CN109700315B - Beverage machine and method for preparing a gas-mixed beverage using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a beverage machine and a method for preparing a gas-mixed beverage by using the same, wherein the beverage machine comprises a tank body, a first fluid pipe, a second fluid pipe and a mixer, and the tank body is provided with a gas input port; the first fluid pipe is arranged in the tank body, and the bottom of the first fluid pipe is provided with a liquid inlet; the second fluid pipe is arranged in the tank body, and a liquid outlet is formed in the bottom of the second fluid pipe; the mixer is respectively communicated with the first fluid pipe and the second fluid pipe, the mixer is provided with an air inlet, the air inlet is positioned above the liquid inlet, the caliber of the liquid inlet is larger than that of the air inlet, after gas is input into the tank body, the gas pushes the beverage to enter the first fluid pipe, and the gas enters the mixer through the air inlet and is mixed with the beverage in the mixer. The beverage machine of the invention has simple operation process. And because of adopting the design of the fluid pipe, the whole structure of the beverage machine is simple; which can be designed to be smaller in size as required, so that less raw materials can be stored in advance, and cleaning and maintenance are easy.

Description

Beverage machine and method for preparing a gas-mixed beverage using the same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to beverage appliances, and more particularly to a beverage machine and a method of preparing a gas-mix beverage using the same.

Background

Existing mixing devices for mixing beverages and gases, such as beverage machines, typically introduce the gases and liquids directly into a mixing vessel of relatively large capacity and use relatively high gas pressures to force the gases into the beverage in such a way that the mixing of the gases and beverage is not optimal. Still some mixing devices utilize fluidity of gas and beverage, and mix the gas into the beverage by increasing contact between the gas and the beverage, but the existing mixing devices through gas-liquid flow mode often have many components inside, and the structure is complex, and the overall size of the device is large, so that the device is inconvenient to install and use.

Accordingly, there is a need for a beverage machine and a method of preparing a gas-mix beverage using the same that at least partially address the problems of the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

In the summary, a series of concepts in a simplified form are introduced, which will be further described in detail in the detailed description. The summary of the invention is not intended to define the key features and essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In order to at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage maker comprising:

a can for containing a beverage and having a gas input for inputting a gas to the can;

the first fluid pipe is arranged in the tank body, and a liquid inlet is formed in the bottom of the first fluid pipe;

the second fluid pipe is arranged in the tank body, and a liquid outlet is formed in the bottom of the second fluid pipe; and

the mixer is positioned between the first fluid pipe and the second fluid pipe and is respectively communicated with the first fluid pipe and the second fluid pipe, the mixer is provided with an air inlet, the air inlet is positioned above the liquid inlet, the caliber of the liquid inlet is larger than that of the air inlet,

wherein the beverage maker is configured such that, upon input of the gas to the tank, the gas is able to push the beverage into the first fluid tube, and the gas is able to enter the mixer via the gas inlet and mix with the beverage in the mixer.

According to the scheme, when a user pours out the beverage, the gas can be input into the tank body, the beverage in the tank body and the gas flow through the fluid pipe, and the gas can be effectively mixed in the fluid pipe, so that the beverage mixed with the gas can be poured out, and the operation process is simple. And because of adopting the design of the fluid pipe, the whole structure of the beverage machine is simple; which can be designed to be smaller in size as required, so that less raw materials can be stored in advance, and cleaning and maintenance are easy.

Optionally, the first fluid pipe and the second fluid pipe are arranged side by side and are all arranged vertically. Therefore, the beverage in the tank body can be almost completely poured out, the distance between the beverage and the gas flowing in the fluid pipe can be longer, and the gas-liquid mixing effect is improved.

Optionally, the mixer is a tubular member, and at least one of the first fluid tube and the second fluid tube is integrally formed with the mixer. Therefore, the structure is simple, and the cleaning and the production and the manufacture are easy.

Optionally, the mixer has a mixer inlet in communication with the first fluid tube and a flow regulator extending into the mixer inlet and movable relative thereto. Thus, a gas-mixed beverage having different degrees of gas mixing can be prepared by adjusting the flow rate of the beverage into the mixer.

