KR102522000B1 - Baverage maker - Google Patents

Abstract

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, the base; A fermentation module including a fermenter module having an opening and a fermentation lid opening and closing the opening; A temperature controller for controlling the temperature inside the fermenter module; a flow module connected to the fermentation module; and a main frame detachably mounted on the base and having at least a portion of the flow module mounted thereon.

Description

Beverage maker {BAVERAGE MAKER}

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

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 ready-made products manufactured and sold by beer manufacturers, or drink house beer (or craft beer) produced by directly fermenting beer ingredients at home or in a bar.

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

Materials for making beer may be water, malt, hops, yeast, flavor additives, and the like.

Yeast may be called yeast, and may be added to malt to ferment the 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 house beer at home or in a bar is gradually being used, and it is desirable that such a beverage maker safely and conveniently prepares beer.

One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a beverage maker capable of keeping a gas take-out passage clean.

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fermentation module; a main flow path connected to the fermentation module; a gas extraction passage connected to the fermentation module and through which gas in the fermentation module is extracted; a cleaning passage connecting the main passage and the gas extraction passage; and a washing valve installed in the washing passage to open and close the washing passage.

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, a water tank containing water; and a water supply pump supplying water contained in the water tank to the main flow path.

The beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a water supply heater for heating the water pumped by the water supply pump.

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, the air injection pump; and an air injection passage connected to the air injection pump and the main passage.

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a control module for opening the washing valve during the cleaning step.

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, a water tank containing water; and a water supply pump supplying water contained in the water tank to the main flow path, wherein the control module may turn on the water supply pump during the cleaning step.

The beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a water heater for heating water pumped by the water pump, and the control module may turn on the water heater during the cleaning step.

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, the air injection pump; and an air injection passage connected to the air injection pump and the main passage, wherein the control module may turn on the air injection pump during a cleaning step.

The beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a gas discharge valve connected to the gas discharge passage, and the washing passage may be connected between the fermentation module and the gas discharge valve in the gas discharge passage. .

The beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a control module for opening the washing valve and opening the gas discharge valve during the cleaning step.

The beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a main valve installed in the main flow path and opening and closing the main flow path, and the washing flow path may be connected between the main valve and the fermentation module in the main flow path. there is.

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a control module for opening the washing valve and the main valve in the cleaning mode.

The fermentation module may include a fermenter module having an opening; And it may include a fermentation lid for opening and closing the opening. In the fermentation lead, a main flow path connecting portion to which the main flow path is connected; And a connection part may be formed to the gas extraction passage to which the gas extraction passage is connected.

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a beverage manufacturing pack accommodated inside the fermentation module. The main passage and the gas extraction passage may be in communication with the inside of the beverage production pack.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, water or air from the main flow passage is injected into the gas ejection passage through the cleaning passage, thereby cleaning the gas ejection passage and keeping the gas ejection passage clean.

In addition, washing can be performed conveniently and quickly with water pumped by a water supply pump.

In addition, cleaning and sterilization can be performed by hot water heated by a water supply heater, so that the cleanliness maintenance function can be further improved.

In addition, cleaning can be performed simply and quickly by air injected by an air injection pump.

1 is a block 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 Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a beverage dispensing valve of the beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flow chart showing a control sequence of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a view showing the flow of water during a second cleaning process according to an example of a beverage maker.
7 is a view showing air flow during a second cleaning process according to another example of a beverage maker.

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

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

1 is a block diagram of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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 flow path module 2 connected to the fermentation module 1. The flow path module 2 may include at least one flow path and at least one valve.

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

The beverage maker may further include a dispenser 3 connected to the main flow path 4 and having a material accommodating portion. The passage module 2 may further include a dispenser inlet passage module 3A and a dispenser outlet passage module 3B connecting the dispenser 3 and the main passage 4, respectively.

The beverage maker may further include a water tank 51 in which water is stored, and the flow path module 2 may further include a water supply path module 5 for supplying water from the water tank 51 to the main flow path 4. there is.

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

The flow path module 2 may further include a gas discharge flow path module 7 connected to the fermentation module 1 . The gas discharge flow path module 7 can discharge the gas in the beverage manufacturing pack 12 to the outside. The inner space (S1) of the fermentation tank 112 may be a space in which the beverage production pack 12 in which the beverage is prepared is accommodated.

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

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

A connection part 115 to the main flow path may be formed in the fermentation module 1. The main flow path 4 may be connected to the main flow path 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 flow path connection part 115 connected to the main flow path 4 may be provided in the fermentation lid 107 .

The beverage preparation pack 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 fermenter 112. The beverage manufacturing pack 12 may be detachably provided in the fermentation tank 112. The beverage manufacturing pack 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 beverage production pack 12 may be a pack containing materials for beverage production therein. Inside the beverage production pack 12 may be formed a beverage production space (S2) in which the beverage material is accommodated and the beverage is produced. Beverage production pack 12 may be formed smaller than the inner space (S1) of the fermentation tank (112).

The beverage manufacturing pack 12 may be inserted into and accommodated in the fermenter module 112 while the material is accommodated therein. The beverage manufacturing pack 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 reed 107 may cover the opening 170 of the fermenter module 111 after the beverage preparation pack 12 is inserted into the fermenter module 111. The beverage production pack 12 may help fermentation of materials in a state accommodated in the sealed inner space S1 by the fermentation tank 112 and the fermentation lid 107. Beverage production pack 12 may be expanded by the pressure therein while the production of the beverage proceeds. The beverage preparation pack 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 beverage preparation pack 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 can occur inside the fermentation tank 112, and the temperature distribution inside the fermentation tank 112 and the beverage preparation pack 12 can be uniform.

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

The refrigerant flow 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 flow 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 dispenser 3 and the beverage preparation pack 12, and materials for beverage preparation may be distributed and accommodated in the dispenser 3 and the beverage preparation pack 12. Some of the materials for preparing a beverage may be accommodated in the beverage preparation pack 12, and the remaining materials may be accommodated in the dispenser 3. The remaining materials accommodated in the dispenser 3 may be supplied to the beverage manufacturing pack 12 together with the water supplied from the water supply passage module 5, and may be mixed with some of the materials contained in the beverage manufacturing pack 12. can

The beverage manufacturing pack 12 may contain main ingredients necessary for beverage production, and the dispenser 3 may contain additives added to the main material. In this case, the additives accommodated in the dispenser 3 can be mixed with the water supplied from the water supply path module 5 and supplied to the beverage manufacturing pack 12, and the main material accommodated in the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and can be mixed.

The main material accommodated in the beverage production pack 12 may be a material with a higher 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. Additives accommodated in the dispenser 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 beverage manufacturing pack 12 without including the dispenser 3. In this case, the main material may be accommodated in the beverage manufacturing pack 12, and the user may add additives to the beverage manufacturing pack 12. can be directly inserted.

When the beverage maker includes both the dispenser 3 and the beverage production pack 12, it is possible to more conveniently prepare the beverage. Hereinafter, for convenience, an example including both the dispenser 3 and the beverage production pack 12 is provided. Explain. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to including both the dispenser 3 and the beverage manufacturing pack 12.

Materials in the beverage manufacturing pack 12 may be fermented over time, and the beverage prepared in the beverage manufacturing pack 12 may flow to the main flow path 4 through the main flow path connection 115, It can flow from the main passage 4 to the beverage dispensing passage module 6 and be taken out.

One end of the main flow path 4 may be connected to the water supply flow path module 5 and the other end may be connected to the main flow path connection unit 115 formed in the fermentation module 1 . In addition, an air injection passage 81 guiding the air pumped by the air injection pump 82 may be connected to the main passage 4 .

