KR20230111388A - Apparatus for extracting beverage from plurality of types of capsule - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for extracting a beverage from a capsule containing raw materials for beverage is disclosed. Beverage extraction device, the frame including a holder mounting portion; A first capsule holder accommodating a first capsule of a type in which a beverage is extracted by introducing a fluid through an inlet hole formed by punching one side; a second capsule holder accommodating a second capsule in which a beverage is extracted by introducing a fluid through an inlet hole formed in advance on one surface; and a fluid supply unit mounted to the first or second capsule holder mounted on the holder mounting part of the frame so as to be accessible to or away from it, and supplying fluid for beverage extraction to the first or second capsule accommodated in the first or second capsule holder, wherein the fluid supply unit has a piercing means protruding toward one surface of the first or second capsule, the first and second capsule holders are selectively detachably mounted on the holder mounting part, and the first capsule holder, when the fluid supply unit approaches the first capsule holder; One surface of the first capsule is configured to be punctured by the piercing means, and the second capsule holder is configured such that, when the fluid supply unit approaches the second capsule holder, one surface of the second capsule and the piercing means are separated from each other so that one surface of the second capsule is not pierced by the puncturing means.

Description

Apparatus for extracting beverage from plurality of types of capsules {Apparatus for extracting beverage from plurality of types of capsule}

The present invention relates to an apparatus for extracting a beverage from a capsule containing raw materials for beverage, and more particularly, to an apparatus capable of extracting a beverage from a plurality of different types of capsules.

Recently, a device for extracting and drinking a beverage from a capsule containing a raw material for a beverage such as coffee or tea has been widely used. These capsules are provided in the form of containing raw materials for beverages in the form of powder or flakes inside a substantially cylindrical or disc-shaped container, and the extraction device extracts a beverage from the raw material by introducing a fluid (typically hot water at high temperature and high pressure) into the container from one side (inflow side surface) of the container and discharging it to the other side (outflow side surface) of the container to provide a beverage.

These capsules can be largely divided as follows depending on the shape and structure of the container, in particular, whether the beverage extraction device perforates the inlet surface of the capsule to supply the extraction fluid into the capsule.

First, as in the so-called Nespresso (registered trademark) capsule or Dolce Gusto (registered trademark) capsule, the inlet surface of the capsule is pierced with an inlet-side piercing means such as a blade or a needle (needle) to supply fluid to an inlet hole. It is a type of capsule. This type of capsule consists of a metal foil such as aluminum or a thin synthetic resin film so that at least the inlet side surface is easily perforated by a perforation means.

Second, like the so-called Lavazza (registered trademark) capsule, a (multiple fine) inlet holes are formed in advance on the inlet side surface of the capsule, and a type of capsule is supplied to the inlet hole. These types of capsules are usually made of relatively thick and hard plastic.

On the other hand, similar to the above, the capsule can be divided according to whether or not the surface of the outlet side is perforated for the discharge of the beverage extracted from the inside of the capsule.

First, as in the above Nespresso (registered trademark) capsule, a type of capsule in which a beverage is discharged through an outflow hole formed by perforating the outflow surface by an outflow-side piercing means. This type of capsule is made of metal foil such as aluminum or a thin synthetic resin film so that at least the outflow-side surface is easily perforated by the puncture means.

Second, like the above Lavazza (registered trademark) capsule or Dolce Gusto (registered trademark) capsule, an outlet hole is formed in advance on the surface of the outlet side of the capsule, and the beverage is discharged through the outlet hole. This type of capsule is generally made of relatively thick and hard plastic at least on the outlet side surface where the outlet hole is formed.

As such, since the beverage extraction mechanism is different depending on the shape and structure of the capsule, a device for extracting the beverage from the capsule also has a limitation in that a dedicated device must be used according to the type of capsule.

Accordingly, a general-purpose extraction device capable of coping with a plurality of types of capsules beyond these limitations has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 (Registration Patent No. 10-1350069) discloses a beverage preparation device including a device body provided with a fluid supply unit for supplying a fluid for beverage extraction, and a capsule holder that accommodates capsules and is detachable from the device body. Here, the capsule holder 4 of Patent Document 1 has a structure suitable for a specific type of capsule 6 and fluid injection systems 7 and 7c, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Accordingly, by providing a plurality of capsule holders having different structures for different types of capsules and attaching them to a common apparatus main body, the plurality of types of capsules can be accommodated.

However, the device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 has the following problems.

First, the injectors 70 and 70c of the fluid injection systems 7 and 7c provided in each capsule holder communicate with the fluid outlet of the fluid supply unit when the capsule holder is mounted on the device body, so that the fluid supplied by the fluid supply unit is supplied into the capsule. However, when the capsule holder is incompletely mounted on the device body or the injection systems 7 and 7c are worn or damaged, the high-temperature and high-pressure fluid leaks and may cause burns to a user or cause a malfunction.

In addition, the injector 70 of the fluid injection system 7 provided in the capsule holder 4 via the hinge shaft 72 constitutes the aforementioned inlet-side piercing means. However, if such sharp blades or needles are exposed to the outside of the device, they may injure the user.

In addition, there are points to be improved in the device of Patent Document 1, such as sealing (sealing) between the injectors 70 and 70c and the capsule 6 during fluid supply.

Publication of Registered Patent No. 10-1350069

The present invention has been conceived to solve the above problems, and has a more efficient and safe structure, an object of providing a beverage extraction device capable of responding to a plurality of types of capsules.

