KR102552644B1 - Beverage maker - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a front cover; a dispenser mounted on the front of the front cover; And it relates to a beverage maker including a beverage take-out valve mounted on the rear surface of the front cover, and by reducing the length of the flow path exposed to the atmosphere, it is possible to minimize contamination of the beverage maker's internal flow path.

Description

Beverage maker {BEVERAGE MAKER}

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

Beverage is a 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 in which beverages are easily prepared.

Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a beverage maker in which the contaminable flow path is reduced by reducing the flow path exposed to the atmosphere.

Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a beverage maker in which a dispenser is easily attached and detached so that consumables can be easily replaced.

Beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention, the front cover; a beverage dispensing valve mounted on a rear surface of the front cover; and a dispenser mounted on the front cover to be located in front of the front cover, connected to the beverage dispensing valve, and provided with a dispenser channel through which beverages are guided.

Also, the beverage dispensing valve may be a solenoid valve connected to the dispenser channel and the beverage dispensing channel.

In addition, a through hole through which at least one of the dispenser channel and the beverage dispensing channel passes may be formed in the front cover.

In addition, a display module mounted on the rear surface of the front cover to be spaced apart from the beverage dispensing valve may be included.

Also, the display module may be mounted lower than the beverage dispensing valve.

In addition, the front cover may include a barrier protruding between the beverage dispensing valve and the display module.

Also, the dispenser may be mounted closer to the top of the front cover than the bottom, and the display module may be mounted at a lower height than the dispenser.

In addition, a wireless communication module installed on the rear surface of the front cover to be spaced apart from the beverage dispensing valve may be further included.

In addition, the dispenser includes an upper dispenser module in which an operation unit for dispensing a beverage is disposed; It may include a lower dispenser module in which the dispenser channel is disposed and detachably coupled to the upper dispenser module.

In addition, the dispenser may further include a cock member detachably coupled to the lower dispenser module and connected to the dispenser channel.

In addition, the upper dispenser module includes a dispenser case having a space therein;

A limit switch accommodated in the space may be included.

In addition, the upper dispenser module includes a lifting body connected to the control unit and lifted by the control unit to switch the limit switch; and a valve spring disposed in the dispenser case to support the lifting body.

Also, the lower dispenser module may include a dispenser base having a lower through-hole through which the dispenser channel passes.

In addition, the dispenser channel may include a first dispenser channel inclined downward; and

A second dispenser channel may be bent downward from the front end of the first dispenser channel and pass through the lower through hole.

Beverage maker according to another embodiment of the present invention, the front cover; a dispenser mounted on the front cover to be positioned in front of the front cover and provided with a dispenser channel through which beverages are guided; A display module mounted on the front cover at a height lower than that of the dispenser may be included.

In addition, the display module may be mounted such that a light output direction of the display module crosses a beverage dispensing direction of the dispenser channel.

Also, the display module may be mounted on a rear surface of the front cover.

Also, the front cover may include a front body having transparency through which light of the dispenser module passes, and a front panel disposed behind the front body and on which the display module and the dispenser are mounted.

In addition, the horizontal width of the singgi display module may be longer than the width of the dispenser in the horizontal direction and shorter than the width of the front cover in the horizontal direction.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser is mounted on the front of the center cover and the beverage take-out channel is mounted on the rear, thereby reducing the length of the flow path exposed to the atmosphere, thereby minimizing contamination of the inner flow path of the beverage maker.

In addition, a display module is provided in a space below the dispenser, so that the space can be efficiently utilized.

In addition, since the front cover is formed of a plurality of layers and the front body covers the front surface of the front panel, it is possible to prevent beverages from flowing into the display module located in the space below the dispenser.

In addition, by providing a display and a wireless communication module on the front cover, there is an advantage of facilitating user's operation.

In addition, the dispenser is separable into a dispenser case, a dispenser base, and a cock, so that cleaning of the flow path and replacement of consumables are facilitated.

In addition, the dispenser case and the dispenser base are detachable by sliding, so that the dispenser can be easily separated.

