Device for dispensing hot, cold, or lukewarm filtered water with interchangeable drawers for beverage capsules

The multifunctional beverage dispensing device integrates filtration, heating, and carbonation with interchangeable capsule drawers for efficient preparation and dispensing of filtered water and capsule-based beverages, addressing the need for a single device to handle multiple functions and ensuring optimal extraction and hygiene.

WO2025262223A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-12-26OVI
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/067276
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-06-19
Filing Date
2025-06-19
Publication Date
2025-12-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing devices require multiple machines to provide filtered water at different temperatures and to prepare drinks from capsules, lacking a single device that can dispense filtered water and capsule-based beverages efficiently.

Method used

A multifunctional water-based beverage dispensing device with integrated filtration, heating, cooling, and carbonation capabilities, along with interchangeable capsule drawers for preparing hot, cold, and carbonated drinks, using RFID chips or QR codes for capsule-specific extraction parameters and solenoid valves for precise control.

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient preparation and dispensing of filtered water and capsule-based beverages at various temperatures and carbonation levels, ensuring optimal extraction and hygiene, with modular units for flexibility and user-friendly control via a digital interface.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a beverage-dispensing device (10) comprising a base unit (100) having a water inlet (99), a power supply, a water filtration device (101, 102, 103), a hot water production device (120), a cold water production device (130), cold water (181, 183), hot water (192), lukewarm water (194) and room-temperature water (184) lines, a filtered-water line (185), a control unit (140) connected to a beverage-selection user interface, a water-dispensing unit (150) comprising at least one spout (151), a set of solenoid valves (111, 112, 113, 115) for directing water from the filtered-water line (185) to at least one spout when a type of beverage is selected. According to the main feature, the device comprises a first beverage unit (200) suitable for preparing beverages extracted from a capsule, the unit (200) comprising a cavity designed to receive a removable and interchangeable capsule drawer (250) suitable for a type of capsule, the cavity for the drawer having a seal with which a seal of the drawer comes into contact when the drawer is inserted into its cavity.
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Description

Water dispenser for filtered, heated, chilled or room-temperature water with interchangeable drawers for beverage capsules

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of devices for distributing filtered water at several temperatures in the manner of a water fountain, suitable for domestic or professional use and relates in particular to a device for distributing filtered, heated, cooled or tempered water with interchangeable drawers for beverage capsules. State of the art

[0002] There are drinking water dispensers, such as water fountains, that provide chilled, hot, or room-temperature water, using water from a mineral water bottle placed upside down on the unit. There are also filtered water dispensers, connected directly to the mains water supply, that provide a continuous flow of water. Filtration is generally carried out using activated carbon filters in the form of cartridges that need to be changed regularly. Additionally, there are devices that dispense beverages from disposable capsules, such as coffee, tea, or flavored capsules, and others that dispense sparkling water.

[0003] For example, US document 10 201 171 describes a system for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage.

[0004] However, devices that dispense drinks prepared from still or sparkling filtered water do not use capsules. Thus, the user needs to equip themselves with several machines if they want filtered water at different temperatures, sparkling water and drinks prepared from capsules.

[0005] Therefore, the aim of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by providing a device supplying filtered water at various temperatures, possibly carbonated water, and offering a means of preparing hot and cold capsule-based drinks from the filtered water and possibly from the carbonated water.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore a water-based beverage dispensing device comprising a basic unit equipped with a water inlet, a power supply, a water filtration device, a hot water production device, a cold water production device, cold water, hot water, warm water and temperate water pipes, a filtered water pipe, a control unit connected to a beverage selection user interface, a water dispensing unit comprising at least one spout, and a set of solenoid valves for moving water from the filtered water pipe to at least one spout when a beverage type is selected.According to the main feature, the device includes a first beverage unit suitable for preparing beverages extracted from capsules, comprising a housing designed to receive a removable and interchangeable capsule drawer suitable for a type of capsule, the drawer housing having a sealing gasket on which a sealing gasket of the drawer comes into contact when the drawer is housed in its housing.