The dispenser 3 may be connected to the main flow path 4 . Water or air in the main flow passage 4 may be introduced into the dispenser 3 and flow through the dispenser 3 .

In the dispenser 3, materials necessary for preparing beverages may be accommodated, and water supplied from the water supply passage module 5 or air supplied from the air injection passage module 8 may pass therethrough. For example, when the beverage produced in the beverage maker is beer, materials accommodated in the dispenser 3 may be yeast, hops, flavor additives, and the like.

The material accommodated in the dispenser 3 may be directly accommodated in the material accommodating portion formed in the dispenser 3 . At least one material accommodating portion may be formed in the dispenser 3 . A plurality of material accommodating units may be formed in the dispenser 3, and in this case, the plurality of material accommodating units may be formed separately from each other.

On the other hand, the material accommodated in the dispenser 3 may be accommodated in the capsules C1, C2, and C3, and the dispenser 3 includes at least one capsule in which these capsules C1, C2, and C3 are accommodated. Accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 may be formed.

When the material is accommodated in the capsules (C1) (C2) (C3), the dispenser (3) can be configured to enable the seating and withdrawal of the capsules (C1) (C2) (C3), the dispenser (3) is a capsule (C1) (C2) (C3) may be composed of a capsule kit assembly that is detachably accommodated.

The material contained in the material container or the capsules C1, C2, and C3 may be extracted by water pressure supplied from the water supply passage module 5 or air pressure injected from the air injection passage module 8. .

When the material is extracted by water pressure, the water supplied from the water supply passage module 5 to the main passage 4 can be mixed with the material while passing through the material receiving portion or the capsules C1, C2, and C3, The material accommodated in the material accommodating unit or the capsules C1, C2, and C3 may flow into the main flow path 4 together with water.

On the other hand, when the material is extracted by air pressure, the air injected from the air injection flow path module 8 to the dispenser 3 can push the material while passing through the material receiving portion or capsules C1, C2, and C3, , The material accommodated in the material accommodating portion or the capsules C1, C2, and C3 may flow to the main flow path 4 together with air.

In the dispenser 3, a plurality of additives of different types may be accommodated separately from each other. For example, a plurality of additives accommodated in the dispenser 3 when manufacturing beer may be yeast, hops, and flavor additives, and they may be accommodated separately from each other.

When a plurality of material accommodating units are formed in the dispenser 3, each of the plurality of material accommodating units may be connected to the main flow path 4 and the dispenser inlet flow path module 3A, and the main flow path 4 and the dispenser outlet flow path module ( 3B) can be connected.

When a plurality of capsule accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 are formed in the dispenser 3, each of the plurality of capsule accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 includes a main flow path 4 and a dispenser inlet flow path module. (3A), and can be connected to the main flow path (4) and the dispenser outlet flow path module (3B).

The material accommodating part of the dispenser 3 and the capsule accommodating part of the dispenser 3 may have substantially the same configuration. When the capsule is inserted into the dispenser 3 while the material is accommodated in the capsule, it may be referred to as a capsule accommodating unit, and when the material is directly accommodated in the dispenser 3 without being contained in the capsule, it may be referred to as a material accommodating unit. Since the material accommodating part and the capsule accommodating part have substantially the same configuration, it will be described below that the capsule accommodating part is formed in the dispenser 3 for convenience of description.

In the dispenser 3, capsule accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 in which capsules containing additives are detachably accommodated are formed, and may be connected to the main flow path 4 and the dispenser inlet flow path module 3A, It may be connected to the flow path 4 and the dispenser outlet flow path module 3B.

The dispenser inlet passage module 3A may include dispenser inlet passages 301, 311, 321, and 331 connecting the main passage 4 and the capsule accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33. there is. The dispenser inlet passage module 3A may further include open/close valves 313, 323, and 333 installed in the dispenser inlet passages 301, 311, 321, and 331. The opening/closing valves 313, 323, and 333 may open and close the dispenser inlet passages 301, 311, 321, and 331.

The dispenser outlet passage module 3B may include dispenser outlet passages 301, 311, 321, and 331 connecting the capsule accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 to the main passage 4. there is. The dispenser outlet passage module 3B may further include check valves 314, 324, and 334 installed in the dispenser outlet passages 301, 311, 321, and 331. The check valves 314, 324, and 334 prevent water or air from flowing back into the capsule receiving portion 31, 32, and 33 through the dispenser outlet passage 302, 312, 322, and 332. can do.

In the dispenser 3, a plurality of capsule accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 may be formed, and the plurality of capsule accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 may be formed separately from each other. The plurality of capsule accommodating parts 31, 32, and 33 may be connected to their respective dispenser inlet passages and their respective dispenser outlet passages.

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

The dispenser 3 includes a first capsule accommodating portion 31 accommodating the first capsule C1 containing the first additive, and a second capsule accommodating portion 32 accommodating the second capsule C2 accommodating the second additive. ) and a third capsule accommodating portion 33 accommodating the third capsule C3 in which the third additive is accommodated.

A first dispenser inlet passage 311 for guiding water or air to the first capsule accommodating portion 31 may be connected to the first capsule accommodating portion 31, and the water discharged from the first capsule accommodating portion 31, A first dispenser outlet channel 312 through which a mixture of water and the first additive and air are guided may be connected. A first opening/closing valve 313 for opening and closing the first dispenser inlet passage 311 may be installed in the first dispenser inlet passage 311 . In the first dispenser outlet passage 312, while allowing the fluid in the first capsule accommodating portion 31 to flow into the main passage 4, the fluid flows into the first capsule accommodating portion 31 through the first dispenser outlet passage 312. A first check valve 314 preventing reverse flow may be installed. Here, the fluid may be water discharged from the first capsule accommodating part 31, a mixture of water and the first additive, or air.

A second dispenser inlet passage 321 for guiding water or air to the second capsule accommodating portion 32 may be connected to the second capsule accommodating portion 32, and the water discharged from the second capsule accommodating portion 32, A second dispenser outlet passage 322 through which a mixture of water and the second additive and air are guided may be connected. A second on/off valve 323 opening and closing the second dispenser inlet passage 321 may be installed in the second dispenser inlet passage 321 . In the second dispenser outlet passage 322, while allowing the fluid in the second capsule accommodating portion 32 to flow into the main passage 4, the fluid flows into the second capsule accommodating portion 32 through the second dispenser outlet passage 322. A second check valve 324 preventing reverse flow may be installed. Here, the fluid may be water discharged from the second capsule accommodating part 32, a mixture of water and the second additive, or air.

A third dispenser inlet passage 331 for guiding water or air to the third capsule accommodating portion 33 may be connected to the third capsule accommodating portion 33, and the water discharged from the third capsule accommodating portion 33, A third dispenser outlet passage 332 through which a mixture of water and the third additive and air are guided may be connected. A third opening/closing valve 333 for opening and closing the third dispenser inlet passage 331 may be installed in the third dispenser inlet passage 331 . In the third dispenser outlet passage 332, while allowing the fluid in the third capsule accommodating portion 33 to flow into the main passage 4, the fluid flows into the third capsule accommodating portion 33 through the third dispenser outlet passage 332. A third check valve 334 preventing reverse flow may be installed. Here, the fluid may be water discharged from the third capsule accommodating part 33, a mixture of water and a third additive, or air.

When the beverage maker includes the dispenser 3, the main flow path 4 includes a first main flow path 4A located before the dispenser 3 in the direction of water or air flow, and the dispenser 3 in the direction of water or air flow. ) may include a second main flow path 4B located after.