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 perspective view of a front cover according to an embodiment of the present invention
5 is a rear perspective view of a front cover according to an embodiment of the present invention
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a dispenser of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention
7 and 8 are views showing a separation process of a dispenser base and a dispenser case according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view schematically showing a sliding coupling between a dispenser base and a dispenser case according to an embodiment of the present invention;
10 is a partial perspective view showing that the locking jaw is hooked and fixed according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 11 is a flow chart showing the control procedure of the beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention
12 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention
13 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage maker according to a third embodiment of the present invention

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). In the fermentation module 1, fermentation of the beverage may proceed.

The beverage maker may include a temperature controller to control the temperature inside the fermentation module 1 .

The beverage maker may include a water supply module (5). The water supply module 5 may supply water.

The beverage maker may include a material feeder 3 having material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 in which materials necessary for preparing a beverage are accommodated.

The beverage maker may include main channels 41 and 42 connecting the water supply module 5 and the fermentation module 1.

The beverage maker may include a beverage dispenser 6 for dispensing the beverage prepared in the fermentation module 1 to the outside.

The beverage dispenser 6 may be connected to the second main channel 42, whereby the beverage dispensed from the fermentation module 1 passes through a part of the second main channel 42 and is guided to the beverage dispenser 6. It can be.

The beverage maker may further include a gas discharger (7). The gas discharger 7 may be connected to the fermentation module 1 to discharge gas generated during the manufacturing process of the beverage.

The beverage maker may further include an air injector 8 for injecting air. The air injector 8 may be connected to the water supply module 5 or the first main channel 41 . The air injector may include an air pump 82 .

The beverage maker may further include an air regulator 15 that regulates pressure between the inner wall of the fermenter 112 and the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 .

The beverage maker may further include a sub-channel 91. The sub-channel 91 may connect the water supply module 5 and the beverage dispenser 6.

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

The fermentation module 1 may include a fermentation tank module 111 having an opening and a fermentation lid 107 opening and closing the opening 170 .

The fermentation tank module 111 may include a fermentation case 160 and a fermentation tank 112 accommodated in the fermentation case 160 and having an internal space S1 formed therein. An insulator (not shown) may be provided between the fermentation case 160 and 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 fermentation case 160 and the fermentation tank 112 may each 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 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. The fermentation lid 107 may be provided with a main channel connection part 115 connected to the main channel, more specifically, the second main channel 42 .

A fermentation container 12 may be accommodated inside the fermentation tank 112 .

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

The fermentation container 12 may be a pack containing ingredients for preparing a beverage therein. The fermentation container 12 may be formed of a flexible material, so that it may be easily inserted into the fermentation tank 112, and contraction and expansion may be possible according to pressure. However, it is not limited thereto, and it is of course possible that the fermentation container 12 has a material of PET.

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

The fermentation container 12 may be inserted into and accommodated in the fermentation tank 112 while the material is accommodated therein. The fermentation container 12 may be inserted into the fermentation tank 112 and accommodated in the fermentation tank 112 while the fermentation lid 107 is open.

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

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.

An insulator (not shown) may be provided between the fermentation case 160 and the fermentation tank 112 . The heat insulation unit may be located inside the fermentation case 160 and surround the fermentation tank 112 . As a result, the temperature of the fermenter 112 can be maintained constant.

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

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

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

The temperature controller 11 may change the internal temperature of the fermenter module 111. In more detail, the temperature controller 11 can change the temperature of the fermenter 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 at least one of a refrigerating cycle device 13 and a heater 14 . However, it is not limited thereto, and the temperature controller can also be configured to include a thermoelectric element (TEM).

The refrigerating cycle device 13 may cool the fermentation tank 112 to adjust the temperature of the fermentation tank 112. The refrigerating cycle device 13 may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator 134 .

The evaporator 134 may be disposed in contact with the outer surface of the fermenter 112 . The evaporator 134 may be composed of an evaporation tube 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, and may cool the fermentation vessel 112 insulated by the insulation unit.