[0007] According to advantageous but optional features of the invention, taken individually or in any technically permissible combination:

[0008] - The device includes a second beverage unit suitable for preparing carbonated filtered water-based drinks, and drinks extracted from capsules of the first beverage unit can be prepared from carbonated filtered water from the second beverage unit or from filtered water from the base unit.

[0009] The capsule drawer features a manual capsule perforation mechanism with a visible lever on the machine. When operated by the user, this lever activates a capsule perforation mechanism and a mechanism that increases and maintains pressure between the seals of the capsule drawer and the first beverage unit housing during extraction. The manual perforation mechanism is reliable, simple, and reduces production costs. Furthermore, it offers greater compatibility with all types of capsules, as the user can adjust the pressure applied depending on the capsule. The manual perforation mechanism eliminates the need for a fragile motorized system. Maintaining pressure between the seals ensures optimal beverage extraction.

[0010] - the first beverage unit includes at least one spout connected to the capsule drawer in order to deliver the extracted beverage directly without it passing through the base unit.

[0011] Each capsule drawer is designed for a specific capsule type and features an RFID chip or QR code containing the specifications for that capsule type, such as the water volume to be injected, and the pressure and temperature to be maintained during extraction. The RFID chip or QR code automatically manages the extraction parameters—volume, pressure, and temperature—for each beverage based on the capsule, ensuring compatibility with all existing and future capsule types.

[0012] - the basic unit includes electrical connection means and hydraulic connection means, the connection means being designed to connect at least the two beverage units, the second beverage unit can thus be coupled to the basic unit, be supplied with filtered cold water or filtered temperate water from the basic unit and supply carbonated water to the basic unit, and the first beverage unit can thus be coupled to the basic unit and be supplied with filtered water from the basic unit.

[0013] - the electrical connection means of the base unit provides power to the beverage units and enables data transmission between the base unit and the beverage units, the beverage units comprising an electrical connection means designed to cooperate with the electrical connection means of the base unit so that the beverage units are controlled by the control unit.

[0014] - the hydraulic connection means include at least one outgoing hydraulic connection means designed to cooperate with at least one incoming hydraulic connection means of the beverage units and include at least one incoming hydraulic connection means designed to cooperate with at least one outgoing hydraulic connection means of the second beverage unit.

[0015] - the hydraulic connection means coming out of the base unit is supplied with filtered water through the pipe connected on one side to the hydraulic connection means and on the other side to the filtered water pipe of the base unit by a three-way solenoid valve.

[0016] - the hydraulic connection means coming out of the base unit is supplied with filtered cold water or filtered temperate water through the filtered water line of the base unit connected on one side to the hydraulic connection means of the base unit and on the other side to the cold water line or the temperate water line via at least one three-way solenoid valve.

[0017] - the incoming hydraulic connection means of the base unit is connected inside the base unit to the beverage distribution unit via a carbonated water supply line.

[0018] - the second beverage unit includes an outgoing hydraulic connection means linked to an incoming hydraulic means of the first beverage unit so as to supply the first beverage unit with carbonated water.

[0019] - The control unit includes a radio frequency contactless signal transmitter / receiver circuit based on wifi, Bluetooth or other type communication, capable of communicating and exchanging data with a digital terminal such as a Smartphone, an interface or application installed on the digital terminal allowing the user to control the status of the device, water consumption, filter status, thanks to data recorded during its use, such as the number of drinks served, the volume of water filtered and also to control and modify the parameters of the device such as the volume of the drink, the water temperature, the data being able to be stored in a database accessible by a means of user identification.

[0020] - the beverage units are mechanically coupled to the base unit in a removable manner by means of reciprocal attachment means.

[0021] - the filtration device comprises at least two successive filtration stages, the first filtration stage comprising a first filter which combines two filter media, polypropylene and activated carbon and the second filtration stage comprising a second filter of the ultrafiltration membrane type with a permeability of the order of 0.01 micron or reverse osmosis filter. Brief description of the figures

[0022] The aims, objects, and features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0023] represents a perspective view of the device according to the invention,

[0024] represents a schematic diagram of the device according to the invention.