Beverage extracting device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in order to achieve the above object is a device for extracting a beverage from a capsule containing a raw material for a beverage, a frame including a holder mounting portion; a first capsule holder accommodating a first capsule in which a beverage is extracted by introducing a fluid through an inlet hole formed by punching an inlet surface; a second capsule holder accommodating a second capsule in which a beverage is extracted by introducing a fluid through an inlet hole formed in advance on an inlet surface; and a fluid supply unit configured to accommodate the first or second capsule and to be mounted on the frame so as to be accessible to or away from the first or second capsule holder mounted on the holder mounting portion of the frame, and to supply fluid for beverage extraction to the first or second capsule accommodated in the first or second capsule holder, wherein the fluid supply unit has an inlet piercing means protruding from one end toward the inlet surface of the first or second capsule accommodated in the first or second capsule holder; and a second capsule holder is selectively detachably mounted to the holder mounting portion of the frame, wherein the first capsule holder is configured so that when the first capsule is accommodated in the first capsule holder and mounted on the frame and the fluid supply unit approaches the first capsule holder, the inlet-side surface of the first capsule is pierced by the inlet-side piercing unit, and the second capsule holder is configured such that the second capsule is accommodated in the second capsule holder and mounted in the frame, and the fluid supply unit approaches the second capsule holder. , the inlet-side surface of the second capsule is spaced apart from the inlet-side piercing means so that the inlet-side surface of the second capsule is not perforated by the inlet-side piercing means.

Here, the inlet-side piercing means may be made of a tubular shape through which the fluid may flow and a needle having a sharp tip.

In this case, a plurality of needles may be arranged at equal angles on the circumference when viewed from the inlet side surface of the first or second capsule.

In addition, when the inlet-side piercing means is formed of a needle, the fluid supply unit is mounted inside the frame to be accessible to or away from the first or second capsule holder mounted on the holder mounting portion of the frame, and a moving block having a fluid inlet coupled to a fluid supply pipe for supplying the fluid to one side thereof; a flow path plate having one surface coupled to the movable block such that a flow path through which the fluid introduced into the fluid inlet flows is formed between an end of the movable block facing the first or second capsule holder; and the needle, wherein the needle penetrates the flow path plate and is coupled to the flow path plate such that a front end protrudes from the other surface of the flow path plate.

In this case, the fluid supply unit further includes an elastic member made of a material having elasticity, one surface coupled to the other surface of the flow path plate, and the other surface mounted on the holder mounting portion of the frame to be in close contact with the opposing first or second capsule holder and/or the first or second capsule accommodated in the first or second capsule holder, wherein the needle penetrates the flow path plate and the elastic member so that a distal end protrudes from the other surface of the elastic member. can be bonded to ash.

In addition, an annular protrusion protruding annularly along the circumference of the needle penetrating the flow path plate may be formed on the other surface of the flow path plate, and an annular groove corresponding to the annular protrusion formed on the other surface of the flow path plate may be formed on one surface of the elastic member.

In addition, the fluid supply pipe may be coupled to the fluid inlet of the moving block via a check valve that prevents the fluid from flowing backward.

Meanwhile, a sensor for detecting whether the first or second capsule holder is completely inserted and mounted may be provided in the holder mounting portion of the frame.

In addition, a first magnet is provided at the distal end of the first and second capsule holders inserted into the holder mounting portion of the frame, and a second magnet acting with the first magnet may be provided at a portion corresponding to the distal end of the first and second capsule holders in the holder mounting portion of the frame.

Meanwhile, the first capsule has a cylindrical shape including the inlet-side surface, an outlet-side surface facing the inlet-side surface, and a side surface connecting the inlet-side surface and the outlet-side surface. and an outlet-side piercing means disposed between the outlet-side surface of the first capsule and the outlet of the holder housing to puncture the outlet-side surface of the first capsule.

In this case, the first capsule holder may further include a capsule cover wrapped around a side surface of the first capsule and rotatably coupled to the inlet surface of the first capsule in the holder housing so that at least a portion of the inlet side surface of the first capsule that faces the inlet side piercing unit is exposed when the first capsule is accommodated in the holder housing and mounted on the holder mounting portion of the frame.

In this case, the first capsule includes a flange portion whose outflow-side surface extends beyond the side surface, and a flow path through which the fluid supplied by the fluid supply unit and flowing into the gap between the inner surface of the capsule cover and the side surface of the first capsule can flow into the capsule cover is formed in a thickness direction at a portion surrounding the side surface of the first capsule, and an O-ring is inserted into the open end of the flow path. and sealed, and may be configured to bring the O-ring into close contact with the flange portion of the first capsule by the pressure of the fluid flowing into the passage.

Meanwhile, the second capsule has a cylindrical shape including the inlet-side surface, an outlet-side surface opposite to the inlet-side surface, and a side surface connecting the inlet-side surface and the outlet-side surface, and the second capsule holder includes a holder housing having a storage space for accommodating the second capsule and a discharge port through which beverage flowing out from the outlet surface of the second capsule is formed on the surface opposite to the outlet surface of the second capsule; and a capsule cover that covers the inlet surface of the second capsule while being spaced apart from the inlet piercing means so that the inlet surface of the second capsule does not come into contact with the inlet piercing means when the second capsule is accommodated in the holder housing and mounted on the holder mounting portion of the frame, and is rotatably coupled to the inlet surface of the second capsule in the holder housing, wherein the capsule cover accommodates the inlet piercing means protruding from one end of the fluid supply unit toward the inlet surface of the second capsule in the thickness direction. A through hole passed through may be formed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to safely and efficiently extract beverages from different types of capsules using one device.