The temperature controller 11 may further include a heater 14 for heating the fermenter 112 . The heater 14 may be installed in contact with the lower 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 plate heater.

As a result, natural convection of the fluid may occur inside the fermenter 112 by the evaporator 134 and the heater 14, and the temperature distribution inside the fermenter 112 and the fermentation container 12 may be uniform.

Hereinafter, the main channels 41 and 42 and the bypass channel 43 will be described.

As described above, the main channels 41 and 42 connect the first main channel 41 connecting the water supply module 5 and the material feeder 3, and the material feeder 3 and the fermentation module 1. It may include a second main channel 42 that does.

That is, the first main channel 41 can guide the water supplied from the water supply module 5 to the material supply unit 3, and the second main channel 42 is the supply unit of the material extracted from the material supply unit 3 and the water. The mixture may be directed to the fermentation module (1).

One end 41A of the first main channel 41 may be connected to the water supply module 5, and the other end may be connected to the material feeder 3, in more detail, the inlet of the first material accommodating part 31 to be described later ( 31A) can be connected.

A material supply valve 310 opening and closing the first main channel 41 may be installed in the first main channel 41 . Material supply valve 310 may be a component included in the material supply (3).

The material supply valve 310 is opened when the additives accommodated in the material accommodating units 31, 32, and 33 are inputted to open the first main channel 41. The material supply valve 310 may be opened during cleaning of the material accommodating parts 31, 32, and 33 to open the first main channel 41.

One end of the second main channel 42 may be connected to the main channel connection part 115 of the fermentation module 1, and the other end may be connected to a material feeder 3, a final material receiving part 33 to be described later in more detail. ) can be connected to the outlet 33B.

A main valve 40 opening and closing the second main channel 42 may be installed in the second main channel 42 . In addition, a main check valve 314 for flowing fluid from the material supplier 3 to the fermentation module 1 may be installed in the second main channel 42 . That is, the main check valve 314 can prevent the fluid from flowing back to the material supplier 3 .

The main check valve 314 may be located between the main valve 40 and the material supplier 3 for the second main channel 42 .

The main valve 40 may be opened when water is supplied to the fermentation container 12 to open the second main channel 42 . The main valve 40 may be closed while cooling the fermentation tank 112 to close the second main channel 42 . The main valve 40 may be opened when air is injected into the fermentation container 12 to open the second main channel 42 . The main valve 40 may be opened to open the second main channel 42 when the additive is supplied into the fermentation container 12 . The main valve 40 may be closed while fermentation of materials is in progress to seal the inside of the fermentation container 12 . The main valve 40 may be closed during aging and storage of the beverage to seal the inside of the fermentation container 12 . The main valve 40 is opened when a beverage is dispensed by the beverage dispenser 6 to open the second main channel 4, and the beverage in the fermentation container 12 passes through the main valve 40 to discharge the beverage. It can flow into the group (6).

The main channels 41 and 42 may be composed of one continuous channel if the beverage maker does not include the ingredient feeder 3.

If the beverage maker includes the ingredient feeder 3, the beverage maker may further include a bypass channel 43 configured to bypass the material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 for water or air. .

The bypass channel 43 may connect the first main channel 41 and the second main channel 42 by bypassing the material accommodating parts 31, 32, and 33.

One end 43A of the bypass channel 43 may be connected to the first main channel 41 and the other end 43B may be connected to the second main channel 42 . In more detail, one end 43A of the bypass channel 43 may be connected between the water supply module 5 and the material supply valve 310 for the first main channel 41, and the other end 43B may be connected between the main valve 40 and the material feeder 3 for the second main channel 42 .

A bypass valve 35 opening and closing the bypass channel 43 may be installed in the bypass channel 43 .

The bypass valve 35 may be opened to open the bypass channel 43 when water supplied from the water supply module 5 is supplied to the fermentation container 12 . The bypass valve 35 may be opened to open the bypass channel 43 when air injected from the air injector 8 is supplied to the fermentation container 12 . The bypass valve 35 may be opened during cleaning of the bypass channel 43 to open the bypass channel 43 .

