KR102434279B1 - Beverage maker - Google Patents

Abstract

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, a fermenter having an internal space for fermentation; a temperature controller including an evaporator located outside the fermenter to cool the fermenter; and a refrigerant tank spaced apart from the outer surface of the fermenter to surround the fermenter, a first refrigerant flows in the evaporator, and a second refrigerant flows in a refrigerant space between the fermenter and the refrigerant tank.

Description

Beverage maker {BEVERAGE MAKER}

The present invention relates to a beverage maker, and more particularly, to a beverage maker for producing a fermented beverage.

Beverage is a generic term for drinkable liquids such as alcohol or tea. For example, beverages are divided into various categories such as water (drinks) to quench thirst, juice drinks with a unique flavor and taste, soft drinks that give a refreshing feeling, preference drinks that can be expected to have arousal effect, or alcoholic drinks with alcohol effects can be

A typical example of such a beverage is beer. Beer is an alcoholic beverage made from malt (malt) made from sprouting barley, filtered, added hops, and fermented with yeast.

Consumers can purchase ready-made products manufactured and sold by beer makers or drink house beer (or craft beer) made by fermenting beer ingredients at home or in a bar.

In recent years, a beverage maker that can easily produce house beer at home or a bar is gradually being used, and it is preferable that such a beverage maker safely and conveniently manufactures beer.

Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2018-0134629, which is a prior document, discloses a beverage maker including a fermenter assembly including a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator.

In the case of the fermenter assembly for fermentation, the temperature inside the fermenter is controlled through an evaporator and a heater.

That is, there is a problem in that the yeast in the contents adjacent to the evaporator is slowed or killed by the temperature of the evaporator.

In addition, in the beverage drinking step, the load of the refrigeration cycle is reduced, so that the beverage inside the fermenter is frozen and the taste of the beverage is deteriorated.

One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a beverage maker for preventing the yeast from being shocked by the temperature of the evaporator.

Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a beverage maker in which beverages are prepared in a shorter time through the stable activity of yeast.

The beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a separate refrigerant tank surrounding the fermenter, and maintains the temperature of the entire fermenter uniformly by flowing the second refrigerant in the space formed by the fermenter and the refrigerant tank, and the fermentation time and shortening the beer production time.

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, a fermenter having an internal space for fermentation; a temperature controller including an evaporator located outside the fermenter to cool the fermenter; And spaced apart from the outer surface of the fermenter may include a refrigerant tank surrounding the fermenter.

In addition, a first refrigerant may flow in the evaporator, and a second refrigerant may flow in a refrigerant space between the fermenter and the refrigerant tank.

a refrigerant inlet pipe connected to the refrigerant tank to introduce a second refrigerant into the refrigerant tank; a refrigerant discharge pipe connected to the refrigerant tank so that the second refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant tank flows; and a circulation pump connected to the refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe to circulate the second refrigerant.

The refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe may be connected to an upper side of the refrigerant tank.

A lower surface of the fermenter and a lower surface of the inner side of the refrigerant tank may be in contact with each other.

The refrigerant inlet pipe may be connected to an upper side of the refrigerant tank, and the refrigerant discharge pipe may communicate with a discharge hole provided at a lower side of the refrigerant tank.

A plurality of ribs connecting the outer surface of the fermenter and the inner surface of the refrigerant tank may be further included.

an extension pipe connecting the discharge hole and the refrigerant discharge pipe; and a cover portion extending downwardly of the refrigerant tank and surrounding the extension tube may be further included.

For example, the evaporator may include an evaporator tube surrounding a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant tank.

As another example, the evaporator may include an evaporation tube disposed in the refrigerant space and surrounding a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the fermenter.

The evaporator may be disposed to be biased on the upper side of the refrigerant space, and the distance from the outer surface of the fermenter to the inner surface of the refrigerant tank may be different from each other in the vertical direction.

For example, the spaced distance from the outer surface of the fermenter to the refrigerant tank may be greater than the distance from the upper part where the evaporator is disposed than the distance from the lower part.

A temperature sensor disposed in the refrigerant space may be provided to measure the temperature of the fermenter module.

The first refrigerant and the second refrigerant may be formed of different materials, and the second refrigerant may be water or a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

The temperature controller may further include a heater for controlling the temperature of the fermenter at the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant tank.

The fermentation case is spaced apart from the refrigerant tank to form an exterior; And it may further include a heat insulating portion accommodated between the fermentation case and the refrigerant tank.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the evaporator is in direct contact with the fermenter, the temperature difference between the portion in contact with the evaporator and the portion not in contact with the evaporator during cooling can be minimized.

In addition, during cooling, the temperature of the portion in direct contact with the evaporator is too low to prevent the yeast from lowering its motility due to impact, thereby maintaining the overall temperature of the fermenter uniformly and shortening the fermentation time and beverage production time have.

In addition, it is possible to reduce the fermentation deviation due to the temperature deviation by preventing the decrease in yeast activity due to the temperature deviation of the contents inside the fermenter.

In addition, even if the water level is lowered as the beverage is taken out in the drinking stage of the beverage, the temperature of the beverage inside the fermenter can be maintained within a certain level.

1 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the components included in the beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a conceptual diagram of a beverage maker according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a cross-sectional view of the fermenter module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a conceptual diagram of a beverage maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a view of a fermenter module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a cross-sectional view of a fermenter module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with drawings.

Hereinafter, although beer is exemplified as a beverage manufactured using a beverage maker in the present specification, the type of beverage that can be manufactured using the beverage maker is not limited to beer, and various types of beverages are used in the embodiment of the present invention. It can be prepared through a beverage maker according to the.

Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the components included in the beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the beverage maker may refer to a device for manufacturing a beverage through mixing, fermentation, maturation, etc. of the input materials when ingredients for manufacturing a specific beverage are input.

Such a beverage maker may include a fermentation module 1 , a material supply device 300 , a water supply device 500 , a controller 281A, and a storage unit 284 .

