KR102468775B1 - Beverage maker - Google Patents

Abstract

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, a fermentation container forming a space in which beverages are stored, a dispenser through which beverages stored in the fermentation container are taken out, and a main valve opening and closing a channel between the fermentation container and the dispenser , an air injection pump supplying air to the channel, and opening the main valve so that the beverage is discharged to the outside through the dispenser, forming bubbles from the beverage, and dispensing the formed bubbles to the outside through the dispenser. and a controller that opens the main valve and turns on the air injection pump.

Description

Beverage maker {BEVERAGE MAKER}

The present invention relates to a beverage maker, and more particularly, to a beverage maker capable of setting the beverage ratio and foam ratio of a beverage dispensed into a container.

Beverage is a general term for drinkable liquids such as alcohol and tea. For example, beverages are classified into various categories such as water (beverage) to quench thirst, fruit drinks with unique aromas and tastes, soft drinks that give a refreshing feeling, favorite drinks that can be expected to wake up, or alcoholic drinks with alcohol effects. It can be.

A typical example of such a beverage is beer. Beer is an alcoholic beverage made by making juice from malt (malt) made from sprouted barley, filtering it, adding hops, and fermenting it with yeast.

Consumers can purchase and consume ready-made products manufactured and sold by beer manufacturers, or consume house beer (or craft beer) manufactured by directly fermenting beer materials at home or in a bar.

House beer can be manufactured in a variety of types more than ready-made beer, and can be manufactured to suit consumer tastes.

Ingredients for making beer may include water, liquid malt, hops, yeast, and flavor additives.

Yeast may be called yeast, and may be added to liquid malt to ferment the liquid malt and help produce alcohol and carbonic acid.

Flavoring additives are additives that enhance the taste of beer, such as fruit, syrup, or vanilla beans.

Typically, house beer may include a total of three stages of wort production, fermentation, and maturation, and it may take about 2 to 3 weeks from wort production to maturation.

It is important to maintain the optimal temperature during the fermentation step of house beer, and user convenience can be increased as it is simply produced.

Recently, a beverage maker that can easily prepare a beverage such as beer at home or in a bar is gradually being used, and it is preferable that the beverage maker is configured to be conveniently used.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a beverage maker in which the beverage and foam are dispensed according to the set ratio when the beverage and foam ratio is set according to the user's preference when dispensing the beverage.

Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a beverage maker capable of providing a predetermined amount of foam without additional loss of carbonation when dispensing a beverage.

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, a fermentation container forming a space in which beverages are stored, a dispenser through which beverages stored in the fermentation container are taken out, and a main valve opening and closing a channel between the fermentation container and the dispenser , an air injection pump supplying air to the channel, and opening the main valve so that the beverage is discharged to the outside through the dispenser, forming bubbles from the beverage, and dispensing the formed bubbles to the outside through the dispenser. and a controller that opens the main valve and turns on the air injection pump.

The controller, when an automatic dispensing set value including the capacity of a container containing the dispensed beverage and at least one of a beverage ratio and a foam ratio is set, the main controller dispenses the beverage and foam according to the set automatic dispensing set value. It can control valves and air injection pumps.

The controller sets the beverage dispensing amount based on the capacity of the container and the beverage ratio, calculates the beverage dispensing amount based on the open time of the main valve, and when the calculated water dispensing amount reaches the set beverage dispensing amount, The air injection pump may be turned on.

The controller sets a foam ejection amount based on the capacity of the container and the foam ratio, calculates the foam ejection amount based on the on-time of the air injection pump, and calculates the foam ejection amount based on the set foam ejection amount. When reaching, the main valve can be closed.

In order to calculate the extraction amount of the beverage and the extraction amount of the foam, the beverage maker may further include a memory for storing information about the beverage extraction amount per unit time and the foam extraction amount per unit time.

The dispenser includes a lever operated by a user and a limit switch turned on or off by manipulation of the lever, and the controller is configured to, when the limit switch is turned on by manipulation of the lever, the beverage is dispensed from the dispenser. It is possible to open the main valve so that water is discharged through.

The controller may calculate the amount of water dispensed with the beverage based on the time the limit switch is turned on.

To set the automatic dispensing set value, the beverage maker may further include a display displaying a setting screen and an input unit receiving an input for selecting the automatic dispensing set value based on the displayed setting screen.

Depending on the embodiment, the controller, when one of the beverage ratio and the foam ratio is set through the setting screen and the input unit, can automatically set the other ratio based on the set ratio.

Depending on the embodiment, the beverage maker may further include a wireless communication unit for receiving the automatic dispensing set value from a terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the beverage maker may automatically perform a beverage dispensing operation based on the capacity of the container, the beverage ratio, and the foam ratio. Accordingly, the user can set the ratio of the drink and foam to suit his taste and drink the beverage provided according to the set ratio, so the user's satisfaction with the beverage maker can be maximized.

In addition, the beverage maker may form bubbles by injecting air into the flowing beverage from the fermentation container to the dispenser, thereby minimizing the effect on the beverage stored in the fermentation container.

In addition, since the beverage maker can take out the beverage based on the set capacity of the container, it is possible to prevent user's inconvenience due to overflow of the beverage.

1 is a block diagram of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the beverage maker shown in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a control sequence of the beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a block diagram schematically showing a control configuration of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a cross-sectional view showing a dispenser of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flowchart for explaining an automatic take-out setting operation of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8A to 8E are exemplary diagrams illustrating an automatic take-out setting operation shown in FIG. 7 .
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an automatic dispensing function performed by the beverage maker when setting automatic dispensing according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 .
10 is a view showing a beverage providing operation of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a view showing a foam providing operation 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.

1 is a configuration diagram of a 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, Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the beverage maker shown in FIG.

The configuration and perspective views of the beverage maker shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are examples for convenience of explanation, 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 of a beverage produced using a beverage maker, but the type of beverage that can be manufactured using a beverage maker is not limited to beer, and various types of beverages are practiced according to the present invention. It can be prepared through a beverage maker according to the example.

The beverage maker may include a fermentation module (1). The fermentation module 1 may include a fermentation tank module 111 having an opening 170 and a fermentation lid 107 opening and closing the opening 170 . In addition, the beverage maker may further include a temperature controller 11 for controlling the temperature inside the fermenter module 111.

The fermentation tank module 111 includes a fermentation case 160, a fermentation tank 112 having an internal space S1 accommodated in the fermentation case 160 and communicating with the opening 170, the fermentation case 160 and the fermentation tank 112 ) It may include an insulation part 171 located between and surrounding the fermentation tank 112. The fermentor module 111 may further include a lid seating body 179 on which the fermentation lid 107 is seated.

The inner space (S1) of the fermentation tank 112 may be a space for preparing a beverage.

The beverage maker may further include a channel module 2 connected to the fermentation module 1. The channel module 2 may include at least one channel and at least one valve.

The channel module 2 may include a main channel 4 connected to the fermentation module 1 . The main channel 4 can supply water or various materials required for beverage production to the space S1 of the fermentation tank 112. In addition, the channel module 2 may further include a main valve 9 installed in the main channel 4 . The main valve 9 can open and close the main channel 4 .

The beverage maker may further include a material feeder 3 connected to the main channel 4 and formed with a material receiving portion. The channel module 2 may further include a material feeder inlet channel module 3A and a material feeder outlet channel module 3B connecting the material feeder 3 and the main channel 4, respectively.

The beverage maker may further include a water tank 51 for storing water, and the channel module 2 may further include a water supply channel module 5 for supplying water from the water tank 51 to the main channel 4. have.

The channel module 2 may further include a beverage dispensing channel module 6 for dispensing beverages to the outside. The beverage dispensing channel module 6 may further include a beverage dispensing channel 61 connected to the main channel 4 . The beverage inside the fermenter 112 may flow into the main channel 4 and may flow into the beverage dispensing channel 61 through a part of the main channel 4 .

The channel module 2 may further include a gas discharge channel module 7 connected to the fermentation module 1 . The gas discharge channel module 7 may discharge gas in the fermentation container 12 to the outside. The inner space S1 of the fermentation tank 112 may be a space in which the fermentation container 12 in which beer is produced is accommodated. The fermentation container 12 will be described in detail below.

The beverage maker may further include an air injection pump 82 for pumping air, and the channel module is connected to the air injection pump 82 to inject air into the main channel 4. The air injection channel module 8 can include more.

The channel module 2 may further include an air conditioning channel module 15 connected to the fermentation module 1. The air control channel module 15 may inject air into the fermentation module 1 or exhaust air from the fermentation module 1 .

A main channel connection unit 115 may be formed in the fermentation module 1 . The main channel 4 may be connected to the main channel connection unit 115 .

The fermentation tank 112 may be composed of a combination of a plurality of members.

The fermentation lid 107 seals the inside of the fermenter module 111 and may be disposed on the upper side of the fermenter module 111 to cover the opening 170. A main channel connection part 115 connected to the main channel 4 may be provided in the fermentation lid 107 .

The fermentation container 12 may be a container provided separately so that the beverage material and the finished beverage do not adhere to the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112. The fermentation container 12 may be detachably provided in the fermentation tank 112 . The fermentation container 12 is seated inside the fermenter module 111 to ferment the beverage inside the fermenter module 111, and after use is completed, it can be taken out of the fermenter module 111.

The fermentation container 12 may be a pack containing ingredients for preparing a beverage therein. Inside the fermentation container 12, a beverage manufacturing space S2 in which beverage materials are accommodated and beverages are produced may be formed. The fermentation container 12 may be formed smaller than the inner space S1 of the fermentation tank 112.

The fermentation container 12 may be inserted into and accommodated in the fermenter module 112 while the material is accommodated therein. The fermentation container 12 may be inserted into the fermenter module 111 and accommodated in the fermenter module 111 while the opening 170 of the fermenter module 111 is open.

The fermentation lid 107 may cover the opening 170 of the fermentor module 111 after the fermentation container 12 is inserted into the fermentor module 111 . The fermentation container 12 may help fermentation of materials in a state accommodated in the inner space S1 sealed by the fermentation tank 112 and the fermentation lid 107 . The fermentation container 12 may be inflated by the pressure therein during preparation of the beverage. The fermentation container 12 may be compressed by the air inside the fermentation tank 112 when the beverage contained therein is taken out and air is supplied between the fermentation tank 112 and the fermentation container 12 .

Fermentation case 160 may be composed of a combination of a plurality of members. The fermentation case 160 may configure the exterior of the fermenter module 111.

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

The insulation unit 171 may be located between the fermentation case 160 and the fermentation tank 112. The insulator 171 may be located inside the fermentation case 160 and surround the fermentation tank 112. As a result, the temperature of the fermentation tank 112 can be maintained constant.

The insulation unit 171 may be formed of a material such as expanded polystyrene or polyurethane, which has high insulation performance and can absorb vibration.

Meanwhile, the beverage maker may further include a temperature controller for changing the internal temperature of the fermenter module 111. More specifically, the temperature controller can change the temperature of the fermentor 112 .

The temperature controller 11 heats or cools the fermentation tank 112, and can adjust the temperature of the fermentation tank 112 to an optimum temperature for beverage fermentation.

The temperature controller 11 may include a refrigerating cycle device 13 having a compressor 131, a condenser 132, an expansion mechanism 133, and an evaporator 134, and a condenser 132 and an evaporator ( 134) may be disposed in fermenter 112. The beverage maker may further include a blowing fan 135 cooling the condenser 132 .

When the condenser 132 is disposed in the fermentation tank 112, the refrigerating cycle device 13 may heat the fermentation tank 112 to adjust the temperature of the fermentation tank 112. In this case, the condenser 132 may be placed in contact with the outer surface of the fermentation tank 112. The condenser 132 may include a condensation tube wound around the outer surface of the fermenter 112 .

When the evaporator 134 is disposed in the fermentation tank 112, the refrigeration cycle device 13 may cool the fermentation tank 112 to adjust the temperature of the fermentation tank 112. In this case, the evaporator 134 may be placed in contact with the outer surface of the fermentation tank 112. The evaporator 134 may be composed of an evaporation tube wound around the outer surface of the fermenter 112. The evaporator 134 may be accommodated between the fermentation tank 112 and the heat insulation unit 171, and may cool the fermentation vessel 112 insulated by the heat insulation unit 171.

When the evaporator 134 is disposed in the fermentation tank 112, the temperature controller 11 may further include a heater 14 for heating the fermentation tank 112. The heater 14 may be installed in contact with the outer surface of the fermentation tank 112 and may be configured as a heater that generates heat when power is applied. The heater 14 may be configured as a line heater and may be wound around the outer surface of the fermenter 112.

The heater 14 may be located below the evaporator 134 . In more detail, the evaporator 134 may be wound on an upper part of the outer surface of the fermenter 112, and the heater 14 may be wound on a lower part of the outer surface of the fermenter 112. As a result, natural convection of the fluid may occur inside the fermentation tank 112 and temperature distribution inside the fermentation tank 112 and the fermentation container 12 may be uniform.

The refrigeration cycle device 13 may be configured as a heat pump. The refrigerating cycle device 13 may include a refrigerant channel switching valve (not shown). The refrigerant channel switching valve may be configured as a four-way valve. The refrigerant channel switching valve may be connected to the suction channel of the compressor 131 and the discharge channel of the compressor 131, respectively, may be connected to the condenser 132 and the condenser connection channel, and may be connected to the evaporator 134 and the evaporator connection channel. have.

The refrigerant channel switching valve may guide the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 131 to the condenser 132 and the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 134 to the compressor 131 when the fermentation tank 112 is cooled.

The refrigerant channel switching valve may guide the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 131 to the evaporator 134 when the fermentation tank 112 is heated, and guide the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 132 to the compressor 131.

Meanwhile, in the case of manufacturing beer using a beverage maker, materials for manufacturing beer may include water, malt, yeast, hops, flavor additives, and the like.

The beverage maker may include both the ingredient feeder 3 and the fermentation container 12, and ingredients for preparing the beverage may be distributed and accommodated in the ingredient feeder 3 and the fermentation container 12. Fermentation container 12 may contain some of the ingredients for beverage preparation, and the material feeder 3 may contain the rest of the ingredients. The remaining materials contained in the material feeder 3 may be supplied to the fermentation container 12 together with water supplied from the water supply channel module 5, and may be mixed with some of the materials contained in the fermentation container 12. have.

The fermentation container 12 may contain main ingredients essential for beverage production, and the material feeder 3 may contain additives added to the main ingredients. In this case, the additives contained in the material feeder 3 may be mixed with water supplied from the water supply channel module 5 and supplied to the fermentation container 12, and mixed with the main material contained in the fermentation container 12. It can be.

The main material accommodated in the fermentation container 12 may be a material with a larger capacity than other materials. For example, in the case of beer production, the main material may be malt among malt, yeast, hops and flavor additives. In addition, the additives accommodated in the material feeder 3 may be materials other than malt among materials for manufacturing beer, and may include yeast, hops, flavor additives, and the like.

The beverage maker may include a fermentation container 12 without including the material feeder 3, in which case the main material may be accommodated in the fermentation container 12, and the user may directly add additives to the fermentation container 12. can be put in

When the beverage maker includes both the material feeder 3 and the fermentation container 12, it is possible to more conveniently prepare the beverage. Hereinafter, for convenience, both the material feeder 3 and the fermentation container 12 are included as an example. Explain. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to including both the material feeder 3 and the fermentation container 12 .

Materials in the fermentation container 12 may be fermented over time, and beverages prepared in the fermentation container 12 may flow to the main channel 4 through the main channel connection part 115, and the main channel In (4), it can flow to the beverage dispensing channel module 6 and be dispensed.

Depending on the embodiment, the beverage produced by the beverage maker may be produced without undergoing a fermentation process. For example, certain beverages may be prepared by mixing water and ingredients into the fermentation container 12 . In this case, the fermentation tank 112 may function as a storage container for receiving and storing the fermentation container 12 containing the prepared beverage.