In addition, a bypass check valve 324 for flowing fluid from the first main channel 41 to the second main channel 42 may be installed in the bypass channel 43 . That is, the fluid can only flow from the first main channel 41 to the second main channel 42 and cannot flow in the opposite direction.

The bypass check valve 324 may be located between the bypass valve 35 and the second main channel 42 with respect to the bypass channel 43 .

Hereinafter, the material feeder 3 will be described in detail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Materials in the fermentation container 12 may be fermented over time, and beverages prepared in the fermentation container 12 may flow to the second main channel 42 through the main channel connection 115, It can flow from the second main channel 42 to the beverage dispenser 6 and be taken out.

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

The material accommodated in the material feeder 3 may be directly accommodated in the material containing portions 31, 32, and 33 formed in the material feeder 3. At least one material accommodating part 31, 32, 33 may be formed in the material feeder 3. A plurality of material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 may be formed in the material supply unit 3, and in this case, the plurality of material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 may be formed separately from each other.

Inlets 31A, 32A, and 33A through which fluid flows in and outlets 31B, 32B, and 33B through which fluid flows out may be formed in each of the material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33. The fluid introduced into the inlet of one material accommodating unit may be mixed with the material of the material accommodating unit and flowed out through the outlet.

On the other hand, the material accommodated in the material feeder 3 can be accommodated in the capsules C1, C2, and C3. In this case, the capsules C1, C2, and C3 may be accommodated in the material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33, and the material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 may be referred to as capsule mounting portions. can

When the material is accommodated in the capsules C1, C2, and C3, the material feeder 3 may be configured to allow the capsules C1, C2, and C3 to be seated and withdrawn, and the material feeder 3 may be composed of a capsule kit assembly in which the capsules C1, C2, and C3 are detachably accommodated.

For example, a first additive, a second additive, and a third additive may be accommodated in the material supplier 3 . The first additive may be yeast, the second additive may be hops, and the third additive may be a flavor additive. The material supplier 3 includes a first capsule mounting portion 31 in which the first capsule C1 containing the first additive is accommodated, and a second capsule mounting portion 32 in which the second capsule C2 containing the second additive is accommodated. And, it may include a third capsule mounting portion 33 in which the third capsule (C3) in which the third additive is accommodated is accommodated.

The material contained in the material container or the capsules C1, C2, and C3 may be extracted by the hydraulic pressure of the water supplied from the water supply module 5.

When the material is extracted by water pressure, the water supplied from the water supply module 5 to the first main channel 41 can be mixed with the material while passing through the material accommodating part or the capsules C1, C2, and C3. , The material contained in the material accommodating portion or the capsules C1, C2, and C3 may flow to the second main channel 42 together with water.

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

When a plurality of material accommodating portions are formed in the material feeder 3, the plurality of material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 may be connected in series with respect to the flow direction of water.

In more detail, the material feeder 3 includes at least one connection channel 311 connecting the outlet of any one material accommodation part and the inlet of the other material accommodation part among the plurality of material accommodation parts 31, 32, and 33. ) 312 may be included.

In addition, the plurality of material accommodating units 31, 32, and 33 may include an initial material accommodating unit 31 and a final material accommodating unit 33. The plurality of material accommodating parts 31, 32, and 33 may further include an intermediate material accommodating part 32.

The inlet 31A of the first material accommodating part 31 may be connected to the first main channel 41, and the outlet 33B of the final material accommodating part 33 may be connected to the second main channel 42.

The intermediate material accommodating part 32 may be located between the first material accommodating part 31 and the second material accommodating part 33 with respect to the flow of fluid. The intermediate material accommodating portion 32 may be connected to different connection channels 311 and 312 at the inlet 32A and the outlet 32B, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, when three material accommodating parts are formed in the material feeder 3, the outlet 31B of the first material accommodating part 31 is connected to the inlet 32A of the intermediate material accommodating part 32 and the first connection. It may be connected to the channel 311, and the outlet 32B of the intermediate material accommodating portion 32 may be connected to the inlet 33A of the final material accommodating portion 33 and the second connection channel 312.