The fermentation module 1 may have a space in which beverages are prepared. Materials for the manufacture of beverages may be accommodated in the space and undergo steps such as mixing (mixing) or fermentation, and may be manufactured into beverages that can be consumed by the user. The fermentation module 1 may include a fermenter forming the space, a lid for opening and closing the fermenter, and the like.

The material supply device 300 may accommodate at least some of the materials required for the manufacture of the beverage. When a plurality of materials are accommodated in the material supply apparatus 300 , the material supply apparatus 300 may receive the materials separately from each other. The separated materials may be introduced into the space of the fermentation module 1 according to each input timing during beverage production.

The water supply device 500 corresponds to a device for supplying water necessary for manufacturing a beverage. The water supply device 500 may be implemented to include a water tank in which water is stored, or may be implemented in the form of receiving water by being connected to an external water supply device. In order to input water stored in the water tank or water provided from an external water supply device into the fermentation module 1 or the material supply device 300 in the beverage maker, the water supply device 500 may include a water pump for pumping water. can

The beverage maker may include a first main channel 4A through which water supplied from the water supply device 500 moves, and a second main channel 4B connected to the fermentation module 1 . A material feeding device inlet channel 300A, a material feeding device outlet channel 300B, and a bypass channel 4C may be formed between the first main channel 4A and the second main channel 4B. Accordingly, the water supplied from the water supply device 500 passes through the material supply device inlet channel 300A, the material supply device 300, the material supply device outlet channel 300B, and the second main channel 4B to the fermentation module. It may be introduced into (1), or may be introduced into the fermentation module 1 through the bypass channel 4C and the second main channel 4B.

The controller 281A may control the operation of each of the components included in the beverage maker for the production of the beverage. For example, the controller 281A may control the water supply device 500 to supply water into the beverage maker, or control the material supply device 300 to feed the material into the fermentation module 1 .

In terms of hardware, the controller 281A is at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcomputers, CPUs, application processors, and other electrical units. can be implemented.

The storage unit 284 may store control information for the controller 281A to control the components of the beverage maker, and may store various information related to the preparation of the beverage. The information related to the preparation of the beverage may include information on set values (temperature, pressure, time, etc.) according to the type of beverage to be prepared.

According to an embodiment, the beverage maker may further include a temperature controller 11 for controlling the temperature in the fermentation module 1 and a gas discharging device 700 for controlling the discharge of gas generated from the beverage being manufactured. The temperature controller 11 may include components for raising or lowering the temperature in the fermentation module 1 . The gas discharge device 700 may include a valve for controlling the discharge of gas generated from the beverage in the fermentation module (1). The gas discharge device 700 may be connected to the fermentation module 1 through the gas discharge channel 71 .

In addition, the beverage maker may further include an air supply device 800 for injecting air into the fermentation module (1). The air supply device 800 may include an air injection pump that pumps air and supplies it into the fermentation module through the air injection channel 81 . The supplied air may be introduced into the material supply device 300 or the fermentation module (1).

The beverage maker may include a beverage ejector 6 for taking out the beverage manufactured in the fermentation module 1 to the outside.

The beverage dispenser 6 may be connected to one of the main channels, whereby the beverage dispensed from the fermentation module 1 may pass through a part of one of the main channels to the beverage dispenser 6 .

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, a specific first embodiment related to the beverage maker shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram of a beverage maker according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fermenter module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The drawings of the beverage maker shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 are one embodiment of the beverage maker shown in FIG. 1 , and the configuration and appearance of the beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention are not limited thereto.

In addition, in the present specification, beer is described as an example as a beverage manufactured using a beverage maker, but the type of beverage that can be manufactured using the beverage maker is not limited to beer, and various types of beverages are used in the practice of the present invention. It may be manufactured through a beverage maker according to an example.

The beverage maker may include a fermentation module 1 . The fermentation module 1 may include a fermenter module 111 having an opening, and a fermentation lead 107 opening and closing the opening. In addition, the beverage maker may further include a temperature controller 11 for controlling the temperature inside the fermenter module 111 .

The fermenter module 111 is between the fermentation case 160 and the fermentation tank 112 that is accommodated in the fermentation case 160 and has an internal space S1 communicating with the opening, and the fermentation case 160 and the fermenter 112 . It may include an insulating portion 171 that is positioned and surrounds the fermenter 112 . The fermenter module 111 may further include a lead seating body 179 on which the fermentation lead 107 is seated.

The internal space S1 of the fermenter 112 may be a space for manufacturing a beverage.

The beverage maker may include main channels 4A, 4B, 4C connected to the fermentation module 1 . The main channels 4A, 4B, and 4C may supply water or various materials necessary for beverage production to the space S1 of the fermenter 112 . In addition, it may further include a main valve (not shown) installed in the main channels (4A, 4B, 4C), the main valve can open and close the main channels (4A, 4B, 4C).

Hereinafter, the fermentation module 1 will be described in detail.

The fermentation module 1 may include a fermenter module 111 having an opening, and a fermentation lead 107 for opening and closing the opening 170 .

The fermenter module 111 may include a fermentation case 160 and a fermenter 112 accommodated in the fermentation case 160 and having an internal space S1 formed therein. A heat insulating part 171 may be provided between the fermentation case 160 and the fermenter 112 . The fermenter module 111 may further include a lead seating body 179 on which the fermentation lead 107 is seated.

The fermentation case 160 and the fermenter 112 may each be composed of a combination of a plurality of members. The fermentation case 160 may constitute the appearance of the fermenter module 111 .

The fermentation lead 107 is to seal the inside of the fermenter module 111 , and may be disposed on the upper side of the fermenter module 111 to cover the opening. The fermentation lead 107 may be provided with a main channel connection unit 115 connected to the main channel.