[0025] represents an overall scheme of use of the device according to the invention as a connected object. Detailed description of the invention

[0026] The device according to the invention is a household, professional, or industrial appliance 10 that prepares and dispenses filtered water-based beverages. Shown in perspective on the figure, the beverage dispensing appliance 10 comprises at least one spout 151, at least one drawer for interchangeable capsules 250, and at least one drip-stop receptacle 155 including attachment means, preferably by magnetism.

[0027] As can be seen in the figure, the beverage dispenser 10 has at least one water inlet 99, for example from a domestic or commercial water supply, to provide the dispenser with a continuous supply of tempered water. The dispenser may have a second water inlet suitable for connection to an optional, removable external reservoir if the user does not wish to connect the dispenser to an external water supply. The dispenser 10 includes a basic unit 100 comprising, among other things, a water filtration system that performs filtration in three stages. Preferably, the incoming water is filtered with at least two successive stages, and then the water is filtered a third time before being dispensed.

[0028] Water filtration reduces the presence of harmful contaminants and improves the taste and aroma of water used in beverage preparations. Filtration ensures consistent water quality regardless of the incoming water quality, for the preparation of all types of beverages (hot, cold, and carbonated).

[0029] The first filtration stage filters the water after it enters the appliance and includes a first filter 101 which combines two filter media: polypropylene and activated carbon. This first filter removes the major particles and impurities contained in the water entering the machine.

[0030] The second filtration stage comprises a second filter 102, an ultrafiltration membrane filter with a permeability of approximately 0.01 micron. This filter removes a large portion of the microorganisms and ultrafine particles from the water exiting the first filter 101. The second filter 102 can be replaced by other types of filters, notably a reverse osmosis filter. For this type of filtration, where the filter membrane permeability is at least 0.0001 micron, the unit also has a reservoir for the wastewater rejected by the reverse osmosis filtration. This reservoir is connected to a water outlet not shown in the figures.

[0031] The first two filtration stages are carried out immediately after the water enters the machine. This ensures perfectly filtered water from the outset. The water is then directed via a pipe 181, which includes a flow sensor and branches into three pipes 182, 183, and 184.

[0032] Pipe 182 directs the filtered water to a thermostatically controlled water heater 120, which includes a thermally insulated tank 121 in which an electric heating element heats the water. The water in the tank is thus maintained at a set temperature between 60 and 100 °C. Alternatively, the water can be heated by an instantaneous water heater (not shown in the figures). In this case, there is no tank 121 because the hot water is not stored, and the water pipe 182, through which the cold water flows, is heated externally by the heater 120 and is thus heated almost instantaneously to the desired temperature. From the heater 120, the heated water is directed through pipe 192. The heated water is used for preparing hot beverages.

[0033] Pipe 183 directs the water to a water cooling unit 130, a type of heat exchanger in which the water from the thermally insulated tank 130 is cooled by a refrigerant gas exchanger, for example, circulating in pipes surrounding the tank. The cooled water is stored at the desired temperature, between 3 and 15 °C, using a thermostat before being distributed. Alternatively, the water can be cooled directly in pipe 182 by passing through a coil of a highly conductive material cooled externally by an instantaneous cooling unit 130, which does not require a tank. From the outlet of the cooling unit 130, the cooled water is directed into pipe 193. The instantaneous cooling unit improves performance and speed of cooling. Generally, the absence of a water tank inside the unit reduces the risk of water contamination.According to one variant, the instant cooling device consists of one or more Peltier modules.

[0034] Pipe 184 allows for direct and immediate distribution of filtered temperate water without prior storage in a tank and allows for continuous distribution without waiting for heating or cooling.

[0035] Each pipe 182, 183, and 184 has a two-way solenoid valve 111 at its inlet to control the water flow in each pipe. At the outlet of each hot water pipe 192 and cold water pipe 193, at least one three-way solenoid valve 112 supplies a warm water pipe 194 with a mixture of hot and cold water from pipes 192 and 193. The temperature of the warm water is preferably set at 40 °C.

