102), preferably respective tubular-shaped fluid inlets and / or outlets, preferably also data connection means, so that they provide a functional connection between fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) and / or fluid connection means between them, and also with a control device (5) of the machine (1), by means of manual connection between construction modules (11, 12).

[0083] In one embodiment, the machine (1) consists of operative construction modules (11), preferably two or three, configured so that they can be held together in at least one previously defined operating position with each other, or the machine (1) comprises operating construction modules (11), preferably two or three, configured so that they can be held together in at least one previously defined operating position with each other or with a connecting construction module (12).

[0084] It is preferred when the machine (1) comprises operative construction modules (11; 111, 112), and further comprises a connection construction module (12) configured so as to provide functional connection of operative construction modules (11), preferably the connection construction module (12) including at least one of: control device (5) and fluid and energy connections so as to provide functional connection between at least one of: operative construction modules (111) upstream of the connection construction module (12), and operative construction modules (111, 112) respectively upstream and downstream of the connection construction module (12).

[0085] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises a connecting construction module (12) configured for manually removable functional connection of operative construction modules (111, 112), being preferred when the connection construction module (12) is configured according to at least one of: so that it can be functionally connected with at least one, preferably with a plurality of operative construction modules (11); - so that it can be functionally connected to and / or between operating construction modules (111; 112) upstream and downstream; - so that it can be functionally connected to operating construction modules (111, 111b) which in each case enclose fluid pressurization devices (41) and fluid heating device (42), and also enclose a beverage preparation device (43); - so that it has fluid and energy connections (101, 102) configured for engagement by means of a gear mechanism with corresponding fluid and energy connections (101, 102) with operating construction modules (111, 112) upstream and downstream; - so that it includes connection extensions between fluid and energy connections (101, 102), preferably also data connections, between operative construction modules (111, 112); - so as not to include any of: fluid operable device (41, 42, 43) and beverage discharge means (BD); - so that it includes at least one of: a control device (5) and a power device (6), - so that it includes power and data connections between at least two first operative building modules (111, 112).

[0086] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises a connecting construction module (12) adapted for manually removable retention of operative construction modules (111, 112), preferably the connecting construction module (12) being configured in accordance with at least one of: - with at least one wall that provides retention of at least two operative construction modules (11; 111, 112) in the case of functionally connected by means of retention connections (103); with a first and a second wall that have retaining connections (103) for respective operative construction modules (111, 112), - with a base portion (121) extending into a base region of the machine (1), preferably at least over the entire length of the vertical projection of the operating construction modules (111, 112); - so that it confines a collection portion (122) for collecting fluid and energy connections (101, 102) with operative construction modules (111, 112), preferably at least one operative construction module (111) upstream and one operative construction module (112) downstream; - so as to confine a waste portion (123) configured for removable collection from an operating waste collection container of the individual portions (2).

[0087] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises construction modules (11; 12) presenting respective module boxes (110), wherein the module boxes (110) are configured according to at least one of: - with a box-like shape, preferably with an at least approximately cylindrical shape, or a parallelepiped shape; - with at least two, preferably at least three faces configured as outer faces of the machine (1), with the surface of the outer faces of the construction modules (11, 12) preferably corresponding to more than half of the outer surface of the machine (1); - so that they include at least one, preferably only one, fluid device (41, 42, 43); - so that they include support for fluid (101), energy (102) and retention (103) connections between construction modules (11, 12); - so that they have at least one characteristic dimension that is at least approximately similar, including at least one of their respective height (Hi), length (Li) and width (Wi); - so that they have a plurality of exterior walls, preferably three walls and a general cylindrical shape, or six walls and a general parallelepiped shape.

[0088] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises construction modules (11), preferably at least two operative construction modules (11; 111, 112), each of which comprises a respective module box (110) with several outer box walls (1101) and presenting at least one of: - at least two mutually opposing regions presenting at least one of: functional bonds, at least fluid and energy bonds, and retention bonds; - at least two outer regions of at least approximately the same shape; - at least one of: geometric shape and outer volume of module box (110) at least approximately equal; - at least one, preferably a plurality of, outer faces of at least approximately equal shape.

[0089] In one embodiment, the outer box walls (1101) are configured in accordance with at least one of: - at least one outer face configured so that it allows connection to a neighboring module (11), said functional connection being configured so that the adjacent modules (11) present at least one of: a common top elevation and at least one common side elevation; - so that they can retain cover parts (1102), preferably of planar shape, which extend along at least the greater part, preferably at least approximately the entirety of the respective housing wall (112) and are arranged in such a way that they can be retained manually in a removable manner.

[0090] In one embodiment, the system comprises at least two machines (1, 1') of different types and comprising a plurality of construction modules (11, 12).

[0091] In one embodiment, the system comprises at least two machines (1, 1') of different types and which have at least one of: - different number and different relative position of at least one of the operative construction modules (11); - different configuration and different operating component of at least one of the operating construction modules (11); - different configuration and different relative position of the connection construction module (12).

[0092] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system comprises at least two machines (1, 1') comprising at least one of: - two operative construction modules (11) that can be retained in an operative position in a different spatial position from each other; - a connection construction module (12) that has at least one of: a different number and a different relative position of fluid connections (101).