In particular, according to the present invention, since the inflow-side piercing means made of a sharp blade or a needle is provided in a sealed state while being in fluid communication with the fluid supply unit in the main body of the device, which is difficult for the user's hand to access, the possibility of fluid leakage is remarkably reduced and user safety is also promoted.

The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the present invention serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention, the present invention is described in such drawings. It should not be construed as limited only.
1 is a perspective view showing a capsule holder for accommodating a specific type of capsule in a conventional beverage extraction device.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a capsule holder for accommodating a capsule of a different type from Figure 1 in a conventional beverage extracting device.
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing omitting the entire housing of the beverage extracting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the disassembled main body and capsule holder of the beverage extracting device shown in Figure 3;
5 to 7 are longitudinal cross-sectional views illustrating a state in which beverages are extracted by mounting different types of capsules and capsule holders shown in FIG. 4 to the main body of the apparatus.
Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view shown by disassembling only the main body of the beverage extracting device shown in Figure 4;
9 is a top perspective view (a) and a bottom perspective view (b) of the flow path plate shown in FIG.
10 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the elastic member shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view (a) and a partial enlarged cross-sectional view (b) illustrating a state in which the movable block, the flow path plate, the elastic member, and the fluid supply pipe shown in FIG. 8 are coupled.
Figure 12 is a partial perspective view showing the internal structure of the beverage extraction device shown in Figure 3;
13 is an exploded perspective view of one of the capsule holders shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing only the capsule cover of the capsule holder shown in FIG. 13;
15 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which capsules are accommodated in the capsule holder shown in FIG. 13;

Hereinafter, a device for extracting a beverage from a raw material accommodation capsule for beverage according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings (hereinafter referred to as a 'beverage extraction device' or simply 'device') will be described in detail.

The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to ordinary or dictionary meanings, and the inventor may appropriately define the concept of terms in order to explain his/her invention in the best way. Based on the principle, it should be interpreted as meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention. Therefore, since the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention, various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of the present application It should be understood that there may be.

In the drawings, the size of each component or a specific part constituting the component is exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not fully reflect the actual size. If it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted.

The terms 'coupled', 'mounted', 'fixed' or 'connected' as used herein include cases in which one member and another member are directly coupled, mounted, fixed, or connected, as well as cases in which one member is indirectly coupled, mounted, fixed, or connected to another member through an intermediate member.

In addition, in the present specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used based on the beverage extraction device in the state shown in the drawings, but these terms are only for convenience of description, and the location of the target object It is obvious that it may vary depending on the position of the observer or the like.

On the other hand, in the beverage extraction device according to the present invention, a pressurized fluid is typically sprayed into a capsule in which roasted coffee powder is accommodated to obtain a coffee extract, but the inside of the capsule may be filled with tea leaves, dried plants, grains, milk, other materials suitable for extraction by dilution and extraction with pressurized fluid, such as dried plants, grains, milk, concentrated undiluted solution, etc. Therefore, it goes without saying that the device according to the present invention can also be used for the purpose of obtaining an extract from a capsule filled with materials other than coffee.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention, omitting the entire housing, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the device body and capsule holder disassembled.

3 and 4, the beverage extraction device includes a capsule holder 200 detachably mounted to the device body 100 and the device body. That is, the device according to the present embodiment is configured to extract a beverage by placing the capsule 300 in the capsule holder 200 and then mounting the capsule holder 200 to the holder mounting portion 102 of the device body 100. In particular, the device according to the present embodiment is configured to extract beverages from a plurality of different types of capsules 300 using one device, and is implemented by selectively mounting the capsule holder 200 having a structure suitable for accommodating each capsule 300 to the holder mounting portion 102 of the device main body 100.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, it is described as including three types of capsules 300A, 300B, and 300C and three types of capsule holders 200A, 200B, and 200C corresponding thereto, but the present invention is not limited to the case of using the three types of capsules and capsule holders shown, and the number of capsules and capsule holders may be two or more, respectively.

The three types of capsules 300A, 300B, and 300C shown in FIG. 4 have slightly different specific shapes, but in common are substantially cylindrical. That is, each of the capsules 300A, 300B, and 300C has an inlet surface (upper surface in the drawing) into which beverage extraction fluid flows, an outlet surface (lower surface in the drawing) facing the inlet surface, and a cylindrical shape including a side surface connecting the inlet surface and the outlet surface.

On the other hand, capsules (300A, 300B, 300C) can be divided into two types according to whether the surface of the inlet side through which the fluid is introduced when mounted on the device body 100 is perforated.

First, when the first capsule of the first type is mounted on the device main body 100, the inlet surface is pierced by an inlet-side piercing unit 145 (see FIG. 5) to be described later to form an inlet hole, and the fluid is introduced into the capsule through the inlet hole. The so-called Dolce Gusto capsule 300A and the Nespresso capsule 300B shown in FIG. 4 correspond to this type. The first capsules 300A and 300B can be divided into a capsule 300A, which does not require additional perforation because an outlet hole 320A (see FIG. 5) is pre-formed on the outlet surface of the capsule, and a capsule 300B, in which the outlet surface is pierced by an outlet-side piercing unit 240B (see FIG. 6), depending on whether the outlet surface through which the beverage extracted from the inside of the capsule is discharged is perforated by a separate outlet-side piercing unit. .

The second capsule of the second type is the so-called Lavazza capsule 300C shown in FIG. 4, and a plurality of fine holes 310C, which are inlet holes, are formed on the inlet surface of the capsule 300C. When mounted on the device body 100, the inlet surface is not pierced by the inlet puncture means 145, and the fluid is introduced into the capsule through the microholes 310C. On the other hand, the second capsule can be divided according to whether or not the outlet surface is perforated, as in the first capsule. In this embodiment, the second capsule, the Lavazza capsule (300C), has a plurality of fine holes, which are outlet holes, similar to the inlet surface, on the outlet surface, so that no separate drilling is required.