One end of the main channel 4 may be connected to the water supply channel module 5, and the other end may be connected to the main channel connection unit 115 formed in the fermentation module 1.

The material feeder 3 may be connected to the main channel 4 . Water or air in the main channel 4 may be introduced into the material supplier 3 and flow through the material supplier 3 .

Ingredient feeder 3 may contain materials necessary for preparing beverages, and may be configured to allow water supplied from the water supply channel module 5 to pass therethrough. For example, when the beverage produced in the beverage maker is beer, the material accommodated in the material feeder 3 may be yeast, hops, flavor additives, and the like.

The material accommodated in the material feeder 3 can be directly accommodated in the material containing portion formed in the material feeder 3 . At least one material accommodating portion may be formed in the material feeder 3 . A plurality of material accommodating units may be formed in the material supply unit 3, and in this case, the plurality of material accommodating units may be formed to be partitioned from each other.

On the other hand, the material accommodated in the material supplier 3 can be accommodated in the material container (C1) (C2) (C3), the material supplier 3 is accommodated in these material containers (C1) (C2) (C3) At least one material accommodating portion 31, 32, 33 may be formed.

The material containers C1, C2, and C3 are components that can contain materials, such as pods or capsules. When the material containers C1, C2, and C3 are accommodated in the material accommodating unit, the material accommodating unit may be a material container accommodating unit accommodating the material container.

For example, when a material is contained in a capsule and the capsule is accommodated in the material accommodating unit, the material accommodating unit of the material feeder 3 may be a capsule accommodating unit in which the capsule is accommodated. At least one capsule accommodating portion in which the capsule is accommodated may be formed in the material feeder 3 . The material feeder 3 may be configured to allow capsules to be seated and withdrawn, and the material feeder 3 may be configured as a capsule kit assembly in which capsules are detachably accommodated.

When the material is accommodated in the material container (C1) (C2) (C3), the material supplier (3) may be configured to be seated and withdrawn from the material container (C1) (C2) (C3), the material supplier ( 3) may be composed of a material container kit assembly in which the material containers C1, C2, and C3 are detachably accommodated.

Water supplied from the water supply channel module 5 to the main channel 4 can be mixed with the material while passing through the material accommodating part or the material container C1, C2, C3, and the material accommodating part or the material container C1 ) (C2) The material accommodated in (C3) can flow into the main channel 4 together with water.

In the material feeder 3, a plurality of additives of different types can be accommodated separately from each other. For example, a plurality of additives accommodated in the material feeder 3 during production of beer may be yeast, hops, and flavor additives, and they may be accommodated separately from each other.

When a plurality of material accommodating portions are formed in the material feeder 3, each of the plurality of material accommodating portions may be connected to the main channel 4 and the material feeder inlet channel module 3A, and the main channel 4 and the material feeder outlet It can be connected to the channel module (3B).

When a plurality of material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 are formed in the material feeder 3, each of the plurality of material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 is connected to the main channel 4 and the material feeder inlet. It can be connected to the channel module (3A), and can be connected to the main channel (4) and the material feeder outlet channel module (3B).

The material accommodating portion of the material feeder 3 and the material container accommodating portion of the material feeder 3 may have substantially the same configuration. When the material container is inserted into the material feeder 3 while the material is accommodated in the material container, it may be referred to as a material container receiving portion, and when the material is directly accommodated in the material feeder 3 without being contained in the material container, the material It can be called a receiving unit. Since the material accommodating portion and the material container accommodating portion have substantially the same configuration, it will be described below that the material accommodating portion is formed in the material supplier 3 for convenience of description.

In the material feeder 3, material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 in which a material container containing additives is detachably accommodated are formed, and may be connected to the main channel 4 and the material feeder inlet channel module 3A. And, it can be connected to the main channel (4) and the material feeder outlet channel module (3B).

The material feeder inlet channel module 3A includes material feeder inlet channels 301, 311, 321, 331 connecting the main channel 4 and each material accommodating portion 31, 32, and 33. can do. The material feeder inlet channel module 3A may further include open/close valves 313, 323, and 333 installed in the material feeder inlet channels 301, 311, 321, and 331. The opening/closing valves 313, 323, and 333 may open and close the material supply inlet channels 301, 311, 321, and 331.

The material feeder outlet channel module 3B includes material feeder outlet channels 301, 311, 321, 331 connecting each material accommodating portion 31, 32, 33 and the main channel 4. can do. The material feeder outlet channel module 3B may further include check valves 314, 324, and 334 installed in the material feeder outlet channels 301, 311, 321, and 331. The check valves 314, 324, and 334 prevent water or air from flowing back into the material receiving parts 31, 32, and 33 through the material supply outlet channels 302, 312, 322, and 332. It can be prevented.

In the material supply unit 3, a plurality of material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 may be formed, and the plurality of material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 may be formed separately from each other. The plurality of material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 may be connected to their respective material feeder inlet channels and their respective material feeder outlet channels.

Hereinafter, the first additive, the second additive, and the third additive may be accommodated in the material supplier 3 . The first additive may be yeast, the second additive may be hops, and the third additive may be a flavor additive.

The material supplier 3 includes a first material accommodating part 31 accommodating a first material container C1 accommodating a first additive and a second material accommodating a second material container C2 accommodating a second additive. It may include a portion 32 and a third material accommodating portion 33 accommodating the third material container C3 containing the third additive.

A first material supply inlet channel 311 guiding water or air to the first material accommodating part 31 may be connected to the first material accommodating part 31, and the water discharged from the first material accommodating part 31 , a mixture of water, a first additive, and air may be connected to a first material supply outlet channel 312 . A first opening/closing valve 313 opening and closing the first material supplier inlet channel 311 may be installed in the first material supplier inlet channel 311 . In the first material supply outlet channel 312, while the fluid in the first material accommodating portion 31 flows into the main channel 4, the fluid flows through the first material feeder outlet channel 312 to the first material accommodating portion 31. ) A first check valve 314 that prevents reverse flow may be installed. Here, the fluid may be water discharged from the first material accommodating part 31, a mixture of water and the first additive, or air.

A second material supply inlet channel 321 guiding water or air to the second material accommodating part 32 may be connected to the second material accommodating part 32, and the water discharged from the second material accommodating part 32 , a mixture of water, a second additive, and air may be connected to a second material supply outlet channel 322 . A second opening/closing valve 323 opening and closing the second material supplier inlet channel 321 may be installed in the second material supplier inlet channel 321 . In the second material supply outlet channel 322, while the fluid in the second material accommodating portion 32 flows into the main channel 4, the fluid passes through the second material feeder outlet channel 322 to the second material accommodating portion 32. ) A second check valve 324 that prevents back flow may be installed. Here, the fluid may be water discharged from the second material accommodating part 32, a mixture of water and the second additive, or air.

A third material supply inlet channel 331 guiding water or air to the third material accommodating unit 33 may be connected to the third material accommodating unit 33, and the water discharged from the third material accommodating unit 33 , a mixture of water, a third additive, and air may be connected to a third material supply outlet channel 332 . A third opening/closing valve 333 opening and closing the third material supplier inlet channel 331 may be installed in the third material supplier inlet channel 331 . In the third material supply outlet channel 332, while the fluid in the third material accommodating portion 33 flows into the main channel 4, the fluid flows through the third material feeder outlet channel 332 to the third material accommodating portion 33. ) A third check valve 334 that prevents reverse flow may be installed. Here, the fluid may be water discharged from the third material accommodating part 33, a mixture of water and the third additive, or air.

When the beverage maker includes a material feeder 3, the main channel 4 includes a first main channel 4A located before the material feeder 3 in the direction of water or air flow, and a material feeder in the direction of water or air flow. It may include a second main channel (4B) located after the supply (3).

The main channel 4 may further include a bypass channel 4C connecting the first main channel 4A and the second main channel 4B and allowing water or air to bypass the material receiving portion of the material supply unit 3. can The bypass channel 4C may bypass the material accommodating parts 31, 32, and 33 of the dispenser.

Here, the first main channel 4A may be connected to the water supply channel module 5, and the second main channel 4B may be connected to the fermentation module 1. And, the bypass channel 4C may be configured to bypass the material supplier 3 by water or air while connecting the first main channel 4A and the second main channel 4B.

The main channel 4 may consist of one channel if the beverage maker does not include the material feeder 3, and if the beverage maker includes the material feeder 3, the first main channel 4A, It may include a second main channel 4B and a bypass channel 4C.

The bypass channel 4C may be connected in parallel to the channels of the first material accommodating part 31, the second material accommodating part 32, and the third material accommodating part 33, respectively.

The channel module 2 may further include a bypass valve 35 installed in the bypass channel 4C and opening and closing the bypass channel 4C.

The first main channel 4A may be connected to the common material supply inlet channel 301 and the bypass channel 4C, respectively. The common material supplier inlet channel 301 may be connected to the first material supplier inlet channel 311 , the second material supplier inlet channel 321 , and the third material supplier inlet channel 331 , respectively.

The common material feeder inlet channel 301 is a common pipe connected to the first main channel 4A, and branches from the common pipe to form a first material feeder inlet channel 311, a second material feeder inlet channel 321, and a third material feeder inlet channel 311. It may include a plurality of branch pipes each connected to the feeder inlet channel 331 .

The second main channel 4B may be connected to each of the common material supply outlet channel 302 and the bypass channel 4C. The common material supplier outlet channel 302 may be connected to the first material supplier outlet channel 312 , the second material supplier outlet channel 322 , and the third material supplier outlet channel 332 , respectively.

The common material feeder outlet channel 302 includes a common pipe connected to the second main channel 4B, a first material feeder outlet channel 312, a second material feeder outlet channel 322 and a third material feeder outlet channel 332. ) may include a plurality of laminated pipes connecting the common pipe.

When the bypass valve 35 is closed, water or air supplied to the first main channel 4A passes through the material receiving parts 31, 32, and 33 to bypass the bypass channel 4C. , can flow to the second main channel 4B.

Conversely, when the on/off valves 311, 321, and 331 are closed, the water or air supplied to the first main channel 4A passes through the bypass channel 4C and enters the material containing portions 31, 32 ( 33) and flow into the second main channel 4B.

The beverage maker may further include a water supply pump 52 for pumping water in the water tank 51 and a water supply heater 53 for heating the water pumped by the water supply pump 52 . The water supply channel module 5 includes a water tank outlet channel 54 connecting the water tank 51 and the water pump 52 and a water pump outlet channel 55 connecting the water pump 52 and the main channel 4. can include more. The feed water heater 53 may be installed in the feed water pump outlet channel 55 .

In addition, the water supply channel module 5 may further include a water supply check valve 59 installed in the water supply pump outlet channel 55 to prevent water from flowing back to the water supply pump 52 .

A flow meter 56 for measuring the flow rate of the feed water pump outlet channel 55 may be installed in the feed water pump outlet channel 55 . The flow meter 56 may be disposed after the water supply check valve 59 along the flow direction of water.

The feedwater heater 53 may be a mold heater, and includes a heater case through which water pumped from the feedwater pump 52 passes, and a heating heater installed inside the heater case to heat water introduced into the heater case. can do.

A thermal fuse (58) may be installed in the feedwater heater 53 to cut off the circuit when the temperature is high to cut off the current applied to the feedwater heater 53.

The beverage maker may further include a thermistor 57 for measuring the temperature of the water passing through the feedwater heater 53. The thermistor 57 may be installed in the feed water heater 53. Alternatively, the thermistor 57 may be disposed in a portion of the feed water pump outlet channel 55 located after the feed water heater 53 along the water flow direction. It is also possible that the thermistor 57 is installed in the first main channel 4A.

When the feed water pump 52 is driven, the water in the water tank 51 may be guided to the feed water heater 53 through the water tank outlet channel 54, the feed water pump 52, and the feed water pump outlet channel 55, and Water guided to the heater 53 may be guided to the main channel 4 after being heated by the water supply heater 53 .

On the other hand, the beverage maker may not include the water tank 51, the water pump 52, and the water heater 53. In this case, the water supply channel module 5 may be directly connected to the faucet or connected to the faucet with a separate connection hose to guide water to the main channel 4 .

The beverage maker may include a water heater 53 without including the water tank 51 and the water supply pump 52 . In this case, the water supply channel module (5) is directly connected to the faucet or is connected to the faucet with a separate connection hose to guide the water to the main channel (4), and the water supply heater (53) controls the water passing through the water supply channel module (5). can be heated

The beverage dispensing channel module 6 may be connected to the main channel 4 . The beverage dispensing channel module 6 may include a beverage dispensing channel 61 connected to the main channel 4 and guiding beverages of the main channel 4 . The beverage dispensing channel module 6 may further include a dispenser 62 connected to the beverage dispensing channel 61 .

The beverage take-out channel 61 may be connected between the water supply channel module 5 of the main channel 4 and the fermentation module 1. The beverage take-out channel 61 may be connected between the material supplier 3 of the main channel 4 and the fermentation module 1. The beverage take-out channel 61 may be connected to the second main channel 4B.

An anti-foaming path (63) may be provided in the beverage dispensing channel 61, and the foam of the beverage flowing from the main channel 4 to the beverage dispensing channel 61 is minimized while passing through the foam blocking pass. It can be. The foam blocking unit 63 may be provided with a mesh through which foam is filtered.

The dispenser 62 may include a tap valve having a lever 620 manipulated by a user and a limit switch that detects the user's manipulation.

The gas discharge channel module 7 includes a gas discharge channel 71 connected to the fermentation module 1, a pressure sensor 72 installed in the gas discharge channel 71, and a pressure in the gas discharge channel 71 in the gas discharge direction. A gas on/off valve 73 connected after the sensor 72 may be included.

The gas extraction channel 71 may be connected to the fermentation module 1 , in particular, to the fermentation lid 107 . A gas extraction channel connection part 121 to which the gas extraction channel 71 is connected may be provided in the fermentation module 1 . The gas extraction channel connection part 121 may be provided in the fermentation reed 107.

Gas in the fermentation container 12 may flow to the gas extraction channel 71 and the pressure sensor 72 through the gas extraction channel connection part 121 . The pressure sensor 72 may detect the pressure of the gas flowing from the fermentation container 12 through the gas extraction channel connection 121 to the gas extraction channel 71 .

The gas opening/closing valve 73 may be turned on and opened when air is injected into the fermentation container 12 by the air injection channel module 8 . The beverage maker may inject air into the fermentation container 12 to evenly mix the main material and water, and at this time, bubbles generated in the mixture of the main material and water (eg, liquid malt) are gas at the top of the fermentation container 12 It can be discharged to the outside through the discharge channel 71 and the gas on/off valve 73.

The gas opening/closing valve 73 may be turned on and opened to detect the degree of fermentation during the fermentation process, and then turned off and closed again.

The gas discharge channel module 7 may further include a gas discharge relief valve 75 connected to the gas discharge channel 71 . The gas discharge relief valve 75 may be connected after the pressure sensor 72 in the gas discharge direction of the gas discharge channel 71 .

The air injection channel module 8 is connected to the main channel 4 to inject air into the main channel 4 .

The air injection channel module 8 may be connected before the material feeder 3 in the water flow direction, and in this case, air may be injected into the material feeder 3 through the main channel 4. The air injection channel module 8 may be connected to the first main channel 4A. Air injected into the main channel 4 from the air injection channel module 8 may be injected into the fermentation container 12 after passing through the material supplier 3 . Air injected from the air injection channel module 8 into the main channel 4 may be injected into the fermentation container 12 by bypassing the material supplier 3 .

The air injection channel module 8 may inject air into the material accommodating parts 31, 32, and 33 through the main channel 4, and may inject air into the material containers C1, C2, and C3 or the material accommodating part. (31) (32) (33) Residual water or debris can flow into the main channel (4) by the air injected by the air injection channel module (8). The material containers C1, C2, and C3 and the material accommodating parts 31, 32, and 33 can be kept clean by the air injected by the air injection channel module 8.

