HK1161532B - Improvements in or relating to a machine for the preparation of beverages - Google Patents

Description

Improvements in or relating to machines for beverage preparation

This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number CN200880006162.9, entitled "improvements in or relating to machines for beverage preparation" filed on 25.2.2008.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to machines for beverage preparation.

Background

Beverage preparation systems for making beverages such as coffee and tea are known in the art. One example is described in WO2004/064585 which demonstrates a beverage preparation system suitable for use in making a wide range of beverages such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, espresso and cappuccino.

Attempts have been made to create alternative beverage preparation systems that are capable of dispensing both hot and cold beverages. However, such systems rely on the provision of a relatively high capacity on-demand cooler, such as a flash cooler, for rapidly cooling a relatively large volume of water to a suitable temperature when it is desired to dispense a cold beverage. Alternatively, the system provides a high capacity chiller for reducing the temperature of the water throughout the storage reservoir to the temperature required for a cold beverage. High capacity chillers are capable of moderately rapidly cooling a relatively large volume of water or producing a relatively large temperature change in a smaller volume of water. These systems have disadvantages, including the problems of high capacity chillers being bulky, noisy and containing refrigerant gas as part of the cooling circuit. This makes the system bulky, expensive and difficult to recycle. Therefore, they are not suitable for use in a home setting.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage, comprising:

a shell;

a first reservoir station;

a first reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to the first reservoir station;

an auxiliary module station for receiving an auxiliary module.

An auxiliary module connectable to the auxiliary module station may be provided.

Advantageously, the auxiliary module station is movable between the first and second positions. The auxiliary module station is movable from a storage position in which the auxiliary module station is substantially hidden from outside view, and an operating position in which the auxiliary module is connectable to the auxiliary module station. The auxiliary module station is rotatable between its first and second positions. Alternatively, the auxiliary module station may be translatable between its first and second positions. Alternatively, the auxiliary module station may be formed on a collapsible panel that is rotatable between its first and second positions.

Optionally, the auxiliary module station is adapted to receive a second reservoir for containing an aqueous medium. Optionally, an auxiliary module may be connected to the first reservoir station.

The machine may further comprise a second reservoir station and a second reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the second reservoir being connectable to said second reservoir station.

Preferably, the first and second reservoirs are interchangeably connectable to the first and second reservoir stations.

Optionally, an auxiliary module may be connected to the second reservoir station.

The auxiliary module may be a cooling module. The cooling module may include a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) or a peltier heat pump. The cooling module may include a recirculation mechanism for transferring the aqueous medium cooled by the cooling module back to the reservoir.

The first reservoir preferably contains an aqueous medium at ambient temperature. Ambient temperature is understood to mean the background temperature of the location where the machine is used and may vary as the temperature of this location changes over time.

The second reservoir preferably contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 5 and 30 degrees celsius below ambient temperature. More preferably, the temperature of the aqueous medium is between 5 and 15 degrees celsius below ambient temperature. The second reservoir may contain an aqueous medium at an absolute temperature of between 4 and 15 degrees celsius depending on the local ambient temperature level.

Alternatively, the auxiliary module may be an aqueous media filtration unit, a pre-heating module, a telemetry unit, a disinfection module, or a reservoir for containing aqueous media.

The machine may comprise two or more auxiliary modules.

When there are two auxiliary modules, a first auxiliary module may be connected to the auxiliary module station and a second auxiliary module may be connected to the first reservoir station.

Alternatively, when there are two auxiliary modules, wherein a first auxiliary module may be connected to the first auxiliary module station and a second auxiliary module may be connected to the second auxiliary module station.

Alternatively, when there are two auxiliary modules, the first auxiliary module may be connected to the auxiliary module station and the second auxiliary module may be connected to the second reservoir station.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage, comprising:

a shell;

a first reservoir station;

a first reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to the first reservoir station;

an auxiliary module, wherein the auxiliary module comprises a first interface for connecting the auxiliary module to the first reservoir station and a second interface for connecting the first reservoir to the auxiliary module such that the assembled auxiliary module is positioned between the first reservoir and the first reservoir station.

The machine further comprises a second reservoir station and a second reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the second reservoir being connectable to said second reservoir station.

The auxiliary module may be connected between the second reservoir and the second reservoir station.