Optionally, the flow regulator has a radially tapered taper that tapers towards the mixer inlet. Thus, the flow rate of the beverage and the corresponding gas-liquid mixing ratio can be adjusted by changing the flow area of the beverage at the mixer inlet.

Optionally, the mixer has a mixer outlet in communication with the second fluid pipe, the mixer outlet having a smaller bore than the pipe diameter of the second fluid pipe. Thereby, the mixing effect of the gas and the beverage can be enhanced.

Optionally, the caliber of the outlet of the mixer is 2-5 mm.

Optionally, a first flow limiting piece with a first flow limiting hole is arranged at the liquid inlet of the first fluid pipe, and the aperture of the first flow limiting hole is smaller than the pipe diameter of the first fluid pipe. Thus, a gas-mixed beverage having a different degree of gas infusion can be prepared by replacing the first flow restrictor with a different aperture.

Optionally, the aperture of the first flow limiting hole is 2-5 mm.

Optionally, the second fluid pipe is connected with the mixer through a second flow limiting piece with a second flow limiting hole, and the aperture of the second flow limiting hole is smaller than the pipe diameter of the second fluid pipe. Thereby, the mixing effect of the gas and the beverage can be enhanced.

Optionally, the aperture of the second flow limiting hole is 2-5 mm.

Optionally, the caliber of the air inlet is 0.1-0.5 mm, and the caliber of the liquid inlet is 4-12 mm; and/or the pressure of the gas as it is fed into the tank is 50 to 100psig.

Optionally, the device further comprises a nozzle, wherein the nozzle is detachably arranged at the liquid outlet, and a flow limiting plate with holes is arranged in the nozzle. Thus, the total flow of the gas-mixed beverage can be limited, and the nozzle can be conveniently detached for cleaning.

Optionally, a valve core is further arranged in the nozzle, and a plurality of diffusion holes extending vertically are formed in the valve core. Thus, the gas-mixed beverage can be rectified before pouring.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a gas-mixed beverage using the beverage machine according to any one of the above aspects, comprising the steps of: the beverage contained in the tank enters the first fluid pipe through the liquid inlet, and the gas contained in the tank enters the mixer communicated with the first fluid pipe through the gas inlet, and the beverage and the gas are mixed in the mixer to form a gas-mixed beverage.

According to the present solution, the beverage and the gas in the can flow through the fluid pipe and can be effectively mixed in the fluid pipe, so that the beverage mixed with the gas (i.e., the gas-mixed beverage) can be obtained, and the operation process is simple. The fluid pipe herein specifically refers to a fluid channel defined by the first fluid pipe and the mixer.

Optionally, the method further comprises a pouring step performed simultaneously with the mixing step: the gas-mixed beverage is discharged from the liquid outlet through the second fluid pipe communicated with the mixer and is poured out through a liquid outlet device at the liquid outlet. Thus, the gas can be mixed with the beverage flowing through the fluid pipe, and the mixed gas beverage in a flowing state is formed after mixing, and flows out of the fluid pipe. The fluid pipe herein specifically refers to a fluid channel defined by the first fluid pipe, the second fluid pipe, and the mixer.

Optionally, the method further comprises a gas input step: inputting the gas into the tank via the gas input port; the mixing step is performed after the gas input step is started or completed.

Optionally, the beverage in the can is pressed into the first fluid tube by the gas via the liquid inlet.

Optionally, the method further comprises a flow rate adjustment step before the gas input step: the position of the flow regulator on the mixer relative to the mixer inlet is adjusted so that the flow of beverage into the mixer is changed.

Optionally, the method further comprises a flow rate adjustment step before the gas input step: a first flow restrictor having a different aperture at the first fluid tube is replaced to vary the flow of beverage into the first fluid tube.

Optionally, in the mixing step, the aerated beverage is further rectified in a second flow restrictor at the second fluid tube;

and/or in the mixing step, the gas-mixed beverage is further mixed in a tapping device at a tapping port.