The air injection channel module 8 may include an air injection channel 81 connecting the air injection pump 82 and the main channel 4 . The air injection pump 82 may pump air into the air injection channel 81 .

The air injection channel 81 may be connected between the water supply channel module 5 and the material feeder 3 in the water flow direction. The air injection channel 81 may be connected to the first main channel 4A of the main channels 4 .

The air injection channel module 8 is an air injection check valve 83 that prevents water guided from the water supply channel module 5 to the main channel 4 from flowing into the air injection pump 82 through the air injection channel 81. ) may further include. The air injection check valve 83 may be installed after the air injection pump 82 in the air injection direction.

In order to improve the output of the air injection pump 82, the air injection pump 82 may include a plurality of air injection pumps connected in parallel. In this case, the air injection channel 81 may include a common pipe connected to the main channel 4 and a plurality of laminated pipes respectively connecting the plurality of air injection pumps to the common pipe.

Meanwhile, the channel module 2 may include a main valve 9 for opening and closing the main channel 4 . In addition, the channel module 2 may further include a main check valve 94 installed in the main channel 4 .

The main channel 4 may include a first connection part 91 connected to the beverage dispensing channel 61 and a second connection part 92 connected to the main channel connection part 115 formed in the fermentation module 1. In addition, the main channel 4 may further include a third connection portion 93 connected to the material supply outlet channels 302, 312, 322, and 332.

The main valve 9 may be installed between the first connection part 91 and the second connection part 92.

The main check valve 94 may be installed between the first connection part 91 and the third connection part 93. The main check valve 94 may be installed in a direction in which water, air, or a mixture can flow from the third connection part 93 to the first connection part 91.

The main valve 9 is opened when water is supplied to the fermentation container 12 to open the main channel 4. The main valve 9 may be closed while cooling the fermenter 112 to close the main channel 4. The main valve 9 may be opened when air is injected into the fermentation container 12 to open the main channel 4 . The main valve 9 may be opened to open the main channel 4 when the additive is supplied into the fermentation container 12 . The main valve 9 may be closed while fermentation of the material is in progress to seal the inside of the fermentation container 12 . The main valve 9 may be closed during aging and storage of the beverage to seal the inside of the fermentation container 12. The main valve 9 is opened when the beverage is dispensed by the beverage dispensing channel module 6 to open the main channel 4, and the beverage in the fermentation container 12 passes through the main valve 9 to the beverage dispensing channel. (61).

The main check valve 94 can prevent the beverage that has passed through the main valve 9 from flowing backward to the material feeder 3 when the beverage is dispensed by the beverage dispensing channel module 6 .

On the other hand, the beverage maker may include an air control channel module 15 for supplying air to the inside of the fermentation tank 112 or exhausting air inside the fermentation tank 112.

The air control channel module 15 may supply air between the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112 or, conversely, exhaust air between the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112 to the outside.

The air control channel module 15 may include an air supply channel 154 connected to the fermentation module 1 and an exhaust valve 156 connected to the air supply channel 154 to exhaust air to the outside.

One end of the air supply channel 154 may be connected to the fermentation module 1 and the other end may be connected to the air injection channel 81 .

The air supply channel 154 may be connected to the fermentation module 1, in particular, the fermentation lid 107. An air supply channel connection unit 117 to which the air supply channel 154 is connected may be provided in the fermentation module 1 . The air supply channel connection unit 117 may be provided in the fermentation lid 107.

The air supply channel 154 may be connected to the air injection channel 81 of the air injection channel module 8 . The connection portion 81a between the air supply channel 154 and the air injection channel 81 may be located after the air injection check valve 83 along the flow direction of air passing through the air injection channel 81 .

In this case, the air pumped by the air injection pump 82 may pass through the air injection channel 81 and the air supply channel 154 in order and be guided between the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112. The air injection pump 82 and the air supply channel 154 may function as an air material supplier supplying air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 .

On the other hand, it is also possible to connect a separate air supply pump to the air control channel module 15. In this case, the air supply channel 154 may be connected to the air supply pump without being connected to the air injection channel 81 . However, as described above, the air injection pump 82 is configured to inject air into the fermentation container 12 and supply air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 in combination. It would be more desirable in terms of savings.

The air supply channel 154 and the exhaust valve 156 may function as an air exhaust passage for exhausting air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 to the outside.

The air supply channel 154 may be connected to the fermentation module 1 to supply air between the fermentation tank 112 and the fermentation container 12 .

One end of the air supply channel 154 may be connected to the air injection channel 81 and the other end may be connected to the fermentation module 1 .

In a state where the fermentation container 12 is accommodated inside the fermentation tank module 111, the air injection pump 82 and the air supply channel 154 supply air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112. Air supplied into the fermentation tank 112 in this way may pressurize the fermentation container 12 between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 .

The beverage in the fermentation container 12 can be pressurized by the fermentation container 12 pressed by air, and when the main valve 9 and the dispenser 62 are opened, it passes through the main channel connection part 115 to the main channel ( 4) can flow. The beverage flowing from the fermentation container 12 to the main channel 4 may be taken out through the beverage dispensing channel module 6 .

When the beverage preparation is completed, the beverage maker does not take the fermentation container 12 out of the fermentation module 1, but drinks the beverage in the fermentation container 12 while placing it inside the fermentation module 1. (6) can be taken out.

The air injection pump 82 may supply air such that a predetermined pressure is formed between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112, and between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 in the fermentation container 12. A pressure that facilitates beverage dispensing can be formed.

The air injection pump 82 maintains an off state while beverage dispensing is in progress, and when the beverage dispensing is finished, it may be driven for the next beverage dispensing and then stopped.

The exhaust valve 156 may be located outside the fermentation module 1 . The exhaust valve 156 may be connected to a portion of the air supply channel 154 located outside the fermenter 112.

The air control channel module 15 may further include an exhaust channel 157 connecting the exhaust valve 156 and the air supply channel 154.

The air supply channel 154 includes a first channel from the connection part 81a connected to the air injection channel 81 to the connection part 154F to which the exhaust channel 157 is connected, and a connection part to which the exhaust channel 157 is connected ( 154F) to the outlet end 154E may include a second channel. The first channel may be an air supply channel that guides the air pumped by the air injection pump 82 to the second channel. In addition, the second channel supplies air that has passed through the air supply channel between the fermentation tank 112 and the fermentation container 12, or guides the air leaked between the fermentation tank 112 and the fermentation container 12 to the connection channel 157. It may be a channel for both supply and exhaust air.

The exhaust valve 156 may be opened to exhaust air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 to the outside when the fermentation container 12 is inflated during beverage preparation. The exhaust valve 156 may be controlled to open when water is supplied by the water supply channel module 5 . When air is injected by the air injection channel module 8, the exhaust valve 156 can be controlled to open.

The exhaust valve 156 may be opened to bleed air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation vessel 112 when beverage extraction from the fermentation container 12 is completed. After the beverage is taken out, the user may take the fermentation container 12 out of the fermentation tank 112 because safety accidents may occur when the inside of the fermentation tank 112 maintains a high pressure. The exhaust valve 156 may be controlled to open when beverage dispensing from the fermentation container 12 is completed.

The air control channel module 15 may further include an air relief valve 158 connected between the connection portion 154F of the air supply channel 154 and the exhaust channel 157 and the fermentation module 1.

The air control channel module 15 may further include an air supply opening/closing valve 159 that regulates air pumped by the air injection pump 82 and supplied between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 .

The air supply opening/closing valve 159 may be installed in the air supply channel 154. In more detail, the air supply opening/closing valve 159 may be installed between the connection part 81a of the air supply channel 154 to the air injection channel 81 and the connection part 154F to the exhaust channel 157.

The air control channel module 15 may further include an air supply check valve 155 installed in the air supply channel 154.

The air supply check valve 155 may be installed between the connection part 81a of the air supply channel 154 to the air injection channel 81 and the connection part 154F to the exhaust channel 157. The air supply check valve 155 may be disposed after the air supply opening/closing valve 159 along a flow direction of air guided from the air injection channel 81 to the air supply channel 154 .

The air supply check valve 155 may prevent the air from flowing into the air injection channel 81 when air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is exhausted.

Meanwhile, the channel module 2 may further include a channel switching valve 20 installed in the main channel 4 .

The channel switching valve 20 may be a 4-way valve. The channel switching valve 20 may be disposed before the material feeder 3 with respect to the flow direction of the water flowed from the water supply channel module 5 or the air injected from the air injection channel module 8.

The channel switching valve 20 may be installed in a connection between the first main channel 4A and the bypass channel 4C among the main channels 4 . The air injection channel 81 and the material supply inlet channels 301, 311, 321, and 331 may be connected to the channel switching valve 20.

The channel switching valve 20 may communicate the first main channel 4A with the bypass channel 4C or the material supply inlet channels 301, 311, 321, and 331. In addition, the channel switching valve 20 may communicate the air injection channel 81 with the material supply inlet channels 301, 311, 321, 331 or the bypass channel 4C.

When the channel switching valve 20 communicates the first main channel 4A and the material supplier inlet channels 301, 311, 321, and 331, the water supplied from the water supply channel module 5 flows through the material supplier 3 It can be guided to, and can flow into the second main channel 4B by passing through the material accommodating parts 31, 32, and 33.

When the channel switching valve 20 communicates the first main channel 4A and the bypass channel 4C, the water supplied from the water supply channel module 5 can be guided to the bypass channel 4C, and the material supplier ( 3) may be bypassed to flow into the second main channel 4B.

When the channel switching valve 20 communicates the air injection channel 81 and the material supply inlet channels 301, 311, 321, and 331, the air injected from the air injection channel module 8 passes through the material supplier 3 It can be guided to, and can flow into the second main channel 4B by passing through the material accommodating parts 31, 32, and 33.

When the channel switching valve 20 communicates the air injection channel 81 and the bypass channel 4C, the air injected from the air injection channel module 8 can be guided to the bypass channel 4C, and the material supply ( 3) may be bypassed to flow into the second main channel 4B.

The fermentation tank 112 may be provided with a temperature sensor 16 for measuring the temperature of the fermentation tank 112 . The temperature sensor 16 may measure the temperature of the fermenter 112 and transmit the temperature value to a control module 280 (see FIG. 3) to be described later.

The temperature sensor 16 may be fastened to a protrusion 115 (see FIG. 9) protruding downward from the bottom surface of the fermentation tank 112.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the beverage maker shown in FIG.

The beverage maker may include a base 100. The base 100 may constitute the bottom exterior of the beverage maker, and the fermentation module 1, the refrigeration cycle device 13, the water heater 53, the water pump 52, and the main frame 230 are located on the upper side. ), etc. can be supported.

The beverage maker may further include a beverage container 101 capable of receiving and storing beverages dropped from the dispenser 62 . The beverage container 101 may be integrally formed with the base 100 or coupled to the base 100.

The beverage container 101 may include a container body 101A having a space in which a beverage dropped from the dispenser 62 is accommodated. The beverage container 101 may include a container top plate 101B disposed on an upper surface of the container body 101A and covering a space within the container body 101A.

The container body 101A may be formed to protrude forward from the front of the base 100 . A top surface of the container body 101A may be open.

A plurality of holes through which beverages fall into the container body 101A may be formed in the container top plate 101B.

Of the beverages dropped from the dispenser 62, the beverages dropped around the beverage container (not shown) may fall to the container top plate 101B, and temporarily enter the beverage container 101 through the hole of the container top plate 101B. It can be stored, and the surroundings of the beverage maker can be kept clean.

Fermentation module 1 may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The fermentation module 1 may be supported from below by the base 100.

The fermentation module 1 may be placed on the base 100. At this time, the fermentation module 1 may be placed directly on the base 1, or may be placed on the base 100 supported by a separate fermentation module supporter (not shown) seated on the base 100. have.

The fermentation module 1 may include a fermentation tank module 111 having an opening 170 and a fermentation lid 107 covering the opening. As described above, the fermentation container 12 may be disposed inside the fermenter module 111.

A fermentation tank 112 may be accommodated inside the fermentation case 160 . The insulator 171 may be positioned between the fermentation tank 112 and the fermentation case 160 and may insulate the fermentation tank 112. At this time, the evaporator 134 (see FIG. 1 ) and/or the heater 14 (see FIG. 1 ) wound around the fermentation tank 112 may be positioned between the heat insulation unit 171 and the fermentation tank 112 . That is, the heat insulation unit 171 may surround the evaporator 134 and/or the heater 14 together with the fermenter 112, whereby the temperature control of the fermenter 112 may be facilitated.

The fermentation reed 107 may be disposed on the upper side of the fermenter module 111, and the opening 170 of the fermenter module 111 may be opened and closed from the upper side.

The fermentor module 111 may further include a lid seating body 179 on which the fermentation lid 107 is seated. The lid seating body 179 may be disposed on the upper side of the fermentation case 160 and may support the fermentation lid 107 from below.

The fermentation case 160 may constitute a part of the exterior of the lower side of the fermentation module 1, and the fermentation reed 107 may constitute a part of the exterior of the upper side of the fermentation module 1.

The fermentation case 160 may be placed on the base 100.

The fermentation reed 107 may be detachably connected, slidably connected, or rotatably connected to the fermenter module 111 . For example, the fermentation lid 107 may be hinged to the lid seating body 179.

The fermentation lid 107 may be provided with a first hinge connection portion 109A protruding backward, and the first hinge connection portion 109A may be hingedly connected to the lid seating body 179.

Meanwhile, the water tank 51 may be disposed above the base 100 and may be spaced apart from the base 100 . The water tank 51 may be vertically spaced apart from the base 100 by a water tank supporter 233 to be described later.

The water tank 51 may be spaced apart from the fermentation module 1 in a horizontal direction. In more detail, the water tank 51 and the fermentation module 1 may be spaced apart in the left and right directions.

An upper surface of the water tank 51 may be open. The front and rear surfaces of the water tank 51 may be curved surfaces rounded in a horizontal direction, and both sides of the water tank 51 may be flat. At this time, the curvature of the front and rear surfaces of the water tank 51 may be the same as the curvature of the outer circumferential surface of the fermentation module 1.

However, it is not limited thereto, and the shape of the water tank 51 may vary as needed. For example, the water tank 51 may be formed in a hollow cylinder shape with an open upper surface.

A water tank handle 59 may be provided in the water tank 51 . The tub handle 59 may be rotatably connected to the tub 51 . In more detail, both ends of the tub handle 59 may be hinged to both sides of the tub 51 .

The user may lift the water tank 51 by holding the water tank handle 59 while rotating the water tank handle 59 upward.

A stepped portion 51a may be formed at an upper end of the water tank 51 . The stepped portion 51a may be a portion having a lower height than the rest of the upper portion of the tub 51 because a portion of the upper portion of the tub 51 is formed to be stepped. The stepped portion 51a may be formed by stepping a portion of the front side of the upper end of the water tank 51 .

The water tank handle 59 may be provided to come into contact with the stepped portion 51a. In this case, the width of the water tank handle 59 may be the same as the height of the step of the stepped part. Also, the water tank handle 59 may include a curved portion, and the curvature of the bent portion may be the same as the front surface curvature of the water tub 51 .

The beverage maker may further include a water tank lid 110 covering the open upper surface of the water tank 51 . The water tank lid 110 may open and close the inner space of the water tank 51 .

The tub lead 110 may be rotatably connected to the tub 51 .

The water tank lid 110 may include a second hinge connection portion 110A protruding backward, and the second hinge connection portion 110A may be hingedly connected to the water tank 51 .

The tank lid 110 may be formed in the same shape as the lid body 109 of the fermentation lid 107. As a result, the beverage maker can have a sense of unity in design, and there is an advantage that the same parts can be used as the lid body 109 of the tank lid 110 and the fermentation lid 107, respectively.

The height between the base 100 and the lid body 109 of the fermentation lid 107 may be the same as the height between the base 100 and the tank lid 110. More specifically, the height between the base 100 and the top surface of the fermentation lid 107 may be the same as the height between the base 100 and the top surface of the tank lid 110.