In this case, the water introduced into the inlet 31A of the first material accommodating portion 31 through the first main channel 41 passes through the outlet 31B together with the first additive accommodated in the first material accommodating portion 31. It may flow into the first connection channel 311 .

The fluid (a mixture of water and the first additive) introduced into the inlet 32A of the intermediate material accommodating portion 32 through the first connection channel 311 is mixed with the second additive accommodated in the intermediate material accommodating portion 32. It may flow into the second connection channel 312 through the outlet 32B.

The fluid (a mixture of water, the first additive and the second additive) introduced into the inlet 33A of the final material accommodating part 33 through the second connection channel 312 is the first material accommodated in the final material accommodating part 33. 3 It may flow into the second main channel 42 through the outlet 33B together with the additive.

The fluid (mixture of water, first additive, second additive, and third additive) flowing out through the second main channel 42 is guided to the main channel connection part 115 of the fermentation module 1, and the fermentation container 12 ) can enter the interior.

However, the configuration of the material supplier 3 is not limited thereto, and for example, when there is no intermediate material accommodation unit, the material supplier 3 may be formed with two material accommodation units. In this case, one material accommodating part may be an initial material accommodating part, and the other material accommodating part may be a final material accommodating part. An outlet of the first material accommodating unit and an inlet of the final material accommodating unit may be connected by a connection channel.

As another example, when there are a plurality of intermediate material accommodating units, four or more material accommodating units may be formed in the material supplier 3 . In this case, one material accommodating part may be an initial material accommodating part, another material accommodating part may be a final material accommodating part, and the remaining material accommodating part may be an intermediate material accommodating part. In this case, since the serial connection relationship between each material accommodating portion can be easily understood by those skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Since the plurality of material accommodating portions 31, 32, and 33 are connected in series, the channel configuration of the material feeder 3 can be simplified. In addition, since the additives contained in each of the capsules (C1, C2, and C3) are extracted at once, there is an advantage in that the required time is shortened. In addition, since the user does not have to worry about the order in which the capsules C1, C2, and C3 are mounted, malfunction caused by mounting the capsules C1, C2, and C3 in the wrong order may not occur. In addition, since the leakage point of the material feeder 3 is minimized, reliability can be maintained.

When the material accommodated in the material feeder 3 is accommodated in the capsules C1, C2, and C3, the initial material accommodating portion 31 may be referred to as an initial capsule loading portion, and the intermediate material accommodating portion 32 is It may be called an intermediate capsule mounting portion, and the final material accommodating portion 33 may be named a final capsule mounting portion.

Hereinafter, the water supply module 5 will be described in detail.

The water supply module 5 may include a water tank 51, 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. .

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 may be further included.

The water tank 51 and the water supply pump 52 may be connected through the water tank outlet channel 55A, and the water contained in the water tank 51 may be sucked into the water supply pump 52 through the water tank outlet channel 55A.

The water pump 52 and one end 41A of the first main channel 41 may be connected to the water supply channel 55B, and the water discharged from the water pump passes through the water supply channel 55B to the first main channel 41. ) can be guided.

A flow meter 56 for measuring a flow rate of water discharged from the water tank 51 may be installed in the water tank outlet channel 55A.

In addition, a flow control valve 54 for adjusting the flow rate of water discharged from the water tank 51 may be installed in the water tank outlet channel 55A. The flow control valve 54 may include a step-in motor.

In addition, a thermistor 54A for measuring the temperature of water discharged from the water tank 51 may be installed in the water tank outlet channel 55A. The thermistor 54A may be incorporated in the flow control valve 54.

A water supply check valve 59 may be installed in the water supply channel 55B to prevent water from flowing back to the water supply pump 52 .

The water supply heater 53 may be installed in the water supply channel 55B.

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 water supply module 5 may further include a safety valve 53A. The safety valve 53A may communicate with the inside of the heater case of the water heater 53. The safety valve 53A can limit the maximum internal pressure of the heater case. For example, the safety valve 53A may limit the maximum internal pressure of the heater case to 3.0 bar.