The main flow path 4 may further include a bypass flow path 4C connecting the first main flow path 4A and the second main flow path 4B and allowing water or air to bypass the material receiving portion of the dispenser 3. there is. The bypass passage 4C may bypass the capsule accommodating parts 31, 32, and 33 of the dispenser.

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

The main flow path 4 may consist of one flow path when the beverage maker does not include the dispenser 3, and when the beverage maker includes the dispenser 3, the first main flow path 4A and the second It may include a main flow path 4B and a bypass flow path 4C.

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

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

The first main flow path 4A may be connected to the common dispenser inlet flow path 301 and the bypass flow path 4C, respectively. The common dispenser inlet passage 301 may be connected to the first dispenser inlet passage 311 , the second dispenser inlet passage 321 , and the third dispenser inlet passage 331 , respectively.

The common dispenser inlet passage 301 is branched from a common pipe connected to the first main passage 4A and is branched from the first dispenser inlet passage 311, the second dispenser inlet passage 321 and the third dispenser inlet passage ( 331) may include a plurality of branch pipes connected to each other.

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

The common dispenser outlet passage 302 includes a common pipe connected to the second main passage 4B, the first dispenser outlet passage 312, the second dispenser outlet passage 322, and the third dispenser outlet passage 332. It may include a plurality of laminated pipes connected to.

When the bypass valve 35 is closed, water or air supplied to the first main flow path 4A can bypass the bypass flow path 4C by passing through the capsule accommodating parts 31, 32, and 33. , can flow to the second main flow path (4B).

Conversely, when the on/off valves 311, 321, and 331 are closed, the water or air supplied to the first main flow path 4A passes through the bypass flow path 4C and enters the capsule accommodating portion 31, 32 ( 33) and flow into the second main flow path 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 passage module 5 includes a water tank outlet passage 54 connecting the water tank 51 and the water pump 52 and a water pump outlet passage 55 connecting the water pump 52 and the main passage 4. can include more. The feed water heater 53 may be installed in the feed water pump outlet passage 55.

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

A flow meter 56 for measuring a flow rate of the feed water pump outlet passage 55 may be installed in the feed water pump outlet passage 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 located after the feed water heater 53 along the flow direction of water among the feed water pump outlet flow passage 55 . It is also possible that the thermistor 57 is installed in the first main flow path 4A.

When the water pump 52 is driven, the water in the water tank 51 may be guided to the water heater 53 through the water tank outlet passage 54, the water pump 52, and the water pump outlet passage 55, and Water guided to the heater 53 may be guided to the main flow path 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 passage 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 passage 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 passage 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 passage (4), and the water heater (53) removes the water passing through the water supply passage module (5). can be heated

The beverage dispensing passage module 6 may be connected to the main passage 4 . The beverage dispensing passage module 6 may include a beverage dispensing passage 61 connected to the main passage 4 and guiding beverages in the main passage 4 . The beverage dispensing passage module 6 may further include a beverage dispensing valve 62 connected to the beverage dispensing passage 61 .

The beverage take-out passage 61 may be connected between the water supply passage module 5 and the fermentation module 1 in the main passage 4 . The beverage take-out passage 61 may be connected between the dispenser 3 and the fermentation module 1 in the main passage 4 . The beverage dispensing passage 61 may be connected to the second main passage 4B.

An anti-foaming path (63) may be provided in the beverage dispensing passage 61, and foam of the beverage flowing from the main passage 4 to the beverage dispensing passage 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 beverage dispensing valve 62 may include a tap valve having a lever 620 operated by a user and a limit switch 630 (Micro Switch, see FIG. 4) that detects the user's operation.

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

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

Gas in the beverage preparation pack 12 may flow to the gas extraction passage 71 and the pressure sensor 72 through the gas extraction passage connection 121 . The pressure sensor 72 may detect the pressure of the gas discharged from the beverage preparation pack 12 to the gas extraction passage 71 through the gas extraction passage connection 121 .

The gas discharge valve 73 may be turned on and opened when air is injected into the beverage manufacturing pack 12 by the air injection passage module 8. The beverage maker may inject air into the beverage preparation pack 12 to evenly mix malt and water, and at this time, bubbles generated in the liquid malt flow through the gas dispensing passage 71 and It can be discharged to the outside through the gas discharge valve 73.

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

The beverage maker is connected to the main flow path (4) gas extraction Connecting the Euromodule (7) The washing flow path (77) and , A washing valve 78 installed in the washing passage 77 to open and close the washing passage 77 may be further included.

The cleaning passage 77 is a gas to the take-out passage (71) can be connected in more detail, The cleaning passage 77 is gas Take-out flow path 71 of gas Take-out flow path Connection 121 and gas of the take-off valve (73) can be connected between them.

The washing valve 78 may be opened during the cleaning step, and during the beverage preparation step close It can be. During the cleaning phase, to the main flow path (4) floating Water or air is passed through the flushing passage (77). To the take-out passage (71) can enter, gas to the take-off valve (73) may be discharged. hereby gas Take-out flow path (71) and gas of the take-off valve (78) Sterilization and/or cleaning may be performed. This will be described in detail later.

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

The air injection flow path module 8 may be connected before the dispenser 3 in the water flow direction, and in this case, air may be injected into the dispenser 3 through the main flow path 4 . The air injection passage module 8 may be connected to the first main passage 4A. Air injected into the main flow path 4 from the air injection path module 8 may pass through the dispenser 3 and then be injected into the beverage manufacturing pack 12 . Air injected into the main flow path 4 from the air injection path module 8 may be injected into the beverage manufacturing pack 12 by bypassing the dispenser 3 .

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

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

The air injection passage 81 may be connected between the water supply passage module 5 and the dispenser 3 in a water flow direction. The air injection passage 81 may be connected to the first main passage 4A among the main passages 4 .

The air injection passage module 8 is an air injection check valve 83 that prevents water guided from the water supply passage module 5 to the main passage 4 from flowing into the air injection pump 82 through the air injection passage 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 pumps connected in parallel. In this case, the air injection passage 81 may include a common pipe connected to the main passage 4 and a plurality of laminated pipes connecting the plurality of air pumps to the common pipe, respectively.

Meanwhile, the flow path module 2 may include a main valve 9 that opens and closes the main flow path 4 . In addition, the flow path module 2 may further include a main check valve 94 installed in the main flow path 4 .

The main flow path 4 may include a first connection part 91 connected to the beverage take-out flow path 61 and a second connection part 92 connected to the main flow path connection part 115 formed in the fermentation module 1. In addition, the main passage 4 may further include a third connection portion 93 connected to the dispenser outlet passages 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 may be opened to open the main flow path 4 when water is supplied to the beverage manufacturing pack 12. The main valve 9 may close the main flow path 4 by being closed while the fermentation tank 112 is being cooled. The main valve 9 may open when injecting air into the beverage manufacturing pack 12 to open the main flow path 4. The main valve 9 may be opened to open the main flow path 4 when the additive is supplied into the beverage manufacturing pack 12. The main valve 9 may be closed while the fermentation of the material is in progress to seal the inside of the beverage manufacturing pack 12. The main valve 9 may be closed during aging and storage of the beverage to seal the inside of the beverage manufacturing pack 12. The main valve 9 is opened when beverage is dispensed by the beverage dispensing machine 6 to open the main flow path 4, and the beverage in the beverage manufacturing pack 12 passes through the main valve 9 to the beverage dispensing flow. (61).

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

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

The air conditioning passage module 15 may supply air between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112 or, conversely, exhaust air between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112 to the outside.