The auxiliary module may be selected from a cooling module, a preheating module, an aqueous media filtration unit, a disinfection module, and a telemetry unit.

A heater may be provided in fluid connection with the first reservoir station and or the second reservoir station.

Preferably, the first reservoir contains an aqueous medium at ambient temperature.

Preferably, the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 5 and 30 degrees celsius below ambient temperature. More preferably, the temperature of the aqueous medium is between 5 and 15 degrees celsius below ambient temperature. The ambient temperature will vary depending on the local climate in which the machine is used. Preferably, the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 4 and 15 degrees celsius.

The cooling module may include a recirculation mechanism for transferring the aqueous medium cooled by the cooling module back to the reservoir.

The second reservoir may be thermally insulated.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a beverage system for preparing hot and cold beverages, comprising:

a) beverage preparation machine for dispensing a beverage formed from one or more beverage ingredients using an aqueous medium, wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises:

a shell;

a first reservoir station;

a second reservoir station; and

the heater is communicated with the first seat and used for heating the water medium;

b) a first reservoir containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to the first reservoir station for fluid connection with the heater; and

c) a removable second reservoir containing an aqueous medium at a temperature below ambient, the second reservoir being connectable to said second reservoir station.

Preferably, the first reservoir contains an aqueous medium at ambient temperature.

Preferably, the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 5 and 30 degrees celsius below ambient temperature. More preferably, the temperature of the aqueous medium is between 5 and 15 degrees celsius below ambient temperature. The second reservoir may contain an aqueous medium at a temperature between 4 and 15 degrees celsius.

Preferably, the second reservoir is thermally insulated.

The machine or system of the present invention may further comprise a recirculation mechanism for transferring the aqueous medium from the first or second reservoir back to the first or second reservoir or from the auxiliary module back to the auxiliary module, wherein the recirculation mechanism comprises a UV source for disinfecting the aqueous medium as it circulates in the recirculation mechanism. Advantageously, using UV light to disinfect the aqueous medium as it circulates allows the use of lower power UV emitters, as the total exposure time is increased.

Preferably, the UV sources are UVLEDs. Preferably, the UVLEDs have an emitted light wavelength between 250 and 320 nm. The extended exposure time of the aqueous medium to UV light allows the use of low power output to provide effective disinfection due to the recirculation of water and the use of small focal areas of the LEDs.

The recirculation mechanism may also include a cooling mechanism. However, UV disinfection may be used on any or all of the aqueous medium supplies that form part of the system.

In one embodiment, the recirculation mechanism and UV source are provided as part of a disinfection auxiliary module.

In another embodiment, the recirculation mechanism, the cooling mechanism, and the UV source are all provided as part of the cooling module.

The filtered UV light may be used to illuminate or fluoresce the reservoir or the media contained therein.

The machine and system are suitable for dispensing a range of hot and cold, extracted/infused or diluted beverages, including, but not limited to, coffee, tea, cappuccino, hot chocolate, iced tea, juice, smoothies and sorbets.

The present invention also provides a beverage system for preparing hot and cold beverages, comprising:

a) beverage preparation machine for dispensing a beverage formed from one or more beverage ingredients using an aqueous medium, wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises:

a first reservoir station; and

the heater is communicated with the first seat and used for heating the water medium;

b) a first reservoir containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to the first reservoir station for fluid connection with the heater; and

c) a removable second reservoir containing an aqueous medium at a temperature below ambient, the second reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station.

By using a single reservoir station and exchanging interchangeable reservoirs containing aqueous media, such as water, at different temperatures on or off, a compact system is achieved that can efficiently dispense hot or cold beverages.

Preferably, the first reservoir contains an aqueous medium at ambient temperature.

Preferably, the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature between 5 and 30 degrees celsius below ambient temperature.

Optionally, the temperature of the aqueous medium is between 4 and 15 degrees celsius.