On the other hand, the beverage maker may further include an outer case 200.

The outer case 200 may be placed on the base 100 .

The outer case 200 may form the appearance of the beverage maker.

The outer case 200 may include a fermentation module cover 201 covering the fermentation module 1 and a water tank cover 202 covering the water tank 51 . The fermentation module cover 201 and the water tank cover 202 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. Some of the circumferential surfaces of the fermentation module cover 201 and the water tank cover 202 may be opened.

At least a portion of the outer circumference of the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51 may be surrounded. That is, the fermentation module 1 may be disposed inside the fermentation module cover 201, and the water tank 51 may be disposed inside the water tank cover 202.

The fermentation module cover 201 and the tank cover 51 can fix the fermentation module 1 and the tank 51 and protect them from external impact.

The curvature of the fermentation module cover 201 may be the same as the curvature of the outer circumference of the fermentation module 1, and the curvature of the water tank cover 202 may be the same as the curvature of the front and rear surfaces of the water tank 51.

The height of the fermentation module cover 201 may be higher than that of the fermentation case 160 . The height of the fermentation module cover 201 is preferably the same as that of the fermentation module 1.

The fermentation module cover 201 and the water tank cover 202 may be disposed apart from each other in a horizontal direction.

The height and/or diameter of the fermentation module cover 201 and the water tank cover 202 may be the same. As a result, the appearance of the beverage maker can be improved in terms of design by symmetrical structure and uniformity. Detailed configurations of the fermentation module cover 201 and the water tank cover 202 will be described in detail later.

At least one of the main frame 230 , the water supply pump 52 , the water supply heater 53 , the air injection pump 82 , and the temperature controller 11 may be accommodated inside the outer case 200 . In addition, at least a part of the channel module 2 may be located inside the outer case 200 .

The outer case 200 may be configured by combining a plurality of members. The outer case 200 may include a front cover 210 and a rear cover 220 .

The front cover 210 may be disposed in front of the fermentation module 1, the water tank 51 and the main frame 230, and the rear cover 220 is the fermentation module 1, the water tank 51 and the main frame 230 ) can be placed behind.

The front cover 210 may constitute part of the exterior of the front side of the beverage maker.

A dispenser 62 may be mounted on the front cover 210 . The dispenser 62 may be disposed closer to the top of the front cover 210 than to the bottom. The dispenser 62 may be located above the beverage container 101 . The user may open the dispenser 62 to take out a beverage.

The front cover 210 may be composed of a combination of a plurality of members.

The front cover 210 may include a front fermentation module cover 211, a front water tank cover 212, and a center cover 213.

The front fermentation module cover 211 may cover a front part of the outer circumference of the fermentation module 1. The front fermentation module cover 211 may be a part of the front side of the fermentation module cover 201 .

The front fermentation module cover 211 may include an upper front fermentation module cover 215 and a lower front fermentation module cover 216 .

The upper front fermentation module cover 215 and the lower front fermentation module cover 216 may be integrally formed.

The upper front fermentation module cover 215 may cover a portion of the front outer circumference of the fermentation lid 107, and the lower front fermentation module cover 216 may cover a portion of the front outer circumference of the fermentation case 160.

The circumferential length of the upper front fermentation module cover 215 may be longer than the circumferential length of the lower front fermentation module cover 216 .

In more detail, the outer end of the lower front fermentation module cover 216 and the outer end of the upper front fermentation module cover 215 may coincide with each other in the circumferential direction of the front fermentation module cover 211 . The outer end of the lower front fermentation module cover 216 and the outer end of the upper front fermentation module cover 215 may together form the outer end 211A of the front fermentation module cover 211 .

The front-back distance between the inner end of the lower front fermentation module cover 216 and the center cover 213 may be shorter than the front-back distance between the inner end 215B of the upper front fermentation module cover 215 and the center cover 213. have.

The front fermentation module cover 211 may constitute the fermentation module cover 201 together with the rear fermentation module cover 262 of the rear cover 220 . That is, the fermentation module cover 201 may include a front fermentation module cover 211 and a rear fermentation module cover 262 . The front fermentation module cover 211 and the rear fermentation module cover 262 may be fastened to each other.

The rear fermentation module cover 262 may cover a portion of the rear side of the fermentation module 1 . The rear fermentation module cover 262 may be a part of the rear side of the fermentation module cover 201 . The rear fermentation module cover 262 may be located behind the front fermentation module cover 211 .

The rear fermentation module cover 262 may include an upper rear fermentation module cover 266 and a lower rear fermentation module cover 267 .

The upper rear fermentation module cover 266 and the lower rear fermentation module cover 267 may be integrally formed.

The upper rear fermentation module cover 266 may cover a portion of the rear outer circumference of the fermentation lid 107, and the lower rear fermentation module cover 267 may cover a portion of the rear outer circumference of the fermentation case 160.

The circumferential length of the upper rear fermentation module cover 266 may be longer than the circumferential length of the lower rear fermentation module cover 267 .

The outer end of the lower rear fermentation module cover 267 and the outer end of the upper rear fermentation module cover 266 may coincide with each other in the circumferential direction of the rear fermentation module cover 262 . The outer end of the lower rear fermentation module cover 267 and the outer end of the upper fermentation module cover 266 may form the outer end 262A of the rear fermentation module cover 262 together.

The outer end 262A of the rear fermentation module cover 262 may come into contact with the outer end 211A of the front fermentation module cover 211 .

The inner end 266B of the upper rear fermentation module cover 266 may come into contact with the inner end 215B of the upper front fermentation module cover 215 . On the other hand, the inner end 267B of the lower rear fermentation module cover 267 may be spaced apart from the inner end of the lower front fermentation module cover 216.

Meanwhile, the front water tank cover 212 may cover the front of the water tank 51 . The front water tank cover 212 may be a part of the front side of the water tank cover 202 .

The front tank cover 212 may include an upper front tank cover 217 and a lower front tank cover 218 .

The upper front tank cover 217 and the lower front tank cover 218 may be integrally formed.

The upper front water tank cover 217 may cover an upper portion of the front surface of the water tank 51 and the water tank handle 59 . The lower front water tank cover 218 may cover a lower portion of the front surface of the water tank 51 .

The circumferential length of the upper front tank cover 217 may be longer than the circumferential length of the lower front tank cover 218 .

The outer end of the lower front tank cover 218 and the outer end of the upper front tank cover 217 may coincide with each other in the circumferential direction of the front tank cover 212 . The outer end of the lower front tank cover 218 and the outer end of the upper front tank cover 217 may together form the outer end 212A of the front tank cover 212 .

The front-rear distance between the inner end of the lower front water tank cover 218 and the center cover 213 may be smaller than the front-back distance between the center cover 213 and the inner end 217B of the upper front water tank cover 217.

The front water tank cover 212 may constitute the water tank cover 202 together with the rear water tank cover 263 of the rear cover 220 . That is, the water tank cover 202 may include the front water tank cover 212 and the rear water tank cover 263 . The front water tank cover 212 and the rear water tank cover 263 may be fastened to each other.

The rear water tank cover 263 may cover a part of the rear side of the outer circumference of the water tank 51 . The rear water tank cover 263 may be disposed behind the front water tank cover 212 .

The rear water tank cover 263 may include an upper rear water tank cover 268 and a lower rear water tank cover 269 .

The upper rear water tank cover 268 and the lower rear water tank cover 269 may be integrally formed.

The upper rear water tank cover 268 may cover a part of the upper side of the rear surface of the water tank 51 , and the lower rear water tank cover 269 may cover a part of the lower side of the rear surface of the water tank 51 .

The circumferential length of the upper rear water tank cover 268 may be longer than the circumferential length of the lower rear water tank cover 269 .

An outer end of the lower rear water tank cover 267 and an outer end of the upper rear water tank cover 268 may coincide with each other in the circumferential direction of the rear water tank cover 263 . The outer end of the lower rear water tank cover 267 and the outer end of the upper rear water tank cover 268 may together form the outer end 263A of the rear water tank cover 263 .

The outer end 263A of the rear water tank cover 263 may come into contact with the outer end 212A of the front water tank cover 212 .

The inner end 268B of the upper rear water tank cover 268 may come into contact with the inner end 217B of the upper front water tank cover 217 . On the other hand, the inner end of the lower rear water tank cover 269 may be spaced apart from the inner end of the lower front water tank cover 218 .

Meanwhile, the center cover 213 may be disposed between the front fermentation module cover 211 and the front water tank cover 212. Both side ends of the center cover 213 may be in contact with the front fermentation module cover 211 and the front water tank cover 212, respectively.

The center cover 213 may have a vertically arranged flat plate shape.

The height of the center cover 213 may be the same as that of the front fermentation module cover 211 and the front water tank cover 212, respectively.

A discharge valve mounting portion 214 to which the dispenser 62 is mounted may be formed on the center cover 213 .

The valve body 600 of the dispenser 62 may be mounted on the take-off valve mount 214 . The take-off valve mount 214 may be formed by recessing a part of the front surface of the center cover 213 backward.

The take-off valve mount 214 may be formed at a position closer to the top of the center cover 213 than the bottom.

A through hole 214A opened in the front-rear direction may be formed in the take-off valve mounting portion 214 . A beverage dispensing channel 61 may pass through the through hole 214A and be connected to the dispenser 62 .

The beverage maker may include a display 282 displaying various information of the beverage maker. The display 282 may be disposed on the center cover 213 .

The display 282 is preferably formed at a position not covered by the dispenser 62 among the center cover 213 . That is, the display 282 may not overlap the dispenser 62 in the horizontal direction.

The display 282 may include a display device such as an LCD, an LED, or an OLED. The display 282 may include a display PCB in which display elements are installed. The display PCB may be electrically connected to a control module 280 to be described later.

The beverage maker may include an input unit for receiving a command related to manufacturing the beverage maker.

The input unit may include a rotary knob 283. The rotary knob 283 may be disposed on the center cover 213 . The rotary knob 283 may be disposed below the display 282 .

Also, the input unit may include a touch screen that receives a user's command in a touch manner. A touch screen may be included in the display 282 .

The input unit may be electrically connected to a control module 280 to be described later. In addition, the user can input a command through a remote control or a wireless communication device, and the control module 280 can also receive a user's command through a wireless communication device.

Meanwhile, the rear cover 220 may be disposed behind the fermentation module 1, the water tank 51, and the main frame 230.

The rear cover 220 may be coupled to the front cover 210 , and an inner space of the outer case 200 may be formed between the rear cover 220 and the front cover 210 .

The rear cover 220 may be placed on the base 100 and may have the same height as the front cover 210 .

The rear cover 220 may include a first rear cover 260 and a second rear cover 270 .

The first rear cover 260 may be placed on the base 100 , and the second rear cover 270 may be mounted on the first rear cover 260 .

A cover through-hole 264 opened in the front-rear direction may be formed in the first rear cover 260 . In more detail, a cover through-hole 264 opened in the front-rear direction may be formed in the cover body 261 . The cover through hole 264 may face the main frame 230 in the front and rear directions. As a result, the user can access the inside of the beverage maker without removing the first rear cover 260 .

The first rear cover 260 may include a cover body 261 , a rear fermentation module cover 262 , and a rear water tank cover 263 . As described above, the rear fermentation module cover 262 may constitute the fermentation module cover 201 together with the front fermentation module cover 211, and the rear tank cover 263 together with the front tank cover 212 A cover 202 may be configured.

The rear fermentation module cover 262 and the rear water tank cover 263 may be mounted in contact with the cover body 261 . At least a portion of the cover body 261 may be located behind the rear fermentation module cover 262 and the rear water tank cover 263 . The rear fermentation module cover 262 and the rear water tank cover 263 may be mounted on the front of the cover body 261 .

The cover body 261 may be provided with a fermentation module cover seating portion formed by partially recessing an upper surface of the cover body 261 backward. The upper rear fermentation module cover 266 may be seated in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the fermentation module cover seat.

In addition, a water tank cover mounting portion formed by partially recessing an upper surface of the cover body 261 backward may be formed on the cover body 261 . The upper rear water tank cover 268 may be seated in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the water tank cover seating part.

Hinge connection fitting grooves 262C and 263C may be formed at upper ends of the rear fermentation module cover 262 and the rear water tank cover 263, respectively. The first hinge connection part 109A formed in the lid body 109 of the fermentation lid 107 may be inserted into and fixed to the first hinge connection part fitting groove 262C formed in the rear fermentation module cover 262. The second hinge connection part 110A formed in the water tank lid 110 may be inserted into and fixed to the second hinge connection part fitting groove 263C formed in the rear water tank cover 263 .

The heights of the upper rear fermentation module cover 266 and the upper rear water tank cover 268 may be the same as the height of the material feeder 3 .

A pipe accommodating hole 265 may be formed in the rear fermentation module cover 262 . The pipe accommodating hole 265 may be formed long in the vertical direction and open in the front-rear direction.

The cooling pipe 136 may be connected to the fermentation module 1, and a refrigerant channel constituting the refrigeration cycle device 13 (see FIG. 1) may be disposed. In more detail, a refrigerant channel connecting the expansion mechanism 133 and the evaporator 134 (see FIG. 1) may be disposed in the cooling pipe.

A cooling pipe 136 may be connected to the rear side of the fermentation module 1 . The cooling pipe 136 may be disposed in the pipe receiving hole 265 formed in the rear fermentation module cover 262 .

The cover body 261 may support the material supplier 3 . At least a portion of the material supplier 3 may be placed on the upper surface of the cover body 261, and the cover body 261 may support the material supplier 3 from below.

A material feeder outlet channel receiving groove 261A may be formed in the cover body 261 . A portion of the upper front end of the cover body 261 may be recessed backward to form a material supply outlet channel receiving groove 261A.

The material feeder outlet channel module 3B may be connected to the lower side of the material feeder 3 and may extend into the inner space of the outer case 200 through the material feeder outlet channel receiving groove 261A.

The second rear cover 270 may be mounted behind the first rear cover 260 . The second rear cover 270 may cover at least a portion of the cover through hole 264 formed in the first rear cover 260 .

The second rear cover 270 may be mounted on the cover body 261 of the first rear cover 260 . The size of the second rear cover 270 may be larger than that of the cover body 260 . The side surface 274 of the second rear cover 270 may cover the side surface of the cover body 261 from the outside, and the upper surface 277 of the second rear cover 270 is higher than the upper surface of the cover body 261. can be located

At least one through hole 271 may be formed in the rear cover 220 .

In more detail, at least one through hole 271 may be formed in the second rear cover 270 . The through hole 271 may face the cover through hole 264 formed in the first rear cover 260 in the front and rear directions.

The blowing fan 135 may be disposed so that the cover through hole 264 and the through hole 271 face each other in the front and rear directions, and the condenser 132 may be positioned between the blowing fan 135 and the through hole 271 . Air heat-exchanged in the condenser 132 by the blowing fan 135 may be discharged to the outside of the outer case 200 by sequentially passing through the cover through hole 264 and through hole 271 .

In addition, the gas discharged through the gas opening/closing valve 73 (see FIG. 1) may be discharged to the outside of the beverage maker through the through hole 271.

At least one of a material supply cover part 272 and a material supply support part 273 may be formed on the second rear cover 270 .

The material supply cover part 272 may be formed by recessing a part of the front surface of the second rear cover 270 backward. The material supplier cover part 272 may cover the rear surface of the material supplier 3 . Thus, compared to the case where the material feeder cover portion 272 is not recessed, there is an advantage that the beverage maker covering the rear surface of the material feeder 3 can be compact in the front and rear directions.

The material supply support part 273 may be formed by recessing a part of the upper surface of the second rear cover 270 downward. The height of the material feeder support 273 may be the same as the height of the upper surface of the cover body 261 .

A part of the rear side of the material feeder 3 may be placed on the material feeder support 273, and the material feeder support 273 may support the material feeder 3 from below.