Drawings

The following drawings are included to provide an understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. Embodiments of the present invention and their description are shown in the drawings to illustrate the devices and principles of the invention. In the drawings of which there are shown,

fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a beverage machine according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the beverage machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the beverage machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the fluid tube shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the nozzle shown in FIG. 4; and

fig. 7 is a schematic structural view of a fluid pipe of a beverage maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the reference numerals

100: the beverage maker 10: tank body

11: tank body 12: cover body

13: the gas-receiving tube 14: exhaust pipe

15: protrusion 20: liquid outlet device

21: the valve core 22: diffusion hole

23: flow restrictor plate 24: flow limiting port

25: pour spout 26: connecting pipe

27: first body 28: second body

30: seal ring 40: first fluid pipe

41: liquid inlet 50: second fluid pipe

51: liquid outlet 60: mixer

61: air inlet 62: mixer inlet

63: mixer outlet 64: mixing chamber

65: first wall 66: a second wall

70: flow regulator 71: tapered portion

72: sealing ring 80: support frame

81: the support portion 91: handle

92: rotating shaft 93: elastic piece

240: first fluid pipe 241: liquid inlet

242: first restriction 243: first flow limiting hole

250: second fluid tube 251: liquid outlet

252: second restrictor 253: second flow limiting hole

260: mixer 261: air inlet

Detailed Description

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the invention.

In the following description, a detailed structure will be presented for the purpose of thoroughly understanding the present invention. It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the specific details set forth in the skilled artisan. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, however, the present invention may have other embodiments in addition to the detailed description, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention, as the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," and/or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right" and the like are used herein for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting.

Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" cited in the present invention are merely identifiers and do not have any other meaning, such as a particular order or the like. Also, for example, the term "first component" does not itself connote the presence of "second component" and the term "second component" does not itself connote the presence of "first component".

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate representative embodiments of the present invention and not limit the present invention.

First embodiment

As shown in fig. 1 to 4, according to one aspect of the present embodiment, there is provided a beverage maker 100, which beverage maker 100 is capable of effectively mixing gas and beverage. The mixed gas may include, but is not limited to, food grade nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or a mixture thereof. The blended beverage may include, but is not limited to, coffee, tea, dairy products, and fruit juices.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the beverage machine 100 includes a can 10 for containing a beverage. The tank 10 is provided with a gas input port for inputting gas into the tank 10. Specifically, the can body 10 includes a can body 11 having a top opening and a lid 12 for covering the top opening. The tank body 11 is substantially cylindrical in shape extending vertically. The cover 12 is detachably provided at the top of the can body 11, and the cover 12 can be opened to pour the beverage into the can body 10. The bottom of the can body 11 is provided with a tapping device 20 for pouring out a beverage. A sealing ring 30 is provided between the cover 12 and the can body 11 to prevent gas leakage.

It should be noted that directional terms used herein to describe the beverage machine 100, such as "vertical", "upward", "downward", "above", "below", etc., are relative to the beverage machine 100 in a vertical state. It will be appreciated that the beverage maker 100 is placed and used in an upright position.

The cover 12 is provided with the gas input port and a gas receiving pipe 13 communicated with the gas input port, and the gas receiving pipe 13 extends vertically and can be connected with a gas supply device of gas through the gas supply pipe. In the present embodiment, the cover 12 is further provided with the gas outlet and the exhaust pipe 14 communicating with the gas outlet, and the exhaust pipe 14 extends vertically and is capable of allowing the gas to be exhausted (for example, may be exhausted to the outside). Valves (not shown) are provided in both the gas receiving pipe 13 and the gas discharging pipe 14. When gas supply is needed, the gas supply pipe is arranged on the gas receiving pipe 13, the valve of the gas receiving pipe 13 is opened, and gas sequentially enters the tank body 10 through the gas receiving pipe 13 and the gas input port. When substantially all of the beverage has been poured, the gas remaining in the can 10 is discharged outside through the gas discharge port and the gas discharge pipe 14 in this order. The present embodiment can control whether or not the mixed gas beverage can be poured by controlling the opening and closing of the valve of the gas receiving pipe 13. The pressure at which the gas is fed into the tank 10 is 50 to 100psig (about 0.34 to 0.69 MPa), and may be, for example, 50psig, 60psig, 70psig, 80psig, 90psig or 100psig.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the tank 10 is provided therein with a first fluid pipe 40, a second fluid pipe 50, and a mixer 60 for connecting the first fluid pipe 40 and the second fluid pipe 50. The bottom of the first fluid pipe 40 is provided with a liquid inlet 41. The mixer 60 is disposed between the first fluid pipe 40 and the second fluid pipe 50, and the first fluid pipe 40 communicates with the second fluid pipe 50 via the mixer 60. The mixer 60 is provided with an air inlet 61 and the bottom of the second fluid pipe 50 is provided with a liquid outlet 51 (see fig. 5). When gas is introduced into the can 10, the pressure of the gas in the receiving space in the can 10 is higher than the pressure in the fluid pipes (specifically, the fluid passages defined by the first fluid pipe 40, the second fluid pipe 50 and the mixer 60), so that the gas can push the beverage into the first fluid pipe 40 and the gas can enter the mixer 60 via the gas inlet 61.