[0093] In one embodiment, the system comprises at least two types of machines (1, 1') including construction modules (11, 12) configured according to at least one of: compatible with at least two different machines (1, 1'), and functionally connectable to each other; so as to allow at least two different types of machines (1, 1').

[0094] Figures 5 to 8 represent an embodiment of a first type of beverage preparation machine (1) comprised in a system according to the present disclosure, in which the operative construction modules (11) present a module box (110) of at least approximately cubic shape, while Figures 9 to 12 represent an embodiment of a second type of beverage preparation machine (1') comprised in a system according to the present disclosure, in which the operative construction modules (11) present a module box (110) of at least approximately parallelepiped shape, and of at least approximately equal dimensions.

[0095] As can be seen, the first two operating construction modules (111a, 111b) are in this case arranged laterally in relation to the connection module (12) and the second operating construction module (112).

[0096] In one embodiment, the system comprises two different types of machines (1, 1') comprising construction modules (11, 12) of the same type and at least one respective construction module (12, 12') with the same function and of a different type.

[0097] In one embodiment, the system comprises two different types of machines (1, 1') comprising a plurality of operable configured construction modules (11, 12) connected to each other through connection and retention means (10) of the same type.

[0098] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system comprises at least one of: - construction modules (11, 12) of the same type, preferably at least operative construction modules (11) which enclose respective fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) of the same type and configured so that operative construction modules (11) of the same type are compatible with machines (1, 1') of different types, - construction modules (11, 11'; 12, 12') of different types, preferably at least connecting construction modules (12, 12'), which enclose fluid and energy connections between operating construction modules (11) and do not enclose any fluid-operable device (41, 42, 43) of different types, so that they provide machines (1, 1') of different types.

[0099] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system comprises construction modules (11, 12) of the same type, including at least one of: - shape of the module box (110) at least approximately equal, preferably to at least one of: first operative construction modules (111, 112) comprising heating and fluid pressurization devices (41, 42), and second construction module (112) comprising beverage preparation device (43); - functional and retaining connections (101, 102, 103) arranged in at least approximately equal relative positions and correspondingly configured in respective construction modules (11, 11'), so that they provide a form-fitting connection.

[0100] Furthermore, in one embodiment the system may comprise construction modules (11, 12) of different types, including presenting at least one of: - different outer shape and different outer dimension of the respective module box (110); - number and relative position of different fluid connections (101); - different fluid operable device (41, 42, 43).

[0101] As mentioned above, and as represented in Figures 13 and 14, the system includes at least one type of beverage preparation machine (1, 1') having a modular construction, in particular a machine (1) configured operably by an individual portion (2) of a beverage precursor substance and so that it can discharge beverage into a drinking vessel (3), the machine (1) comprising a plurality of fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) downstream of a fluid reservoir (FR), wherein at least part of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) are actuated by electrical energy, wherein the machine (1) can comprise a plurality of manually configured construction modules (11, 12) functionally connectable in a removable manner in an operative position, so that the functional connection of all the construction modules (11, 12) provides operability of the machine (1).

[0102] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) each including a respective module box (110) configured so that they enclose one or two fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43), and so that they comprise functional connection between construction modules (11, 12) next to each other, the construction modules (11, 12) being preferably configured according to at least one of: so that the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) are configured functionally connected within the respective module box (110); so that the module box (110) of each operative construction module (11) includes a fluid-operable device (41, 42, 43); - so that the module box (110) is provided in accordance with at least one of: fluid-tight; and cannot be opened without the use of a tool; - so that the construction modules (11, 12) are functionally connectable by means of fluid and energy connections (101, 102) arranged in one or at least one housing wall (1101) of the respective module housing (110),

[0103] Furthermore, in one embodiment the machine (1) may comprise a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) each including a respective module box (110) functionally connectable with at least one or two module boxes (110) of construction modules (11, 12) downstream and / or upstream, whereby the construction modules (11, 12) are preferably configured to be functionally connectable by means of a respective box wall (1101).

[0104] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises at least two or three building modules (11, 12) having module housings (110) functionally connectable in the operating position by means of joining two mutually opposite housing walls (1101) of two building modules (11, 12) to be connected, so that in the operating position these housing walls (1101) are at least adjacent to each other, preferably adjacent to each other; preferably when in the operating position at least two building modules (11, 12) have at least one dimension, for example width (W); preferably at least two dimensions, for example width (W) and height (H), that are at least approximately equal.

[0105] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises at least two or three construction modules (11, 12) configured to be functionally connectable when aligned in a previously defined functional connection direction of movement, whereby the module boxes (110) of construction modules (11, 12) to be functionally connected are preferably provided such that they can be functionally connected when at least one end extension or two end extensions of the respective module boxes (110) are located. at least approximately aligned in the direction of movement of functional connection.

[0106] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises at least two or three operative construction modules (111, 112) configured to be functionally connectable by means of a manually actuated movement in a previously defined connection direction in which at least a base portion of a construction module (11, 12) to be connected is supported in an upwardly oriented region of another construction module (11, 12), it being preferred when the manual movement includes application of an additional pressure force in the final portion of the connection movement, and in the initial portion of a disassembly movement, respectively.