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

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

The air supply passage 154 may be connected to the fermentation module 1, in particular, the fermentation reed 107. An air supply passage connection part 117 to which the air supply passage 154 is connected may be provided in the fermentation module 1 . The air supply passage connection unit 117 may be provided in the fermentation case 160.

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

In this case, the air pumped by the air injection pump 82 passes through the air injection passage 81 and the air supply passage 154 in order and is guided between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the inner wall of the fermenter 112. The air injection pump 82 and the air supply passage 154 may function as an air supplier supplying air between the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and the fermenter 112.

On the other hand, it is also possible to connect a separate air supply pump to the air conditioning passage module 15. In this case, the air supply passage 154 may be connected to the air supply pump without being connected to the air injection passage 81 . However, as described above, the air injection pump 82 is configured to inject air into the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and to supply air between the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112. This would be more desirable in terms of cost reduction.

The air supply passage 154 and the exhaust valve 156 may function as an air exhaust passage for exhausting air between the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and the fermenter 112 to the outside.

The air supply passage 154 is connected to the fermentation module 1 to supply air between the fermentation tank 112 and the beverage manufacturing pack 12.

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

With the beverage manufacturing pack 12 accommodated inside the fermenter module 111, the air injection pump 82 and the air supply passage 154 can supply air between the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112. there is. In this way, the air supplied into the fermentation tank 112 may pressurize the beverage manufacturing pack 12 between the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112 .

The beverage in the beverage production pack 12 can be pressurized by the beverage production pack 12 pressed by air, and when the main valve 9 and the beverage dispensing valve 62 are opened, the main flow passage through the connection portion 115 It can flow to the main flow path (4). The beverage flowing from the beverage preparation pack 12 to the main flow path 4 may be taken out through the beverage dispensing path module 6 .

When the beverage preparation is completed, the beverage maker takes out the beverage in the beverage preparation pack 12 while placing the beverage preparation pack 12 inside the fermentation module 1 without taking the beverage preparation pack 12 out of the fermentation module 1. It can be taken out with the flow path module (6).

The air injection pump 82 may supply air such that a predetermined pressure is formed between the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112, and between the beverage manufacturing pack 112 and the fermentation tank 112, the beverage manufacturing pack ( 12) A pressure that is easy to take out the beverage 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 passage 154 located outside the fermenter 112.

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

The air supply passage 154 is a first passage from the connection part 81a connected to the air injection passage 81 to the connection part 154F to which the exhaust passage 157 is connected, and a connection part where the exhaust passage 157 is connected ( 154F) to the air supply passage connection part 117. The first passage may be an air supply passage for guiding the air pumped by the air injection pump 82 to the second passage. In addition, the second flow path supplies air that has passed through the air supply passage between the fermentation tank 112 and the beverage manufacturing pack 12, or transfers the air leaked between the fermentation tank 112 and the beverage manufacturing pack 12 to the connection passage 157. It may be a flow path for both supply and exhaust air that guides to.

The exhaust valve 156 may be opened so that air between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the fermenter 112 is exhausted to the outside when the beverage preparation pack 12 is inflated during beverage preparation. The exhaust valve 156 may be controlled to open when water is supplied by the water supply passage module 5 . The exhaust valve 156 may be controlled to open when air is injected by the air injection passage module 8 .

The exhaust valve 156 may be opened to release air between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the fermenter 112 when the extraction of the beverage in the beverage preparation pack 12 is completed. The user may take the beverage preparation pack 12 out of the fermentation tank 112 after the beverage extraction is completed, 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 the beverage preparation pack 12 is finished dispensing.

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

The air conditioning passage 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 beverage preparation pack 12 and the fermenter 112.

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

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

The air supply check valve 155 may be installed between a connection part 81a of the air supply passage 154 to the air injection passage 81 and a connection part 154F to the exhaust passage 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 passage 81 to the air supply passage 154 .

The air supply check valve 155 can prevent the air from flowing into the air injection passage 81 when the air between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the fermenter 112 is exhausted.

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 coupled to a protrusion 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 beverage dispensing valve 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 the beverage dropped from the beverage dispensing valve 62 is formed. 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.

Among the beverages dropped from the beverage take-out valve 62, the beverages dropped around the beverage container (not shown) may fall to the container top plate 101B, and enter the beverage container 101 through the hole of the container top plate 101B. It can be stored temporarily, 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. there is.

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 beverage manufacturing pack 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 flow path 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 beverage dispensing valve 62 may be mounted on the front cover 210 . The beverage dispensing valve 62 may be disposed closer to the upper end of the front cover 210 than to the lower end. Beverage take-out valve 62 may be located on the upper side of the beverage container (101). The user may open the beverage dispensing valve 62 to dispense the 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. there is.

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.

The center cover 213 may have a take-out valve mounting portion 214 on which the beverage take-out valve 62 is mounted.

The valve body 600 of the beverage dispensing valve 62 may be mounted on the dispensing valve mounting portion 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 . The beverage dispensing passage 61 may pass through the through hole 214A and be connected to the beverage dispensing valve 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 beverage dispensing valve 62 of the center cover 213 . That is, the display 282 may not overlap the beverage dispensing valve 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 dispenser 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 flow path constituting the refrigeration cycle device 13 (see FIG. 1) may be disposed. In more detail, a refrigerant passage 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 dispenser 3 . At least a portion of the dispenser 3 may be placed on an upper surface of the cover body 261, and the cover body 261 may support the dispenser 3 from below.

The cover body 261 may have a dispenser outlet channel receiving groove 261A formed therein. A portion of the front end of the upper side of the cover body 261 may be recessed backward to form a receiving groove 261A for the outlet of the dispenser.

The dispenser outlet passage module 3B may be connected to the lower side of the dispenser 3 and may extend into the inner space of the outer case 200 through the dispenser outlet passage 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 discharge valve 73 (see FIG. 1 ) may be discharged to the outside of the beverage maker through the through hole 271 .

At least one of the dispenser cover 272 and the dispenser support 273 may be formed on the second rear cover 270 .

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

The dispenser support 273 may be formed by partially recessing the upper surface of the second rear cover 270 downward. The height of the dispenser 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 dispenser 3 may be placed on the dispenser support 273 , and the dispenser support 273 may support the dispenser 3 from below.

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

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 dispenser 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 dispenser 3 is positioned other than between the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51, and the dispenser 3 is placed in the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51 can be protected by

One side of the dispenser 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 dispenser 3 may be formed as a curved surface, and the curved surface may respectively contact the outer circumference of the fermentation module cover 201 and the outer circumference of the water tank cover 202, respectively.

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

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

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

The dispenser 3 includes a capsule accommodating body 36 having capsule accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 in which capsules C1, C2, and C3 are detachably accommodated, and a lid module covering the capsule accommodating portion ( 37) may be included.

The capsule accommodating body 36 may be supported by the cover body 261 of the first rear cover 261 and the dispenser support 273 of the second rear cover 270 .

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

The dispenser 3 may be installed at an approximately centrally upper portion of the beverage maker, and the user rotates the lead module 37 of the dispenser 3 upward to easily mount the capsules C1, C2, and C3 , can be separated.

Meanwhile, the beverage maker may include a main frame 230 on which at least a portion of the flow path 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 dispenser 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 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 control module 280 may receive a command input from the input unit. For example, the control module 280 may prepare a beverage according to a command input by the rotary knob 283 . In addition, the control module 280 may output various types of information on the beverage maker to the display 282 . For example, the control module 280 may display information such as a beverage dispensing amount, a remaining beverage amount, or beverage dispensing completion through the display 282 .