[0036] The hot water 192, warm water 193, cold water 193, and room temperature water 184 distribution pipes pass through an ultraviolet filter 103. This filter ensures water sterilization by eliminating 99.99% of microorganisms and bacteria. Each water distribution pipe 192, 193, 194, and 184, after the ultraviolet filter 103, is connected to the filtered water distribution pipe 185, which supplies the beverage dispensing unit 150 via a set of solenoid valves 115. The water is therefore treated by the ultraviolet filter 103 just before distribution, guaranteeing pure water for beverage preparation. Indeed, the third filter 103 allows the sterilization of the water before its distribution and thus eliminates any nascent contamination by bacteria due to stagnant water in pipes or tanks in the event of prolonged non-use of the device.

[0037] The solenoid valves 115 at the outlet of the filter 103 can automatically close and shut off the water to prevent it from reaching the distribution pipe 185 if the filtration system 103 is not functioning correctly, or after a certain volume of filtered water has been reached, or after a certain period of time, for example, to prompt the user to change the filters. An ultraviolet filtration device can also be located in the cold water tank 131.

[0038] The device comprises a control unit 140 connected to a beverage selection user interface (not shown in the figures) and a beverage dispensing unit 150 including at least one spout 151. The control unit 140 is also connected via control lines to all the solenoid valves in the circuit, the flow sensor, the filters, the water heating device 120, the water cooling device 130, and the beverage dispensing unit 150. The control unit is adapted to send instructions to the connected components, receive data from these components, and process this data using control software. The control unit 140 is programmable and includes a microcontroller or microprocessor.The user interface includes a touchscreen, for example, to allow the user to select a beverage from a menu and to configure machine functions such as cold and hot water temperature, beverage volume, etc. The dispensed beverage volume is controlled by data on the incoming water flow measured by the flow sensor 114.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus 10 comprises at least two beverage units: a first beverage preparation unit 200 for drinks made from capsules or pods, and a second carbonated water preparation unit 300 for drinks made from carbonated water. For clarity, the first beverage unit 200 is referred to as the capsule beverage unit and the second beverage unit 300 is referred to as the carbonated water unit 300. The carbonated water unit 300 is a water carbonation device comprising a carbon dioxide (CO2) cartridge and a system for introducing CO2 into the cold or room-temperature water supplied by the base unit 100 before it is returned to the beverage dispensing unit 150 or to the capsule beverage unit 200.

[0040] The device 10 and more specifically the base unit 100, includes a power supply connected via a cable to an outlet of the mains power supply not shown in the figures and which supplies electrical power to all the components of the base unit 10 and to at least one external electrical connection means 160 and 161.

[0041] The apparatus 10, and more specifically the base unit 100, includes external hydraulic outflow connection means 172 and 173 for connecting and supplying water to at least one capsule beverage unit 200 and at least one carbonated water unit 300. The base unit also includes at least one hydraulic inflow connection means 174 designed to receive a liquid.

[0042] In the following description, a hydraulic connection means is said to be "incoming" to a unit when it is designed to receive a liquid into the unit, and a hydraulic connection means is said to be "outgoing" when it is designed to remove a liquid from the unit.

[0043] External electrical connection means 161 and 162 are connected to the power supply of the base unit 10 and the control unit 140 to provide power to the beverage units and to enable them to receive data or commands from the control unit. However, data and commands can also be exchanged wirelessly. Each beverage unit 200 and 300 includes an electrical connection means 261 and 262 designed to cooperate with the electrical connection means 161 and 162 of the base unit 100.

[0044] The carbonated beverage unit 300 includes at least one incoming external hydraulic connection means 373 connected to the outgoing hydraulic connection means 173 of the base unit 100 and at least one outgoing external hydraulic connection means 374 connected to the incoming hydraulic connection means 174 of the base unit 100. The carbonated beverage unit 300 also includes an outgoing hydraulic connection means 375 connected to an incoming hydraulic means 265 of the capsule beverage unit 200.