In accordance with the first capsules 300A and 300B and the second capsules 300C having different extraction mechanisms and structures, the capsule holder 200 is provided with the first capsule holders 200A, 200B and the second capsule holder 200C capable of accommodating the respective capsules 300A, 300B, and 300C.

Each of the capsule holders 200A, 200B, and 200C has a storage space 201A, 201B, and 201C for accommodating each of the capsules 300A, 300B, and 300C in common, and outlets 202A, 202B, and 202 through which beverages flowing out from the outlet surface of the capsules 300A, 300B, and 300C are discharged. It includes holder housings 210A, 210B and 210C on which C; see Figs. 5 to 7 respectively) are formed. In addition, handles 220A, 220B, and 220C may be coupled to one side of each of the holder housings 210A, 210B, and 210C so that the user can insert/withdraw the capsule holders 200A, 200B, and 200C from the holder mounting portion 102 of the device body 100 by holding them.

In addition, the capsule holder 200B may further include a capsule cover 230B rotatably coupled to the inlet side surface of the capsule 300B in the holder housing 210B. In the capsule cover 230b, when the capsule 300b is accommodated in the storage space 201b, the capsule cover 230b is rotated to cover the capsule 300b, and the capsule holder 200b is mounted on the device body 100 (see FIG. The opening 231b is formed to expose the opposing part. The capsule cover 230B is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape except for this opening 231B and wraps around the side of the capsule 300B stored in the storage space 201B in a lower beam arrangement posture to fix the capsule 300B so that it does not move. The remaining detailed structure of the capsule holder 200B will be described later.

Also, similar to the capsule holder 200B, the second capsule holder 200C may further include a capsule cover 230C rotatably coupled to the inlet side surface of the second capsule 300C in the holder housing 210C. The capsule cover 230C stores the second capsule 300C in the storage space 201C, rotates the capsule cover 230C to cover the capsule 300C, and then mounts the capsule holder 200C on the main body 100 (see FIG. 7). It functions as a spacer that is spaced apart from the inlet-side perforation means 145. In addition, a through hole 231C penetrating in the thickness direction is formed in the capsule cover 230C to accommodate the inlet-side piercing means 145 protruding toward the inlet-side surface of the second capsule 300B. This through hole 231C functions as a passage through which fluid for extraction is supplied to the second capsule 300C through the inlet side piercing means 145 constituting the fluid supply unit 160.

Meanwhile, the capsule holder 200B may further include an outlet piercing means 240B (see FIG. 6) for piercing the outlet side surface of the capsule 300B to discharge the beverage extracted from the inside of the capsule 300B. The outflow-side piercing unit 240B may include protrusions 241 disposed between the outflow-side surface of the capsule 300B and the outlet 202B of the holder housing 210B, and protruding opposite to the outflow-side surface of the capsule 300B, and through-holes 242 passing between the protrusions 241 in the thickness direction of the outflow-side piercing unit 240B. Here, since the protrusion 241 of the outflow-side piercing means 240B only needs to rupture the outlet-side surface by fluid pressure, unlike the inlet-side piercing means 145 formed of a sharp blade or needle, it is formed relatively blunt to promote user safety.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the operation of extracting a beverage by mounting the capsules 300A, 300B, and 300C and the capsule holders 200A, 200B, and 200C shown in FIG. 4 to the device body 100 will be described.

When the capsule for extracting the drink is the first capsule, the so -called dolechegguing stomcapsule 300a, as shown in FIG. 5, the capsule 300a is stored in the capsule holder 200a and the capsule holder 200a is mounted to the device body 100, and then the fluid supply unit 160 is accessed to the capsule 300a. The perforation conference 145 penetrates the inflow surface of the capsule 300a. In this state, when a beverage extraction fluid is supplied through the fluid supply unit 160, the beverage is extracted from the raw material for beverage inside the capsule 300A, and the extracted beverage is discharged through an outlet hole 320A formed in advance on the outflow side surface of the capsule 300A and an outlet 202A formed on the bottom surface of the holder housing 210A of the capsule holder 200A.

At this time, a thin film (not shown) is disposed inside the capsule 300A to prevent the received beverage raw material from leaking through the outlet hole 320A, and a puncture means (not shown) may be provided between the film and the outlet hole 320A. Therefore, the membrane expanded by the pressure of the fluid supplied into the capsule 300A is perforated by the perforation means, so that the extracted beverage can be discharged through the outlet hole 320A. That is, the capsule 300A may be a capsule incorporating an outflow-side piercing means.

When the capsule to be extracted is a so-called Nespresso capsule 300B as the first capsule, as shown in FIG. 6, the capsule 300B is accommodated in the capsule holder 200B, the capsule holder 200B is mounted on the device body 100, and the fluid supply unit 160 approaches the capsule 300B. . In this state, when the fluid for extracting a beverage is supplied through the fluid supply unit 160, the beverage is extracted from the raw material for beverage inside the capsule 300B.

At this time, the outflow-side surface of the capsule 300B is expanded by the pressure of the fluid supplied into the capsule 300B, and is pierced by the protrusion 241 of the outflow-side piercing means 240B disposed on the bottom of the capsule holder 200B facing the outflow-side surface. The beverage is discharged through the outflow hole formed through the perforation and discharged through the through hole 242 of the outflow side piercing unit 240B and the outlet 202B formed on the bottom surface of the holder housing 210B of the capsule holder 200B.