The control module 280 may control at least one of the flow path 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 control module 280 may detect the pressure inside the beverage preparation pack 12 by the pressure sensor 72 and may detect the temperature of the fermenter 112 by the temperature sensor 16. The control module 280 may determine the degree of fermentation of the beverage using the detected pressure or temperature.

The control module 280 can detect the temperature of the water supplied from the water supply passage module 5 to the main passage 4 by the temperature sensor 57, and controls the water supply heater 53 according to the detected temperature of the water. can do.

The control module 280 may control the temperature controller 11 to maintain the temperature of the fermenter 112 at an appropriate temperature.

The control module 280 may accumulate at least one of the on-time limit switch 630 described later, the air injection pump 82 driving time, and the main valve 9 on-time after beverage production is completed. there is. The control module 280 may calculate the amount of the beverage taken out of the beverage preparation pack 12 according to the accumulated time. The control module 280 may calculate the remaining amount of the beverage from the calculated dispensing amount of the beverage. The control module 280 may determine whether all of the beverages in the beverage preparation pack 12 have been taken out from the calculated remaining amount of beverage information. When the control module 280 determines that all beverages in the beverage preparation pack 12 are taken out, it may be determined that the beverage is taken out.

In addition, the control module 280 may control the overall operation of the beverage maker. This will be described in detail later.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a beverage dispensing valve of the beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The beverage dispensing valve 62 may include a valve body 600, a lift valve body 610, a rotation lever 620, and a limit switch 630.

A valve passage 611 connected to the beverage dispensing passage 61 (see FIG. 1 ) may be formed in the valve body 600 .

The elevation valve element 610 is discharged to the valve body 600 to be elevated and opens and closes the valve passage 611 .

The rotation lever 620 is rotatably connected to the upper part of the elevation valve body 610 and can lift the elevation valve body 610 during a rotational operation.

The limit switch 630 may be switched by the lift valve body 610 .

The beverage dispensing valve 62 may further include a valve spring 640 built into the valve body 600 to elastically press the lift valve body 610 downward.

The valve body 600 may be mounted on the take-off valve mount 214 formed on the center cover 213.

The valve passage 611 may include a horizontal passage 612 formed long in the front-rear direction along the valve body 600 and a vertical passage 613 bent downward at a front end of the horizontal passage 612 . When the horizontal passage 612 is opened, the beverage guided to the beverage dispensing passage 61 may pass through the horizontal passage 612 and the vertical passage 613 sequentially and then fall down the vertical passage 613. The valve body 600 may include a horizontal portion having a horizontal passage 612 therein, and a vertical portion perpendicular to the horizontal portion and having a vertical passage 613 therein.

The lifting valve body 610 may be disposed to be moved up and down in the valve passage 611 , particularly the vertical passage 613 . The elevation valve body 610 may be lowered to a height blocking the horizontal passage 612 and may be raised to a height opening the horizontal passage 612 . The lift valve body 610 may be disposed such that an upper portion protrudes upward from the valve body 600 . An operating protrusion 614 contacting the limit switch 630 when the lift valve body 610 is raised may protrude.

The rotation 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 rotation lever 620 is laid horizontally, the elevation valve body 610 is raised to open the horizontal passage 612, and when the rotation lever 620 is erected vertically, the elevation valve body 610 is It is lowered to close the horizontal passage 612 .

The limit switch 630 may be electrically connected to the control module 280, and the control module 280 may control the beverage maker according to on/off of the limit switch 630.

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

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

Hereinafter, the operation of the beverage maker of this embodiment will be described.

The beverage maker of this embodiment may include a cleaning step (S100) (S1300) of washing and/or sterilizing the flow path therein. The cleaning step (S100) (S1300) may proceed separately from the beverage manufacturing step.

The cleaning steps (S100) (S1300) are preferably carried out before and after the beverage preparation step is performed.

In addition, the cleaning step (S100) (S1300) can be performed by user input during the beverage manufacturing step, and in this case, like the first fermentation step or the second fermentation step described later, the main valve 9 It is closed and can be carried out while the dispenser 3 is not filled with additives.

The cleaning steps (S100) (S1300) may be performed in a state in which the capsules (C1, C2, and C3) are not accommodated in the dispenser (3).

On the other hand, the beverage preparation step may be performed in a state in which the capsules C1, C2, and C3 are accommodated in the dispenser 3 and the beverage preparation pack 12 is accommodated in the fermenter 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 to the cleaning step (S100) (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 the cleaning step (S100) (S1300) before and after the execution of the beverage preparation step according to the input of the beverage preparation command.

In the cleaning step (S100) (S1300), the beverage maker may perform sterilization and/or washing with water or air.

Hereinafter, the cleaning step (S100) performed before the beverage manufacturing step will be described first.

Hereinafter, a case in which washing and/or sterilization is performed with water will be described first.

When the beverage dispensing valve is in the closed state, the control module 280 may display a message to open the beverage dispensing valve 62 on the display 282, and the user opens the beverage dispensing valve 62 to limit the switch 630. ) can be turned on.

The control module 280 operates the water supply pump 52 and the water heater 53 when the limit switch 630 of the beverage dispensing valve 62 is on and a washing and sterilization command is input through an input unit, a remote control, or a portable terminal. can turn on In addition, the control module 280 may open each of the opening/closing valves 313, 323, 333 and the bypass valve 35, and may keep the main valve 9 closed.

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 .

The water heated by the feed water heater 53 (ie, hot water) flows through the first capsule accommodating part 31, the second capsule accommodating part 32, the third capsule accommodating part 33, and the bypass passage ( 4C) can flow. The water heated by the feedwater heater 53 passes through the first capsule accommodating part 31, the second capsule accommodating part 32, the third capsule accommodating part 33, and the bypass passage 4C. After that, it can flow to the second main flow path 4B, and can be taken out to the beverage dispensing valve 62 through the beverage dispensing path 61.

During the above control, the beverage maker includes the first main flow path 4A, the bypass flow path 4C, the bypass valve 35, the capsule accommodating portion 31, 32, and 33, and the beverage dispensing flow path 61. And the beverage take-out valve 62 can be cleaned and sterilized by water heated by the water supply heater 53.

The beverage maker may perform washing and sterilization as described above during the cleaning set time.

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

Hereinafter, a case in which cleaning is performed by air will be described.

When the beverage dispensing valve is in the closed state, the control module 280 may display a message to open the beverage dispensing valve 62 on the display 282, and the user opens the beverage dispensing valve 62 to limit the switch 630. ) can be turned on.

The control module 280 can turn on the air injection pump 82 when the limit switch 630 of the beverage dispensing valve 62 is on and a washing and sterilization command is input through an input unit, a remote control, or a portable terminal. In addition, the control module 280 can open each of the on-off valves 313, 323, 333 and the bypass valve 35, and keep the main valve 9 and the air supply on-off valve 159 closed. there is.

When the air injection pump 82 is turned on, air is pumped into the air injection passage 81, and each of the first capsule accommodating part 31, the second capsule accommodating part 32, and the third capsule accommodating part 33 And, it can flow into the bypass flow path 4C. The air pumped by the air injection pump 82 passes through the first capsule accommodating portion 31, the second capsule accommodating portion 32, the third capsule accommodating portion 33, and the bypass passage 4C. After that, it can be flowed to the second main flow path (4B), and can be taken out to the beverage dispensing valve (62) through the beverage dispensing path (61).

During the above control, the beverage maker includes the first main flow path 4A, the bypass flow path 4C, the bypass valve 35, the capsule accommodating portion 31, 32, and 33, and the beverage dispensing flow path 61. And the beverage dispensing valve 62 can be cleaned by the air pumped by the air injection pump 82.

The beverage maker may perform the cleaning as described above during the cleaning set time.