The material feeder cover portion 272 and the material feeder support portion 273 may together form a material feeder accommodating portion, and a part of the rear side of the material feeder 3 may be disposed in the material feeder accommodating portion. The left-right width of the material feeder cover 272 and the material feeder support 273 may be the same as the left-right width of the material feeder 3 .

At least one hinge connection portion accommodating groove 275 and 276 may be formed in the second rear cover 270 . Preferably, the second rear cover 270 has a first hinge connection portion accommodating groove 275 in which the first hinge connection portion 109A is accommodated, and a second hinge connection portion accommodating groove 275 in which the second hinge connection portion 110A is accommodated ( 276) can be formed.

The first hinge connection portion receiving groove 275 may correspond to the first hinge connection portion fixing groove 262C formed in the rear fermentation module cover 262, and the second hinge connection portion receiving groove 276 may correspond to the rear water tank cover 263 It may correspond to the second hinge connection part fixing groove 263C formed in the.

As a result, compared to the case where the hinge connection receiving grooves 275 and 276 are not formed, there is an advantage that the beverage maker can be compact in the front and rear directions.

Meanwhile, the material supplier 3 may be disposed between the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51. As a result, the beverage maker can be manufactured more compactly when the material feeder 3 is located other than between the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51, and the material feeder 3 is placed between the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51. ) can be protected by In particular, when each of the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the material feeder 3 disposed between the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51 is formed with a side surface rounded inward, It enables compactification of the beverage maker.

One side of the material feeder 3 may be in contact with the fermentation module 1 and the other side may be in contact with the water tank 51 . At least a portion of each side surface of the material feeder 3 may be formed as a curved surface, and the curved surface may be in contact with the outer circumference of the fermentation module cover 201 and the outer circumference of the water tank cover 202, respectively.

The material supplier 3 may be spaced apart from the base 100 in the vertical direction on the upper side of the base 100. Also, the material supplier 3 may be located above the main frame 230 . That is, the main frame 230 may be located between the base 100 and the material supplier 3 in the vertical direction.

The material feeder 3 may be positioned between the front cover 210 and the rear cover 220 in the front and rear directions. The front of the material supplier 3 may be covered by the center cover 213 of the front cover 210, and the rear surface may be covered by the material supplier cover 272 of the second rear cover 270.

The material supplier 3 may be seated on the rear cover 220 . The material supplier 3 may be supported by the cover body 261 of the first rear cover 261 and the material supplier support part 273 of the second rear cover 270 . At this time, the material feeder outlet channel module 3B connected to the material feeder 3 may be disposed passing through the material feeder outlet channel receiving groove 261A of the cover body 261 .

The material supplier 3 includes a material accommodating body 36 having material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 in which the material containers C1, C2, and C3 are detachably accommodated, and a lead covering the material accommodating portion. module 37.

The material receiving body 36 may be supported by the cover body 261 of the first rear cover 261 and the material supply support part 273 of the second rear cover 270 .

The lid module 37 may include a lid 38 covering the material receiving body 36 . The lid 38 may be slidably disposed or rotatably connected to the material receiving body 36 . The lid 38 may be hinged to the material receiving body 36 .

The material feeder 3 may be installed to be located approximately at the upper center of the beverage maker, and the user rotates the lead module 37 of the material feeder 3 upward to open the material containers C1, C2, and C3. It can be easily installed and removed.

Meanwhile, the beverage maker may include a main frame 230 on which at least a portion of the channel module 2 is mounted.

The main frame 230 may be positioned between the front cover 210 and the rear cover 220 in the front and rear directions. At least a part of the main frame 230 may be located behind the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51.

The main frame 230 may be placed on the base 100 . The main frame 230 may include a water tank supporter 233 , and the water tank supporter 233 may separate the water tank 51 from the base 100 in the vertical direction.

The main frame 230 may be located below the material feeder 3 .

At least one of a water supply pump 52, a water supply heater 53, a blower 135, and an air injection pump 82 may be mounted on the main frame 230. Hereinafter, a case in which the blower 135 and the air injection pump 82 are mounted on the main frame 230 will be described.

In addition, the control module 280 may be mounted on the main frame 230 .

At least a portion of the main frame 230 may be positioned between the condenser 132 and the fermentation module 1, and may prevent the temperature of the fermentation module 1 from rising due to the heat of the condenser 132.

Meanwhile, the compressor 131 may be disposed between the base 100 and the water tank 51 in the vertical direction.

In addition, at least one of the compressor 131, the feed water heater 53, and the feed water pump 52 may be disposed between the water tank supporter 233 and the fermentation module 1 in a horizontal direction.

In addition, at least one of the feed water heater 53 and the feed water pump 52 may be disposed in front of the main frame 230 . The condenser 132 may be disposed behind the blowing fan 135 mounted on the main frame 230 .

The condenser 132 may be disposed to face the blowing fan 135 mounted on the main frame 230 . The condenser 132 may be disposed behind the blowing fan 135 .

On the other hand, the beverage maker may include a control module 280 for controlling the beverage maker.

The control module 280 may be an electrical part of the beverage maker. The control module 280 may be detachably mounted on the main frame 230 .

The control module 280 may include a main PCB and a PCB case 281 in which the main PCB is embedded. The main PCB may include a controller 281A that substantially controls the operation of components of the beverage maker.

The control module 280 may further include a wireless communication element that wirelessly communicates with a wireless communication device such as a remote controller or a portable terminal. If the wireless communication element can communicate wirelessly with a remote control or a wireless communication device, such as a Wi-Fi module and a Bluetooth module, it can be installed without being limited to its type.

The controller 281A included in the control module 280 may receive a command input from the input unit. For example, the controller 281A may prepare a beverage according to a command input by the rotary knob 283 . In addition, the controller 281A may control to output various types of information on the beverage maker to the display 282 . For example, the controller 281A may display information such as the beverage dispensing amount, the remaining beverage amount, or beverage dispensing completion through the display 282 .

The controller 281A may control at least one of the channel module 2, the feed water pump 52, the feed water heater 53, the air injection pump 82, and the temperature controller 11.

The control module 280 may be disposed in the main frame 230 . The control module 280 may be fastened to the rear of the main frame 230 .

The PCB case 281 can be fastened to the main frame 230 and can safely protect the internal main PCB.

At least a portion of the control module 280 may be disposed to face the cover through-hole 264 formed in the first rear cover 260 .

The controller 281A included in the control module 280 can detect the pressure inside the fermentation container 12 by the pressure sensor 72 and the temperature of the fermenter 112 by the temperature sensor 16. can The controller 281A may determine the degree of fermentation of the beverage using the detected pressure or temperature.

The controller 281A may detect the temperature of water supplied from the water supply channel module 5 to the main channel 4 by the temperature sensor 57, and control the water supply heater 53 according to the detected water temperature. can

The controller 281A may control the temperature controller 11 to maintain the temperature of the fermenter 112 at an appropriate temperature.

The controller 281A may integrate at least one of the time when the limit switch of the dispenser 62 is turned on, the time when the air injection pump 82 is driven, and the time when the main valve 9 is turned on after beverage preparation is completed. . The controller 281A may calculate the amount of beverage taken out of the fermentation container 12 according to the accumulated time. The controller 281A may calculate the remaining amount of the beverage from the dispensing amount of the beverage thus calculated. The controller 281A may determine whether or not all beverages in the fermentation container 12 have been taken out based on the calculated remaining amount of beverage information. When it is determined that all beverages in the fermentation container 12 have been taken out, the controller 281A may determine that the beverage has been taken out.

In addition, the controller 281A may control the overall beverage manufacturing operation of the beverage maker.

Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a control sequence of the beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, beer is described as an example among beverages produced by the beverage maker, but the control sequence and beverage manufacturing steps of the beverage maker shown in FIG. 4 are not applied only to beer.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 1, the operation of the beverage maker of this embodiment will be described.

The beverage maker of this embodiment may include cleaning and sterilizing steps (S100) and (S1300) of cleaning and sterilizing the internal channels. The washing and sterilization steps (S100) (S1300) may be performed separately from the beverage preparation course.

The washing and sterilization steps (S100) (S1300) are preferably performed before the beverage preparation course and after the beverage preparation course.

In addition, the washing and sterilization steps (S100) (S1300) can be performed by user input in the middle of the beverage manufacturing course, and in this case, like the first fermentation step or the second fermentation step described later, the main valve (9 ) is closed, and can be carried out while the additive is not contained in the material feeder 3.

The cleaning and sterilization steps ( S100 and S1300 ) may be performed in a state in which the material or material container ( C1 ) (C2 ) (C3 ) is not accommodated in the material supply device ( 3 ).

On the other hand, the beverage preparation course may be carried out in a state in which the material or material containers C1, C2, and C3 are accommodated in the material feeder 3 and the fermentation container 12 is accommodated in the fermentation tank 112.

A user may input washing and sterilization commands through an input unit provided in the control module 280, a remote control, or a portable terminal. The control module 280 may control the beverage maker through washing and sterilization courses (S100 and S1300) according to the input of the washing and sterilization command.

In addition, the user may input a beverage preparation command through an input unit provided in the control module 280, a remote control, or a portable terminal. The control module 280 may automatically control the beverage maker to wash and sterilize courses (S100 and S1300) before and after execution of the beverage preparation course according to the input of the beverage preparation command.

Hereinafter, the washing and sterilization step (S100) performed before the beverage manufacturing course will be described first.

When the dispenser is in the closed state, the control module 280 may display a message to open the dispenser 62 on the display 282 and the user may open the dispenser 62 .

The control module 280 can turn on the water pump 52 and the water heater 53 when the dispenser 62 is opened and a washing and sterilization command is input through an input unit, a remote control, or a portable terminal. Also, the control module 280 may keep the main valve 9 closed.

The control module 280 controls the channel switching valve 20 to perform cleaning and sterilization of the material supplier 3 and the bypass channel 4C, respectively or simultaneously.

For example, the control module 280 may perform cleaning and sterilization of the bypass channel 4C after cleaning and sterilization of the material feeder 3 .

When cleaning and sterilizing the material supplier 3, the control module 280 controls the channel switching valve 20 so that the first main channel 4A and the common material supplier inlet channel 301 communicate with each other, and each on-off valve ( 313) (323) (333) can be turned on. When each of the on-off valves 313, 323, and 333 is turned on, each of the on-off valves 313, 323, and 333 may be opened.

When cleaning and sterilizing the bypass channel 4C, the control module 280 controls the channel switching valve 20 so that the first main channel 4A and the bypass channel 4C communicate with each other, and the bypass valve 35 ) can be turned on. When the bypass valve 35 is turned on, the bypass valve 35 may be opened.

When the feed water pump 52 is turned on, water in the water tank 51 flows to the feed water heater 53 and can be heated in the feed water heater 53 .

When the control module 280 controls the channel switching valve 20 so that the first main channel 4A and the common material feeder inlet channel 301 communicate, water heated by the feed water heater 53 (ie, hot water) ) can flow to the first material accommodating part 31, the second material accommodating part 32, and the third material accommodating part 33 through the respective material feeder inlet channels 311, 321, and 331. have. The water heated by the feedwater heater 53 passes through the first material accommodating part 31, the second material accommodating part 32, and the third material accommodating part 33, and then enters the second main channel 4B. It can flow to and can be taken out to the dispenser 62 through the beverage take-out channel 61.

When the control module 280 controls the channel switching valve 20 so that the first main channel 4A and the bypass channel 4C communicate, the water heated by the feedwater heater 53 (ie, hot water) is It may flow to the bypass valve 35 through each bypass channel 4C. Water heated by the feedwater heater 53 may flow to the second main channel 4B after passing through the bypass valve 35, and may be dispensed to the dispenser 62 through the beverage dispensing channel 61. have.

During the above control, the beverage maker includes the first main channel 4A, the bypass channel 4C, the bypass valve 35, the material receiving parts 31, 32, and 33, and the beverage dispensing channel 61. And the dispenser 62 can be washed and sterilized by water heated by the water supply heater 53 .

The beverage maker may perform washing and sterilization as described above during the washing set time, and may complete the washing and sterilization process after the washing set time.

The control module 280 may turn off the water supply pump 52 and the water supply heater 53 after the set washing time has elapsed, and the bypass valve 35 and each of the on-off valves 313, 323, and 333 may be turned off. can be turned off. When the bypass valve 35 and each of the on-off valves 313, 323, and 333 are off, the bypass valve 35 and each of the on-off valves 313, 323, and 333 may all be closed. .

And, the beverage maker of this embodiment may include a beverage preparation course for producing a beverage.

Hereinafter, the beverage preparation course will be described.

For the beverage preparation course, the user may open the fermentation lid 107 and insert the fermentation container 12 into the opening 170 to be seated in the fermenter module 111. Then, the user can close the fermentation lid 107, and the fermentation container 12 can be accommodated and stored in the fermenter module 111 and the fermentation lid 107. At this time, the inside of the fermentation tank 112 may be closed by the fermentation lid 107.

In addition, the user inserts a plurality of material containers C1, C2, and C3 into the material feeder 3 before and after the fermentation container 12 is seated, and then inserts a plurality of material receiving units 31 into the lead module 37. ) (32) (33) can be covered.

The user may input a beverage preparation command through an input unit connected to the control module 280, a remote control, or a portable terminal. The control module 280 may control the beverage maker as a beverage preparation course according to the input of the beverage preparation command.

The control module 280 may initiate a water supply step (S200) of supplying water to the fermentation container 12 during the beverage preparation course. The water supply step (S200) may be a liquid malt forming step of forming liquid malt by evenly mixing (Mixing) the malt in the fermentation container 12 with hot water.

The control module 280 may turn on the water supply pump 52 and the water supply heater 53 during the water supply step (S200), and the channel switching valve so that the first main channel 4A and the bypass channel 4C communicate with each other ( 20) can be controlled. The control module 280 may turn on the bypass valve 35 and turn on the main valve 9 during the water supply step (S200). The control module 280 may open and control the main valve 9 by turning on the main valve 9 in an off state. The control module 280 may keep the first on/off valve 313, the second on/off valve 323, and the third on/off valve 333 turned off during the water supply step (S200).

Meanwhile, the control module 280 may turn on the gas discharge valve 73 when water is supplied to the fermentation container 12 . Also, the control module 280 may control the opening of the exhaust valve 156 by turning on the exhaust valve 156 .

Water in the water tank 51 may be discharged from the water tank 51, pass through the feed water pump 52, flow to the feed water heater 53, and be heated in the feed water heater 53. The water heated by the feed water heater 53 can pass through the first main channel 4A, the channel switching valve 20, and the bypass valve 35 in sequence, and passes through the main valve 9 to enter the fermentation container. (12) can be introduced into the interior. The hot water introduced into the fermentation container 12 through the main channel 4 may be mixed with the malt contained in the fermentation container 12, and the malt in the fermentation container 12 may be mixed with water and gradually diluted. . On the other hand, since hot water is supplied to the fermentation container 12, the malt contained in the fermentation container 12 can be quickly and evenly mixed with the hot water.

The fermentation container 12 may be gradually expanded when the water is introduced as described above, and a portion of the air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 flows into the air supply channel 154 as the fermentation container 12 expands. The air flowing through the air supply channel 154 may be exhausted through the exhaust valve 156 .

While water is introduced into the fermentation container 12, some of the air filled between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 can be exhausted through the exhaust valve 156, and the fermentation container 12 is the fermentation tank ( 112) Water can be supplied without bursting or tearing from the inside.

On the other hand, in the water supply step (S200) as described above, it is preferable that the water heater 53 heats the water to 50 ° C to 70 ° C, and the control module 280 controls the water heater according to the temperature detected by the thermistor 57. (53) can be controlled.

The beverage maker may perform the water supplying step (S200) as described above until the amount detected by the flowmeter 56 reaches the set flow rate, and when the amount detected by the flowmeter 56 reaches the set flow rate, the water supply step (S200) may be completed.