[0107] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises one or two first operating construction modules (111a, 111b) and a second operating construction module (112) configured so that they can be functionally connected upstream and downstream of a connection construction module (12) respectively, whereby the connection construction module (12) preferably has fluid and energy connections (101, 102) on at least two housing walls (1101), including on concomitant housing walls (1101) and / or on opposite housing walls (1101).

[0108] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises a plurality, preferably at least three functionally connectable construction modules (11, 12), whereby at least part, preferably all, of the construction modules (11, 12) have a respective fluid inlet and outlet on one or two outer faces of the respective module box (110), preferably on two concomitant outer faces.

[0109] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises at least two or three construction modules (11, 12) and at least part, preferably all, of the construction modules (11, 12) have respective fluid and energy connections (101, 102) on the same outer face of the respective module box (110); preferably the fluid connections (101) are arranged in a lower portion and the energy connections (102) are configured in a top portion of the outer face of the respective module box (110).

[0110] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises a plurality of, preferably at least two or three, construction modules (11, 12) to be functionally connected and including module housings (110) having respective retaining connections (103) configured manually operable so that they can be actuated between the retaining and retaining release position of the respective module housing (110), it being preferred when the retaining connections (103) are operable in the module housing (110) of at least a first construction module (11), preferably of two or three operational construction modules (111a, 111b; 112), and in relation to the module housing (110) of at least a second construction module, preferably of a connection module (12).

[0111] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises a plurality of functionally connecting building modules (11, 12), including module housings (110) having respective retaining connections (103) configured such that they provide retention of the building module (11) if, preferably only if, the mutually opposite housing walls (1101) of the module housings (110) of building modules (11, 12) to be functionally connected are located at least in the vicinity of, preferably abutting one another, and their respective fluid and energy connections (101, 102) are functionally connected.

[0112] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises a plurality of building modules (11, 12) including module boxes (110) having manually actuatable retaining connections (103) between a retaining position and a movement release position, so as to provide manual replacement of any building module (11, 12) by means of actuation of retaining connections (103) and disconnection of fluid and power connections (101, 102) between building modules (11, 12) functionally connected to each other, it being preferred when the retaining connections (103) are configured to retain each operative building module (111, 112) to a connecting building module (12).

[0113] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) presenting respective retaining connections (103) provided manually operable in accordance with at least one of: a release position to a holding position only in the case of connection between fluid and energy connections (101, 102) of respective construction modules (11, 12) to be held in functional connection; - to a holding position in a holding direction orthogonal to the connection direction between functional connections (101, 102) of two respective construction modules (11, 12) to be held in functional connection; - by means of at least one of: form-fitting gearing, for example male-female connections, preferably of the press-fit type, and gearing between magnetic materials.

[0114] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) configured so that they can be retained in each other by means of at least one of: - having a movable part associated with the module box (110) of a first, preferably operative, construction module (111, 112), and manually operable to a previously defined extent and so that it can be retained in a retention position, preferably in a correspondingly shaped part of a second, preferably connecting, construction module (12); - presenting a module box portion (110) elastically deflectable so as to provide engagement between form-fitting portions arranged in another region of the module box (110), the construction modules (11, 12) being preferably configured so that the respective module box (110) cannot be opened without using a tool for that purpose.

[0115] In one embodiment, the machine (1) comprises a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) configured so that their respective retaining connections (103) are operable manually, directly by force acting on a mobile part thereof, preferably against the action of an elastic element that impinges the mobile part towards the retaining position, or indirectly by force acting YOU on a flexible elastic portion of the module housing (110) so as to provide engagement between fixed parts of the retaining connection (103).

[0116] Figures 15 to 18 represent details of fluid connections (101), energy connections (102) and retention connections (104) of a first operating construction module (111) in a first type of machine (1).

[0117] The first construction module (111) has a module housing (110) which, in this case, preferably only encloses a fluid heating device (42) and respective fluid (101) and energy (102) connections. The fluid heating device (42) is preferably retained in a side housing wall (1101), for example, a rear housing wall, of the module housing (110) opposite the housing wall (1101) which retains the fluid and energy connections (101, 102), in this case the front housing wall (1101). The housing wall (1101) which retains the fluid and energy connections (101, 102) is configured to be removable from the remaining module housing (110), preferably by means of connection means which require the use of a tool suitable for this purpose.

[0118] The fluid and energy connections (101, 102) are arranged in a housing wall (1101) of the module housing (110) which abuts a corresponding housing wall of the connecting construction module (12) when in the operating position in which the fluid and energy connections (101, 102) are operatively connected.

[0119] In one embodiment, the fluid connections (101) comprise a non-return valve adjustment device.

[0120] In one embodiment, the power connections (102) comprise a plurality of pairs of electrical conductors and respective connection cavities, surrounded laterally by a side portion and which is collected within the module box (110) such that an outer face is at least approximately aligned with the outer surface of the module box (110).

[0121] As shown in Figure 18, the retaining link (103) is configured to be manually operable by action against a spring impinging an element of movable retention to a retention position in which the first construction module (111) is retained in the operating position with a connection module (12).

[0122] Figures 19 to 22 represent details of fluid connections (101), energy connections (102) and retention connections (104) of a second operating construction module (112) with a connection module (12) in a first type of machine (1).