A separate fermentation container (not shown) may be accommodated inside the fermenter 112 . The fermentation container may be seated inside the fermenter 112 to ferment the beverage in the fermenter 112 , and after completion of use, may be withdrawn to the outside of the fermenter 112 .

In addition, the fermentation container may be a pack in which the ingredients for beverage production are accommodated. The fermentation container may be formed of a flexible material, may be easily inserted into the fermenter 112, and may be contracted and expanded according to pressure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is of course possible for the fermentation container to have a material of pet.

Fermentation container may be accommodated by being inserted into the fermenter 112 in a state in which the material is accommodated therein. The fermentation container may be accommodated in the fermenter 112 by being inserted into the fermenter 112 while the fermentation lead 107 is open.

The fermentation container may be inflated by the pressure therein during the manufacture of the beverage. The fermentation container may be compressed by the air inside the fermenter 112 when the beverage contained therein is taken out and air is supplied between the inner surface of the fermenter 112 and the outer surface of the fermentation container.

The fermenter 112 may be disposed inside the fermentation case 160 . The outer circumference and the bottom surface of the fermenter 112 may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the fermentation case 160 . In more detail, the outer circumference of the fermenter 112 may be spaced apart from the inner circumference of the fermentation case 160 , and the outer bottom surface of the fermenter 112 may be spaced apart from the inner bottom surface of the fermentation case 160 .

A heat insulating part 171 may be provided between the fermentation case 160 and the fermenter 112 . The heat insulating part 171 may be located inside the fermentation case 160 and surround the fermentation tank 112 . Thereby, the temperature of the fermenter 112 can be maintained constant.

The heat insulating part 171 may be formed of a material such as expanded polystyrene or polyurethane that has high heat insulating performance and can absorb vibration.

The fermenter 112 may be provided with a temperature sensor 16 for measuring the temperature of the fermenter 112 .

The temperature sensor 16 may be mounted on the circumferential surface of the fermenter 112 . The temperature sensor 16 may be located below the evaporator 134 wound around the fermenter 112 .

Alternatively, the temperature sensor 16 may be located between the tubes of the evaporator 134 wound around the fermenter 112 .

That is, if the evaporator 134 is wound only on the upper side of the fermenter 112 , the temperature sensor 16 is located below the evaporator 134 , and the evaporator 134 is wound on the entire outer circumferential surface of the fermenter 112 . , the temperature sensor 16 may be located between the evaporator 134 tubes.

Hereinafter, the temperature controller 11 will be described in detail.

The temperature controller 11 may change the internal temperature of the fermenter module 111 . In more detail, the temperature controller 11 may change the temperature of the fermenter 112 .

The temperature controller 11 is to heat or cool the fermenter 112, and may adjust the temperature of the fermenter 112 to an optimal temperature for beverage fermentation.

The temperature controller 11 may include at least one of the refrigeration cycle device 13 and the heater 14 .

The heater 14 may be installed to be in contact with the bottom surface of the fermenter 112, and may be configured as a heating heater that generates heat when power is applied. The heater 14 may be configured as a plate heater.

Accordingly, natural convection of the fluid may occur inside the fermenter 112 by the evaporator 134 and the heater 14 and the temperature distribution inside the fermenter 112 may be uniform.

The refrigeration cycle device 13 may control the temperature of the fermenter 112 by cooling the fermenter 112 . The refrigeration cycle device 13 may include a compressor 131 , a condenser 132 , an expansion mechanism 133 , a cooling fan 135 , and an evaporator 134 .

The evaporator 134 may be disposed in contact with the outer surface of the fermenter 112 . The evaporator 134 may be composed of an evaporation tube 137 wound around the outer surface of the fermenter 112 . The evaporator 134 may be accommodated between the fermenter 112 and the heat insulating unit 171 , and may cool the fermenter 112 insulated by the heat insulating unit 171 .

In detail, the refrigeration cycle device 13 may further include an inlet pipe 13a through which the refrigerant flows into the evaporator 134 and a discharge pipe 13b through which the refrigerant is discharged from the evaporator 134 .

For example, the refrigerant flows into the evaporator 134 through the inlet pipe 13a, heat exchanges with the fermenter 112 through evaporation, cools the fermenter 112, and is discharged through the discharge pipe 13b do.

On the other hand, when the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 134 surrounding the outer part of the fermenter 112 in the process of cooling the fermenter 112 by evaporation of the refrigerant is too cold, the fermenter 112 The movement of the yeast accommodated therein becomes dull, or the yeast adjacent to the evaporator 134 becomes inactive due to cold shock.

In order to solve this problem, the evaporator 134 and the fermenter 112 may exchange heat by an indirect cooling method.

In detail, a separate refrigerant tank 180 surrounding at least a portion of the outside of the fermenter 112 and a circulation pump 18 for flowing the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant tank 180 may be further included.

For example, the refrigerant tank 180 and the fermenter 112 may be in a form in which two barrels are combined, and the refrigerant tank 180 may wrap the outer circumference and the lower side of the fermenter 112 .

In addition, the refrigerant tank 180 may be provided with a refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and a refrigerant outlet pipe 18b connected to the circulation pump 18 .

Hereinafter, the refrigerant tank 180 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

3 to 4, the refrigerant tank 180 may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the fermenter 112, the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a and the refrigerant outlet pipe 18b on the upper side can be connected

In detail, an inlet 183 and an outlet 184 may be provided on the upper side of the refrigerant tank 180, the inlet communicates with the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a, and the outlet 184 is a refrigerant outlet pipe ( 18b) can be communicated.

In addition, the evaporator 134 may be located spirally along the outer circumference of the refrigerant tank 180 .

The evaporator 134 may be disposed only on the upper side of the refrigerant tank 180 or may be disposed along the entire outer circumference.

In addition, the lower surface of the refrigerant tank 180 and the fermenter 112 may be in contact, and a separate refrigerant may be filled between the refrigerant tank 180 and the fermenter 112 .