Upon completion of the water supplying step (S200), the control module 280 may turn off the water supply pump 52 and the water heater 53, and may turn off the bypass valve 35. The control module 280 may turn off the gas discharge valve 73 upon completion of the water supplying step (S200). When the water supplying step (S200) is completed, the control module 280 may close the exhaust valve 156.

On the other hand, the beverage maker may be controlled so that air is introduced into the fermentation container 12 during the water supply step (S200) as described above.

The control module 280 first introduces water into the fermentation container 12 and then stops it, then injects air into the fermentation container 12 and then stops it, and finally stops the fermentation inside the container 12. It is possible to stop after the second introduction of hot water, and it is also possible to complete the water supply step (S200) after completing all of the first water introduction, air injection, and secondary water introduction sequentially.

An example of the water supplying step (S200) may be carried out only the hot water supplying process of supplying hot water.

Another example of the water supply step (S300) is to sequentially perform a first hot water supply process for firstly supplying hot water, an air injection process for injecting air, and a second hot water supply process for injecting hot water secondly. .

First, as an example of the water supplying step (S200), a case where only the hot water supplying process is performed in the water supplying step (S200) will be described first.

The control module 280 may turn on the water supply pump 52 and the water supply heater 53 when the hot water supply process starts, and the channel switching valve ( 20) can be controlled. In addition, the control module 280 may turn on the bypass valve 35 and turn on the main valve 9 when the hot water supplying process starts. The control module 280 may turn on the gas discharge valve 73 when the hot water supply process starts. The control module 280 may turn on the exhaust valve 156 when the hot water supplying process starts.

Further, the control module 280 may turn off the feed water pump 52 and the feed water heater 53 and turn off the bypass valve 35 upon completion of the hot water supply process. The control module 280 may turn off the gas discharge valve 73 upon completion of the hot water supply process. The control module 280 may turn off the exhaust valve 156 upon completion of the hot water supply process.

Hereinafter, as another example of the water supply step (S200), a case in which the first hot water supply process, the air injection process, and the second hot water supply process are sequentially performed in the water supply step (S200) will be described.

The control module 280 can turn on the feed water pump 52 and the feed water heater 53 at the start of the first hot water supply process and switch channels so that the first main channel 4A and the bypass channel 4C communicate with each other. The valve 20 can be controlled. In addition, the control module 280 may turn on the bypass valve 35 and turn on the main valve 9 when the hot water supplying process starts. The control module 280 may turn on the gas discharge valve 73 when the first hot water supply process starts. The control module 280 may turn on the exhaust valve 156 when the first hot water supply process starts.

Also, the control module 280 may turn off the feed water pump 52 and the feed water heater 53 upon completion of the first hot water supply process. The control module 280 may maintain the on state of the bypass valve 35 and the main valve 9 when the first hot water supply process is completed. The control module 280 may maintain the on state of the gas discharge valve 73 when the first hot water supply process is completed. The control module 280 may maintain the on state of the exhaust valve 156 upon completion of the first hot water supply process. During the first hot water supply process, water may be introduced into the fermentation container 12, the fermentation container 12 may be inflated by the inflowing water, and there is a gap between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112. Some of the air may be pushed by the expanding fermentation container 12 and flow into the air supply channel 154, and may be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156.

The control module 280 may turn on the air injection pump 82 when the air injection process starts. In addition, the control module 280 may control the channel switching valve 20 so that the air injection channel 81 and the bypass channel 4C communicate with each other at the start of the air injection process, and close the air supply opening/closing valve 159. You can control it.

While the air injection pump 82 is on, the air pumped by the air injection pump 82 may be introduced into the bypass channel 4C through the air injection channel 81 and fermented through the main valve 9 It can flow into the container 12 . In this way, the air introduced into the fermentation container 12 can help the liquid malt to be more evenly mixed with the malt and hot water.

As air flows into the fermentation container 12, the fermentation container 12 may be inflated, and some of the air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is pushed by the expanding fermentation container 12 to supply air. It can flow into the channel 154 and can be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156.

The control module 280 may complete the air injection process when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 72 is equal to or greater than the set pressure, and may turn off the air injection pump 82 to complete the air injection process. When the air injection process is completed, the control module 280 may turn on and maintain the main valve 9, the bypass valve 35, the gas discharge valve 73, and the exhaust valve 156.

The control module 280 may turn on the feed water pump 52 and the feed water heater 53 when the secondary hot water supply process starts. In addition, the control module 280 may control the channel switching valve 20 so that the first main channel 4A and the bypass channel 4C communicate with each other when the second hot water supplying process starts.

Water in the water tank 51 may be supplied to the fermentation container 12 as in the first hot water supply process, and new hot water may be additionally supplied to the fermentation container 12.

When the secondary hot water is supplied as described above, the fermentation container 12 can be further expanded by additionally introduced water, and some of the air remaining between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is expanded. Pushed by (12), it can flow into the air supply channel 154 and can be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156.

The control module 280 may determine completion of the secondary hot water supply process according to the flow rate sensed by the flow meter 56 during the secondary hot water supply process. When the flow rate detected by the flow meter 56 reaches the set flow rate in the middle of the secondary hot water supply process, the control module 280 determines that the secondary hot water supply process is complete, and the water supply pump 52 and the water heater 53 is turned off, and the main valve 9, the bypass valve 35, and the gas take-off valve 73 can be turned off.

In addition, the control module 280 may close the exhaust valve 156 by turning off the exhaust valve 156 so that air in the fermenter 112 is not exhausted through the exhaust valve 156.

On the other hand, the beverage maker may perform a fermentation tank cooling step (S300) of cooling the fermentation tank 112 when the water supply step (S200) is completed.

The control module 280 may control the temperature controller 11 to cool the fermenter 112 . In more detail, the control module 280 may control the compressor 131 and the expansion mechanism 133 of the refrigeration cycle device 13 for cooling the fermenter 112. The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 131 may be condensed in the condenser 132 and then expanded by the expansion mechanism 133 . The refrigerant expanded by the expansion mechanism 133 may pass through the evaporator 134 while taking heat from the fermenter 112 and evaporated. The refrigerant passing through the evaporator 134 may be sucked into the compressor 131 . When the compressor 131 is driven, the fermentation tank 112 may be gradually cooled, and the fermentation container 12 accommodated in the fermentation tank 112 and the liquid malt contained in the fermentation container 12 may be cooled.

When the fermentation tank 112 is cooled as described above, the beverage maker may cool the fermentation container 12 to an intermediate temperature, for example, 23 ° C to 27 ° C, and the control module 280 is a temperature sensor installed in the fermentation tank 112. The compressor 131 may be controlled according to the temperature detected in (16). The control module 280 may turn on the compressor 131 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 exceeds the compressor on temperature. The control module 280 may turn off the compressor 131 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is equal to or less than the compressor off temperature.

The control module 280 may keep the exhaust valve 156 closed during the fermentation tank cooling step (S300), and the air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust valve 156. Without escaping, the air inside the fermenter 112 can be quickly cooled.

Exceptionally, when the temperature of the fermentation container 12 is lower than the medium temperature due to a very low external temperature, the control module 280 may turn on the heater 14 wound around the fermentation tank 112 . The control module 280 may turn on the heater 14 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is less than the heater-on temperature. The control module 280 may turn off the heater when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is equal to or higher than the heater off temperature.

After the fermentation tank cooling step (S300) is started and the compressor 131 is turned on, the beverage maker blows air into the fermentation container 12 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is below the compressor off temperature at least once. A mixing step (S400) of supplying and mixing liquid malt may be performed. Alternatively, in the beverage maker, when the fermentation tank cooling step (S300) is initiated and the heater 14 is turned on, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is at least once the heater off temperature or higher, the fermentation container 12 A mixing step (S400) of mixing liquid malt by supplying air therein may be performed.

The beverage maker can control the compressor 131 and the heater 14 on and off according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 even during the mixing step (S400), and the compressor 131 and the heater 14 The on/off control of ) may continue until the additive input steps (S500, S600, and S700) to be described later are completed.

In the mixing step (S400), the control module 280 turns on the air injection pump 82, turns off the air supply opening/closing valve 159, and communicates the air injection channel 81 and the bypass channel 4C The channel switching valve 20 can be controlled. Also, the control module 280 may turn on the bypass valve 35, the main valve 9, and the gas discharge valve 73. The control module 280 may open and control the exhaust valve 156 .

While the air injection pump 82 is on, air pumped by the air injection pump 82 may flow into the bypass channel 4C through the air injection channel 81, and then flow through the second main channel 4B. And it may be introduced into the fermentation container 12 through the main valve 9. In this way, the air introduced into the fermentation container 12 may help the liquid malt to be more evenly mixed with the malt, and the air that hits the liquid malt may supply oxygen to the liquid malt.

While air is injected into the fermentation container 12, the fermentation container 12 may be inflated by the air injected into the fermentation container 12. Some of the air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 may be pushed by the expanding fermentation container 12 and flow into the air supply channel 154, and may be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156. .

As some of the air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is exhausted through the air supply channel 154 and the exhaust valve 156, the fermentation container 12 can be easily inflated, and the main channel ( Air of 4) can be rapidly introduced into the fermentation container 12 and mixed with liquid malt.

The control module 280 may mix air into liquid malt during the mixing set time (eg, 1 hour) when the air injection pump 82 is turned on, and the air injection pump 82 is turned on and the mixing set time is When this has elapsed, the air injection pump 82 may be turned off, and the bypass valve 35 and the gas discharge valve 73 may be turned off. The control module 280 may close the exhaust valve 156 when the air injection pump 82 is turned off. That is, when the mixing setting time elapses, the beverage maker may complete the mixing step (S400).

After the mixing step (S400), the beverage maker may perform the additive input steps (S500) (S600) (S700).

During the additive input steps (S500, S600, and S700), the beverage maker simultaneously supplies the additive of the first material container (C1), the additive of the second material container (C2), and the additive of the third material container (C3). Or it can be added sequentially.

The control module 280 includes an additive inputting process of the first material container C1 (S500), an additive inputting process of the second material container C2 (S600), and an additive inputting process of the third material container C3 (S500). S700) may be performed sequentially.

The additive input steps (S500, S600, and S700) may be performed by water pressure by the water supply pump 52 or by pneumatic pressure by the air injection pump 82.

First, the case where the additive input steps (S500, S600, and S700) are performed by water pressure will be described.

The control module 280 may control the channel switching valve 20 so that the first main channel 4A and the common material feeder inlet channel 301 communicate with each other during the additive input steps S500, S600, and S700.

The control module 280 includes the feed water pump 52, the main valve 9, the first opening/closing valve 313, and the gas discharge valve 73 during the step of adding the additive to the first material container C1 (S500). may be turned on for the first additive set time. When the feed water pump 52 is turned on, the water in the water tank 51 passes through the feed water pump 52 and then through the feed water heater 53 and may flow into the first material container C1. Water introduced into the first material container (C1) is mixed with the additives contained in the first material container (C1) and flows to the second main channel (4B) together with the additives contained in the first material container (C1). It can flow and can be put into the fermentation container 12 through the second main channel 4B. When the first additive setting time elapses, the control module 280 may turn off the water supply pump 52 and the first opening/closing valve 313, and perform an additive inputting process (S500) of the first material container C1. can be completed

The control module 280 may turn on the water supply pump 52 and the second opening/closing valve 323 for a set time for the second additive during the step of inputting the additive to the second material container C2 (S600). When the feed water pump 52 is turned on, water in the water tank 51 passes through the feed water pump 52 and then through the feed water heater 53, and may flow into the second material container C2. The water introduced into the second material container C2 is mixed with the additive contained in the second material container C2, and flows to the second main channel 4B together with the additive contained in the second material container C2. It can flow and can be put into the fermentation container 12 through the second main channel 4B. When the second additive setting time elapses, the control module 280 may turn off the water supply pump 52 and the second opening/closing valve 323, and perform an additive inputting process (S600) of the second material container C2. can be completed

The control module 280 may turn on the water pump 52 and the third open/close valve 333 for a set time for the third additive during the step of inputting the additive into the third material container C3 (S700). When the feed water pump 52 is turned on, water in the water tank 51 passes through the feed water pump 52 and then through the feed water heater 53 and may flow into the third material container C3. Water introduced into the third material container (C3) is mixed with the additive contained in the third material container (C3) and flows to the second main channel (4B) together with the additive contained in the third material container (C3). It can flow and can be put into the fermentation container 12 through the second main channel 4B. When the third additive setting time elapses, the control module 280 may turn off the water supply pump 52 and the third opening/closing valve 333, and perform an additive inputting process (S700) of the third material container C3. can be completed

Meanwhile, the additive input steps (S500, S600, and S700) may be performed by pneumatic pressure.

The control module 280 may control the channel switching valve 20 so that the air injection channel 81 and the common material feeder inlet channel 301 communicate with each other during the additive inputting process (S500, S600, and S700). That is, the control module 280 may control the channel switching valve 20 so that the air injection channel 81 and the material receiving portion communicate with each other during the additive inputting process (S500, S600, and S700).

The control module 280 may close the air supply opening/closing valve 159 and open the exhaust valve 156 during the additive input process (S500, S600, and S700).

The control module 280 includes an air injection pump 82, a main valve 9, a first opening/closing valve 313, and a gas discharge valve 73 during the additive inputting process (S500) of the first material container C1. ) can be turned on for the first additive set time. When the air injection pump 82 is turned on, the pumped air may flow into the first material container C1 after passing through the first opening/closing valve 313 . The air introduced into the first material container (C1) can flow to the second main channel (4B) together with the additives contained in the first material container (C1), through the second main channel (4B) to the fermentation container (12) can be input. The control module 280 may turn off the air injection pump 82 and the first opening/closing valve 313 when the set time for the first additive has elapsed, and the step of adding the additive to the first material container C1 (S500) can complete.

The control module 280 may turn on the air injection pump 82 and the second opening/closing valve 323 for a set time for the second additive during the step of inputting the additive to the second material container C2 (S600). When the air injection pump 82 is turned on, the pumped air may flow into the second material container C2 after passing through the second opening/closing valve 323 . The air introduced into the second material container (C2) can flow to the second main channel (4B) together with the additives contained in the second material container (C2), through the second main channel (4B) to the fermentation container (12) can be input. The control module 280 may turn off the air injection pump 82 and the second opening/closing valve 323 when the second additive setting time has elapsed, and the additive input process of the second material container C2 (S600) can complete.

The control module 280 may turn on the air injection pump 82 and the third opening/closing valve 333 for a set time for the third additive during the step of adding the additive to the third material container C3 (S700). When the air injection pump 82 is turned on, the pumped air may flow into the third material container C3 after passing through the third opening/closing valve 333 . The air introduced into the third material container (C3) can flow to the second main channel (4B) together with the additives contained in the third material container (C3), through the second main channel (4B) to the fermentation container (12) can be input. The control module 280 may turn off the air injection pump 52 and the third opening/closing valve 333 when the third additive setting time has elapsed, and the additive input process of the third material container C3 (S700) can complete.

As additives and air are injected from the main channel 4 to the fermentation container 12, the fermentation container 12 can be further expanded, and some of the air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is expanded. Pushed by the fermentation container 12, it may flow into the air supply channel 154 and may be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156.

As some of the air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is exhausted through the air supply channel 154 and the exhaust valve 156, the fermentation container 12 can be easily inflated, and the main channel ( The additives and air of 4) can be quickly introduced into the fermentation container 12.

When all of the additive input steps (S500, S600, and S700) performed by the water pressure by the water supply pump 52 are completed, the beverage maker removes the remaining water in the material feeder 3 (S800). can be carried out. However, when the additive input steps (S500, S600, and S700) are performed by pneumatic pressure by the air injection pump 52, the material feeder residual water removal step (S800) may be omitted.