The water supply module 5 may further include a water supply temperature sensor 57 for measuring the temperature of the water passing through the water supply heater 53 . The water supply temperature sensor 57 may be installed in the water supply heater 53. Alternatively, the water supply temperature sensor 57 may be disposed in a portion located after the water supply heater 53 along the water flow direction in the water supply channel 55B. In addition, it is also possible that the water supply temperature sensor 57 is installed in the first main channel 41 .

When the water supply pump 52 is driven, the water in the water tank 51 is sucked into the water supply pump 52 through the water tank outlet channel 55A, and the water discharged from the water supply pump 52 passes through the water supply channel 55B. In the process of flowing, it can be heated by the feedwater heater 53 and guided to the first main channel 41 .

The beverage dispenser 6 will be described below.

The beverage dispenser 6 may be connected to the second main channel 42 .

In more detail, the beverage dispenser 6 may include a dispenser 62 through which beverages are dispensed, and a beverage dispensing channel 61 connecting the dispenser 62 and the second main channel 42 .

One end 61A of the beverage dispensing channel 61 may be connected between the main check valve 314 and the main valve 40 for the second main channel 42, and the other end is connected to the dispenser 62. can be connected

A beverage dispensing valve 64 opening and closing the beverage dispensing channel 61 may be installed in the beverage dispensing channel 61 .

The beverage dispensing valve 64 may be opened when the beverage is dispensing to open the beverage dispensing channel 61 . The beverage dispensing valve 64 is opened when remaining water is removed to open the beverage dispensing channel 61 . The beverage dispensing valve 64 may be opened during cleaning of the beverage dispensing device 6 to open the beverage dispensing channel 61 .

A foam blocking unit (not shown) may be provided in the beverage dispensing channel 61, and the foam of the beverage flowing from the second main channel 42 to the beverage dispensing channel 61 may be minimized while passing through the foam blocking pass. there is. The foam blocking unit may be provided with a mesh through which foam is filtered.

When the beverage is dispensed, the beverage dispensing valve 64 may be opened, and when the beverage is not dispensed, the beverage dispensing valve 64 may be kept closed.

The beverage dispensing valve 64 may be, for example, a solenoid valve.

Hereinafter, the gas discharger 7 will be described in detail.

The gas discharger 7 is connected to the fermentation module 1 and can discharge gas generated inside the fermentation container 12 .

In more detail, the gas exhauster 7 includes a gas discharge channel 71 connected to the fermentation module 1, a gas pressure sensor 72 installed in the gas discharge channel 71, and gas discharged through the gas discharge channel 71. It may include a gas discharge valve 73 connected after the gas pressure sensor 72 in the direction.

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

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

The gas discharge valve 73 may be turned on and opened when air is injected into the fermentation container 12 by the air injector 8. The beverage maker may inject air into the fermentation container 12 to evenly mix malt and water, and at this time, air bubbles generated in the liquid malt are discharged through the gas discharge channel 71 and gas discharge at the top of the fermentation container 12 It can be discharged to the outside through the 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 discharger 7 may further include a safety valve 75 connected to the gas discharge channel 71 . The safety valve 75 may be connected after the gas pressure sensor 72 in the gas discharge direction of the gas discharge channel 71 . The safety valve 75 may limit the maximum internal pressure of the fermentation container 12 and the gas discharge channel 71 . For example, the safety valve 75 may limit the maximum internal pressure of the fermentation container 12 and the gas discharge channel 71 to 3.0 bar.

Meanwhile, the gas discharger 7 may further include a pressure release valve 76.

A pressure relief valve 76 may be connected to the gas outlet channel 71 . The pressure relief valve 76 and the gas discharge valve 73 can alternatively be open/closed.

The gas discharge channel 71 may be branched and connected to the gas discharge valve 73 and the pressure release valve 76 respectively.