When the fluid pipe is in communication with the external environment (i.e., the beverage machine is in a state in which the mixed gas beverage is to be poured or poured) via the liquid outlet 51, the gas pressure in the accommodating space is higher than the pressure in the fluid pipe.

The beverage and gas can be mixed in the mixer 60 to form a gas-mixed beverage. In other words, the mixer 60 may be understood as a mixing device having a mixing chamber 64. The liquid outlet device 20 is connected to the liquid outlet 51. The mixed gas beverage can be poured from the can 10 through the liquid outlet 51 and the liquid outlet device 20.

The first fluid pipe 40 and the second fluid pipe 50 are arranged side by side and vertically. The inlet 41 is directed downwardly and at the bottom of the can 10 so that the beverage in the can 10 can be poured as completely as possible. The mixer 60 is located at the top of the tank 10 and the highest level of beverage in the tank 10 is below the air inlet 61. In the present embodiment, the flow rate of the gas in the mixer 60 depends on the pressure difference between the accommodating space (specifically, the gas in the accommodating space) and the mixing chamber 64 and the caliber of the gas inlet 61. The ratio of beverage to gas depends on the dynamic balance of the respective pressure and the respective flow. Alternatively, the aperture of the air inlet 61 may be 0.1 to 0.5mm, for example, may be 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm or 0.5mm; the aperture of the liquid inlet 41 may be 4 to 12mm, for example, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm or 12mm.

As shown in fig. 5, the mixer 60 has a mixer inlet 62 in communication with the first fluid tube 40 and a mixer outlet 63 in communication with the second fluid tube 50. To adjust the degree of infusion of the gas, the mixer 60 is further provided with a flow regulator 70 for regulating the flow of beverage into the mixer 60. The flow regulator 70 corresponds to the mixer inlet 62 and can extend at least partially into the mixer inlet 62. The flow regulator 70 is movable relative to the mixer inlet 62. For example, the flow regulator 70 may move downward toward the mixer inlet 62 or upward away from the mixer inlet 62.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flow regulator 70 is a screw regulator. The screw of the flow regulator 70 has a radially tapered portion 71, the tapered portion 71 tapering toward the mixer inlet 62, and the tapered portion 71. In this embodiment, the flow area of the beverage can be varied at the mixer inlet 62 so that the flow of beverage into the mixer 60 can be regulated, while the flow of gas into the mixer is substantially fixed, whereby the user can adjust the ratio of beverage to gas via the flow regulator 70 so as to vary the degree of infusion of gas in the beverage. This embodiment can prepare mixed gas beverages with varying degrees of gas infusion through the flow regulator 70.

The shape of the bore of the mixer inlet 62 corresponds to the shape of the taper 71. For example, the mixer inlet 62 is a circular hole and the cross-sectional shape of the taper 71 is also circular. Optionally, the bore of the mixer inlet 62 is smaller than the bore of the first fluid tube 40. The diameter of the mixer outlet 63 is smaller than the diameter of the second fluid pipe 50, which can enhance the mixing effect of the gas and the beverage. Alternatively, the diameters of the mixer inlet 62 and the mixer outlet 63 may be the same or different, and may each be 2 to 5mm, for example, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, or 5mm.