Preferably, the second reservoir is thermally insulated. Advantageously, the second reservoir may be stored in a refrigerator prior to installation in the reservoir station to maintain an aqueous medium, such as water, at a desired, cooled temperature.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the machine of FIG. 1;

figure 4 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the machine of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a series of perspective views of the machine of FIG. 4 to illustrate the installation of two auxiliary modules;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the machine of FIG. 4;

fig. 8 shows a series of perspective views of a third embodiment of a beverage preparation machine according to the invention, to illustrate the mounting of two water tanks and an auxiliary module;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the sterilization system of the previous embodiment; and

fig. 10 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a beverage preparation system according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a beverage preparation machine according to the present invention. The beverage preparation machine is of the general type described and is shown in WO2004/064585 except for the following modifications relating to the invention as defined in the claims. WO2004/064585 fully describes the basic design and function of a beverage preparation machine and the design and function of a beverage cartridge for use with the machine. These aspects will not be described in detail herein, except where relevant to the present invention. The contents of WO2004/064585 are incorporated herein by reference.

It will be appreciated that the invention may find application with other types of beverage preparation machines and for the purposes of the present invention does not require that the beverage ingredients originate from a cartridge or be delivered in a single dose form.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the beverage preparation machine 201 generally comprises a housing 210 containing a water heater 225, a water pump 230, a dispensing valve 235 having an air inlet 236, a control processor, a user interface 240 and a cartridge head 250. The cartridge head 250 typically comprises a cartridge holder for holding a beverage cartridge, a cartridge identification device and inlet and outlet drillings for forming the inlet and outlet of the beverage cartridge.

The front half 211 of the housing 210 includes a dispense font 270 where the dispensing of the beverage is performed.

The machine user interface 240 is positioned at the front of the housing 210 and includes a start/stop button 241. The start/stop button 241 controls the start of the operating cycle and is a manually operated push button, switch, or the like. The button 241 may also be used to manually stop the cycle of operation.

The rear half 212 of the housing 210 provides a recess 214 for mounting the first and second water tanks 220, 280.

The first water tank 220 may be made of a transparent or translucent material to allow a user to see the amount of water remaining in the tank. Alternatively, the first water tank 220 may be made of an opaque material, but provided with a window thereon. Further, instead of the above, the first water tank 220 may be provided with a low level sensor which prevents operation of the water pump 230 and optionally triggers an alarm indicator, such as an LED, when the water level in the tank drops to a predetermined level. The first water tank 220 preferably has an internal capacity of about 1.5 liters.

The first water tank 220 is connected in use to the first water tank station 120. The first water tank 220 includes a generally cylindrical body 221, which may be a right cone or frustum as desired for aesthetic reasons. The tank comprises an open upper end which constitutes an inlet for filling the tank with water, which in use can be closed with a manually removable lid 222. The outlet is provided towards the lower end of the tank. The outlet includes a valve that is biased to a closed position when the first tank is removed from the first tank seat 120. The outlet may also be provided with a filter preventing solid particles from entering the internal parts of the machine. The first water tank mount 120 includes a chassis 121 shaped to receive a lower end of the first water tank 220. The chassis 121 is provided with a valve connector 122, the valve connector 122 being in mating connection with the outlet valve of the first water tank 220 when the tank is positioned on the chassis 121. The connection of the canister 220 to the seat 120 opens the valve and allows water to flow therethrough.

As shown in fig. 3, a pipe 123 extending from the inside of the valve connector 122 communicates with the water heater 225.

The beverage preparation machine 201 is provided with a second water tank mount 180. The second water tank mount 180 includes a bottom plate 181 with a valve connector 182 in the same manner as the first water tank mount 120. The second water tank 280 may be positioned on the second water tank stand 180. The second water tank 280 is provided with an outlet valve in the same manner as the first water tank and is connected to a valve connector in the same manner as described above. The second water tank 280 is preferably identical in construction and material to the first water tank 220.

The chassis 121 and 181 are preferably formed as a single body with locations to separate the score marks of the first and second water tanks 220, 280.

A conduit 183 extends from inside the valve connector 182 of the second tank base to the dispensing valve 235.

The water pump 230 is a displacement pump that generates a sufficient suction pressure differential to draw water from the tank and through the heater and dispensing valve 250. Preferably, a peristaltic type pump is used so that each revolution can carry a known volume of water. The water pump 230 provides a maximum flow rate of 900ml/min at a maximum pressure of 2.5 bar. Preferably, under normal use, the pressure will be limited to 2 bar. By means of the speed control, the flow rate of water through the machine can be controlled by the control processor as a fraction of the maximum flow rate of the pump. Preferably, the pump may be driven at any one of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the maximum flow rate. The accuracy of the pumped volume of water is preferably ± 5%, resulting in an accuracy of ± 5% of the final volume of the dispensed beverage. When using a peristaltic pump, the volume delivered may be determined by the number of revolutions. Alternatively, for example, when a peristaltic pump is not used, a volumetric flow sensor (not shown) may be provided in the flow path upstream or downstream of the water pump 230. Preferably, the volumetric flow sensor is a rotation sensor.