[0045] The carbonated beverage unit 300 can then be supplied with cold or tempered water via the incoming hydraulic connection 373, the cold water coming from the base unit 100 via the pipe 185 connected on one side to the hydraulic connection 173 and on the other side to the cold water pipe 193 and the tempered water pipe 184 via at least one three-way solenoid valve 115. Also, the base unit 100 can receive a cold beverage from the carbonated beverage unit 300, via its incoming hydraulic connection 174 connected inside the base unit 100 to the beverage distribution unit 150 via a carbonated water supply line 305.

[0046] Similarly, the capsule beverage unit 200 includes at least one external inlet hydraulic connection 272 connected to the outlet hydraulic connection 172 of the base unit 100. The capsule beverage unit 200 can then be supplied with water via the inlet hydraulic connection 272, the water coming from the base unit 100 through the line 202 connected on one side to the hydraulic connection 172 and on the other side to the water line 185 via a three-way solenoid valve 115. The water supplying the capsule beverage unit is hot, cold, or room temperature depending on the type of beverage requested. The capsule beverage unit 200 can also be supplied with carbonated water via the inlet hydraulic connection 265, the water coming from the carbonated water unit 300.

[0047] The capsule beverage unit is designed to accommodate different types of capsules or pods and to prepare hot water-based beverages such as coffee and tea, as well as cold, room temperature, or carbonated beverages such as flavored drinks. Each type of capsule has a different shape and requires a specific water volume, pressure, and temperature; for example, 15 bar and 90°C for Nespresso, 3 bar and 85°C for Dolce Gusto, 3 bar and 7°C for flavored capsules, and so on. The capsule is inserted into a drawer designed for its type, and the drawer itself is designed to fit into a designated slot in the capsule beverage unit. The drawer slot has a sealing gasket that the drawer's sealing gasket contacts when the drawer is inserted. The drawer can be interchanged to accommodate different capsule types.Each capsule drawer is designed for a specific capsule type and includes a recognition system to differentiate and identify them. Preferably, each interchangeable drawer incorporates an RFID chip containing the specifications required for its capsule type (water volume, pressure, temperature) for optimal extraction. The 200 capsule beverage unit or the 100 base unit includes a reader capable of reading the RFID chip and transmitting the information it contains to the 140 control unit. This allows the unit to automatically adjust the temperature, pressure, and water volume injected during beverage extraction according to the capsule and the user's selection. While a default water volume is recommended for each capsule, the user can adjust the beverage volume via the beverage selection interface if desired.The device according to the invention has as many drawers as there are capsules, all of which are adapted to fit perfectly into the housing provided in the capsule beverage unit 300.

[0048] The capsule drawer has a manual perforation mechanism comprising a lever visible on the device which, when operated by the user, activates a capsule perforation mechanism and a mechanism which increases and maintains the pressure between the sealing joints of the drawer 250 and the capsule beverage unit 200 during beverage extraction in order to ensure a perfect seal by optimal pressure between the two joints.

[0049] The capsule beverage unit includes at least one spout 152 connected to the interchangeable drawer to dispense the prepared beverage directly without it passing through the base unit. This prevents hot beverages from cooling and losing their appearance, particularly the frothy texture of coffee. By dispensing the beverage through the spout 152 as soon as it is extracted from the capsule, it does not pass through distribution lines. The capsule beverage unit may include two spouts: a first spout 152 dedicated to dispensing beverages prepared from capsules, particularly coffee-based beverages, and a second spout 153 dedicated to dispensing water. The spout 153 is connected, via a bypass located in the drawer, directly to the filtered water line 185, either through the spout 151 or not.Thus, after preparing a drink from a coffee capsule, the user can directly pour themselves a glass of water without having to remove the interchangeable drawer 250. In addition, the second spout 153 dedicated to water distribution prevents the dispensed water from tasting like coffee.