The control module 280 may turn off the air injection pump 82 after the cleaning set time has elapsed, and may close the bypass valve 35 and each of the on/off valves 313, 323, and 333. .

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

Hereinafter, the beverage manufacturing step will be described.

For the beverage preparation step, the user may open the fermentation lid 107 and insert the beverage preparation pack 12 into the opening 170 to be seated in the fermentor module 111. Then, the user can close the fermentation lid 107, and the beverage manufacturing pack 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 capsules (C1) (C2) (C3) into the dispenser (3) before and after the beverage manufacturing pack (12) is seated, and then inserts the plurality of capsules (31) into the lead module (37) (32) can cover (33).

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 in the beverage preparation step 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 beverage preparation pack 12 during the beverage preparation step. The water supply step (S200) may be a liquid malt forming step of forming liquid malt by evenly mixing (Mixing) the malt in the beverage manufacturing pack 12 with hot water.

The control module 280 may turn on the feed water pump 52 and the feed water heater 53 and open the bypass valve 35 in the water supply step (S200). In addition, 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 supplying water to the beverage manufacturing pack 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 feedwater heater 53 can pass through the first main flow path 4A and the bypass valve 35 sequentially, pass through the main valve 9 and into the beverage manufacturing pack 12. can be infiltrated. Hot water introduced into the beverage manufacturing pack 12 through the main flow path 4 may be mixed with malt contained in the beverage manufacturing pack 12, and the malt in the beverage manufacturing pack 12 is mixed with water and gradually diluted. It can be. On the other hand, since hot water is supplied to the beverage preparation pack 12, the malt contained in the beverage preparation pack 12 can be quickly and evenly mixed with the hot water.

The beverage production pack 12 can be gradually expanded when the water is introduced as described above, and some of the air between the beverage production pack 12 and the fermenter 112 is expanded as the beverage production pack 12 flows into the air supply passage ( 154), and the air flowing through the air supply passage 154 can be exhausted through the exhaust valve 156.

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

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 water quantity detected by the flowmeter 56 reaches the set flow rate, and when the water quantity 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 can be controlled so that air is introduced into the beverage manufacturing pack 12 during the water supply step (S200) as described above.

The control module 280 first introduces water into the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and then stops, then injects air into the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and then stops, and finally the beverage manufacturing pack 12 ) It is possible to stop after the second inflow of hot water into the inside, and it is also possible to complete the water supply step (S200) after completing all of these first water inflow, air injection, and secondary water inflow 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 feed water pump 52 and the feed water heater 53 and open the bypass valve 35 and the main valve 9 when the hot water supply process starts. The control module 280 may open the gas discharge valve 73 when the hot water supplying process starts. The control module 280 may open 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 may turn on the feed water pump 52 and the feed water heater 53 and open the bypass valve 35 and the main valve 9 when the first hot water supply process starts. The control module 280 may open the gas discharge valve 73 when the first hot water supply process starts. The control module 280 may open 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 beverage manufacturing pack 12, the beverage manufacturing pack 12 may be inflated by the inflowing water, and the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112 may be inflated. ) Some of the air between them may be pushed by the beverage manufacturing pack 12 that expands and flow into the air supply passage 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. Also, the control module 280 may close the air supply opening/closing valve 159 at the start of the air injection process.

While the air injection pump 82 is on, the air pumped by the air injection pump 82 may flow into the bypass passage 4C through the air injection passage 81, and the beverage through the main valve 9 It may flow into the manufacturing pack 12. In this way, the air introduced into the beverage manufacturing pack 12 can help the malt and hot water to be more evenly mixed (Mixing) by hitting the liquid malt.

As air flows into the beverage manufacturing pack 12, the beverage manufacturing pack 12 can be inflated, and some of the air between the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and the fermenter 112 expands the beverage manufacturing pack 12 It can be pushed to flow into the air supply passage 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.

The water in the water tank 51 may be supplied to the beverage preparation pack 12 as in the first hot water supply process, and new hot water may be additionally supplied to the beverage preparation pack 12.

When the secondary hot water is supplied as described above, the beverage manufacturing pack 12 can be further expanded by the additionally introduced water, and some of the air remaining between the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is expanded. It can be pushed by the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and flowed to the air supply passage 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 perform close control 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 beverage manufacturing pack 12 accommodated in the fermentation tank 112 and the liquid malt accommodated in the beverage manufacturing pack 12 may be cooled.

When the fermentation tank 112 is cooled as described above, the beverage maker may cool the beverage manufacturing pack 12 to a medium temperature, for example, 23° C. to 27° C., and the control module 280 controls the temperature installed in the fermentation tank 112. The compressor 131 may be controlled according to the temperature detected by the sensor 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 beverage manufacturing pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust valve 156. It does not escape, and the air inside the fermenter 112 can be quickly cooled.

Exceptionally, when the temperature of the beverage manufacturing pack 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 fermenter 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.

In the beverage maker, after the fermentation tank cooling step (S300) is initiated and the compressor 131 is turned on, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is below the compressor off temperature at least once, the air in the beverage manufacturing pack 12 A mixing step (S400) of mixing liquid malt by supplying may be performed. Alternatively, in the beverage maker, when the fermentation tank cooling step (S300) is initiated and the heater 14 is turned on, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is equal to or higher than the heater off temperature at least once, the beverage manufacturing pack 12 ) A mixing step (S400) of mixing liquid malt by supplying air 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 may turn on the air injection pump 82 and turn off the air supply opening/closing valve 159. Also, the control module 280 may open 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, the air pumped by the air injection pump 82 may flow into the bypass passage 4C through the air injection passage 81, and then the second main passage 4B. And it can be introduced into the beverage production pack 12 through the main valve 9. In this way, the air introduced into the beverage manufacturing pack 12 can help the malt and water to be more evenly mixed by hitting the liquid malt, and the air hitting the liquid malt can supply oxygen to the liquid malt.

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

As some of the air between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is exhausted through the air supply passage 154 and the exhaust valve 156, the beverage preparation pack 12 can be easily expanded, and the main The air of the flow path 4 can be quickly introduced into the beverage manufacturing pack 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).

The beverage maker simultaneously or sequentially adds the additive of the first capsule (C1), the additive of the second capsule (C2), and the additive of the third capsule (C3) during the additive input steps (S500) (S600) (S700). can be put in

The control module 280 performs an additive input process (S500) of the first capsule (C1), an additive input process (S600) of the second capsule (C2), and an additive input process (S700) of the third capsule (C3). It can be done 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 keep the bypass valve 35 closed during the additive input steps (S500, S600, and S700).

The control module 280 operates the feed water pump 52, the main valve 9, the first on/off valve 313, and the gas discharge valve 73 during the step of adding the additive to the first capsule C1 (S500). The first additive may be turned on for a set time. 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 first capsule C1. The water introduced into the first capsule (C1) is mixed with the additives contained in the first capsule (C1), and can flow to the second main flow path (4B) together with the additives contained in the first capsule (C1). There is, and can be introduced into the beverage production pack 12 through the second main flow path (4B). When the first additive setting time elapses, the control module 280 may turn off the water pump 52 and the first opening/closing valve 313, and complete the process of adding the additive to the first capsule C1 (S500). can do.

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 adding the additive to the second capsule 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 capsule C2. The water introduced into the second capsule C2 is mixed with the additives contained in the second capsule C2, and can flow to the second main flow path 4B together with the additives contained in the second capsule C2. There is, and can be introduced into the beverage production pack 12 through the second main flow path (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 complete the process of adding the additive to the second capsule C2 (S600). can do.