Alternatively, to facilitate installation of the flow regulator 70, the mixer 60 is made of a block member in which the mixing chamber 64 is provided, see fig. 5. The mixing chamber 64 is arranged adjacent to the first fluid tube 40 and the second fluid tube 50, the wall thickness of the first wall 65 above the mixing chamber 64 being greater than the wall thickness of the second wall 66 below the mixing chamber 64. The flow regulator 70 is mounted to the first wall 65 with a wall thickness of the first wall 65 that meets the requirements for mounting the flow regulator 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow regulator 70 is threadably coupled to the first wall 65, and the flow regulator 70 is further provided with a seal 72 below the threads to prevent escape of gas from the mixing chamber 64.

Referring to fig. 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the tapping device 20 is a nozzle with a valve core 21. Below the valve core 21 is an outlet port 25. The valve core 21 is provided with a plurality of diffusion holes 22 extending vertically, and the diffusion holes 22 are through holes and are arranged at intervals, so that the mixed gas beverage can pass through. Thus, the valve core 21 can rectify the mixed gas beverage before pouring out, and plays a role in stabilizing the flow. The nozzle is also provided with a flow limiting plate 23 above the valve core 21, and a flow limiting port 24 is arranged in the center of the flow limiting plate 23, and the flow limiting port 24 is shown as one in the figure. The restriction orifice 24 can limit the total flow of the gas-mixed beverage, and the aperture of the restriction orifice 24 can ensure that the flow rate in the fluid pipe is suitable for the mixing process and pouring effect. Referring back to fig. 3 and 4, the tapping device 20 is detachably connected to the tapping orifice 51 by a connecting tube 26. The connection pipe 26 penetrates through and extends out of the through hole of the bottom of the can body 10, and can be hermetically connected with the through hole.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 4 and 6, the liquid outlet device 20 further includes a first body 27 and a second body 28 having a fluid flow channel, and the first body 27 is located below the second body 28 and connected to the second body 28. The second body 28 is adapted to be detachably connected, e.g. plugged, with the connection tube 26. The valve element 21 is provided in the first body 27. The restrictor plate 23 is disposed in the second body 28 and is formed as one piece with the second body 28. Alternatively, the first body 27 and the second body 28 are each separate members, and the two are separable.

Further, as shown in fig. 1 to 4, the beverage machine 100 further includes a stand 80, and the stand 80 may be detachably mounted at a mounting location such as a beverage machine placement table, a wall, or the like. The bracket 80 is provided with a radially inwardly extending support portion 81, and the top of the can body 11 is provided with a radially outwardly extending projection 15, and the projection 15 may be supported upward by the support portion 81 to position the can body 11 on the bracket 80.

The bracket 80 is also provided with a handle 91, and the handle 91 is mounted on the bracket 80 through a rotating shaft 92. The handle 91 is rotatable relative to the shaft 92. When the handle 91 is in the upright position, the handle 91 presses the cover 12 downward to fix the cover 12; when the handle 91 is rotated from the vertical position to a certain angle, the cover 12 is not pressed by the handle 91, and the can body 11 can be moved away from the holder 80 at this time, so that it is convenient to pour the beverage into the can body 11 or pour the beverage remaining in the can body 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross section of the pivot portion (the connection portion with the rotation shaft 92) of the handle 91 is formed in an arc shape. An elastic member 93 is further provided above the cover 12, the elastic member 93 being mounted to the bracket 80, the elastic member 93 being capable of providing a biasing force always toward the cover 12 to press the cover 12 downward.

According to another aspect of the present embodiment, a method of preparing a gas-mixed beverage using the beverage maker 100 of the first embodiment is provided. The method comprises a mixing step of mixing the gas and the beverage. Specifically, the beverage contained in the can 10 enters the first fluid pipe 40 via the liquid inlet 41, the gas contained in the can 10 enters the mixer 60 communicating with the first fluid pipe 40 via the gas inlet 61, and the beverage and the gas are mixed in the mixer 60 and form a gas-mixed beverage. In the mixing step, the beverage in the can 10 is gas-forced into the first fluid tube 40 via the liquid inlet 41.