Preferably, the dispensing valve 235 comprises an assembly of two electrically operated electromagnetic transition valves with associated non-return valves, as schematically shown in fig. 3. To properly direct water from the first or second water tanks through the machine to the cartridge head, the respective solenoid valve of the dispensing valve 250 is selected by the control processor before flow begins.

The water heater 225 has a power rating of 1550W and is capable of heating the water received from the water pump 230 from a starting temperature of about 20 ℃ to an operating temperature in the range of about 88 to 94 ℃ in less than 1 minute. Preferably, the dwell time between the end of one cycle of operation and the time at which the heater 225 is able to begin a subsequent cycle of operation is less than 10 seconds. The heater maintains the selected temperature at + -2 deg.C during the operating cycle. Preferably, the water used for the operational cycle may be delivered to cartridge head 250 at 88 ℃, 91 ℃, or 94 ℃. The heater 225 is capable of rapid adjustment of the delivery temperature to be in the range of 88 c or 94 c. The heater 225 includes an over-temperature shut-off that shuts off the heater when the temperature exceeds 98 deg.c.

As shown in fig. 3, the dispensing valve 235 receives an incoming water supply from the water heater 225 and the second water tank 280. In addition, air inlet 236 allows air to be pumped to cartridge head 250. A separate air compressor may be included in the air supply passage if desired. A water/air outlet 237 from the dispensing valve 235 is connected to the water pump 230. Thus, the water pump 230 is connected to the cartridge head 250.

The control processor of the beverage preparation machine comprises a processing module and a memory. The control processor is operatively connected to and controls the operation of the water heater 225, the water pump 230, the dispensing valve 235, and the user interface 240.

In use, the first water tank 220 is used to provide water for a hot beverage, which passes through the water heater 225 to the cartridge head 250. The second water tank 280 is used to provide water for cold beverages or beverages at ambient temperature, which water does not pass through the water heater 225. The water in the second water tank 280 may be cooled before it is injected into the tank. Preferably, however, the tank, which contains water, can be cooled in a refrigerator. Preferably, the water in the second water tank 280 is between 5 and 30 degrees celsius below ambient or room temperature, more preferably between 5 and 15 degrees celsius below ambient temperature when connected to the second water tank station. The shape and size of the can allows the can to be installed in a household refrigerator door after separation from the beverage preparation machine.

The first and second water tanks 220, 280 may be interchanged on the first and second water tank stations 120, 180. That is, one design of tank may be used for mounting to the first and second water tank mounts 120, 180.

Fig. 4 to 7 show a second embodiment of a beverage preparation machine 201 according to the present invention. As with the first embodiment, the machine includes first and second water tanks 220, 280 and first and second water tank stations 120, 180. As shown in fig. 4, the design of the housing 210 is a different shape, but the function of the components of the machine is the same as in the first embodiment described above, except where noted differently below.

As shown in fig. 6, the beverage preparation machine is provided with one or more auxiliary modules. In the illustrated embodiment, two auxiliary modules are shown mounted on the first and second tank mounts 120, 180. The preheating module 320 is mounted on the first water tank mount 120 between the first water tank 220 and the chassis 121. The cooling module 380 is mounted on the second water tank mount 180 between the second water tank 280 and the chassis 181. It should be noted that fig. 6 shows an alternative arrangement, wherein the beverage preparation machine is provided with a single water tank 290 having double capacity and located on both the first and second water tank holders.

The auxiliary modules 320, 380 are mounted in line with the first and second water tanks. The lower surface of each auxiliary module is matched with the contact surface of the water tank seat, and the upper surface of each auxiliary module is shaped to receive the first water tank or the second water tank. Suitable valve connectors for mating with the valve connectors of the water tank seat and the water tank are provided on both the upper and lower faces of the auxiliary module. This arrangement is particularly suitable when the auxiliary module comprises a cooling unit or a preheating unit. Filter units may also be used in this configuration.