A noise reduction device 77 may be mounted on the pressure release valve 76, and the noise reduction device 77 may include at least one of an orifice structure and a muffler structure.

By means of the noise reducer 77, even if the pressure relief valve 76 is opened, the internal pressure of the fermentation container 12 can be gradually lowered compared to the gas discharge valve 73.

The pressure release valve 76 may be opened to release the pressure in a state in which the internal pressure of the fermentation container 12 is increased due to gas generation as fermentation of the beverage proceeds. The noise reduction device 77 can effectively reduce noise generated due to a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the fermentation container 12 .

The pressure release valve 76 may be controlled to open/close in a secondary fermentation step (S800) to be described later.

The air injector 8 will be described below.

The air injector 8 may be connected to the water supply channel 55B or the first main channel 41 to inject air. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a case in which the air injector 8 is connected to the water supply channel 55B will be described.

The air injector 8 may be connected to the opposite side of the sub-channel 91 to be described later with respect to the water supply heater 53.

In this case, the air injected from the air injector 8 may pass through the water heater 53 and flow into the sub channel 91 together with the remaining water inside the water heater 53 . As a result, residual water in the feed water heater 53 is removed and the feed water heater 53 can be kept clean.

Alternatively, the air injected from the air injector 8 into the first main channel 41 may pass through the bypass channel 43 and the second main channel 42 in sequence and be injected into the fermentation container 12. . This allows stirring or aeration to be performed within the fermentation container 12 .

Alternatively, the air injected from the air injector 8 into the first main channel 41 may be guided to the material supplier 3 and flow to the capsule mounting parts 31, 32, and 33. Residual water or dregs in the capsules C1, C2, and C3 or the capsule mounting parts 31, 32, and 33 may flow into the second main channel 42 by the air injected by the air injector 8. there is. The capsules C1, C2, and C3 and the capsule mounting parts 31, 32, and 33 can be kept clean by the air injected by the air injector 8.

The air injector 8 may include an air injection channel 81 connected to the water supply channel 55B or the first main channel 41 and an air pump 82 connected to the air injection channel 81 . The air pump 82 may pump air into the air injection channel 81 .

In the air injection channel 81, there is an air injection check valve 83 that prevents water flowing into the water supply channel 55B by the water pump 52 from flowing into the air pump 82 through the air injection channel 81. can be installed

The air injector 8 may further include an air filter 82A. The air filter 82A may be provided in the suction part of the air pump 82, and external air may pass through the air filter 82A and be sucked into the air pump 82. Thus, the air pump 82 may inject clean air into the air injection channel 81 .

Hereinafter, the air regulator 15 will be described in detail.

The air regulator 15 can regulate the pressure between the inner wall of the fermenter 112 and the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 .

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

The air regulator 15 may include an air supply channel 154 connected to the fermentation module 1 and an exhaust channel 157 connected to the air supply channel 154 to exhaust air to the outside.

One end 154A of the air supply channel 154 may be connected to the first main channel 41, and the other end may be connected to the fermentation module.

The air supply channel 154 may be connected to the fermentation module 1, in particular, the fermentation lid 107. An air supply channel connection unit 117 to which the air supply channel 154 is connected may be provided in the fermentation module 1, and the air supply channel connection unit 117 is the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112 and the outer surface of the fermentation container 12. It can be communicated through the interspace.

Air injected from the air injector 8 into the first main channel 41 may be guided between the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112 through the air supply channel 154 .

The air injector 8 may function as an air supplier supplying air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 together with the air supply channel 154 .

The air supplied into the fermentation tank 112 may pressurize the fermentation container 12 between the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112 .

The beverage in the fermentation container 12 can be pressurized by the fermentation container 12 pressed by air, and when the main valve 40 and the beverage dispensing valve 64 are opened, the beverage passes through the main channel connection 115 2 can flow into the main channel (42). The beverage flowing from the fermentation container 12 to the second main channel 42 may be taken out through the beverage dispenser 6 .