The method further comprises a pouring step performed simultaneously with the mixing step: the aerated beverage is discharged from the outlet 51 via a second fluid conduit 50 in communication with the mixer 60 and is poured out through the tapping device 20 at the outlet 51. In the present embodiment, when the mixed gas beverage is poured, the fluid pipe communicates with the external environment, and at this time, the gas pressure in the storage space is higher than the pressure in the fluid pipe, and the beverage can enter from the liquid inlet 41, and when the beverage flows in the fluid pipe, the mixed gas beverage formed by mixing is mixed with the gas, and the mixed gas beverage is poured from the liquid outlet device 20 through the liquid outlet 51. Further, the gas is mixed with the beverage in a flowing state, and the mixed gas beverage in the flowing state is formed after mixing.

The method further comprises the step of gas input: gas is input into the tank 10 via a gas input port. Specifically, an air supply pipe connected to an air supply device is attached to the air receiving pipe 13, a valve in the air receiving pipe 13 is opened, and air in the air supply device is introduced into the tank 10 via the air supply pipe and the air receiving pipe 13. It will be appreciated that the gas inlet step is performed after the cover 12 is installed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the mixing step is performed after the start of the gas input step. Specifically, since the liquid outlet device 20 is structured such that the fluid pipe is always in communication with the external environment, when the gas is inputted into the can 10, the beverage is introduced into the first fluid pipe 40, and the gas is introduced into the mixer 60.

According to another embodiment of the invention, not shown, the mixing step may be performed after the gas input step is completed, if needed and/or desired, by providing a control valve after the outlet 51 (at the outlet device 20). When the control valve is opened, beverage and gas will enter the fluid line (i.e., beverage will enter the first fluid line 40 and gas will enter the mixer 60).

It should be noted that the moment of gas input (or control valve opening) and the moment of beverage and gas entering the fluid pipe have a certain time difference, which is small.

The method further comprises a pressure relief step after the pouring step: when substantially all of the beverage has been poured, the valve in the vent tube 14 is opened so that the gas remaining in the can 10 is vented out through the gas vent, the vent tube 14, in that order.

The method further comprises a flow regulating step prior to the gas inputting step: the position of the flow regulator on the mixer 60 relative to the inlet of the mixer 60 is adjusted so that the flow of beverage into the mixer 60 is changed. Specifically, the position of the flow regulator is adjusted before the cover 12 of the beverage machine 100 is covered onto the can body 11. In other words, the flow rate adjustment step is performed before the cover 12 is installed.

Further, in the mixing step, the aerated beverage is further rectified in the tapping device 20 at the tapping port 51. Specifically, the gas-mixed beverage can be rectified by the valve body 21 before pouring out, so that the mixing effect of the gas and the beverage can be enhanced. The mixing step of the present embodiment includes not only mixing the gas and the beverage in the mixer 60, but also further mixing the gas and the beverage in the gas-mixed beverage in the tapping device 20.

Second embodiment

Hereinafter, a beverage maker according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 7. The beverage maker has substantially the same structure and/or construction as the beverage maker 100 of the first embodiment, except for the fluid tube and the mixer. Accordingly, elements having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be identically numbered herein, and will not be described and/or illustrated in detail for the sake of brevity.

As shown in fig. 7, the mixer 260 is a tubular member, and the first fluid pipe 240 is integrally formed with the mixer 260. The air inlet 261 is arranged close to the first fluid pipe 240. The mixer 260 in the illustrated embodiment is shown as an inverted U-shape, although other suitable shapes are possible. The liquid inlet 241 of the first fluid pipe 240 is provided with a first flow limiting member 242, the first flow limiting member 242 is provided with a first flow limiting hole 243, and the aperture of the first flow limiting hole 243 is smaller than the pipe diameter of the first fluid pipe 240. When the user needs to adjust the degree of gas infusion, the first flow restriction 242 having the first flow restriction hole 243 of a different aperture may be replaced so that a gas-mixed beverage having a different degree of gas infusion may be prepared through the different first flow restriction 242. The aperture of the first restriction hole 243 may be 2 to 5mm, for example, may be 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, or 5mm.