The control module 280 turns on the air injection pump 82, turns on the air supply opening/closing valve 159, and connects the air injection channel 81 and the common material feeder inlet channel ( 301) can control the channel switching valve 20 to communicate. In addition, the control module 280 turns on the first on-off valve 313, the second on-off valve 323, and the third on-off valve 333 in the step of removing residual water from the material supplier (S800), and the main valve 9 And, the gas discharge valve 73 can be turned on.

When the air injection pump 82 is turned on, the air sequentially passes through the air injection channel 81 and the common material supply inlet channel 301, and then the first material container accommodating part 31 and the second material container accommodating part 32 ) And the remaining water supplied to the third material accommodating portion 33 and remaining in the first material container accommodating portion 31, the second material container accommodating portion 32, and the third material accommodating portion 33 is transferred to the second main Can be blown into the channel 4B, the air is the fermentation container 12 together with the remaining water moved to the first material container accommodating portion 31, the second material container accommodating portion 32 and the third material accommodating portion 33 ) can be moved. The controller 109 may open the exhaust valve 156 in the step of removing residual water from the material supplier (S800).

As residual water and air are injected from the main channel 4 to the fermentation container 12, the fermentation container 12 can be further expanded, and some of the air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is expanded. Pushed by the fermentation container 12, it may flow into the air supply channel 154 and may be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156.

As some of the air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is exhausted through the air supply channel 154 and the exhaust valve 156, the fermentation container 12 can be easily inflated, and the main channel ( Air and remaining water of 4) can be quickly introduced into the fermentation container 12.

The control module 280 turns on the air injection pump 82 for the set residual water removal time, and turns off the air injection pump 82 when the residual water removal set time elapses, and the first opening/closing valve 313, The second on-off valve 323, the third on-off valve 333, the main valve 9, and the gas discharge valve 73 can be turned off. Also, the control module 280 may close the exhaust valve 156 .

The beverage maker may complete the material feeder residual water removal step (S800) when the residual water removal set time has elapsed.

When the material feeder residual water removal step (S800) is completed, the control module 280 may display a material container separation message indicating that the material containers C1, C2, and C3 may be removed on the display 282, and the user An empty material container may be removed from the material feeder (3).

The beverage maker may sequentially perform the first fermentation step (S900) and the second fermentation step (S1000) after the completion of the material feeder residual water removal step (S800).

During the first fermentation step (S900), the control module 280 may control the compressor 131 and the heater 14 to the first fermentation target temperature, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is set for the first fermentation. The compressor 131 and the heater 14 may be controlled to maintain the temperature range. After the first fermentation step (S900) starts, the control module 280 turns on and off the gas discharge valve 73 periodically, and measures the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 72 while the gas discharge valve 73 is on. It can be stored in a storage unit (not shown). When the change in pressure periodically detected by the pressure sensor 72 exceeds the first fermentation set pressure, the control module 280 determines that the primary fermentation is completed, and may complete the primary fermentation step (S900).

After completion of the first fermentation step (S900), the control module 280 may initiate the second fermentation step (S1000). The control module 280 may control the compressor 131 and the heater 14 to the secondary fermentation target temperature during the secondary fermentation step (S1000), and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is set for secondary fermentation. The compressor 131 and the heater 14 may be controlled to maintain the temperature range. After starting the second fermentation step (S1000), the control module 280 turns on and off the gas discharge valve 73 periodically, and measures the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 72 while the gas discharge valve 73 is on. It can be stored in a storage unit (not shown). When the change in pressure periodically detected by the pressure sensor 72 exceeds the second fermentation set pressure, the control module 280 determines that the secondary fermentation is completed, and may complete the secondary fermentation step (S1000).

When both the first fermentation step (S900) and the second fermentation step (S1000) are completed, the beverage maker may perform the aging step (S1100).

In the aging step, the control module 280 may stand by for the aging time, and during this aging time, the compressor 131 and the heater 14 maintain the temperature of the beverage between the upper limit of the set aging temperature and the lower limit of the set aging temperature. ) can be controlled.

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 control module 280 may turn off the compressor 131 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is below the lower limit of the set aging temperature, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is the set aging temperature. If it is equal to or greater than the upper limit of , the compressor 131 can be turned on.

Exceptionally, when the temperature outside the beverage maker is lower than the lower limit of the set aging temperature, the control module 280 may turn on the heater 14 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is less than the lower limit, and the temperature sensor ( If the temperature detected in 16) is higher than the upper limit of the set aging temperature, the heater 14 may be turned off.

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

The control module 280 may display the completion of preparation of the beverage through the display 282 or the like.

In addition, the control module 280 may control the compressor 134 to maintain the temperature of the fermenter 112 between an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a preset drinking temperature. The control module 280 may turn on the compressor 131 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is higher than the upper limit of the drinking temperature, and turn on the compressor 131 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is lower than the lower limit of the drinking temperature. (131) can be turned off. As a result, the beverage maker can always provide a cool beverage to the user.

The control module 280 may maintain the temperature of the fermenter 112 between the upper and lower limits of the preset drinking temperature until the beverage dispensing (S1200) is completed.

In the beverage dispensing step (S1200), the user may manipulate the dispenser 62 to dispense the beverage.

When the user manipulates the dispenser 62 in the direction of opening, the limit switch may be contacted, and the control module 280 may open the main valve 9 since beverage preparation is completed.

When the main valve 9 is opened, the beverage in the fermentation container 12 can flow from the fermentation container 12 to the main channel 4 by air pressure between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112, It flows from the main channel 4 to the beverage dispensing channel 61 and can be dispensed to the dispenser 62 .

When the user operates in the direction of closing the dispenser 62 after taking out some of the beverage through the dispenser 62, the limit switch can be released, and the control module 280 can close the main valve 9 have.

Thereafter, the control module 280 may turn on the air injection pump 82 and turn on the air supply opening/closing valve 159 to control the opening. At this time, the exhaust valve 156 may be kept closed.

When the air injection pump 82 is turned on, air may pass through the air injection channel 81 and the air supply channel 154 in order and be supplied between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112, and the fermentation container 12 The air between the fermentation container 112 and the fermentation container 12 pressurizes the fermentation container 12 with a pressure that allows the beverage to rise to the second main channel 4B. This is to form a sufficient high pressure between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 so that the beverage in the fermentation container 12 can be smoothly and quickly taken out when the beverage is taken out later.

The user can take out the beverage at least once through the dispenser 62, and the control module 280 determines the time when the limit switch is on, the time when the air pump 152 is driven, and the main valve after beverage preparation is completed ( 9) It is possible to determine whether or not beverage dispensing has been completed using information such as an on-in time.

When beverage dispensing is completed, the control module 280 may control the air supply opening/closing valve 159 to close and the exhaust valve 156 to open.

When beverage dispensing is complete and the dispenser 62 is closed, the control module 280 turns on and opens the exhaust valve 156 for a set completion time.

When the exhaust valve 156 is controlled to open, air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 may be exhausted to the exhaust valve 156 through the air supply channel 154, and the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank may be exhausted. (112) may be equal to atmospheric pressure.

After the control module 280 turns on the exhaust valve 156, when the set completion time elapses, the exhaust valve 156 is turned off and closed.

If the washing and sterilization step (S1300) is not performed after the beverage is taken out, or if the washing and sterilization step (S1300) does not include a main channel cleaning process, the control module 280 displays the fermentation container 12 on the display 282. ) may prompt you to remove the pack. A user may open fermentation lid 107 to take fermentation container 12 out of fermenter module 111 .

When the fermentation lid 107 is opened as described above, if the inside of the fermentation tank 112 is at a pressure higher than the set pressure than the atmospheric pressure, the fermentation container 12 may bounce upward of the fermentation tank 112 due to this pressure difference.

On the other hand, before the user opens the fermentation lid 107, if some of the air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is exhausted through the exhaust valve 156, when the fermentation lid 107 is opened , The fermentation container 12 is maintained inside the fermentation tank 112 without bouncing upward.

That is, the user can safely and cleanly withdraw the used fermentation container 12 from the fermentation tank 112.

On the other hand, when all the beverages in the fermentation container 12 are taken out and the control module 280 determines that the beverages have been taken out, the control module 280 further performs a beverage preparation course and a washing and sterilization step (S1300) after the beverages are taken out. can do.

The cleaning and sterilization step after the beverage preparation course and beverage dispensing (S1300) may include at least one of a dispensing valve cleaning process and a main channel cleaning process. When the cleaning and sterilization course (S1300) includes a take-off valve cleaning process and a main channel cleaning process, the execution order of each cleaning process may be changed as needed.

Since the take-out valve cleaning process is the same as or similar to the cleaning and sterilization step (S100) before the beverage manufacturing course described above, overlapping details will be omitted. Hereinafter, a main valve cleaning process will be described.

The control module 280 may turn on the water pump 52 and the water heater 53 when the limit switch of the dispenser 62 is turned off. Also, the control module 280 may open the main valve 9.

The control module 280 may turn on the gas discharge valve 73 when the main channel cleaning process starts. The control module 280 may turn on the exhaust valve 156 when the main channel cleaning process starts.

The control module 280 controls the channel switching valve 20 to perform cleaning and sterilization of the material supplier 3 and the bypass channel 4C, respectively or simultaneously.

For example, the control module 280 may perform cleaning and sterilization of the bypass channel 4C after cleaning and sterilization of the material feeder 3 .

When cleaning and sterilizing the material supplier 3, the control module 280 controls the channel switching valve 20 so that the first main channel 4A and the common material supplier inlet channel 301 communicate with each other, and each on/off valve ( 313) (323) (333) can be turned on. When each of the on-off valves 313, 323, and 333 is turned on, each of the on-off valves 313, 323, and 333 may be opened.

When cleaning and sterilizing the bypass channel 4C, the control module 280 controls the channel switching valve 20 so that the first main channel 4A and the bypass channel 4C communicate with each other, and the bypass valve 35 ) can be turned on. When the bypass valve 35 is turned on, the bypass valve 35 may be opened.

When the feed water pump 52 is turned on, water in the water tank 51 flows to the feed water heater 53 and can be heated in the feed water heater 53 .

When the control module 280 controls the channel switching valve 20 so that the first main channel 4A and the common material feeder inlet channel 301 communicate, water heated by the feedwater heater 53 (ie, hot water) ) can flow to the first material accommodating part 31, the second material accommodating part 32, and the third material accommodating part 33 through the respective material feeder inlet channels 311, 321, and 331. have. The water heated by the feedwater heater 53 passes through the first material accommodating part 31, the second material accommodating part 32, and the third material accommodating part 33, and then enters the second main channel 4B. It can flow to and can flow into the empty fermentation container 12 in the fermentation tank 112 through the main channel connection 115.

When the control module 280 controls the channel switching valve 20 so that the first main channel 4A and the bypass channel 4C communicate, the water heated by the feedwater heater 53 (ie, hot water) is It may flow to the bypass valve 35 through each bypass channel 4C. Water heated by the feedwater heater 53 may flow to the second main channel 4B after passing through the bypass valve 35, and the empty fermentation container in the fermentation tank 112 through the main channel connection 115 (12) can be introduced.

During the cleaning process of the main channel, sterilized and washed water may flow into the empty fermentation container 12 after beverage extraction is completed, and the fermentation container 12 may be inflated by the incoming water. Some of the air between 12 and the fermenter 112 may be pushed by the expanding fermentation container 12 and flow into the air supply channel 154, and may be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156.

During the above control, the beverage maker includes the first main channel 4A, the bypass channel 4C, the bypass valve 35, the material receiving portion 31, 32, 33, and the second main channel 4B. ) and the main channel connection part 115 can be washed and sterilized by water heated by the feedwater heater 53.

The beverage maker may perform washing and sterilization as described above during the main channel washing set time, and may complete the main channel washing process after the main channel washing set time.

The control module 280 can turn off the feed water pump 52 and the feed water heater 53 after the main channel washing set time has elapsed, the main valve 9, the bypass valve 35, and each on-off valve ( 313, 323, 333, the gas discharge valve 73, and the exhaust valve 156 can all be closed.

After the washing and sterilization step (S1300) is completed, the user can open the fermentation lid 107 and take out the fermentation container 12 containing the water that has been washed in the fermentation tank module 111 for treatment.

Hereinafter, various embodiments related to automatic take-out setting and automatic take-out operation of the beverage maker will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11 .

5 is a block diagram schematically showing a control configuration of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5, the beverage maker includes a controller 281A, a display 282, a rotary knob 283, a limit switch 630, a main valve 9, an air pump 82, and a memory 285. can do.

The display 282 may display various types of information on the beverage maker. The display 282 may be disposed on the center cover 213, but this is not necessarily the case. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 281A may display a setting screen for receiving set values for automatic beverage dispensing through the display 282 . Through the setting screen, the user can input the capacity of the container (or the sum of the total beverage dispensing amount and the foam dispensing amount) as the automatic dispensing set value, and input at least one of the beverage ratio and the foam ratio. .

The user may input automatic dispensing set values by manipulating the rotary knob 283 provided in the beverage maker. As described above with reference to FIG. 1 , the rotary knob 283 may be disposed on the center cover 213 and may be disposed below the display 282 .

Depending on the embodiment, the user may input the automatic take-out setting values through the touch screen 282A provided on the display 282.

The memory 285 may store various types of information related to the beverage preparation operation of the beverage maker. For example, the memory 285 may store information on set values or target values (temperature, pressure, etc.) for each of the beverage preparation steps during a beverage preparation operation, various graphic data to be displayed through the display 282, and the like. .

Also, the memory 285 may store graphic data for displaying setting screens related to automatic take-out setting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The controller 281A may control the operation of various components included in the beverage maker. The controller 281A may be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC), a microcomputer (or microcomputer), a CPU, an application processor (AP), and the like. The controller 281A may be included in the control module 280 described above in FIG. 1 .

When set values for automatic dispensing of beverages are input through the rotary knob 283 or the touch screen 282A, the controller 281A may provide an automatic dispensing function based on the input set values.

The controller 281A may set the beverage dispensing amount based on the container capacity and beverage ratio among the input automatic dispensing set values, and may set the foam dispensing amount based on the container capacity and foam ratio. have. For example, when the capacity of the container is 500 cc, the beverage ratio is 60%, and the foam ratio is 20%, the controller 281A may set the beverage extraction amount to 300 cc and the foam extraction amount to 100 cc.

When the beverage automatic dispensing setting is completed and the user operates the lever 620 of the dispenser 62 to dispense the beverage, the limit switch 630 may be turned on. The controller 281A may open the main valve 9 when the limit switch 630 is turned on. As the main valve 9 opens, the beverage in the fermentation container 12 can be dispensed into the container through the dispenser 62.

The controller 281A may accumulate at least one of the on-time of the limit switch 630 of the dispenser 62 and the on-time of the main valve 9 . The controller 281A calculates the amount of water dispensed from the beverage taken out of the fermentation container 12 according to the accumulated time, and turns on the air pump 82 to extract bubbles when the calculated amount of water extracted reaches the set amount of water extracted. can Depending on the embodiment, the controller 281A may turn on the air pump 82 and open the bypass valve 35. Beverage extraction and foam extraction operations of the beverage maker will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 11 later.

Depending on the embodiment, the beverage maker may further include a wireless communication unit 284 for receiving beverage automatic dispensing settings from a user's mobile terminal (eg, smart phone, tablet PC, etc.).

The wireless communication unit 284 may include one or more modules enabling wireless communication between the beverage maker and the user's mobile terminal (smart phone, tablet PC, etc.) and/or the drink maker and the server. In addition, the wireless communication unit 284 may include one or more modules that connect the beverage maker to one or more networks.

For example, the wireless communication unit 284 may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wireless Internet module, and a short-distance communication module.

The mobile communication module is a user's mobile communication network built according to technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (eg, Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc.) It can transmit and receive wireless signals to mobile terminals and servers.

The wireless Internet module may transmit and receive wireless signals in a communication network based on a wireless Internet technology (eg, Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, etc.).

The short-range communication module is for short-range communication, and includes at least one of Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies. Short-distance communication can be supported by using one.