[0123] The connection module (12) in this case has retaining connections (103) in a top portion configured such that they can engage by snapping together with corresponding retaining connections (103) provided in the second operating construction module (112).

[0124] As shown, the connection module (12) advantageously comprises a base portion (121) extending along a depth direction of the machine (1), a collection portion (122) enclosing the various, preferably all, fluid and energy connections (101, 102) between construction modules (111, 112), as well as connection to external fluid and energy sources, and which can also collect control means (5) configured to regulate the operation of the machine (1).

[0125] The connection module (12) can be configured so that it provides retention of all the operative construction modules (111, 112), and preferably further configured so that it is the only construction module of the machine (1) that comprises and / or regulates the distribution of electrical energy to the other construction modules (11).

[0126] The connection module (12) may also comprise connection sensors (104) configured to detect and communicate the correct operational connection status of all the operational construction modules (111, 112) with the connection module (12).

[0127] The present disclosure also relates to processes for operating beverage preparation systems, in particular systems of the type of the present disclosure comprising machines (1) of modular construction.

[0128] In one embodiment the method includes a step of replacing one of the fluid operable devices (41, 42, 43) by manually replacing a respective operative constructive module (11) of the machine (1) with a respective replacement operative constructive module (11).

[0129] In one embodiment, the method includes removing a construction module to be replaced from an operating position in which its fluid and power connections are functionally connected to another construction module, and preferably at least approximately adjacent to another construction module.

[0130] In one embodiment, the method includes releasing a construction module to be replaced from retention in an operating position, prior to removing it from the operating position, with the release preferably being carried out by means of manual actuation of retention connections configured so as to provide retention of the construction module to be replaced in the operating position.

[0131] In one embodiment, the process includes removing an operative construction module to be replaced from an operative position at least approximately adjacent to a connecting construction module, preferably including prior manual actuation of retaining connections associated with the operative construction module to be replaced, or the process includes removing a connecting construction module to be replaced from an operative position at least approximately adjacent to at least two operative construction modules, preferably including prior manual actuation of respective retaining connections associated with the connecting construction module to be replaced with the operative construction modules.

[0132] In one realization the process includes the successive steps: - removing by manually moving an operative construction module (11) to be replaced from a position in which at least one outer face of the respective module housing (110) is at least approximately abutting an outer face of the module housing (110) of at least one other neighboring construction module (11, 12), preferably in at least one of a previously defined direction and a previously defined extent, to a position removed from the housing (1); assembling by manually moving a replacement operative construction module (11) to a position in which the respective module housing (110) is at least approximately abutting the module housing (110) of at least one other neighboring construction module (11, 12), preferably in at least one of a previously defined direction and a previously defined extension, preferably an opposite direction and an extension at least approximately equal to the direction and extension of removal, so that the respective fluid and energy connections (101, 102) of the replacement operating construction module (11) are connected with at least one neighboring construction module (11, 12) in the machine (1).

[0133] In one embodiment the method includes the step of manually removing an operative construction module (11) to be replaced by a replacement construction module (11), followed by the step of manually assembling the replacement construction module (11) in an operative position relative to at least one other neighboring construction module (11, 12), including in accordance with at least one of: - by connecting respective functional fluid and energy connections (101, 102) provided at corresponding, mutually opposite outer face positions of the construction module (11, 12) and a neighboring construction module (11, 12) of the machine (1), preferably in such a way that the outer faces are at least approximately adjacent; - by means of connection, preferably by means of a pressure-formed gear, of respective functional fluid and energy connections (101, 102), in the same direction of movement as the assembly direction of the construction module (11, 12).

[0134] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of manually removing an operative construction module (11) to be replaced by a replacement construction module (11), followed by the step of assembling the replacement construction module (11) in the same operative position relative to a connecting construction module (12) that encloses at least one of: fluid and energy connections between operative construction modules (11), means for connecting the machine (1) to an external energy source and a control device (8) of the machine (1).

[0135] In one embodiment the process includes manually removing an operative building module (11) to be replaced, including the steps: manually actuate retaining connections (103) associated with the construction module (11, 12) to be replaced from a closing position to an opening position, - manually grip the module box (110) of the construction module (11, 12) to be replaced and pull it in a direction other than the holding direction, preferably at least approximately perpendicular to it, so as to release the module box (110) and disconnect the fluid and energy connections (101, 102), preferably at least approximately simultaneously, from the construction module (11, 12) to be replaced.

[0136] In one embodiment, the process includes manually replacing a construction module (11, 12) to be replaced with a replacement construction module (11, 12) of the same type, including the following steps: - manually actuating retaining connections (103) associated with the construction module (11, 12) to be replaced, in particular so that a movable connection part of a respective retaining connection (103) is moved in a first direction, for example an upward direction, preferably against an elastic force acting in the direction of the closing position; - manually move the construction module (11, 12) to be replaced in a previously defined direction so as to disengage the functional connections (101, 102) with at least one neighboring construction module (11, 12).