When the capsule from which beverage is to be extracted is the so-called Lavazza capsule 300C, which is the second capsule, as shown in FIG. ) is accommodated in the through hole 231C formed in the inlet side piercing means 145 does not come into contact with the inlet side surface of the capsule 300C.

In this state, when the fluid for extracting a beverage is supplied through the fluid supply unit 160, the fluid is supplied into the capsule 300C through an inlet hole 310C (see FIG. 4) previously formed on the inlet surface of the capsule 300C, and the beverage is extracted from the raw material for beverage inside. The extracted beverage is discharged through an outlet hole previously formed on the outflow side surface of the capsule 300C and an outlet 202C formed on the bottom surface of the holder housing 210C of the capsule holder 200C.

In this way, according to the present embodiment, beverages can be extracted from different types of capsules. In particular, in the present embodiment, unlike the prior art in which the inlet-side piercing means is provided in the capsule holder, since the inlet-side piercing means 145 is provided in the device main body 100, the possibility of fluid leakage is significantly reduced and user safety is also promoted.

Next, the device body 100 having a common configuration regardless of the types of the capsule 300 and the capsule holder 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 8, which is an exploded perspective view of the device body 100, and FIGS. 9 to 12, which show some components independently or in a combined state.

The device body 100 includes a frame 110 and a fluid supply unit 160, and may further include a driving unit 180.

The frame 110 is a component to which elements constituting the device body 100, such as the fluid supply unit 160, and the capsule holder 200 are mounted. In the frame 110, the fluid supply unit 160 is vertically mounted. An inner space 101 and a holder mounting portion 102 to which the capsule holder 200 is detachably mounted are formed.

The fluid supply unit 160 may include a movable block 120, a fluid supply pipe 130 coupled to the movable block 120, a flow path plate 140, an inlet piercing means 145, and an elastic member 150.

The moving block 120 is a component that moves up and down by a driving unit 180 to be described later. A drive unit 180 is coupled to one surface (upper surface in the drawing) of the movable block 120, and the movable block 120, the fluid supply pipe 130 coupled to the movable block 120, the flow path plate 140, the inlet piercing means 145, and the elastic member 150 are integrally moved by the drive unit 180, thereby causing the capsule 3 accommodated in the capsule holder 200 mounted on the holder mounting unit 102. 00) is possible to approach/separate. A fluid inlet 121 to which the fluid supply pipe 130 is coupled is formed on one side of the moving block 120 .

The fluid supply pipe 130 is a pipe for supplying fluid for beverage extraction supplied by a heater (not shown) and/or a pump (not shown), and is a fluid inlet of the moving block 120 via a fitting 131. It may be coupled to the inlet 121. Here, the fitting 131 may be coupled to the fluid inlet 121 via a check valve 132 that prevents back flow of fluid.

As shown in FIG. 5, the check valve 132 has a cutout 132a through which fluid can pass is formed on the outer circumferential surface in contact with the inner surface of the fluid inlet 121, and is elastically biased towards the fitting 131 by the spring 133. Therefore, when fluid is supplied by the fluid supply pipe 130, the check valve 132 overcomes the elastic force of the spring 133 by the pressure of the fluid and is separated from the fitting 131 so that the fluid can flow from the fluid supply pipe 130 to the fluid inlet 121. The fluid does not flow backward from the inlet 121 to the fluid supply pipe 130.

One surface (upper surface in the drawing) of the flow path plate 140 is coupled to the other surface (lower surface in the drawing) of the movable block 120 so that the fluid introduced into the fluid inlet 121 between the other surface and the other surface of the movable block 120 forms a flow path through which the fluid can flow. In addition, the flow path plate 140 is coupled so that a needle, which is an inflow-side piercing means 145, penetrates the flow path plate 140 so that its front end protrudes to the other surface.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 9 showing an upper perspective view (a) and a lower perspective view (b) of the flow path plate 140, the flow path plate 140 is formed in a substantially disk shape, and is coupled with the other surface (lower surface) of the movable block 120 while forming a gap (see FIG. 5), so that the gap communicates with the fluid inlet 121 of the movable block 120 to form a flow path through which fluid flows.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 9 , an annular concave-convex portion 141 in which convex portions 141a and concave portions 141b are alternately formed may be formed on one surface (upper surface) of the flow path plate 140 . In the uneven part 141, the upper surface of the convex part 141a is in contact with the other surface (lower surface) of the movable block 120, and the concave part 141b forms a gap between the other surface (lower surface) of the movable block 120. Through this gap, the fluid introduced into the fluid inlet 121 flows toward the center of the flow path plate 140. Accordingly, the annular concave-convex portion 141 may serve as a filter filtering out particulate impurities included in the fluid.

A through hole passing through the thickness direction of the flow path plate 140 is formed inside the annular concave-convex portion 141, and the inlet-side piercing means 145 is coupled to the through hole. Referring to (b) of FIG. 9, the inlet-side piercing unit 145 has a tubular shape through which fluid can flow and has a sharp needle at its tip, thereby piercing the inlet-side surface of the capsules 300A and 300B. It is also possible to supply fluid into the capsule 300. When viewed from the surface of the inlet side of the capsule 300, a plurality of needles (three in this embodiment), which are the inlet-side piercing means 145, may be arranged at equal angles on the circumference. Thus, the fluid can be evenly supplied into the capsule 300 .

Each needle 145 has a base end (upper end in the drawing) in a tapered shape of the upper and lower sides (see FIG. 11 (b)) from one surface (upper surface) to the other surface (lower surface) of the flow path plate 140. It is coupled so that it penetrates and protrudes to the other surface. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the needle 145 from falling out of the other surface of the flow path plate 140 due to the pressure of the supplied fluid.