Using the wireless communication unit 284, the beverage maker may receive beverage automatic dispensing set values (container capacity, beverage ratio, and foam ratio) from the user's mobile terminal.

Depending on the embodiment, the beverage maker may receive temperature conditions together with beverage automatic dispensing set values. The temperature condition may be a condition for the temperature of the beverage to be taken out. When the temperature condition is input, the controller 281A may detect the temperature of the fermenter 112 using the temperature sensor 16. Based on the detected temperature, the controller 281A controls the temperature controller 11 so that the temperature of the fermenter 112 satisfies the temperature condition, and when the temperature of the fermenter 112 satisfies the temperature condition, the beverage is dispensed. can be performed.

6 is a cross-sectional view showing a dispenser of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The dispenser 62 includes a dispenser body 600 having a dispenser channel 611 connected to the beverage dispensing channel 61 shown in FIG. The lift valve body 610, the lever 620 rotatably connected to the upper part of the lift valve body 610 and lifting the lift valve body 610 during rotation, and the lift valve body 610 switch by A limit switch 630 may be included. The dispenser 62 may further include a dispenser spring 640 built into the dispenser body 600 to elastically press the lift valve body 610 downward.

The dispenser body 600 may be mounted on the center cover 213 shown in FIG. 2 . The dispenser channel 611 may include a horizontal channel 612 formed long in the front and rear directions along the dispenser body 600, and a vertical channel 613 formed bent downward at the front end of the horizontal channel 612. Beer guided to the beverage dispensing channel 61 shown in FIG. 1 falls to the lower side of the vertical channel 613 after sequentially passing through the horizontal channel 612 and the vertical channel 613 when the horizontal channel 612 is opened. It can be. The dispenser body 600 may include a horizontal portion in which the horizontal channel 612 is formed, and a vertical portion formed orthogonally to the horizontal portion and having a vertical channel 613 formed therein.

The elevation valve body 610 may be disposed to be elevated in the dispenser channel 611 , particularly the vertical channel 613 . The elevation valve body 610 may be lowered to a height that blocks the horizontal channel 612 and may be raised to a height that opens the horizontal channel 612 . An upper portion of the lift valve body 610 may be disposed to protrude upward from the dispenser body 600 . An operating protrusion 614 contacting the limit switch 630 when the lift valve body 610 is raised may protrude.

The lever 620 may be hingedly connected to the upper part of the lift valve body 610, and may be erected vertically or laid horizontally while being connected to the lift valve body 610.

When the lever 620 is laid horizontally, the lift valve body 610 is raised to open the horizontal channel 612, and when the lever 620 is erected vertically, the lift valve body 610 is lowered The horizontal channel 612 may be closed.

The limit switch 630 may be connected to the control module 280 shown in FIG. 3, and the controller 281A of the control module 280 may control the beverage maker according to the on/off of the limit switch 630. .

The dispenser spring 640 is disposed above the vertical portion of the dispenser body 600 to elastically press the lift valve body 610 downward.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11 , embodiments related to an automatic take-out operation of a beverage maker will be described.

7 is a flowchart for explaining an automatic take-out setting operation of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. 8A to 8E are exemplary diagrams illustrating an automatic take-out setting operation shown in FIG. 7 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , the beverage maker may execute an automatic take-out setting operation (S2000).

When the manufactured beverage is stored in the fermentation module 1, the controller 281A may display a menu or icon through the display 282 to enter a setting screen for automatic take-out setting.

A user may select the menu or icon through an input unit (such as a rotary knob 283 or a touch screen 282A). The controller 281A may execute an automatic take-out setting operation when the menu or icon is selected.

In this regard, referring to the example shown in FIG. 8A , the controller 281A may display a menu screen 800 related to dispensing of the stored beverage through the display 282 . The menu screen 800 may include a menu 801 or an icon for performing an automatic take-out setting operation. A user may select the menu 801 through the input unit, and the controller 281A may execute an automatic take-out setting operation when the menu 801 is selected.

Figure 7 will be described again.

When the automatic dispensing setting operation is executed, the beverage maker may set the capacity of the beverage cup (container) (S2100), set the beverage ratio (S2200), and set the foam ratio (S2300).

The controller 281A displays a container capacity setting screen for setting the capacity of the container containing the beverage to be dispensed, a beverage ratio setting screen for setting the beverage ratio, and a foam ratio setting screen for setting the foam ratio. It can be displayed through (282). Depending on the embodiment, when the automatic take-out setting values are received from the user's terminal through the wireless communication unit 284, the controller 281A may not display the setting screens.

When each setting screen is displayed, the user can set automatic dispensing set values (capacity of the container, beverage ratio, and foam ratio) by manipulating the input unit.

In this regard, referring to FIGS. 8B to 8D , when an automatic take-out setting operation is executed, the controller 281A may display a container capacity setting screen 810 for setting the container capacity through the display 282 .

The container capacity setting screen 810 may include a container capacity setting bar 811 for setting the container capacity. The controller 281A may display the focused container capacity through the container capacity setting bar 811 . The user may manipulate the input unit to change the focused container capacity and select the corresponding container capacity setting value when a desired capacity is focused. The controller 281A can set the selected capacity as the container capacity setting value in response to the operation. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B , the controller 281A may set 500cc as the container capacity setting value.

Referring to FIG. 8C , after the container capacity is set, the controller 281A may display a beverage ratio setting screen 820 through the display 282 to set the beverage ratio.

The beverage ratio setting screen 820 may include a beverage ratio setting bar 821 for setting a beverage ratio. The controller 281A may display the focused beverage ratio through the beverage ratio setting bar 821 . The user may change the focused beverage ratio and, when a desired ratio is focused, manipulate the input unit to select the corresponding ratio as a beverage ratio setting value. The controller 281A may set the selected ratio as the beverage ratio setting value in response to the above operation. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8C , the controller 281A may set 60% as a beverage ratio setting value. In this case, since the container capacity setting value is 500 cc, the controller 281A may set the beverage dispensing amount to 300 cc.

Referring to FIG. 8D , after the beverage ratio is set, the controller 281A may display a foam ratio setting screen 830 through the display 282 to set the foam ratio.

The foam ratio setting screen 830 may include a foam ratio setting bar 831 for setting the foam ratio. The controller 281A may display the focused foam ratio through the foam ratio setting bar 831 . The user may manipulate the input unit to change the focused bubble ratio and, when a desired ratio is focused, to select the corresponding ratio as the bubble ratio setting value. The controller 281A may set the selected ratio as the froth ratio setting value in response to the operation. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8D , the controller 281A may set 20% as the foam ratio setting value. In this case, since the container capacity setting value is 500 cc, the controller 281A can set the bubble extraction amount to 100 cc.

Although FIG. 7 shows that the automatic take-out setting operation is performed in the order of setting the capacity of the container, setting the ratio of beverage, and setting the ratio of foam, this order can be freely changed and implemented.

Depending on the embodiment, the beverage maker may perform only one of steps S2200 and S2300. In this case, the controller 281A may automatically set set values corresponding to the remaining steps not performed based on the set values of the performed steps.

Figure 7 will be described again.

The beverage maker may perform a beverage dispensing operation based on the automatic dispensing set value when the automatic dispensing setting is performed in steps S2100 to S2300 (S2400).

In this regard, referring to FIG. 8E , the controller 281A may display a dispensing waiting screen 840 for beverage dispensing through the display 282 when the automatic dispensing setting is completed. Depending on the embodiment, the take-out standby screen 840 may include a change menu 841 for changing automatic take-out setting values.

When the user operates the lever 620 based on the dispensing standby screen 840, the controller 281A may perform a beverage dispensing operation based on the automatic dispensing set value. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 below.

9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an automatic dispensing function performed by the beverage maker when setting automatic dispensing according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 . 10 is a view showing a beverage providing operation of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a view showing a foam providing operation of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the automatic take-out setting operation of the beverage maker is completed (S3000) and the limit switch 630 is turned on by the user's manipulation of the lever 620 (S3100), the beverage maker has a main valve so that the beverage is dispensed. (9) can be opened (S3200).

As described above, the user can operate the lever 620 to dispense a beverage. As the lever 620 is operated, the limit switch 630 provided in the dispenser 62 may be turned on.

When the limit switch 630 is turned on, the controller 281A may open the main valve 9 so that the beverage contained in the fermentation container 12 is taken out through the dispenser 62.

Referring to FIG. 10 in this regard, as the main valve 9 is opened, the beverage in the fermentation container 12 is removed from the fermentation container 12 by air pressure between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112. It can flow into the second main channel 4B, and can flow from the second main channel 4B to the beverage dispensing channel 61 and can be dispensed into the dispenser 62.

Depending on the embodiment, when the beverage is taken out, the controller 281A may turn on the air injection pump 82 and open the air supply opening/closing valve 159. At this time, the exhaust valve 156 may be kept closed. When the air injection pump 82 is turned on, air may pass through the air injection channel 81 and the air supply channel 154 and be supplied between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112, and the fermentation container 12 and The air between the fermentation tanks 112 may pressurize the fermentation container 12 with a pressure that allows the beverage in the fermentation container 12 to rise to the second main channel 4B. Accordingly, the beverage in the fermentation container 12 may be more smoothly taken out when the beverage is taken out. According to another embodiment, as described above in FIG. 4 , the controller 281A may turn on the air injection pump 82 and open the air supply opening/closing valve 159 after the beverage dispensing operation is completed.

Figure 9 will be described again.

The beverage maker may calculate the amount of water dispensed when dispensing the beverage (S3300).

The controller 281A may calculate the amount of beverage dispensed based on at least one of the time the limit switch 630 is on and the time the main valve 9 is open. To this end, information on the amount of water output per unit time (eg, 30cc per second) may be previously stored in the memory 285 .

When the calculated amount of water discharged reaches the set amount of beverage discharged (YES in S3400), the beverage maker may turn on the air injection pump 82 to eject bubbles (S3500).

The controller 281A may turn on the air injection pump 82 and open the bypass valve 35 while maintaining the main valve 9 open when the calculated amount of water dispensed reaches the set amount of beverage dispensed.

According to the embodiment, when the air injection pump 82 is turned on to supply air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 during beverage dispensing, the controller 281A maintains the air injection pump 82 on. It is possible to open the bypass valve 35 while doing so.

When the air injection pump 82 is turned on and the bypass valve 35 is opened, bubbles may be generated while air is injected into the beverage taken out of the fermentation container 12 . The resulting foam may be withdrawn through the dispenser 62 .

In this regard, referring to FIG. 11 , the controller 281A may turn on the air injection pump 82 and open the bypass valve 35 when bubbles are taken out. Accordingly, the air injected by the air injection pump 82 may be supplied to the beverage dispensing channel 61 through the air injection channel 81 and the bypass channel 4C. By the air supplied to the beverage dispensing channel 61, the beverage flowing from the fermentation container 12 through the second main channel 4B to the beverage dispensing channel 61 is transformed into bubbles, thereby generating bubbles. . The generated foam may be taken out through the dispenser 62 .

That is, the beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention may automatically generate and provide foam without additional manipulation or input by the user. In addition, by injecting air into the beverage flowing through the beverage dispensing channel 61 to generate bubbles, the effect on the beverage stored in the fermentation container 12 (eg, carbonation loss, etc.) can be minimized.

Figure 9 will be described again.

The beverage maker may calculate the amount of foam dispensing (S3600), and check whether or not the calculated dispensing amount reaches the set foam dispensing amount (S3700).

The controller 281A controls the on-time of the air injection pump 82, the open time of the bypass valve 35, the on-time of the limit switch 630 from when the air injection pump 82 is turned on, and the air injection pump ( 82) can be calculated based on at least one of the opening times of the main valve (9) from the time when the foam is turned on. To this end, the memory 285 may store information about the amount of bubbles ejected per unit time (eg, 20cc per second in the case of the opening time of the bypass valve 35).

When the calculated dispensing amount reaches the set foam dispensing amount (YES in S3700), the beverage maker may close the main valve 9 to end beverage dispensing (S3800).

The controller 281A may close the main valve 9 to end the beverage dispensing operation when the calculated dispensing amount reaches the set froth dispensing amount. Also, the controller 281A may turn off the air injection pump 82 and close the bypass valve 35 .

Depending on the embodiment, the controller 281A may provide a notification indicating that the beverage dispensing operation has ended to the user through the display 282 or the like.

As described above in FIG. 4, when the air is injected between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 after the beverage is taken out, the controller 281A keeps the air injection pump 82 on and bypasses it. The valve 35 can be closed.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 , the beverage maker may automatically perform a beverage dispensing operation according to an automatic dispensing set value including a container capacity, a beverage ratio, and a foam ratio. Accordingly, since the user can set the ratio of the beverage and the foam that suits his/her taste, and can be provided with the beverage that meets the set ratio, the user's satisfaction with the beverage maker can be maximized.

On the other hand, channels such as the main channel 4, the beverage dispensing channel 61, the gas dispensing channel 71, the air injection channel 81, and the air supply channel 154 described in the present invention are hoses through which fluid can pass. It can be formed by a tube, it can be composed of a plurality of hoses or tubes that are continuous in the longitudinal direction, and it is also possible to include two hoses or tubes disposed with other components such as a control valve interposed therebetween. is of course

The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications and variations can be made to those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

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

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

Claims (10)

A fermentation container forming a space in which beverages are stored;
a channel connected to the fermentation container;
a beverage take-out channel connected to the channel;
a dispenser connected to the beverage dispensing channel and dispensing the beverage stored in the fermentation container to the outside;
a main valve disposed in the channel and opening and closing the channel;
an air injection pump connected to the channel through an air injection channel, supplying air between the main valve and the dispenser in the channel, and injecting air into the beverage taken out of the fermentation container to generate bubbles when turned on; and
Opening the main valve so that the beverage is discharged to the outside through the dispenser, forming bubbles from the beverage, opening the main valve so that the formed bubbles are discharged to the outside through the dispenser, and turning on the air injection pump contains a controller;
The channel includes a connection portion connected to the beverage dispensing channel,
The main valve is installed between the connection part and the fermentation container.
beverage maker. According to claim 1,
The controller,
When the automatic dispensing setting value including the capacity of the container in which the dispensed beverage is placed and including at least one of the beverage ratio and the foam ratio is set,
A beverage maker controlling the main valve and the air injection pump so that the beverage and the foam are dispensed based on the set automatic dispensing set value. According to claim 2,
The controller,
Setting a beverage output based on the capacity of the container and the beverage ratio;
Based on the open time of the main valve, the amount of water discharged from the beverage is calculated,
Beverage maker for turning on the air injection pump when the calculated water extraction amount reaches the set beverage extraction amount. According to claim 3,
The controller,
Setting a foam extraction amount based on the capacity of the container and the foam ratio;
Based on the on-time of the air injection pump, the extraction amount of the foam is calculated,
When the calculated amount of dispensing reaches the set amount of froth dispensing, the beverage maker closing the main valve. According to claim 4,
A beverage maker further comprising a memory for storing information about the amount of water dispensed per unit time for calculating the amount of water dispensed of the beverage and the information about the amount of water dispensed per unit time for calculating the discharge amount of the foam. According to claim 2,
The dispenser,
a lever operated by a user; and
Including a limit switch that is turned on or off by manipulation of the lever,
The controller,
When the limit switch is turned on by operating the lever, the beverage maker opens the main valve so that the beverage is dispensed through the dispenser. According to claim 6,
The controller,
Beverage maker for calculating the amount of water output of the beverage based on the time the limit switch is on. According to claim 2,
a display displaying a setting screen for setting the automatic take-out setting value; and
The beverage maker further comprising an input unit configured to receive an input for selecting the automatic dispensing set value based on the displayed setting screen. According to claim 8,
The controller,
When any one of the beverage ratio and the foam ratio is set through the setting screen and the input unit, a beverage maker that automatically sets the other ratio based on the set ratio. According to claim 2,
A beverage maker further comprising a wireless communication unit for receiving the automatic dispensing set value from a terminal.

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