[0137] In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps, preferably performed by a user of the machine (1) and / or in situ: - automatically monitor, preferably by means of a control device (5) of the machine (1), the operating conditions of fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43); - identify, preferably automatically, a construction module (11, 12) presenting an operating condition requiring replacement thereof, said construction module (11, 12) to be replaced enclosing at least one of, but not all, of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) to be replaced, - manually disconnecting an operative constructive module (11) previously identified as requiring replacement, said operative constructive module (11) to be replaced enclosing at least one but not all of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43); - manually connect a replacement operating construction module (11), enclosing a fluid-operable device (41, 42, 43) with the same function as the construction module (11) to be replaced, in the same relative position corresponding to the operating position, as that occupied in the machine (1) by the construction module (11) to be replaced.

[0138] In one realization the process includes the following steps: - identify a previously defined condition, for example an anomaly, associated with at least one of: a fluid-operable device (41, 42, 42), control device (5), interface device (UI); - in the event of identification of a previously defined condition, perform at least one of the following actions: o automatically communicate to an ex situ data device so that it can trigger or show the user, preferably via the interface device (UI), an indication of which construction module (11, 12) to replace; o send a replacement construction module (11, 12) to the in situ location; - in situ obtaining of a replacement construction module (11, 12); - in situ replacement, preferably by the user, of one of: at least one operative construction module (11) and one connection construction module (12); - sending to an ex situ location of the construction module (11) to be replaced; repair at an ex situ location of the construction module (11) to be replaced, preferably including opening of the module box (110) and replacement of the fluid-operable device (41, 42, 43).

[0139] In one embodiment, the process lacks at least one of the following steps: - remove at least one of: a machine box (1); and a machine box portion (1); - remove at least one of: a module box (110); and a module box portion (110) from a construction module (11, 12); - remove fastening parts from one machine portion (1) to another machine portion (1); - use a tool to remove fastening means from at least one of: a machine housing portion (1); a construction module (11, 12); a fluid-operable device (41, 42, 43) and a user interface (UI).

[0140] In one embodiment the method includes replacing an operative module (112) enclosing a fluid preparation device (43) with a replacement operative module (112) configured in accordance with at least one of: - so that it confines a second fluid preparation device (43) configured to operate an individual portion (2) having at least one of: a different shape; a different dimension; a different quantity of beverage precursor substance; - so as to confine a second fluid preparation device (43) configured with at least one of: different introduction means; different movement between open and closed positions; - so that it presents a beverage discharge (BD) presenting at least one of: different discharge direction; different number of discharge paths and different dimension; - so that it presents a user interface (UI) with at least one different usage mode and different usage options.

[0141] In one realization the process also includes the following steps: - send to an in situ location at least one replacement construction module (11, 12) and one complementary construction module; - replacement of a construction module (11, 12) to be replaced by a corresponding replacement construction module (11, 12), and - assembly of the complementary construction module, so that the machine (1) has at least one of: a different device, a different function and a different configuration.

[0142] In one realization the process also includes the following steps: - temporary removal of at least one outer face cover (13) of the module box (110, 120) so as to provide access to a retaining connection (103) thereof, and assembly of said outer face cover (13) on the module box (110, 120) of a replacement construction module (11, 12) after retaining the latter in its respective operating position; - replacement of at least one first outer face cover (13) of the module box (110, 120) of a construction module (11, 12) with a second outer face cover (13) of the module box (110, 120).

[0143] In one embodiment the process also includes the following steps: - capture of at least one piece of data associated with the correct assembly of a replacement operating construction module (11) in an operating position, including in relation to another construction module (11, 12); - in the event of detecting an incorrect assembly position of a replacement construction module (11, 12), trigger at least one of: preventing the machine (1) from operating, displaying the corresponding information, preferably at least via the interface device (UI) of the machine (1).

[0144] In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one, preferably at least two types of modular construction machines (1) configured so that the process of operating them is simpler for the user.

[0145] In particular, the method includes a step of replacing one, preferably at least two, of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) by manually replacing a respective operating module (11) of the machine (1) with a respective replacement operating module (11).

[0146] This advantageously provides the possibility of immediately replacing any of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) without having to send the machine (1) for repair, without preventing the user from preparing beverages during the repair period and also from updating older components with more current solutions.

[0147] In one embodiment the method includes a step of replacing one of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) by manually replacing a respective operative module (11) of the machine (1) with a respective replacement operative module (11).

[0148] In one embodiment, the method includes removing a construction module (11, 12) to be replaced from an operative position in which its fluid and energy connections (101, 102) are functionally connected with another construction module (11, 12), and preferably at least approximately adjacent to another construction module (11, 12).

[0149] In one embodiment, the method includes releasing a construction module (11, 12) to be replaced from retention in an operating position, prior to removing it from the operating position, with the release preferably being carried out by means of manual actuation of retention connections (103) configured so as to provide retention of the construction module (11, 12) to be replaced in the operating position.

[0150] In one embodiment, the method includes removing an operative construction module (11) to be replaced from an operative position at least approximately adjacent to a connecting construction module (12), preferably including prior manual actuation of retaining connections (104) associated with the operative construction module (11) to be replaced, or the method includes removing a connecting construction module (12) to be replaced from an operative position at least approximately adjacent to at least two operative construction modules (111, 112), preferably including prior manual actuation of the respective retention connections (104) associated with the connection construction module (12) to be replaced with the operating construction modules (111, 112).