That is, the refrigerant in the evaporator 134 may be referred to as a first refrigerant, and the refrigerant flowing between the refrigerant tank 180 and the fermenter 112 may be referred to as a second refrigerant.

The first refrigerant and the second refrigerant may be made of different materials, and for example, the second refrigerant may be water or a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

In addition, nanofluids may be further added to improve the heat transfer characteristics of the second refrigerant, for example, TiO ₂ may be further added.

The cold air transferred by the evaporator 134 may be transferred to the beverage inside the fermenter 112 after being transferred to the second refrigerant.

That is, the cold air of the evaporator 134 is not directly transferred to the beverage, but is transferred indirectly through the second refrigerant, thereby preventing the activity of the yeast from being lowered by cold shock locally.

In addition, the temperature sensor 16 may be disposed inside the refrigerant tank 180 .

In addition, the refrigerant tank 180 may further include a side portion 181 surrounding the outer circumference of the fermenter 112 and an inclined portion 182 forming an inclination from the side portion 181 toward the lower surface.

In detail, the diameter of the portion in contact with the fermenter 112 at the lower side of the refrigerant tank 180 may be smaller than the diameter formed by the side portion 181 .

In addition, the heater 14 may be located outside the refrigerant tank 180 . This is to prevent a safety problem that may occur as it comes into contact with the second refrigerant.

In addition, it goes without saying that the evaporator 134 may be located inside the refrigerant tank 180 .

Meanwhile, the refrigerant tank 180 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Descriptions of the same points as those of the refrigerant tank 180 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

5 is a conceptual diagram of a beverage maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a view of a fermenter module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a fermenter module according to a second embodiment of the present invention is a cross section of

5 to 7 , the refrigerant tank 180 surrounds at least a portion of an outer surface of the fermenter 112 , and may include a discharge hole 185 at the lower side.

In detail, the refrigerant discharge pipe 18b connected to the circulation pump 18 for discharging the second refrigerant is connected to the discharge hole 185, and the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a through which the second refrigerant is introduced is It may be connected to the inlet 183 formed on the upper side.

That is, the second refrigerant is introduced into the refrigerant tank 180 through the refrigerant inlet pipe 18a from the upper side of the refrigerant tank 180, and the discharge hole 185 at the lower side of the refrigerant tank 180 is Through the refrigerant discharge pipe (18b) it is possible to repeat the circulation of discharge.

In addition, a plurality of ribs 187 connecting the refrigerant tank 180 and the fermenter 112 may be provided around the discharge hole 185 .

For example, the plurality of ribs 187 may extend outwardly from all four sides of the discharge hole 185 , and the upper portion of the rib 187 is in contact with the lower side of the outer surface of the fermenter 112 , and the rib 187 . The lower portion may be in contact with the lower side of the inner surface of the refrigerant tank 180 .

In detail, the fermenter 112 may be supported while being spaced apart from the refrigerant tank 180 by line contact through the ribs 187 .

In addition, the refrigerant tank 180 may further include an extension pipe 186 extending outwardly of the refrigerant tank 180 from the discharge hole 185 .

The extension pipe 186 may extend downward from the lower surface of the refrigerant tank 180 and then be bent once to extend toward the side. Through this, it can be easily connected to and disconnected from the refrigerant discharge pipe 18b.

In addition, the refrigerant tank 180 may further include a cover part 188 surrounding the extension pipe 186 .

In detail, the cover part 188 surrounds the extension pipe 186 and may be located below the refrigerant tank 180 .

For example, the refrigerant tank 180 may be supported by a cover unit 188 , and the cover unit 188 is located between the outer lower surface of the refrigerant tank 180 and the inner lower surface of the fermentation case 160 . can do.

In addition, the cover part 188 may be connected to the refrigerant discharge pipe 18b extending outwardly by cutting a portion in which the extension pipe 186 is bent to extend laterally.

In addition, the evaporator 134 may be disposed inside the refrigerant tank 180 according to the second embodiment.

In detail, the evaporator 134 may be disposed in the refrigerant space S3 formed between the outer surface of the fermenter 112 and the inner surface of the refrigerant tank 180 , for example, on the upper side of the refrigerant space S3 . can be placed.

At this time, the evaporator 134 does not come into contact with the outer surface of the fermenter 112 and the inner surface of the refrigerant tank 180 , but the inlet pipe 13a and the discharge pipe 13b connected to the evaporator 134 ) can be supported by

When the evaporator 134 comes into contact with the outer surface of the fermenter 112, the meaning of adopting an indirect cooling method in order to prevent cold shock of yeast, which is the object of the present invention, is lost.

In addition, when the evaporator 134 comes into contact with the inner surface of the refrigerant tank 180, there is a problem that dew condensation occurs on the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 180, the evaporator 134, the fermenter ( 112) and the refrigerant tank 180 do not come into contact with each other, and it is preferable to be disposed to exchange heat only with the second refrigerant.

In addition, as the evaporator 134 is disposed on one side of the refrigerant space S3, the outer circumference of the refrigerant tank may be different in the vertical direction.

For example, since the evaporator 134 is disposed on the upper side of the refrigerant space S3 , the diameter of the upper side of the refrigerant tank 180 may be larger than the diameter of the lower side of the refrigerant tank 180 .

Also, the refrigerant space S3 may be a value designed to be filled with a certain amount of refrigerant. That is, the diameter of the upper side of the refrigerant tank 180 is the diameter of the lower side of the refrigerant tank 180 in order to compensate for the space in which the refrigerant is lost as the evaporator 134 is disposed in the refrigerant space S3. can be larger

In addition, the temperature sensor 16 may exist outside the refrigerant tank 180 . Alternatively, the temperature sensor 16 may be disposed inside the refrigerant tank 180 to sense the temperature of the second refrigerant.

The controller 281A may control the compressor 131 and the circulation pump 18 by the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 16 .

7 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the operation of the beverage maker of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7 together with FIG. 1 .