In an embodiment not shown, the first flow restrictor 242 may be disposed between the first fluid pipe 240 and the mixer 260, with the outlet end of the mixer 260 being connected to the first fluid pipe 240 through the first flow restrictor 242. In this embodiment, the first fluid pipe 240 and the mixer 260 are each separate components. Alternatively, the first flow restrictor 242 may be provided at other suitable locations in the first fluid tube 240 as desired.

The outlet end of the mixer 260 is connected to the second fluid tube 250 by a second flow restrictor 252. The second flow restrictor 252 has a second flow restrictor orifice 253 therein to enhance the mixing of the gas and beverage. Alternatively, the second flow restrictor 252 may be provided at other suitable locations of the second fluid tube 250 before the outlet 251, as desired. The aperture of the second flow restricting hole 253 may be 2 to 5mm, for example, may be 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, or 5mm.

According to another aspect of the present embodiment, there is provided a method of preparing a gas-mixed beverage using the beverage machine of the second embodiment. The method is substantially the same as the method of preparing a gas-mixed beverage using the beverage maker 100 of the first embodiment described above, except for the flow rate adjustment step and the mixing step.

Specifically, the flow rate adjusting step in the present embodiment is to replace the first flow restriction 242 having a different aperture (specifically, the aperture of the first flow restriction hole 243) at the first fluid pipe 240 so that the flow rate of the beverage entering the first fluid pipe 240 is changed. Specifically, the first restriction 242 having the appropriate aperture is selected before the fluid tube of the beverage machine is mounted to the can body. In other words, the flow adjustment step is performed prior to installation of the fluid tube.

In the mixing step, the aerated beverage is further mixed in a second flow restrictor 252 at the second fluid tube 250. In particular, the gas in the gas-mixed beverage can be mixed with the beverage at the second fluid tube 250 by means of the second flow restrictor 252 to enhance the mixing effect. It should be noted that the mixing step of this embodiment includes not only mixing the gas and the beverage in the mixer 260, but also further mixing the gas and the beverage in the gas-mixed beverage in the liquid outlet device, and further mixing the gas and the beverage in the gas-mixed beverage in the second flow restrictor 252.

The beverage machine provided by the first embodiment and the second embodiment has the advantages that the design of the fluid pipe is adopted, so that the whole structure of the beverage machine is simple, and the operation process for preparing the gas-mixed beverage is simple. The beverage machine can be designed to have a smaller size (capacity) as desired, so that less raw materials can be stored in advance, and cleaning and maintenance can be facilitated.

Alternatively, in one embodiment, the capacity of the beverage machine may be designed to pour only one cup of beverage. In this embodiment, a user can prepare a plurality of different beverages in a batch manner by using one beverage machine, and the beverage machine is suitable for a small installation space and flexible to use.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the capacity of the beverage machine may be used to pour two or more cups of beverage. In this embodiment, a control valve may be provided after the outlet of the second fluid tube, through which the user can control the amount of beverage to be poured each time.

It will be appreciated that references herein to "one cup", "two cups" and "multiple cups" are to be understood as referring to the number of pouring of beverages one, two and more times, respectively, and are not meant to limit the volume of each cup of beverage. The volume of a cup of beverage may be set as desired, for example, the volume of a cup of beverage may be 300ml, 800ml, or other volumes.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Terms such as "part," "member" and the like as used herein can refer to either a single part or a combination of parts. Terms such as "mounted," "disposed," and the like as used herein may refer to one component being directly attached to another component or to one component being attached to another component through an intermediary. Features described herein in one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment alone or in combination with other features unless the features are not applicable or otherwise indicated in the other embodiment.