[0050] The control unit 140 includes a radio frequency contactless signal transmitter / receiver circuit 145 based on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other communication technologies. Accordingly, the device 100 is capable of exchanging data with a smartphone-type digital terminal 60 via a wireless communication module such as a radio frequency, Bluetooth, or other contactless signal transmitter / receiver. This information exchange is bidirectional. The mobile digital terminal 60 can be a smartphone, tablet, or computer and includes a touchscreen. The digital terminal can be wirelessly connected to a database 22 accessible on the internet 21 via a telecommunications and geolocation network or a Wi-Fi router.An interface or application 62 installed on the digital terminal allows the user to monitor the device's status, water consumption, and filter status using data recorded during use, such as the number of drinks served, the volume of water filtered, etc. It also allows the user to control and modify device parameters such as drink volume, water temperature, etc. This data can be stored in a database 22 accessible via user identification 70. The interface 62 also provides the user with all their usage data, settings, etc. This data enables monitoring of water consumption and anticipating the management of consumable orders, such as filters, whose status can be determined either by a maximum volume of filtered water or by a usage time.The application can offer automated filter management, a user subscription system to notify them of maintenance periods, and remote diagnosis of technical problems.

[0051] The RFID chip in each interchangeable drawer can be replaced by a QR code recognized by the user's digital terminal's application 62. This QR code sends the capsule type data to the control unit, which then adjusts the pressure, temperature, and water volume injected during extraction according to the capsule type. The drawer identification method can also be a mechanical, keying device in the form of a lug, with a different shape for each drawer type.

[0052] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the beverage units 200 and 300 are modular so that they can be removably connected to the base unit 100. In this case, the beverage units 200 and 300 are external to the base unit 100.

[0053] The external electrical connection means 160 and 161 are then located at the periphery of the base unit 100 and can be mechanically coupled to the base unit 100 in a removable manner by means of reciprocal attachment means.

[0054] The connection between the base unit 100 and the capsule beverage unit 200 is either direct, made by connectors located on the sides respectively of the base unit 100 and the capsule beverage unit 200, or made by means of an external conduit 282 represented by dotted lines on the diagram and placed for example at the rear of the base unit 100 and the modular unit 200.

[0055] Similarly, the connections between the base unit 100 and the sparkling water unit 300 are either direct, made by connectors located on the sides respectively of the base unit 100 and the sparkling water unit 300, or made by means of external pipes 382 and 383 shown in dashed lines on the diagram and placed for example at the rear of the base unit and the modular sparkling water unit 300. The connection between the sparkling water unit and the capsule beverage unit is either direct made by connectors located on the sides respectively of the capsule beverage unit 200 and the sparkling water unit 300, or made by means of an external pipe 285 shown in dashed lines on the diagram.

[0056] With modular beverage units, the device according to the invention has the advantage of being used with one or more beverage units coupled to the base unit, and it can also be used without a modular unit, i.e., solely with the base unit. Furthermore, the user can choose the type of modular unit they prefer.

[0057] When a modular beverage unit is connected to the base unit, it exchanges data via the control line that connects it to the base unit or via a wireless connection such as radio frequency. Each modular beverage unit has a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, and the base unit has a reader capable of reading the chips.