The beverage maker of this embodiment may include a cleaning step (S10) (S80) for cleaning the channel therein. The cleaning steps (S10) (S80) may be performed separately from the beverage preparation step.

The cleaning step (S10) (S80) is preferably carried out before the implementation of the beverage production step and after the implementation of the beverage production step.

In addition, the cleaning steps (S10) (S80) can be performed by a user input in the middle of the beverage manufacturing step, in this case, as in the fermentation step (S60) to be described later, the main valves (4A, 4B, 4C) are Close, and may be performed while the additive is not contained in the material supply device 300 .

The cleaning steps ( S10 ) ( S80 ) may be performed in a state in which the capsule is not accommodated in the material supply device 300 .

On the other hand, the beverage manufacturing step may be carried out in a state in which the capsule is accommodated in the material supply device (300).

A user may input a cleaning command through an input unit provided in the control module, a remote control, a mobile terminal, or the like. The controller 281A may control the beverage maker to the cleaning steps S10 and S80 according to the input of the cleaning command.

In addition, the user may input a beverage preparation command through an input unit provided in the control module, a remote control, a mobile terminal, or the like. The controller 281A may automatically control the beverage maker to the cleaning step (S10) (S80) before and after the execution of the beverage production step according to the input of the beverage production command.

Hereinafter, the cleaning step (S10) performed before the beverage manufacturing step will be described first.

When the beverage dispenser 6 is in the closed state, the controller 281A may display a message to open the beverage dispenser 6 on the display 282 and the user may open the beverage dispenser 6 .

The controller 281A may supply heated water through the water supply device 500, and may perform cleaning of the material supply device 300 and the main channels 4A, 4B, and 4C through the heated and supplied water. have.

The water that has passed through the material supply device 300 and the main channels 4A, 4B, and 4C flows to the beverage dispenser 6 and may be taken out to the outside.

The beverage maker may perform the cleaning as described above during the cleaning set time, and after the cleaning set time, the cleaning process may be completed.

The controller 281A may turn off the water supply device 500 and close the valves after a set cleaning time has elapsed.

And, the beverage maker of this embodiment may include a beverage manufacturing step of manufacturing a beverage.

For the beverage manufacturing step, the user opens the fermentation lid 107 and inserts the fermentation container in the state in which the malt is accommodated into the opening 170 to seat it in the fermenter module 111 or the malt into the fermenter 112 . can be injected. The malt may be accommodated in the form of malt.

Thereafter, the user may close the fermentation lid 107 , and the fermentation container may be accommodated in the fermenter module 111 and the fermentation lid 107 . At this time, the inside of the fermenter 112 may be closed by the fermentation lead (107).

A user may input a beverage preparation command through an input unit connected to the controller 281A, a remote control, a mobile terminal, or the like. The controller 281A may control the beverage maker to the beverage preparation step according to the input of the beverage preparation command.

The beverage preparation step may include a water supply step (S20). The water supply step ( S20 ) may refer to a hot water supply step.

The water supply step ( S20 ) may be a liquid malt forming step in which the malt in the fermenter 112 is evenly mixed with hot water to form liquid malt.

The controller 281A may turn on the water pump and the water heater of the water supply device 500 during the water supply step (S20), and may keep the material supply device 300 closed.

In the controller 281A, the water passing through the feed water pump flows to the feed water heater to be heated, and the heated water flows through the first main channel 4A, the bypass channel 4C, and the second main channel 4B. It may be introduced into the interior of the fermenter 112 through. The hot water introduced into the fermenter 112 may be mixed with the malt accommodated in the fermenter 112 , and the malt in the fermenter 112 may be mixed with water and gradually diluted. Since hot water is supplied to the fermenter 112 , the malt accommodated in the fermenter 112 may be quickly and evenly mixed with the hot water.

On the other hand, in the water supply step (S20), it is preferable that the water heater heats water to 50 ° C to 70 ° C. The controller 281A can control the water heater 53 according to the temperature sensed by the water supply temperature sensor. .

The controller 281A may perform the water supply step S20 until the accumulated water quantity reaches the set flow rate, and when the accumulated water quantity reaches the set flow rate, the water supply step S20 may be completed. The accumulated amount may be detected by a flow meter (not shown).

On the other hand, the controller 281A may control the air to be introduced into the interior of the fermenter 112 in the middle of the water supply step (S20).

The controller 281A first stops and then introduces water into the fermenter 112, and then stops after injecting air into the fermenter 112, and finally, hot water into the inside of the fermenter 112 2 It is possible to stop the secondary inflow, and it is also possible to complete the water supply step (S20) after sequentially completing all of these primary water inflows, air injections, and secondary water inflows.

An example of the water supply step (S20) may be performed only the hot water supply process for supplying hot water.

Another example of the water supply step (S20) is to sequentially perform a first hot water supply process for supplying hot water, an air injection process for injecting air, and a secondary hot water supply process for injecting hot water secondarily. .

As an example of the water supply step (S20), when the water supply step (S20) performs only the hot water supply process, it is the same as described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, as another example of the water supply step (S20), a case in which the water supply step (S20) sequentially performs the first hot water supply process, the air injection process, and the second hot water supply process will be described as follows.

During the primary hot water supply process, water may be introduced into the fermenter 112, and the controller 281A may determine the completion of the primary hot water supply process according to the flow rate sensed during the primary hot water supply process. . When the flow rate sensed during the primary hot water supply process reaches the first set flow rate, the controller 281A may determine that the primary hot water supply process is complete and turn off the water supply device 500 .

When the first hot water supply process is completed, the air injection process may be performed.

The controller 281A may turn on the air supply device 800 at the start of the air injection process. Also, while the air supply device 800 is on, the injected air may be introduced into the fermenter 112 . As such, the air introduced into the fermenter 112 collides with the liquid malt to help the malt and hot water more evenly mix (Mixing).