Fig. 7 schematically shows the internal structure of the second embodiment. The arrangement of the pump, water heater and dispensing valve is the same as in the first embodiment. As shown, the pre-heater module 320 includes a heater 321. The cooling module 380 includes a thermoelectric cooler (TEC)381 that receives water from the second tank 280 via a tank outlet 383, cools the water and recirculates the water back to the second tank 280 via a tank inlet 384. The motive force for recirculation is provided by a dedicated pump 382 in the cooling module 380. When the required water leaves the cooling module 380 via valve 385. Other types of peltier heat pumps or similar devices may be used instead of TEC 381.

In use, when a cold beverage is required, water is pumped by the pump 230 from the second water tank 280 to the cartridge head 250. The water in the second tank 280 is maintained in a cooled state due to the presence of the cooling module 380.

The cooling module 380 may be used to cool water in the second tank 280, initially at ambient or room temperature, or may be used to maintain the temperature of water in the second tank 280 that has been previously cooled in a refrigerator.

The pre-heating module 320 may be used to heat a quantity of water at ambient temperature taken from the first tank 220 before passing the water to the primary heater 225 in the housing of the machine.

Alternatively, the second tank itself may include a cooling mechanism, such as a TEC, as an integral part of the tank.

Fig. 8 shows a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the beverage preparation machine 201 is provided with an auxiliary module station 300 and a first and a second water tank station 120, 180. The auxiliary module station 300 is used to install the auxiliary module in juxtaposition to the first and second water tanks rather than in line with the tanks.

The auxiliary module station 300 includes power and fluid connections. The auxiliary module station 300 is rotatable between a storage position, in which the station is not visible from below the first and second tank stations, and an operating position, as shown in fig. 8, in which the station is visible and located behind the first and second tank stations. In an alternative, non-illustrated version, the auxiliary module station 300 may be movable between the storage and operating positions by a translational movement, such as sliding, or by being positioned on a drop-down panel that is lowered when the auxiliary module is in use.

The auxiliary module 300 may be any cooling module, pre-heating module, water filtration unit, disinfection module, telemetry device, etc., as described above.

Fig. 9 shows a modification to the system, which may be used in any of the above embodiments. An Ultraviolet (UV) chamber 501 is provided as part of the water recirculation system. As shown, water is recirculated from the second tank 280 back to the second tank 280 via the UV chamber 501 by means of the pump 382 and the three-way valve 500. This recirculation continues when water is not needed to be delivered to cartridge head 250. When water is needed to dispense a beverage, it is diverted to cartridge head 250 using three-way valve 500.

The UV chamber 501 includes a housing 503 and a plurality of UV emitting elements 502 that focus light using the UV range to illuminate the water passing through the chamber 501. Preferably, the tubing used to transport water through the chamber 501 is constructed of fluoroethylene polymer (FEP) to allow good UV transmission through the tubing. The UV emitting elements 502 comprise UV emitting Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). LEDs emit UV at a wavelength selected between 250 and 320 nanometers (nm). The LEDs may have a relatively low power output than low pressure mercury discharge UV lamps because the multiple recirculation of water through the chamber 501 increases the total UV exposure time of the water. In addition, the LEDs can be arranged to have a small focal area by using a suitable lens arrangement to improve the disinfection effect. This allows the use of cheaper and smaller UVLEDs.

Preferably, the canister 280 or the water contained therein may be illuminated by a portion of the UV output of the LEDs that have been filtered. The shell 280 may be formed of, or include, a material that fluoresces when exposed to UV light.

The use of UV light in the system to disinfect the water may be used for recirculation of the water in the first tank 220 and/or the second water tank 280, regardless of whether the water may also be cooled, heated or run off at ambient temperature. The UV chamber 501 may be formed as part of a recirculation conduit of a cooling module formed as part of a machine or may be connected to another auxiliary module of one of the water or auxiliary module stands. Each reservoir station may be provided with a built-in UV chamber 501 if desired.

The UV chamber 501 may be formed as part of the main housing of the machine or as part of a separate, attachable auxiliary module. The UV chamber 501 and recirculation mechanism may be formed as part of the sterilization module itself or part of the cooling module.