[0151] In one realization the process includes the successive steps: - removing by manually moving an operating construction module (11) to be replaced from a position in which at least one outer face of the respective module box (110) is at least approximately in contact with an outer face of the module box (110) of at least one other neighboring construction module (11, 12), preferably in at least one of a previously defined direction and an extension, to a position removed from the box (1); - assembling by manually moving a replacement operating construction module (11) to a position in which the respective module housing (110) is at least approximately in contact with the module housing (110) of at least one other neighboring construction module (11, 12), preferably in at least one of a previously defined direction and a previously defined extent, preferably an opposite direction and an extent at least approximately equal to the direction and extent of removal, so that the respective fluid and energy connections (101, 102) of the replacement operating construction module (11) are connected to at least one neighboring construction module (11, 12) in the machine (1).

[0152] In one embodiment the method includes the step of manually removing an operative construction module (11) to be replaced by a replacement construction module (11), followed by the step of manually assembling the replacement construction module (11) in an operative position relative to at least one other neighboring construction module (11, 12), including in accordance with at least one of: - by means of connecting respective fluid and energy functional connections (101, 102) provided at corresponding mutually opposite outer face positions of the construction module (11, 12) and of a module constructive (11, 12) neighboring the machine (1), preferably so that the external faces are at least approximately adjacent; - by means of connection, preferably by means of a pressure-formed gear, of respective functional fluid and energy connections (101, 102), in the same direction of movement as the assembly direction of the construction module (11, 12).

[0153] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of manually removing an operative construction module (11) to be replaced by a replacement construction module (11), followed by the step of assembling the replacement construction module (11) in the same operative position relative to a connecting construction module (12) that encloses at least one of: fluid and energy connections between operative construction modules (11), means for connecting the machine (1) to an external energy source and a control device (8) of the machine (1).

[0154] In one embodiment the process includes manually removing an operative construction module (11) to be replaced, including the steps: - manually actuate retaining connections (103) associated with the construction module (11, 12) to be replaced from a closed position to an open position, - manually grip the module box (110) of the construction module (11, 12) to be replaced and pull it in a direction other than the holding direction, preferably at least approximately perpendicular to it, so as to release the module box (110) and disconnect the fluid and energy connections (101, 102), preferably at least approximately simultaneously, from the construction module (11, 12) to be replaced.

[0155] In one embodiment the method includes manually replacing a construction module (11, 12) to be replaced with a replacement construction module (11, 12) of the same type, including the following steps: manually actuating retaining links (103) associated with the construction module (11, 12) to be replaced, in particular so that a connecting part movable part of a respective retaining connection (103) is displaced along a first direction, for example an upward direction, preferably against an elastic force acting in the direction of the closing position; - manually move the construction module (11, 12) to be replaced in a previously defined direction so as to disengage the functional connections (101, 102) with at least one neighboring construction module (11, 12).

[0156] In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps, preferably performed by a user of the machine (1) and / or in situ: - automatically monitor, preferably by means of a control device (5) of the machine (1), the operating conditions of fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43); - identify, preferably automatically, a construction module (11, 12) presenting an operating condition requiring replacement thereof, said construction module (11, 12) to be replaced enclosing at least one of, but not all, of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) to be replaced, - manually disconnecting an operative constructive module (11) previously identified as requiring replacement, said operative constructive module (11) to be replaced enclosing at least one but not all of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43); - manually connect a replacement operating constructive module (11), enclosing a fluid-operable device (41, 42, 43) with the same function as the constructive module (11) to be replaced, in the same relative position corresponding to the operating position, as that occupied in the machine (1) by the constructive module (11) to be replaced.

[0157] In one realization the process includes the following steps: - identify a previously defined condition, for example an anomaly, associated with at least one of: a fluid-operable device (41, 42, 42), control device (5), interface device (UI); - in the event of identification of a previously defined condition, perform at least one of the following actions: o automatically communicate to an ex situ data device so that it can trigger or show the user, preferably via the interface device (UI), an indication of which construction module (11, 12) to replace; o send a replacement construction module (11, 12) to the in situ location; - in situ obtaining of a replacement construction module (11, 12); - in situ replacement, preferably by the user, of one of: at least one operative construction module (11) and one connection construction module (12); - sending the construction module (11) to be replaced to an ex situ location; - ex situ repair of the construction module (11) to be replaced, preferably including opening the module box (110) and replacement of the fluid-operable device (41, 42, 43).

[0158] In one embodiment, the process lacks at least one of the following steps: - remove at least one of: a machine box (1) and a machine box portion (1); - removing at least one of: a module box (110) and a module box portion (110) from a construction module (11, 12); - removing fastening parts from one machine portion (1) to another machine portion (1); using a tool to remove fastening means from at least one of: a machine housing portion (1), a construction module (11, 12), a fluid-operable device (41, 42, 43) and a user interface (UI).