In addition, the cut surface of the front end of the needle 145 may be formed to face outward in the radial direction when viewed from the lower surface of the flow path plate 140 . As shown in FIG. 6, this is to increase the contact angle with the surface of the inlet side of the capsule 300B so that it can be drilled reliably. That is, if the cut surface of the tip of the needle 145 faces inward in the radial direction when viewed from the lower surface of the flow path plate 140, when the inlet surface of the capsule 300B is pierced, the needle 145 slides on the inlet surface of the capsule 300B, and the capsule 300B may be crushed but not pierced.

The fluid supply unit 160 may further include an elastic member 150. The elastic member 150 is made of a material having elasticity, one surface (upper surface) is coupled to the other surface (lower surface) of the flow path plate 140, and the other surface (lower surface) is mounted on the holder mounting portion 102 of the frame 110, and capsules accommodated in the capsule covers 230B and 230C of the capsule holders 200B and 200C facing each other and/or in the capsule holders 200A and 200B ( 300A, 300B) may be made to closely adhere to (see FIGS. 5 to 7). According to the elastic member 150, it is possible to prevent the fluid supplied by the fluid supply unit 160 from leaking to the capsule covers 230B and 230C and/or the upper surfaces of the capsules 300A and 300B.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, which is a partially cut-away perspective view of the elastic member 150, the elastic member 150 has a substantially disk shape, and a through hole penetrating from one surface (upper surface) to the other surface (lower surface) is formed, and a needle, which is an inlet-side piercing means 145, penetrates through the O-ring 151 in the through hole.

As described above, the movable block 120, the fluid supply pipe 130, the flow path plate 140, the inlet-side drilling means 145, and the elastic member 150 constituting the fluid supply unit 160 in the present embodiment are integrally coupled and movable (elevating) together, as shown in (a) of FIG. 11.

On the other hand, as shown in (b) of FIG. 9, an annular projection 142 protruding annularly along the circumference of the needle 145 is formed on the other surface (lower surface) of the flow path plate 140, and as shown in FIG. Here, the shape of the annular protrusion 142 and the annular groove 152 is preferably made of a tapered shape that becomes farther away from the needle as it goes downward with the needle 145 as the center, as shown in FIG. 11(b). This is because of the following reasons.

That is, in the case of the capsule 300B having a shape of a lower light beam, in which the inlet surface is high at the center of the capsule 300B and lowers toward the outside in the radial direction, a high-temperature and high-pressure fluid is supplied into the capsule 300B through an inlet hole drilled by the needle 145. While spreading through the gap, the elastic member 150 is pushed upwards in an inclined direction (see arrow A in FIG. 11(b)). When this pressure is repeated, the elastic member 150 made of an elastic material such as silicone resin or rubber is deformed in an oblique upward direction around the needle 145, and the sealing ability decreases. By making the shape of the annular protrusion 142 and the annular groove 152 into a tapered shape as described above, it is possible to support such a deformation pressure substantially vertically and to prevent deformation of the elastic member 150 .

Referring back to FIG. 8 , the device according to the present embodiment may further include a driving unit 180 . The driving unit 180 is a component that approaches/separates the fluid supply unit 160 toward/from the capsule 300 stored in the capsule holder 200. A motor 181 capable of forward and reverse rotation, a screw 184 having a male screw formed on the outer circumferential surface and capable of forward and reverse rotation by receiving rotational force of the motor, and a reduction gear 18 that transmits rotational force by adjusting rotational torque between the rotational axis of the motor 181 and the rotational axis 183 of the screw 184. 2) may be included.

The driving unit 180 is mounted on the frame 110 via the frame cover 105 covering the inner space 101 of the frame 110, and the screw 184 is screwed into the screw insertion groove 122 formed in the form of a female screw at the center of one surface (upper surface) of the moving block 120. Accordingly, as the screw 184 rotates, the movable block 120 and the entire fluid supply unit 160 coupled thereto move (elevate) integrally.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, on one side of the frame 110, for example, a micro switch 111 may be provided as an elevation position sensor for detecting that the moving block 120 has risen to a predetermined maximum elevation position. In addition, although not shown, an elevation position sensor for detecting that the movable block 120 has descended to a predetermined minimum descent position may be provided.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, a micro switch 112 may be provided inside the holder mounting portion 102 of the frame 110 as a sensor for detecting whether or not the capsule holder 200 is fully inserted and mounted.

Furthermore, a first magnet 213 may be provided at a distal end of the capsule holder 200 inserted into the holder mounting portion 102 of the frame 110, and a second magnet 113 having an attractive force with the first magnet 213 may be provided at a location corresponding to the first magnet 213 of the capsule holder 200 in the holder mounting portion 102 of the frame.

According to the micro switch 112 and the first and second magnets 213 and 113, the capsule holder 200 can be securely mounted on the holder mounting portion 102, and damage to the capsule holder 200 or the inlet-side piercing unit 145 or leakage of fluid that can occur when the device operates in an incompletely mounted state can be prevented.

On the other hand, as described above, when the capsule 300B is stored in the storage space 201B in the lower beam position, the holder housing 210B alone cannot fix the stored capsule 300B so as not to move. In addition, as described above with reference to (b) of FIG. 11 , fluid may leak through the gap between the needle 145 and the inlet hole perforated on the surface of the inlet side of the capsule 300B.