Fig. 10 shows a fourth embodiment of the system. In this system, the beverage preparation machine 201 comprises a single reservoir station and two water tanks. The first water tank 220 contains water at ambient temperature and is used for preparing a hot beverage. The second water tank 280 contains water 400 at a sub-ambient temperature and is used to prepare a cold beverage. The canisters 220, 280 may be interchangeably attached to or detached from the reservoir station as desired. Advantageously, the second tank is preferably stored in a refrigerator to generate and maintain a cooled amount of water when not mounted to the beverage preparation machine 201. By this method, the system can be used for fast making both hot and cold beverages without the need for cooling means in the housing of the beverage preparation machine.

Preferably, the second water tank 280 is thermally insulated and may be provided with a carrying handle. It may also be suitably shaped to fit in a standard compartment of a refrigerator, such as a door pocket.

In the application of any of the first to third embodiments described above, the required auxiliary module is suitably mounted in the auxiliary module station or in the first or second water tank station. In addition, one or the other or both of the first and second water tanks are suitably positioned on the respective first and second water tank stations.

Depending on the type of beverage to be dispensed, the water for the beverage originates from the first or second water tank. For example, when a frozen beverage is desired, water is sourced from a second tank, which may contain water pre-cooled in a refrigerator, or water cooled by a cooling module or integrated TEC. When a hot beverage is desired, water is sourced from the first tank, which is optionally transferred to the heater 225 via a pre-heating module.

The basic operating behaviour of the machine 201 of any of the embodiments described above is fully described in WO 2004/064585.

From the above, it should be understood that in the present invention, the auxiliary modules described may be positioned in line or in parallel with one or more tanks containing water for forming beverages. Depending on the desired combination of functions, one, two or more auxiliary modules may be used in combination with one, two or more water tanks. It should also be understood that various types of auxiliary modules are illustrated by way of example only, and may be used in one or more of the above-described embodiments of the beverage machine. The auxiliary module and the water tank of the above described embodiments may be used in a beverage preparation machine having one, two or more reservoir stations.

Claims (51)

1. Beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage, comprising:

a shell;

a first reservoir station;

a first reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to the first reservoir station;

an auxiliary module seat for accommodating an auxiliary module;

wherein an auxiliary module is connectable to the first reservoir station; and is

The auxiliary module station is movable between a storage position and an operating position relative to the first reservoir station.

2. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary module connectable to the auxiliary module station.

3. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the auxiliary module station is movable from the storage position, in which the auxiliary module station is hidden from outside view by the first reservoir station, and the operating position, in which the auxiliary module station is disposed away from the first reservoir station such that the auxiliary module can be connected to the auxiliary module station.

4. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary module station is rotatable between its storage position and its operating position.

5. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the auxiliary module station is translatable between its storage position and its operating position.

6. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary module seat is formed on a foldable panel which is rotatable between its storage position and its operating position.

7. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the auxiliary module is adapted to receive a second reservoir for containing an aqueous medium.

8. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a second reservoir station and a second reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the second reservoir being connectable to the second reservoir station.

9. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 8 wherein said first and second reservoirs are interchangeably connected to said first and second reservoir stations.

10. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 8 wherein an auxiliary module is connectable to said second reservoir station.

11. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary module is a cooling module.

12. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 11 wherein the cooling module comprises a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) or peltier heat pump.

13. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 11 wherein the cooling module comprises a recirculation mechanism for transferring aqueous medium cooled by the cooling module back to the reservoir.

14. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first reservoir contains an aqueous medium at ambient temperature.

15. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature of between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature.

16. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 15 wherein the temperature of the aqueous medium is 5 to 15 degrees celsius below ambient temperature.

17. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature of between 4 and 15 degrees Celsius.

18. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said auxiliary module is an aqueous medium filtering unit.

19. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said auxiliary module is a pre-heating module.

20. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary module is a telemetry unit.

21. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the auxiliary module is a reservoir for containing an aqueous medium.

22. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 comprising two or more auxiliary modules.

23. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 22 comprising two auxiliary modules, wherein a first auxiliary module is connected to the auxiliary module station and a second auxiliary module is connected to the first reservoir station.

24. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 22 comprising two auxiliary modules, wherein a first auxiliary module is connected to a first auxiliary module mount and a second auxiliary module is connected to a second auxiliary module mount.

25. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 22 comprising two auxiliary modules, wherein a first auxiliary module is connected to the auxiliary module station and a second auxiliary module is connected to a second reservoir station.

26. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a recirculation mechanism for transferring aqueous medium from said first reservoir back to said first reservoir or from said auxiliary module back to said auxiliary module, wherein said recirculation mechanism comprises an ultraviolet source for disinfecting said aqueous medium as it circulates in said recirculation mechanism.

27. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 26 wherein the uv source is a uv led.

28. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 27 wherein the ultraviolet light emitting diodes have an emission wavelength between 250 and 320 nm.

29. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 26 wherein said recirculation mechanism and said uv source are provided as part of a disinfection auxiliary module.

30. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 26 wherein the recirculation mechanism further comprises a cooling mechanism.

31. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 30 wherein the recirculation mechanism, cooling mechanism and uv source are all provided as part of a cooling module.

32. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is suitable for preparing a range of hot and cold, extracted/infused or diluted beverages, including but not limited to coffee, tea, cappuccino, hot chocolate, iced tea, fruit juices, smoothies and sorbets.

33. Beverage system for preparing hot and cold beverages, comprising:

a) a beverage preparation machine for dispensing a beverage formed of one or more beverage ingredients using an aqueous medium, wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises:

a shell;

a first reservoir station;

a second reservoir station; and

a heater in fluid connection with the first reservoir station for heating an aqueous medium;

b) a first reservoir containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to and removable from the first reservoir station so as to be in fluid connection with the heater; and

c) a removable second reservoir containing an aqueous medium at a temperature below ambient, the second reservoir being connectable to the second reservoir station.

34. A beverage system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the first reservoir contains aqueous medium at ambient temperature.

35. A beverage system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature of between 5 and 30 degrees celsius below ambient temperature.

36. A beverage system as claimed in claim 35, wherein the temperature of the aqueous medium is between 5 and 15 degrees celsius below ambient temperature.

37. A beverage system as claimed in claim 34, wherein the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature of between 4 and 15 degrees celsius.

38. A beverage system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the second reservoir is thermally insulated.

39. A beverage system as claimed in claim 33 further comprising a recirculation mechanism for transferring aqueous medium from said first reservoir back to said first reservoir or from said second reservoir back to said second reservoir, wherein said recirculation mechanism comprises an ultraviolet source for disinfecting said aqueous medium as it circulates in said recirculation mechanism.

40. A beverage system as claimed in claim 39, wherein the UV source is a UV light emitting diode.

41. A beverage system as claimed in claim 40, wherein the ultraviolet light emitting diode has an emission wavelength between 250 and 320 nm.

42. A beverage system as claimed in claim 39, wherein the recirculation mechanism and the UV source are provided as part of a disinfection auxiliary module.

43. A beverage system as claimed in claim 39, wherein the recirculation means further comprises cooling means.

44. A beverage system as claimed in claim 43 wherein the recirculation mechanism, cooling mechanism and UV source are all provided as part of a cooling module.

45. A beverage system as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 44 which is suitable for dispensing a range of hot and cold, extracted/infused or diluted beverages including, but not limited to, coffee, tea, cappuccino, hot chocolate, iced tea, fruit juices, smoothies and sorbets.

46. Beverage system for preparing hot and cold beverages, comprising:

a) a beverage preparation machine for dispensing a beverage formed of one or more beverage ingredients using an aqueous medium, wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises:

a first reservoir station; and

a heater in fluid connection with the first reservoir station for heating an aqueous medium;

b) a first reservoir containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to and removable from the first reservoir station so as to be in fluid connection with the heater; and

c) a removable second reservoir containing an aqueous medium at a temperature below ambient, the second reservoir being connectable to the first reservoir station.

47. A beverage system as claimed in claim 46, wherein the first reservoir contains aqueous medium at ambient temperature.

48. A beverage system as claimed in claim 46 wherein the second reservoir contains aqueous medium at a temperature of between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature.

49. A beverage system as claimed in claim 47, wherein the temperature of the aqueous medium is between 4 and 15 degrees Celsius.

50. A beverage system as claimed in claim 46, wherein the second reservoir is thermally insulated.

51. A beverage system as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 50 which is suitable for the preparation of a range of hot and cold, extracted/infused or diluted beverages including, but not limited to, coffee, tea, cappuccino, hot chocolate, iced tea, fruit juices, smoothies and sorbets.