[0159] In one embodiment the method includes replacing an operative module (112) enclosing a fluid preparation device (43) with a replacement operative module (112) configured in accordance with at least one of: - so that it confines a second fluid preparation device (43) configured to operate an individual portion (2) having at least one of: different shape, different dimension, different quantity of beverage precursor substance; - so as to confine a second fluid preparation device (43) configured with at least one of: different introduction means, different movement between open and closed positions, - so that it presents a beverage discharge (BD) presenting at least one of: different discharge direction, different number of discharge paths and different dimension; - so that it presents a user interface (UI) with at least one different usage mode and different usage options.

[0160] In one embodiment, the process further includes: - send to an in situ location at least one replacement construction module (11, 12) and one complementary construction module; - replacement of a construction module (11, 12) to be replaced by a corresponding replacement construction module (11, 12), and - assembly of the complementary construction module, so that the machine (1) has at least one of: a different device, a different function and a different configuration.

[0161] In one embodiment, the process further includes: - temporary removal of at least one outer face cover (13) of the module box (110, 120) so as to provide access to a retaining connection (103) thereof, and assembly of said outer face cover (13) on the module box (110, 120) of a replacement construction module (11, 12) after retaining the latter in its respective operating position; - replacement of at least one first outer face cover (13) of the module box (110, 120) of a construction module (11, 12) with a second outer face cover (13) of the module box (110, 120).

[0162] In one embodiment, the process further includes: - capture of at least one piece of data associated with the correct assembly of a replacement operating construction module (11) in an operating position, including in relation to another construction module (11, 12); - in the event of detecting an incorrect assembly position of a replacement construction module (11, 12), trigger at least one of: preventing the machine (1) from operating, displaying the corresponding information, preferably at least via the interface device (UI) of the machine (1).

[0163] The term "comprises" or "comprising" when used in this document is intended to indicate the presence of the features, elements, integers, steps and components mentioned, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, steps and components, or groups thereof.

[0164] The present disclosure is, of course, in no way restricted to the embodiments described in this document and a person with average knowledge of the area will be able to foresee many possibilities for modifying it and replacing technical characteristics with equivalent ones, depending on the requirements of each situation, as defined in the attached claims.

[0165] The following claims define additional embodiments of the present description.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Modular system for preparing beverages comprising a machine (1) operable by beverage precursor substance; the machine (1) including a plurality of fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) provided with a fluid connection downstream of a fluid source (FS) and a fluid connection upstream of a beverage discharge (BD) for operating said machine (1); wherein at least two, in particular any one, of the plurality of fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) is replaceable by means of a manual movement of a respective operative constructive module (11); wherein each operative constructive module includes one or more respective fluid-operable devices.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the machine (1) comprises in the plurality of fluid-operable devices at least one of: a fluid pressure device (41) and a fluid heating device (42); and further comprises a beverage preparation device (43), preferably operable by an individual portion (2) of a beverage precursor substance; wherein each of the plurality of fluid-operable devices is configured to be confined within an operative building module (11) to allow replacement of any of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) individually; and / or wherein the machine (1) comprises a plurality of building modules (11, 12) configured as functionally connectable building blocks, preferably the machine includes at least two building modules (11), each of the building modules comprising an outer housing (110).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the machine (1) comprises at least two building modules (11, 12) functionally connectable to one another by means of corresponding fluid and energy connections (101, 102), preferably wherein the fluid and energy connections (101, 102) are arranged on outer faces of respective module housings (110) so that the building modules (11, 12) can be arranged in an operating position retained next to one another; and / or wherein the machine (1) comprises at least two operating building modules (11) of at least approximately the same shape and interconnectable to one another by means of fluid and energy connections (101, 102) arranged on mutually opposite outer faces and / or on concurrent outer faces.

4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the machine (1) comprises construction modules (11, 12) configured according to at least one of: such that all construction modules have respective fluid and energy connections (101, 102) arranged in regions corresponding to the energy and fluid connections of neighboring construction modules (11, 12) arranged operatively upstream and / or downstream; such that at least part of the construction modules have at least one retaining connection (103) associated with the respective module box (110) and configured for retaining, preferably manually removable retaining, of the construction module (11) relative to other components of the machine (1);so that at least part of the fluid devices (41, 42, 43), preferably any of the fluid devices (41, 42, 43), can be individually replaced without requiring at least one of: use of a tool, opening of part of a machine envelope (1), direct and individual removal of retaining fluid-operable devices; so that the fluid pressure device (41) and / or the fluid heating device (42) can be individually replaced by manually removing and retaining a respective operating constructive module (111a, 111b), without the need to remove another operating constructive module (112).; 5. System according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the machine (1) comprises a connecting construction module (12) configured for functional connection to operating construction modules (111, 112) upstream and downstream thereof; wherein the construction modules are manually removable.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the machine (1) comprises a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) including module boxes (110) with box walls (1101) having respective fluid and energy connections (101, 102) configured according to at least one of: such that any two construction modules (11, 12) to be functionally connected can be connected by means of gearing between respective module boxes (110); such that all fluid and energy connections (101, 102) of the construction modules (11, 12) to be functionally connected are connected in an operative position if the module boxes (110) are in the same previously defined relative position, and / or if the box walls (1101) are next to each other;so that the fluid and energy connections (101, 102) can only be connected if the module boxes (110) of the building blocks (11, 12) are located at least in close proximity to one another, preferably against one another; so that the functionally connected fluid and energy connections (101, 102) are not accessible from outside the machine (1).; 7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the machine (1) comprises a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) including module boxes (110) with box walls (1101) that present respective fluid and energy connections (101, 102) both configured with respective closed perimeter portions, for example of a tubular type or similar, so that they provide meshing by form fitting between respective modules. constructive modules (11, 12) to be functionally connected and thereby interconnected between respective fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43); and / or wherein the machine (1) comprises a plurality of constructive modules (11, 12) including module housings (110) with housing walls (1101) having respective fluid and power connections (101, 102) configured with a corresponding form-fitting gear shape, preferably under pressure, thereby enabling functional connection and at least partial retention between constructive modules (11, 12) to be functionally connected to each other.