Therefore, it is preferable that the capsule holder 200B accommodating the capsule 300B further includes a capsule cover 230B having a structure corresponding to the side shape of the capsule 300B to cover the side surface of the capsule 300B to fix the capsule 300B so as not to move, and to seal so that the fluid leaking through the gap between the inlet hole and the needle 145 does not leak to the outside of the capsule holder 200B or the device.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15 , the detailed structure of the capsule holder 200B will be described, focusing on the structure for preventing leakage of fluid.

13 is an exploded perspective view of the capsule holder 200B, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing only the capsule cover 230B, and FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the capsule 300B is accommodated in the capsule holder 200B.

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15 , the capsule cover 230B is rotatably coupled to an upper end of one side of the holder housing 210B. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 , a pair of hinge shafts 232 may be provided at an end of the capsule cover 230B extending in a cantilever shape. The hinge shaft 232 is inserted into the hinge shaft insertion groove 212 formed at the upper end of one side of the holder housing 210B, so that the capsule cover 230B is rotatably coupled to the upper end of one side of the holder housing 210B.

Here, the hinge shaft insertion groove 212 is formed to have a longer length in the vertical direction than the hinge shaft 232, so that the hinge shaft 232 can not only rotate within the hinge shaft insertion groove 212, but also move in the vertical direction to some extent. Accordingly, the capsule cover 230B can perform up and down linear motion as well as rotational motion about the hinge shaft 232 . In this way, if the capsule cover 230B enables not only rotational motion but also up-and-down linear motion, there are advantages as follows.

That is, when the capsule cover 230B is opened by tilting upward and the capsule 300B is accommodated in the storage space 201B, the capsule cover 230B is rotated downward and closed again, and the capsule holder 200B is inserted into the holder mounting portion 102 and mounted, the fluid supply unit 160 descends and the elastic member 150 is exposed through the opening 231B. 30B) while pressing the upper surface, the needle 145 punctures the upper surface of the capsule 300B exposed through the opening 231B (see FIG. 6). At this time, if the capsule cover 230B can only rotate, the pressing force applied to each location of the capsule 300B and the capsule cover 230B is different depending on the distance from the hinge shaft 232. In addition, when the upper and lower heights of the capsule 300B are different due to manufacturing tolerances, or there is a deviation in the degree of convexity of the upper or lower surface of the capsule 300B, the central axis of the capsule 300B is not exactly vertical and is tilted (ie, the capsule cover 230B is not accurately leveled and tilted). In this case, problems such as sealing failure (fluid leakage) due to variation in sealing force, poor drilling such as excessively large or not drilled inlet holes, and breakage of the hinge may occur.

On the other hand, if the capsule cover 230B is capable of linear motion in the vertical direction as in the capsule holder 200B of the present embodiment, the lowering of the fluid supply unit 160 only leads to compression of the capsule 300B and the capsule cover 230B in the vertical direction, thereby solving all the above-described problems.

Meanwhile, the above-described hinge structure of the capsule cover 230B capable of both rotational motion and vertical linear motion can be applied to the capsule cover 230C of the second capsule holder 200C as it is.

The capsule cover 230B of the capsule holder 200B according to the present embodiment may include a means for sealing and preventing fluid leaking through the gap between the aforementioned inlet hole and the needle 145 and leaking through the gap between the side surface 302B of the capsule 300B and the capsule cover 230B.

Specifically, first, the capsule 300B has a flange portion 305B extending beyond a portion where the outlet side surface 303B meets the side surface 302B. This flange portion 305B is typically circular in cross section and in the form of a relatively rigid ring.

In addition, a passage 357 through which fluid can flow in the thickness direction is formed in the capsule cover 230B at a portion surrounding the side surface 302B of the capsule 300B. A fluid flowing through a gap between the side surface 302B of the capsule 300B and the inner surface of the capsule cover 230B may flow into the flow path 357 . In addition, the passage 237 is formed by bending in a substantially L-shape, as shown in FIG. 15, such that its open end faces the flange portion 305B of the capsule 300B. The open end of the flow path 237 is sealed by an inserted O-ring 235, and the O-ring 235 is pushed downward by the pressure of the fluid flowing into the flow path 237. It may be configured to come into close contact with the flange portion 305B of the capsule 300B. Due to the sealing structure of the flange portion 305B of the capsule 300B, the flow path 237, and the O-ring 235, leakage of fluid flowing through a gap between the side surface 302B of the capsule 300B and the inner surface of the capsule cover 230B is prevented and an appropriate fluid pressure inside the capsule 300B is maintained, thereby maintaining the taste and aroma of the extracted beverage.

Furthermore, the sealing structure by the L-shaped passage 237 and the O-ring 235 may be implemented by the cover ring 233 fastened to the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the capsule cover 230B via the O-ring 234. In this case, the sealing structure by the L-shaped flow path 237 and the O-ring 235 can be implemented without complicated processing, and the L-shaped flow path 237 and the O-ring 235 can be easily cleaned or replaced by disassembling the cover ring 233 if necessary.