The control module 280 may turn on the water supply pump 52 and the third open/close valve 333 for a set time for the third additive during the step of adding the additive to the third capsule C3 (S700). When the water supply pump 52 is turned on, water in the water tank 51 passes through the water supply pump 52, then through the water heater 53, and may flow into the third capsule C3. The water introduced into the third capsule (C3) is mixed with the additives contained in the third capsule (C3), and can flow to the second main flow path (4B) together with the additives contained in the third capsule (C3). There is, and can be introduced into the beverage production pack 12 through the second main flow path (4B). The control module 280 may turn off the water pump 52 and the third opening/closing valve 333 when the set time for the third additive has elapsed, and the process of adding the additive to the third capsule C3 (S700) is completed. can do.

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

The control module 280 may close the air supply opening/closing valve 159 and open the exhaust valve 156 during the additive inputting 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 injection process (S500) of the first capsule (C1). may 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 capsule C1 after passing through the first opening/closing valve 313 . The air introduced into the first capsule (C1) can flow along with the additives contained in the first capsule (C1) to the second main flow path (4B), and through the second main flow path (4B), the beverage manufacturing pack ( 12) can be entered. When the first additive setting time elapses, the control module 280 may turn off the air injection pump 82 and the first opening/closing valve 313, and perform an additive input process (S500) of the first capsule (C1). can be completed

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 adding the additive to the second capsule C2 (S600). When the air injection pump 82 is turned on, the pumped air may flow into the second capsule C2 after passing through the second opening/closing valve 323 . The air introduced into the second capsule C2 can flow to the second main flow path 4B together with the additives contained in the second capsule C2, and the beverage manufacturing pack ( 12) can be entered. When the second additive setting time elapses, the control module 280 may turn off the air injection pump 82 and the second opening/closing valve 323, and perform the additive injection process (S600) of the second capsule C2. can be completed

The control module 280 may turn on the air injection pump 82 and the third open/close valve 333 for a set time for the third additive during the step of adding the additive to the third capsule C3 (S700). When the air injection pump 82 is turned on, the pumped air may flow into the third capsule C3 after passing through the third open/close valve 333 . The air introduced into the third capsule (C3) can flow to the second main flow path (4B) together with the additives contained in the third capsule (C3), and the beverage manufacturing pack ( 12) can be entered. The control module 280 may turn off the air injection pump 52 and the third opening/closing valve 333 when the set time for the third additive has elapsed, and performs the additive inputting process (S700) of the third capsule (C3). can be completed

As additives and air are injected from the main flow path 4 to the beverage manufacturing pack 12, the beverage manufacturing pack 12 can be further expanded, and some of the air between the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and the fermenter 112 can flow to the air supply passage 154 pushed by the expanding beverage manufacturing pack 12, and can be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156.

As some of the air between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is exhausted through the air supply passage 154 and the exhaust valve 156, the beverage preparation pack 12 can be easily expanded, and the main Additives and air in the flow path 4 can be quickly introduced into the beverage manufacturing pack 12.

When the additive input steps (S500, S600, and S700) performed by the water pressure by the water pump 52 are all completed, the beverage maker will perform the dispenser residual water removal step (S800) of removing residual water in the dispenser (3). can However, when the additive input steps (S500, S600, and S700) are performed by air pressure by the air injection pump 52, the dispenser residual water removal step (S800) may be omitted.

The control module 280 may turn on the air injection pump 82 and close the air supply opening/closing valve 159 in the dispenser residual water removing step (S800). In addition, the control module 280 includes the first open/close valve 313, the second open/close valve 323, the third open/close valve 333, the main valve 9 and the gas discharge valve during the dispenser residual water removal step (S800). 73 can be opened, and the bypass valve 35 can be kept closed.

When the air injection pump 82 is turned on, the air sequentially passes through the air injection passage 81 and the common dispenser inlet passage 301, and then passes through the first capsule accommodating part 31, the second capsule accommodating part 32, and the second capsule accommodating part 32. The remaining water supplied to the 3-capsule accommodating part 33 and remaining in the first capsule accommodating part 31, the second capsule accommodating part 32, and the third capsule accommodating part 33 is transferred to the second main flow path 4B. It can be blown out, and the air can be moved to the beverage manufacturing pack 12 together with the remaining water moved to the first capsule accommodating portion 31, the second capsule accommodating portion 32, and the third capsule accommodating portion 33. . The controller 109 may open the exhaust valve 156 during the dispenser residual water removal step (S800).

As residual water and air are injected into the beverage preparation pack 12 from the main flow path 4, the beverage preparation pack 12 can be further expanded, and some of the air between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112 can flow to the air supply passage 154 pushed by the expanding beverage manufacturing pack 12, and can be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156.

As some of the air between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is exhausted through the air supply passage 154 and the exhaust valve 156, the beverage preparation pack 12 can be easily expanded, and the main Air and remaining water in the flow path 4 can be quickly introduced into the beverage manufacturing pack 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 dispenser residual water removal step (S800) when the residual water removal set time elapses.

When the dispenser residual water removal step (S800) is completed, the control module 280 may display a capsule separation message indicating that the capsules C1, C2, and C3 may be removed on the display 282, and the user may use the dispenser 3 ) to remove empty capsules.

The beverage maker may sequentially perform the first fermentation step (S900) and the second fermentation step (S1000) after the dispenser residual water removal step (S800) is completed.

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 operate the beverage dispensing valve 62 to dispense the beverage.

When the user manipulates the beverage dispensing valve 62 in the direction of opening, the limit switch 630 can be contacted, and the control module 280 can open the main valve 9 since the beverage preparation is completed. .

When the main valve 9 is opened, the beverage in the beverage preparation pack 12 will flow from the beverage preparation pack 12 to the main flow path 4 by the air pressure between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the fermenter 112. It may flow from the main flow path 4 to the beverage dispensing path 61 and be discharged through the beverage dispensing valve 62.

When the user operates in the direction of closing the beverage dispensing valve 62 after partially dispensing a beverage through the beverage dispensing valve 62, the limit switch 630 can be contacted off, and the control module 280 is the main valve. (9) can be closed.

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 passage 81 and the air supply passage 154 in order and be supplied between the beverage manufacturing pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112, and the beverage manufacturing pack ( 12) and the air between the fermenter 112 pressurizes the beverage preparation pack 12 with a pressure that allows the beverage in the beverage preparation pack 12 to rise to the second main flow path 4B. This is to form a sufficient high pressure between the beverage production pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112 so that the beverage from the beverage production pack 12 can be smoothly and quickly taken out during subsequent beverage extraction.

The user can take out the beverage at least once through the beverage take-out valve 62, and the control module 280 determines the time when the limit switch 630 is on, the time when the air pump 152 is driven, and the beverage preparation After completion, it is possible to determine whether or not beverage dispensing has been completed using information such as the on time of the main valve 9 .

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 the beverage dispensing is completed and the beverage dispensing valve 62 is closed, the control module 280 opens the exhaust valve 156 by turning on the exhaust valve 156 for a set completion time.

When controlling the opening of the exhaust valve 156, the air between the beverage production pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112 can be exhausted to the exhaust valve 156 through the air supply passage 154, and the beverage production pack 12 The pressure between the fermentation tank 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 washing process with the main oil, the control module 280 displays the beverage manufacturing pack on the display 282 ( 12) may display a pack removal message to remove it. The user may open the fermentation lid 107 to take the beverage preparation pack 12 out of the fermenter module 111.

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

On the other hand, if some of the air between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the fermenter 112 is exhausted through the exhaust valve 156 before the user opens the fermentation lid 107, the fermentation lid 107 will be opened. When, the beverage production pack 12 does not bounce upward and is maintained inside the fermentation tank 112.