Claims

A water-based beverage dispensing apparatus (10) comprising a basic unit (100) equipped with: a water inlet (99), a power supply, a water filtration device (101, 102, 103), a hot water production device (120), a cold water production device (130), cold water (181, 183), hot water (192), warm water (194) and ambient water (184) lines, a filtered water line (185), a control unit (140) connected to a beverage selection user interface, a water dispensing unit (150) comprising at least one spout (151), and a set of solenoid valves (111, 112, 113, 115) for moving water in the line of filtered water (185) up to at least one spout when a beverage type is selected, Characterized in that it comprises a first beverage unit (200), suitable for preparing beverages extracted from a capsule,comprising a housing designed to receive a removable and interchangeable capsule drawer (250) adapted to a type of capsule, the drawer housing having a sealing gasket with which a sealing gasket of the drawer comes into contact when the drawer is housed in its housing. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1, comprising a second beverage unit (300) adapted for preparing beverages based on carbonated filtered water and in which the beverages extracted from the capsule of the first beverage unit can be prepared from carbonated filtered water from the second beverage unit (300) or from filtered water from the base unit (100). Apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capsule drawer (250) has a manual capsule piercing mechanism comprising a lever visible on the apparatus which, when operated by the user, activates a capsule piercing mechanism and a mechanism which increases and maintains the pressure between the sealing joints of said capsule drawer and the housing of the first beverage unit (200) during the extraction of the beverage. Apparatus (10) according to claim 3, wherein the first beverage unit (200) comprises at least one spout (152) connected to the capsule drawer in order to deliver the extracted beverage directly without it passing through the base unit. Device (10) according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein each capsule drawer (250) is adapted for a type of capsule and includes an RFID chip or a QR code containing the specifications of its capsule type such as the volume of water to be injected into the capsule, the pressure and temperature to be maintained during the extraction of the beverage. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the basic unit (100) comprises electrical connection means (161, 162) and hydraulic connection means (172, 173, 174), said connection means being designed to connect at least the two beverage units (200 and 300), the second beverage unit (300) can thus be coupled to said basic unit, be supplied with filtered cold water or filtered ambient water from the basic unit and supply said basic unit with carbonated water, and said first beverage unit can thus be coupled to said basic unit and be supplied with filtered water from said basic unit. Device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the electrical connection means (161, 162) of the base unit (100) provides a power supply to the beverage units (200, 300) and enables data transmission between said base unit and said beverage units, said beverage units comprising an electrical connection means (261, 362) designed to cooperate with said electrical connection means of said base unit so that said beverage units are controlled by the control unit (140) of said base unit. Apparatus (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the hydraulic connection means comprise at least one outgoing hydraulic connection means (172, 173) designed to cooperate with at least one incoming hydraulic connection means (272, 373) of the beverage units (200, 300) and comprise at least one incoming hydraulic connection means (174) designed to cooperate with at least one outgoing hydraulic connection means (374) of the second beverage unit (300). Apparatus (10) according to claim 8, wherein the outgoing hydraulic connection means (172) of the base unit is supplied with filtered water through the pipe (202) connected on one side to the outgoing hydraulic connection means (172) and on the other side to the filtered water pipe (185) of said base unit by a three-way solenoid valve (115). Apparatus (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the outgoing hydraulic connection means (173) of the base unit (100) is supplied with filtered cold water or filtered temperate water through the filtered water line (185) connected on one side to the hydraulic connection means (173) of said base unit and on the other side to the cold water line (193) or to the temperate water line (184) via at least one three-way solenoid valve (115). Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the incoming hydraulic connection means (174) of the base unit (100) is connected inside the base unit (100) to the beverage distribution unit (150) via a carbonated water supply line (305). Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the second beverage unit (300) comprises an outgoing hydraulic connection means (375) connected to an incoming hydraulic means (265) of the first beverage unit (200) so as to supply said first beverage unit with carbonated water. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control unit (140) comprises a radio frequency contactless signal transmitter / receiver circuit (145) based on wifi, Bluetooth or other type communication, capable of communicating and exchanging data with a digital terminal (60) of the Smartphone type, an interface or an application (62) installed on the digital terminal allowing the user to control the status of the device, water consumption, filter status, thanks to data recorded during its use, such as the number of drinks served, the volume of water filtered and also to control and modify the parameters of the device such as the volume of the drink, the water temperature, the data being able to be stored in a database (22) accessible by a means of identification (70) of the user. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the beverage units (300) and (200) are mechanically coupled to the base unit (100) in a removable manner by means of reciprocal attachment means. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the filtration device comprises at least two successive filtration stages, the first filtration stage comprising a first filter (101) which combines two filter media, polypropylene and activated carbon and the second filtration stage comprising a second filter (102) of the type ultrafiltration membrane filter with a permeability of the order of 0.01 micron or reverse osmosis filter.

Citation Information

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