Although the present invention has been described above by means of limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of equivalents of the technical spirit of the present invention and the claims to be described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

100: device body
102: holder mounting part
110: frame
120: moving block
130: fluid supply pipe
140: euro plate
145: inflow side piercing means (needle)
150: elastic member
160: fluid supply unit
180: driving unit
200 (200A, 200B, 200C): capsule holder
201A, 201B, 201C: storage space
210A, 210B, 210C: holder housing
220A, 220B, 220C: handle
230B, 230C: capsule cover
240B: outflow side perforation means
300 (300A, 300B, 300C): capsule

Claims (13)

A device for extracting a beverage from a capsule containing raw materials for beverage,
A frame including a holder mounting portion;
a first capsule holder accommodating a first capsule in which a beverage is extracted by introducing a fluid through an inlet hole formed by punching an inlet surface;
a second capsule holder accommodating a second capsule in which a beverage is extracted by introducing a fluid through an inlet hole formed in advance on an inlet surface; and
A fluid supply unit for receiving the first or second capsule and supplying fluid for beverage extraction to the first or second capsule stored in the first or second capsule holder, mounted on the frame so as to be accessible to or away from the first or second capsule holder mounted on the holder mounting portion of the frame;
The fluid supply unit has an inlet-side piercing means protruding toward the inlet-side surface of the first or second capsule accommodated in the first or second capsule holder at one end,
The first and second capsule holders are selectively detachably mounted to the holder mounting portion of the frame,
The first capsule holder is configured so that when the first capsule is accommodated in the first capsule holder and mounted on the frame, and the fluid supply unit approaches the first capsule holder, the inlet-side surface of the first capsule is perforated by the inlet-side piercing means,
In the second capsule holder, when the second capsule is accommodated in the second capsule holder and mounted on the frame, and the fluid supply unit approaches the second capsule holder, the inlet surface of the second capsule and the inlet piercing means are spaced apart from each other so that the inlet surface of the second capsule is not pierced by the inlet piercing means. According to claim 1,
The inlet-side piercing means is made in the form of a tube through which the fluid can flow, and the tip is a sharp needle, beverage extraction device. According to claim 2,
The plurality of needles are disposed on a circumference at an equal angle when viewed from the inlet surface of the first or second capsule. According to claim 2,
The fluid supply unit,
a moving block installed inside the frame to be accessible to or away from the first or second capsule holder mounted on the holder mounting portion of the frame, and having a fluid inlet coupled to one side of a fluid supply pipe for supplying the fluid;
a flow path plate having one surface coupled to the movable block such that a flow path through which the fluid introduced into the fluid inlet flows is formed between an end of the movable block facing the first or second capsule holder; and
Including the needle,
The needle is coupled to the flow path plate so that the front end protrudes to the other surface of the flow path plate through the flow path plate, beverage extraction device. According to claim 4,
The fluid supply unit,
An elastic member made of a material having elasticity, one surface coupled to the other surface of the flow path plate, and the other surface mounted on the holder mounting portion of the frame to face the first or second capsule holder and/or the first or second capsule holder, the first or second capsule accommodated in the holder;
The needle is coupled to the flow path plate and the elastic member so that the front end protrudes to the other surface of the elastic member through the flow path plate and the elastic member, beverage extraction device. According to claim 5,
On the other surface of the flow path plate, an annular projection protruding annularly along the circumference of the needle penetrating the flow path plate is formed,
One side of the elastic member is formed with an annular groove corresponding to the annular projection formed on the other side of the flow path plate, beverage extraction device. According to claim 4,
The fluid supply pipe is coupled to the fluid inlet of the movable block via a check valve to prevent backflow of the fluid, beverage extraction device. According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The holder mounting portion of the frame is provided with a sensor for detecting whether the first or second capsule holder is fully inserted and mounted. According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A first magnet is provided at the distal end of the first and second capsule holders inserted into the holder mounting portion of the frame,
A beverage extracting device in which a second magnet having an attractive force with the first magnet is provided at a portion corresponding to the front ends of the first and second capsule holders in the holder mounting portion of the frame. According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The first capsule has a cylindrical shape including the inlet-side surface, an outlet-side surface facing the inlet-side surface, and a side surface connecting the inlet-side surface and the outlet-side surface,
The first capsule holder,
a holder housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the first capsule, and a discharge port through which beverage flowing from the outlet side surface of the first capsule is discharged on a surface facing the outlet side surface of the first capsule; and
Disposed between the outlet side surface of the first capsule and the outlet of the holder housing, and an outlet side piercing means for perforating the outlet side surface of the first capsule. According to claim 10,
The first capsule holder further includes a capsule cover that surrounds a side surface of the first capsule and is rotatably coupled to the inlet surface of the first capsule in the holder housing so that at least a portion of the inlet surface of the first capsule facing the inlet piercing means is exposed when the first capsule is accommodated in the holder housing and mounted on the holder mounting portion of the frame. According to claim 11,
In the first capsule, the outflow-side surface includes a flange portion extending beyond the side surface,
In the capsule cover, in a thickness direction at a portion surrounding the side surface of the first capsule, a fluid supplied by the fluid supply unit and flowing into a gap between the side surface of the first capsule and the inner surface of the capsule cover without flowing into the inside of the first capsule is formed.
The open end of the passage is formed to face the flange portion of the first capsule,
An O-ring is inserted and sealed at the open end of the passage,
Beverage extraction device configured to bring the O-ring into close contact with the flange portion of the first capsule by the pressure of the fluid introduced into the passage. According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The second capsule has a cylindrical shape including the inlet-side surface, an outlet-side surface facing the inlet-side surface, and a side surface connecting the inlet-side surface and the outlet-side surface,
The second capsule holder,
a holder housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the second capsule and a discharge port through which beverage flowing from the outlet surface of the second capsule is discharged on a surface facing the outlet surface of the second capsule; and
a capsule cover rotatably coupled to the inlet surface of the second capsule in the holder housing, covering the inlet surface of the second capsule with a distance from the inlet piercing means so that the inlet surface of the second capsule does not come into contact with the inlet piercing means when the second capsule is accommodated in the holder housing and mounted on the holder mounting portion of the frame;
The capsule cover has a through hole formed in the thickness direction to accommodate the inlet piercing means protruding toward the inlet surface of the second capsule from one end of the fluid supply unit.

Images