That is, the user can safely and cleanly take out the used beverage manufacturing pack 12 from the fermentation tank 112.

On the other hand, when all beverages in the beverage preparation pack 12 are taken out and the control module 280 determines that the beverage dispensing is complete, the control module 280 further performs the beverage preparation step and the cleaning step after the beverage takeout (S1300) can

The cleaning step (S1300) after preparing the beverage and dispensing the beverage may include at least one of a first cleaning process and a second cleaning process. When the cleaning step ( S1300 ) includes a first cleaning process and a second cleaning process, the execution order of each cleaning process may be changed as needed.

Since the first cleaning process may be the same as the cleaning step (S100) prior to the beverage manufacturing step described above, duplicate descriptions are omitted, and the second cleaning process will be described below.

6 is a view showing the flow of water during a second cleaning process according to an example of a beverage maker.

The second cleaning process according to the present example may be a process of sterilizing and washing with water.

The control module 280 may turn on the water supply pump 52 and the water heater 53 when the limit switch 630 of the beverage dispensing valve 62 is off. In addition, the control module 280 can control the opening of the main valve 9, the gas discharge valve 73, the cleaning valve 78, the opening/closing valves 313, 323, 333, and the bypass valve 35. can

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 .

The water heated by the feed water heater 53 (ie, hot water) flows through the first capsule accommodating part 31, the second capsule accommodating part 32, the third capsule accommodating part 33, and the bypass passage ( 4C) can flow. After the water heated by the feed water heater 53 passes through the first capsule accommodating part 31, the second capsule accommodating part 32, the third capsule accommodating part 33 and the bypass passage 4C It can flow to the second main flow path (4B). Part of the water flowing into the second main flow path 4B flows into the washing flow path 77, and the other part flows into the empty beverage manufacturing pack 12 in the fermenter 112 through the main flow path connection 115. .

Water flowing into the washing passage 77 may pass through the open washing valve 78 , be injected into the gas discharge passage 71 , and may be discharged through the gas discharge valve 73 . However, a configuration in which water is discharged through the gas discharge relief valve 75 is also possible.

The beverage preparation pack 12 may be inflated by the water flowing into the empty beverage preparation pack 12 after beverage extraction is completed, and some of the air between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is expanded. It can flow to the air supply passage 154 pushed by the beverage manufacturing pack 12 to be, and can be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156.

At the time of the above control, the main flow path 4, the capsule accommodating portion 31, 32, 33, the bypass valve 35, the main valve 9, the gas discharge path 71, and the gas discharge valve 73 ) and the main flow path 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 first cleaning set time.

The control module 280 may turn off the feed water pump 52 and the feed water heater 53 after the first cleaning set time has elapsed, the main valve 9, the bypass valve 35, and each on-off valve ( 313, 323, and 333, the gas discharge valve 73, the washing valve 78, and the exhaust valve 156 may all be closed.

After the washing and sterilization step (S1300) is completed, the user can open the fermentation lid 107 and take out the beverage manufacturing pack 12 containing the water that has been washed in the fermenter module 111 and treat it.

Meanwhile, the control module 280 may turn on the feed water pump 52 without turning on the feed water heater 53 during the cleaning steps S100 and S1300. In this case, the flow path module 2 may be cleaned by cold water or normal temperature water pumped by the feed water pump 52 . Except that the water supply heater 53 is kept off, it is the same as the above description, so those skilled in the art will be able to easily understand.

7 is a view showing air flow during a second cleaning process according to another example of a beverage maker.

The second cleaning process according to the present example may be a process of sterilization and washing by air.

The control module 280 may turn on the air injection pump 82 when the limit switch 630 of the beverage dispensing valve 62 is off. In addition, the control module 280 can control the opening of the main valve 9, the gas discharge valve 73, the cleaning valve 78, the opening/closing valves 313, 323, 333, and the bypass valve 35. and keep the air supply opening/closing valve 159 closed.

When the air injection pump 82 is turned on, the pumped air may be injected into the air injection passage 81 .

The air injected into the air injection passage 81 flows into the first capsule accommodating part 31, the second capsule accommodating part 32, the third capsule accommodating part 33, and the bypass passage 4C. can The air pumped by the air injection pump 82 passes through the first capsule accommodating portion 31, the second capsule accommodating portion 32, the third capsule accommodating portion 33, and the bypass passage 4C. After that, it can flow to the second main flow path (4B). Part of the air flowing through the second main flow path 4B flows into the washing flow path 77, and the other part flows into the empty beverage manufacturing pack 12 in the fermenter 112 through the main flow path connection 115. there is.

The air flowing into the washing passage 77 may pass through the open washing valve 78 , be injected into the gas discharge passage 71 , and may be discharged through the gas discharge valve 73 . However, a configuration in which air is discharged through the gas discharge relief valve 75 is also possible.

The beverage preparation pack 12 may be inflated by air flowing into the beverage preparation pack 12, which is empty after beverage extraction is completed, and some of the air between the beverage preparation pack 12 and the fermentation tank 112 is expanded. It can flow to the air supply passage 154 pushed by the beverage manufacturing pack 12 to be, and can be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156.

At the time of the above control, the main flow path 4, the capsule accommodating portion 31, 32, 33, the bypass valve 35, the main valve 9, the gas discharge path 71, and the gas discharge valve 73 ) and the main flow path connection part 115 can be cleaned by the air pumped by the air injection pump 82.

The beverage maker may perform the cleaning as described above during the second cleaning set time.

The control module 280 may turn off the water supply pump 52 and the water supply heater 53 after the second cleaning set time has elapsed, and the main valve 9, the bypass valve 35, and each opening/closing valve ( 313, 323, and 333, the gas discharge valve 73, the washing valve 78, and the exhaust valve 156 may all be closed.

After the washing and sterilization step (S1300) is completed, the user can open the fermentation lid 107 and take out the beverage manufacturing pack 12 containing the water that has been washed in the fermenter module 111 and treat it.

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.

1: fermentation module 12: beverage manufacturing pack
280: control module 4: main flow path
51: water tank 52: water pump
53: water heater 71: gas extraction passage
77: washing flow path 78: washing valve
81: air injection passage 82: air injection pump
9: main valve

Claims (10)

delete delete fermentation module;
a main flow path connected to the fermentation module;
a gas extraction passage connected to the fermentation module and through which gas in the fermentation module is extracted;
a cleaning passage connecting the main passage and the gas extraction passage;
a washing valve installed in the washing passage to open and close the washing passage;
a water supply pump supplying water to the main passage; and
A main valve installed in the main flow path and opening and closing the main flow path;
And a gas extraction valve connected to the gas extraction passage,
The washing passage is connected between the main valve and the fermentation module in the main passage,
The washing passage is connected between the fermentation module and the gas extraction valve among the gas extraction passages,
A beverage maker in which water or air flowing through the main flow path flows into the gas discharge flow path through the washing flow path and is discharged through the gas discharge valve. According to claim 3,
Beverage maker further comprising a control module for opening the washing valve during the cleaning step. According to claim 3,
Beverage maker further comprising a control module for turning on the water pump during the cleaning step. According to claim 3,
air injection pump; and
Beverage maker further comprising an air injection flow path connected to the air injection pump and the main flow path. According to claim 6,
Beverage maker further comprising a control module for turning on the air injection pump during the cleaning step. delete According to claim 3,
Beverage maker further comprising a control module for opening the washing valve and opening the gas discharge valve during the cleaning step. According to claim 3,
Beverage maker further comprising a control module for opening the washing valve and the main valve in the cleaning mode.

Images