When the pressure sensed by the gas pressure sensor (not shown) is equal to or greater than the set pressure, the controller 281A may complete the air injection process and may turn off the air supply device 800 to complete the air injection process.

When the air injection process is completed, the secondary hot water supply process may be performed.

The controller 281A may turn on the water pump and the water heater at the start of the secondary hot water supply process, and water may be supplied to the fermenter 112 , and new hot water may be additionally supplied to the fermenter 112 .

The controller 281A may determine the completion of the secondary hot water supply process according to the flow rate detected by a flow meter (not shown) during the secondary hot water supply process. When the flow rate sensed by the flow meter reaches the second set flow rate during the secondary hot water supply process, the controller 281A may determine that the secondary hot water supply process is complete.

On the other hand, the beverage manufacturing step may include a fermenter cooling step (S30).

In more detail, when the water supply step (S20) is completed, the fermenter cooling step (S30) of cooling the fermenter 112 may be performed.

The controller 281A may control the temperature controller 11 for cooling the fermenter 112 . In more detail, the controller 281A may control the refrigeration cycle device 13 for cooling the fermenter 112 . The refrigerant may take the heat of the fermenter 112 while passing through the evaporator 134 and be evaporated. When the refrigeration cycle device 13 is driven, the fermenter 112 may be gradually cooled, and the liquid malt accommodated in the fermenter 112 may be cooled.

When cooling the fermenter 112 as described above, the controller 281A may control the refrigeration cycle device 13 and the circulation pump 18 according to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 16 installed in the fermenter 112 . .

Since the water heater 53 is in an off state during the additive input step (S50) to be described later, the temperature of the fermenter 112 is set at the cooling step (S30) by the water introduced into the fermenter 112 together with the additive. may be slightly lower than For example, until then, the temperature of the fermenter 112 is maintained at around 35°C, and when additives and water are added into the fermenter 112 together, the temperature of the fermenter 112 may be lowered to around 30°C. Therefore, it is preferable that the set temperature during the cooling step (S30) is determined in consideration of this temperature drop.

Exceptionally, when the temperature of the fermenter 112 is lower than the set temperature even in a state in which the refrigeration cycle device 13 is turned off because the external temperature is very low, the controller 281A is a heater 14 located in the lower part of the fermenter 112 can be brought on

At this time, the controller 281A can continuously operate the circulation pump 18 .

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the yeast from being directly affected by the refrigerant in contact with the evaporator 134 .

On the other hand, the beverage manufacturing step may include an air supply step (S40).

In more detail, in the beverage maker, after the fermenter cooling step (S30) as described above is started and the compressor of the refrigeration cycle device 13 is turned on, the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 16 is at least once below the compressor off temperature, An air supply step (S40) of mixing liquid malt by supplying air into the fermenter 112 may be performed. Alternatively, in the beverage maker, when the fermenter cooling step (S30) as described above is started and the heater 14 is turned on, the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 16 is at least once the heater-off temperature or more, in the fermenter 112 An air supply step (S40) of mixing liquid malt by supplying air may be performed.

Even in the middle of the air supply step (S40), the beverage maker may turn on and off the refrigeration cycle device 13 and the heater 14 according to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 16, and such a refrigeration cycle device 13 ) and the on and off control of the heater 14 may be continued until the additive input step (S50), which will be described later, is completed.

In the air supply step ( S40 ), the controller 281A may turn on an air pump (not shown) of the air supply device 800 , and may open the bypass valve 4C and the main valve.

While the air pump is on, the injected air may be introduced into the fermenter 112 . In this way, the air introduced into the fermenter 112 collides with the liquid malt to help the malt and hot water mix more evenly, and the air that collides with the liquid malt may supply oxygen to the liquid malt. That is, stirring and aeration may be performed.

The controller 281A may complete the air supply step (S40) when the air pump is turned on and the air is mixed with the liquid malt during the mixing set time, and when the air pump is turned on and the mixing set time has elapsed. Upon completion of the air supply step ( S40 ), the controller 281A may turn off the air pump.

The beverage preparation step may include an additive input step (S50).

In more detail, the beverage maker may perform an additive input step (S50) after the air supply step (S40).

During the additive input step (S50), the first additive of the first capsule, the second additive of the second capsule, and the third additive of the third capsule may be introduced into the fermenter 112 .

The first to third additives may be any one of hops, yeast, and additives.

In the additive input step (S50), the controller 281A may turn on the feed water pump and maintain the feed water heater in an off state.

Accordingly, the water flowing through the water pump may flow into the first to third capsules, and the first to third additives may be sequentially mixed and introduced into the fermenter 112 . Accordingly, all of the additives contained in each of the capsules C1, C2, and C3 may be introduced into the fermenter 112 .

The controller 281A, when the accumulated flow rate sensed by the flow meter from the start of the additive input step (S50) reaches the additive input set flow rate, the additive input step (S50) may be completed. Upon completion of the additive input step (S50), the controller 281A may turn off the feed water pump.

The beverage preparation step may include a fermentation step (S60).

In more detail, when the additive input step 50 is completed, a step for removing the residual water of the material supply device 300 may be additionally executed, and then, the first fermentation step and the second fermentation step are sequentially performed can be carried out with

According to an example of the first fermentation step, the first fermentation step may include a whole fermentation process and a main fermentation process. This fermentation process may be carried out after the entire fermentation process is completed.

The pre-fermentation process is a process for rapidly and actively activating the yeast added to the fermenter 112 during the additive input step (S50).

The controller 281A may control the refrigeration cycle device 13 and the heater 14 so that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 16 maintains the pre-fermentation target temperature (eg, 30° C.) during the pre-fermentation process. have. After the pre-fermentation process is started, the controller 281A stores the pressure value sensed by the gas pressure sensor through the gas discharge device 700 and calculates the amount of change in pressure, and the controller 281A sets the calculated amount of change in pressure before fermentation. When the pressure is exceeded, it is determined that the whole fermentation is complete, and the whole fermentation process can be completed.