8. System according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the machine (1) comprises a plurality of building modules (11, 12) with at least one respective housing wall (1101) of module boxes (110) having fluid and energy connections (101, 102), said fluid and energy connections configured according to at least one of: configured in only one housing wall (1101) or in two concomitant housing walls (1101) of module box (110) to allow functional connection between neighboring building modules (11, 12); with fluid connections (101) arranged in opposite housing wall regions (1101) of energy connections (102), to allow functional connection between respective building modules (11, 12) and thus between respective fluid and energy operable devices (41, 42, 43);configured as form-fitting elements by positive coupling, in particular of the male-female type, to allow a removable connection between construction modules (11, 12); configured as snap-fit ​​elements to allow retention of respective construction modules (11, 12) in an axial direction of the form-fitting; devoid of retaining means actuatable in a direction transverse to the axial direction of the form-fitting; 9. System according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the machine (1) comprises a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) with respective module boxes (110) presenting fluid connections (101) configured according to at least one of: presenting a tubular portion that extends outwards from a module box (110) of a first construction module (11; 12) and towards the interior of the module box (110) of a second construction module (11; 12); presenting at least one fluid connection (101) in the case of operative construction modules (101) and at least three fluid connections (101) in the case of a connecting construction module (12); each fluid connection (101) comprising a fluid non-return valve type device;and / or wherein the machine (1) comprises a plurality of functionally connectable construction modules (11, 12) and with respective module boxes (110) having power connections (102) configured in accordance with at least one of: having a tubular portion extending outwards from a module box (110) of a first construction module (11; 12) and into the module box (110) of a second construction module (11; 12); having a power connection (102) in the case of operative construction modules (101) and at least two power connections (102) in the case of a connecting construction module (12); each power connection (102) comprising a plurality of electrical power conductors.; 10. System according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein the machine (1) comprises a plurality of construction modules (11, 12), preferably two or three construction modules (11, 12), which are functionally connected and present retention connections (103) configured for manual operation providing retention, preferably comprising additional retention of fluid and energy connections (101, 102) between pairs of construction modules (11, 12) functionally connected to retain all construction modules (11, 12) in operative position.

11. System according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 10, wherein the system comprises at least two types of machines (1, 1') including construction modules (11, 12) compatible with at least two different machines (1, 1') and / or including construction modules (11, 12) functionally connectable to each other to allow at least two different types of machines (1, 1').

12. System according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the system comprises different machines (1, 1') comprising construction modules (11, 12) of the same type and at least one respective construction module (12, 12') with the same function and of a different type; and / or wherein the system comprises different machines (1, 1') comprising a plurality of construction modules (11, 12) connected to one another via connection and retention means (10) of the same type.

13. System according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the system comprises at least one of: construction modules (11, 12) of the same type, preferably at least operative construction modules (11) which enclose respective fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) of the same type, and configured so that operative construction modules (11) of the same type are compatible with machines (1, 1') of different types; construction modules (11, 11'; 12, 12') of different types, preferably at least connecting construction modules (12, 12') which enclose fluid and energy connections between operative construction modules (11) and do not enclose any fluid-operable device (41, 42, 43) of different types, to allow machines (1, 1') of different types.

14. System according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the system comprises construction modules (11, 12) of the same type, including at least one of: a shape of the module box (110) at least approximately the same, preferably of at least one of: first operative construction modules (111, 112) comprising heating and fluid pressurization devices (41, 42), and a second construction module (112) comprising a beverage preparation device (43); at least one of functional and retaining connections (101, 102, 103) arranged in at least approximately equal relative positions and correspondingly configured in respective construction modules (11, 11'), so that they provide a form-fitting connection; and / or wherein the system comprises construction modules (11, 12) of a different type, including at least one of: at least one of a different outer shape and different outer dimension of the respective module box (110);at least one of a different number and relative position of fluid connections (101); different fluid operable device (41, 42, 43); 15. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the machine (1) is configured to be operable by an individual portion (2) of a beverage precursor substance and is further configured to discharge the beverage into a drinking vessel (3).

16. A method of operating a modular system for preparing beverages according to any one of claims 1-15, comprising a machine (1) for preparing beverages operable by beverage precursor substance, the machine (1) including a plurality of fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) provided with a fluid connection downstream of a fluid source (FS) and a fluid connection upstream of a beverage discharge (BD); wherein the method includes a step of replacing one of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43), preferably at least two of the fluid-operable devices (41, 42, 43) by manually replacing a respective operating constructive module (11) of the machine (1) with a respective replacement operating constructive module (11).

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