The present invention has been described in terms of the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments described. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and that many variations and modifications may be made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, which fall within the scope of the claimed invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims (21)

1. A beverage maker, comprising:

a can for containing a beverage and having a gas input for inputting a gas to the can;

the first fluid pipe is arranged in the tank body, and a liquid inlet is formed in the bottom of the first fluid pipe;

the second fluid pipe is arranged in the tank body, and a liquid outlet is formed in the bottom of the second fluid pipe; and

the mixer is positioned between the first fluid pipe and the second fluid pipe and is respectively communicated with the first fluid pipe and the second fluid pipe, the mixer is provided with an air inlet, the air inlet is positioned above the liquid inlet, the caliber of the liquid inlet is larger than that of the air inlet,

wherein the beverage maker is configured such that, upon input of the gas into the tank, the gas is able to push the beverage into the first fluid tube, and the gas is able to enter the mixer via the gas inlet and mix with the beverage in the mixer,

wherein the mixer is located at the top of the tank such that the highest level of beverage in the tank is below the air inlet.

2. The beverage machine of claim 1, wherein the first fluid tube and the second fluid tube are each disposed side-by-side and vertically.

3. The beverage machine of claim 1, wherein the mixer is a tubular member, at least one of the first fluid tube and the second fluid tube being integrally formed with the mixer.

4. The beverage machine of claim 1, wherein the mixer has a mixer inlet in communication with the first fluid tube and a flow regulator extending into and movable relative to the mixer inlet.

5. The beverage machine of claim 4, wherein the flow regulator has a radially-sized tapered portion that tapers toward the mixer inlet.

6. The beverage machine of claim 1, wherein the mixer has a mixer outlet in communication with the second fluid tube, the mixer outlet having a smaller bore than the second fluid tube.

7. The beverage maker of claim 6, wherein the mixer outlet has a bore of 2-5 mm.

8. Beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the first fluid pipe is provided with a first restriction having a first restriction orifice with a smaller pore size than the pipe diameter of the first fluid pipe.

9. The beverage maker of claim 8, wherein the aperture of the first flow restrictor orifice is 2-5 mm.

10. Beverage machine according to claim 1 or 8, wherein the second fluid pipe is connected to the mixer by a second flow restriction having a second flow restriction orifice with a smaller pore size than the pipe diameter of the second fluid pipe.

11. The beverage maker of claim 10, wherein the aperture of the second flow restrictor orifice is 2-5 mm.

12. The beverage machine of claim 1 wherein,

the caliber of the air inlet is 0.1-0.5 mm, and the caliber of the liquid inlet is 4-12 mm;

and/or the pressure of the gas when the gas is input into the tank body is 50-100 psig.

13. The beverage machine of claim 1, further comprising a nozzle removably disposed at the outlet, the nozzle having a restrictor plate with an aperture disposed therein.

14. The beverage machine of claim 13, wherein a valve cartridge is further provided in the nozzle, the valve cartridge having a plurality of diffusion holes extending vertically thereon.

15. A method of preparing a gas-mixed beverage using a beverage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the steps of mixing: the beverage contained in the tank enters the first fluid pipe through the liquid inlet, and the gas contained in the tank enters the mixer communicated with the first fluid pipe through the gas inlet, and the beverage and the gas are mixed in the mixer to form a gas-mixed beverage.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of pouring out concurrently with said step of mixing: the gas-mixed beverage is discharged from the liquid outlet through the second fluid pipe communicated with the mixer and is poured out through a liquid outlet device at the liquid outlet.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the beverage in the can is forced by the gas into the first fluid tube via the liquid inlet.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of gas input: inputting the gas into the tank via the gas input port;

the mixing step is performed after the gas input step is started or completed.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising a flow regulating step prior to the gas inputting step: the position of the flow regulator on the mixer relative to the mixer inlet is adjusted so that the flow of beverage into the mixer is changed.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising a flow regulating step prior to the gas inputting step: a first flow restrictor having a different aperture at the first fluid tube is replaced to vary the flow of beverage into the first fluid tube.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of determining the position of the probe is performed,

in the mixing step, the aerated beverage is further rectified in a second flow restrictor at the second fluid tube;

and/or in the mixing step, the gas-mixed beverage is further mixed in a tapping device at a tapping port.