The controller 281A may start the main fermentation process when the whole fermentation process is completed.

The controller 281A may control the refrigeration cycle device 13 and the heater 14 so that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 16 maintains the main fermentation target temperature (eg, 21° C.) during the main fermentation process. have. At this time, the present fermentation target temperature may be higher than the previous fermentation target temperature.

After starting the main fermentation process, when the change in pressure periodically sensed by the gas pressure sensor exceeds the main fermentation set pressure, the control module 280 may determine that the main fermentation is complete and complete the first fermentation step.

However, the first fermentation step is not limited thereto, and according to another example of the first fermentation step, the first fermentation step may include only the main fermentation process, not the entire fermentation process. A description thereof will be omitted because it is redundant.

On the other hand, the controller 281A may start the second fermentation step after completion of the first fermentation step.

The controller 281A may control the refrigeration cycle device 13 and the heater 14 so that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 16 becomes the secondary fermentation target temperature during the secondary fermentation step.

In the secondary fermentation step, since the internal pressure of the fermenter 112 is high, there is a fear that a large noise may be generated when the gas is discharged through the gas discharge device 700 . In order to solve the above concerns, the controller 281A may open/close a separate valve equipped with a noise reduction device (not shown) during the secondary fermentation step.

The controller 281A periodically opens and closes the valve provided with the noise reduction device after the start of the secondary fermentation step, and stores the pressure sensed by the gas pressure sensor while the valve with the noise reduction device is closed. (284) can be stored. When the change in pressure periodically sensed by the gas pressure sensor exceeds the second fermentation set pressure, the controller 281A determines that the secondary fermentation is complete, and may complete the secondary fermentation step.

The beverage manufacturing step may include a manufacturing completion and drinking step (S70).

In more detail, when both the first fermentation step and the second fermentation step are completed, the manufacturing completion and drinking step (S70) may be carried out.

For example, the manufacturing completion and drinking step (S70) may include an aging step, and the controller 281A may wait for the aging time during the aging step, and the temperature of the beverage during this aging time is the upper limit of the set aging temperature. It is possible to control the refrigeration cycle device 13 and the heater 14 to maintain between and the lower limit of the set aging temperature.

Since the beverage maker is mainly used indoors, the temperature outside the beverage maker is generally between the upper limit of the set aging temperature and the lower limit of the set aging temperature, or higher than the upper limit of the set aging temperature. In this case, the controller 281A may turn off the compressor of the refrigeration cycle device 13 when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 16 is less than or equal to the lower limit of the set aging temperature, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is If it is more than the upper limit of the set aging temperature, the compressor can be turned on.

Exceptionally, when the temperature outside the beverage maker is lower than the lower limit of the set aging temperature, the controller 281A may turn on the heater 14 if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 16 is less than the lower limit, and the temperature sensor 16 ), if the detected temperature is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the set aging temperature, the heater 14 may be turned off.

When the aging time elapses in the beverage maker, all beverage production may be completed.

However, in some cases, the aging step is omitted and the production of the beverage may be completed when the secondary fermentation step is completed.

The controller 281A may display completion of preparation of the beverage through the display 282 or the like.

In addition, the controller 281A may control the compressor 134 to maintain the temperature of the fermenter 112 between the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the preset drinking temperature. The controller 281A may turn on the compressor of the refrigeration cycle device 13 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the drinking temperature, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is higher than the lower limit of the drinking temperature. When it goes low, the compressor can be turned off. Thus, the beverage maker can always provide a cool beverage to the user.

The controller 281A may maintain the temperature of the fermenter 112 between the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the preset drinking temperature until drinking, which will be described later, is completed.

In addition, the controller 281A may continuously operate the circulation pump 18 while the compressor 131 operates to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the fermenter 112 .

As another example, the controller 281A may periodically operate the circulation pump 18 even when the compressor 131 does not operate. This is to prevent the partial temperature of the beverage inside the first refrigerant, the second refrigerant or the fermenter 112 due to an external factor from being different.

According to an example of the manufacturing completion and drinking step (S70), the manufacturing completion and drinking step (S70) may include a beverage dispensing process and a dispenser cleaning process, and the user operates the beverage dispenser 6 to take out the beverage. can do.

After the beverage preparation is completed, when the user opens the dispenser of the beverage dispenser 6 , the controller 281A may open the beverage dispensing valve.

When the user closes the dispenser after partially dispensing the beverage, the controller 281A may close the beverage dispensing valve 64 . Thus, one beverage extraction process can be completed.

Thereafter, the controller 281A may turn on the air pump, and the injected air flows from the first main channel 4A to the air supply channel 154 , and is supplied to the fermenter 112 to pressurize the fermenter 112 . can do.

When the beverage dispensing is completed, the controller 281A may close the air supply valve. In addition, the controller 281A may open the exhaust valve (not shown) for a set completion time when the beverage dispensing is complete and the dispenser is in a closed state.

After turning on the exhaust valve, the controller 281A may close the exhaust valve when the completion set time elapses.

On the other hand, the dispenser cleaning process may be performed after at least one beverage dispensing process.

When a significant time interval exists between the completion of the last beverage dispensing process and the next beverage dispensing process, there is a risk that the inside of the dispenser may be contaminated by the beverage remaining in the dispenser.

Therefore, when the user intends to take out a beverage after the dispenser cleaning set time has elapsed from the last beverage dispensing procedure, the controller 281A may perform the dispenser cleaning procedure.

In more detail, the controller 281A may start a timer (not shown) when each beverage dispensing process is completed, and reset the timer when the next beverage dispensing process is started. The controller 281A may perform a dispenser cleaning process when the timer expires and the dispenser is opened.

Also, the controller 281A may receive a dispenser cleaning command from an input unit, a mobile terminal, or the like, and perform a dispenser cleaning process.

When the dispenser cleaning process is started, the controller 281A may display a cleaning notification on the display 282 or the like. The cleaning notification may include a content not to bring a cup or glass to the dispenser to the user.

An example of the dispenser cleaning process may include a water washing process and an air washing process.

The controller 281A may turn off the water pump when the water washing process is completed. Also, the controller 281A may start the air washing process when the water washing process is completed.

The controller 281A may turn on the air pump when the air cleaning process is started.

In the process of the air being discharged to the dispenser, it may be blown out together with the residual water remaining inside the dispenser to perform cleaning. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the effect of residual water on the taste of the beverage in the subsequent beverage extraction process.

The controller 281A may complete the air washing process when the air washing process is started and the air washing set time elapses.

The controller 281A may start the beverage dispensing process again when the dispenser cleaning process is completed.

On the other hand, when all the beverages in the fermenter 112 are taken out and the controller 281A determines that the beverage extraction is complete, the controller 281A may further perform the beverage preparation step and the cleaning step (S80) after the beverage extraction.

The beverage preparation step and the cleaning step (S80) after taking out the beverage may include at least one of a first cleaning process and a second cleaning process. When the cleaning step S80 includes the first cleaning process and the second cleaning process, the execution order of each cleaning process may not be limited.

Since the first cleaning process is the same as or similar to the cleaning step (S10) before the beverage manufacturing step described above, overlapping contents will be omitted. Hereinafter, the second cleaning process will be described.

The second cleaning process may be performed after the user mounts a separate cleaning pack on the fermenter 112 . Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a case in which a separate cleaning pack is accommodated in the fermenter 112 will be described as an example.

When the beverage dispensing of the fermenter 112 is completed, the controller 281A may display a container replacement notification on the display 282 or the like. A user may insert a separate cleaning pack into the fermenter 112 . Thereafter, the fermentation lid 107 may be closed.

Thereafter, the controller 281A may initiate a second cleaning process.

At the start of the second cleaning process, the water pump is turned on to heat the water flowing to the water heater, and the water heated by the water heater 53 (that is, hot water) is transferred to the sub-channel (not shown) and the first main channel ( It can be divided into 4A) and flow.

The water flowing into the sub-channel may flow to the beverage dispenser 6 . The water flowing into the beverage extractor 6 may flow into the second main channel 4B and may be introduced into the cleaning pack accommodated in the fermenter 112 .

Also, the water flowing into the first main channel 4A may be divided into the material supply device 300 and the bypass channel 4C to flow.

The water flowing to the material supply device 300 may sequentially pass through components such as the capsule mounting unit therein to flow into the second main channel 4B, and may be introduced into the cleaning pack accommodated in the fermenter 112 .

The water flowing into the bypass channel 4C may flow into the second main channel 4B and may be introduced into the cleaning pack accommodated in the fermenter 112 .

The controller 281A may perform the cleaning as described above for the second cleaning set time, and may complete the second cleaning process after the second cleaning set time.

On the other hand, after the cleaning step (S80) is completed, the user may open the fermentation lead 107 and take out the cleaning pack containing the water washed in the fermenter 112 to process.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical spirit of the present invention, and various modifications and variations will be possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

The protection scope of the present invention should be construed by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent range should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

3: material feeder 36: material receiving body
361: support groove 362: catch groove

Claims (15)

a fermenter having an internal space for fermentation;
a temperature controller including an evaporator located outside the fermenter to cool the fermenter; and
and a refrigerant tank that is spaced apart from the outer surface of the fermenter and surrounds the fermenter,
A first refrigerant flows in the evaporator, and a second refrigerant flows in a refrigerant space between the fermenter and the refrigerant tank,
a refrigerant inlet pipe connected to the refrigerant tank to introduce a second refrigerant into the refrigerant tank;
a refrigerant discharge pipe connected to the refrigerant tank so that the second refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant tank flows; and
A circulation pump connected to the refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe to circulate the second refrigerant is further provided,
The evaporator includes an evaporation tube surrounding a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the fermenter,
The evaporation tube is disposed in the refrigerant space, the beverage maker to exchange heat with the second refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant space through the refrigerant inlet pipe. delete The method of claim 1,
A beverage maker in which the refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe are connected to the upper side of the refrigerant tank. The method of claim 1,
A beverage maker in which a lower surface of the fermenter and a lower surface of the inner side of the refrigerant tank are in contact with each other. The method of claim 1,
The refrigerant inlet pipe is connected to the upper side of the refrigerant tank, and the refrigerant outlet pipe communicates with a discharge hole provided at the lower side of the refrigerant tank. 6. The method of claim 5,
A beverage maker further comprising a plurality of ribs connecting the outer surface of the fermenter and the inner surface of the refrigerant tank. 6. The method of claim 5,
an extension pipe connecting the discharge hole and the refrigerant discharge pipe; and
Extending to the lower side of the refrigerant tank, beverage maker further comprising a cover portion surrounding the extension pipe. delete delete The method of claim 1,
The evaporator is arranged to be biased on the upper side of the refrigerant space,
A beverage maker in which the distance from the outer surface of the fermenter to the inner surface of the refrigerant tank is different in the vertical direction. 11. The method of claim 10,
The distance from the outer surface of the fermenter to the refrigerant tank is greater than the distance in the upper part where the evaporator is disposed is greater than the distance in the lower part. The method of claim 1,
A beverage maker provided with a temperature sensor disposed in the refrigerant space to measure the temperature of the fermenter. The method of claim 1,
The first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are formed of different materials,
The second refrigerant is water or a mixture of water and ethylene glycol (Ethylene glycol) beverage maker. The method of claim 1,
The temperature controller is a beverage maker further comprising a heater for controlling the temperature of the fermenter at the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant tank. The method of claim 1,
The fermentation case is spaced apart from the refrigerant tank to form an exterior; and
Beverage maker further comprising an insulating portion accommodated between the fermentation case and the refrigerant tank.

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