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

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

As a result, when the beverage preparation is completed, the beverage maker takes out the beverage in the fermentation container 12 while placing the beverage inside the fermentation module 1 without taking the fermentation container 12 out of the fermentation module 1. It can be taken out with the channel module (6).

A configuration in which the air regulator 15 includes the air injector 8 and a separate air supply pump is also possible. In this case, the air supply channel 154 may be connected to the air supply pump without being connected to the first main channel 41 . However, since the air pump 82 is configured to inject air into the fermentation container 12 and supply air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112, the product is compact and cost effective. It would be more desirable in terms of savings.

On the other hand, the exhaust channel 157, along with a portion of the air supply channel 154, may function as an air exhaust passage for exhausting air between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 to the outside.

The exhaust channel 157 may be located outside the fermentation module 1. The exhaust channel 157 may be connected to a portion of the air supply channel 154 located outside the fermenter 112.

The air supply channel 154 is a first channel from a connection part 154A connected to the first main channel 41 to a connection part 157A to which the exhaust channel 157 is connected, and a connection part to which the exhaust channel 157 is connected. A second channel from 154A to the air supply channel connection unit 117 may be included. The first channel may be an air supply channel that guides the air pumped by the air pump 82 to the second channel. In addition, the second channel supplies air that has passed through the air supply channel between the fermentation tank 112 and the fermentation container 12, or guides the air leaked between the fermentation tank 112 and the fermentation container 12 to the connection channel 157. It may be a channel for both supply and exhaust air.

An exhaust valve 156 opening and closing the exhaust channel 157 may be connected to the exhaust channel 157 .

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

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

The air controller 15 may further include an air supply valve 159 that regulates air pumped by the air pump 82 and supplied between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 .

The air supply valve 159 may be installed in the air supply channel 154. In more detail, the air supply valve 159 may be installed between a connection part 154A of the air supply channels 154 with the first main channel 41 and a connection part 157A with the exhaust channel 157.

Hereinafter, the subchannel 91 will be described in detail.

The sub-channel 91 may connect the water supply module 5 and the beverage dispenser 6. In more detail, one end 91A of the sub-channel 91 may be connected to the water supply channel 55B and the other end 91B may be connected to the beverage dispensing channel 61.

The sub-channel 91 may be connected between the feed water pump 52 and the feed water heater 53 for the feed water channel 55B.

In addition, the sub-channel 91 may be connected to the beverage dispensing channel 61 between the connection portion 61A of the second main channel 42 and the beverage dispensing valve 64 .

Water supplied by the water supply pump 52 or air pumped by the air pump 82 can be guided to the beverage dispensing channel 61 through the sub-channel 91, and dispensing to the dispenser 62 and beverage dispensing The remaining water or beverage remaining inside the machine 6 can be removed.

A sub-valve 92 opening and closing the sub-channel 91 may be installed in the sub-channel 91 .

The sub valve 92 may open the sub channel 91 when dispensing beverages or cleaning the inside.

In addition, a sub check valve 93 may be installed in the sub channel 91 to prevent the beverage in the beverage dispensing channel 61 from flowing backward to the water supply module 5 . The sub check valve 93 may be located between the sub valve 92 and the beverage dispensing channel 61 with respect to the sub channel 91 .

The sub-channel 91 may function as a residual water removal channel of the water supply module 5 . For example, when the air pump 82 is turned on while the air supply valve 159, the bypass valve 35, and the material supply valve 310 are closed and the sub valve 92 is open, the air injection channel 81 The air injected into ) may pass through the water heater 53 and flow into the sub channel 91, pass through the sub valve 92, flow into the beverage dispensing channel 61, and then be dispensed into the dispenser 62. can In this process, the air is discharged to the dispenser 62 together with the remaining water remaining in the water supply module 5, more specifically, the water supply heater 53 and the water supply channel 55B, so that the remaining water can be removed.

Also, the sub-channel 91 may function as a cleaning channel. This will be described in detail in the cleaning step (S100) (S1100) and the dispenser cleaning process of the beverage dispensing step (S1000), which will be described later.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A fermentation tank 112 may be accommodated inside the fermentation case 160 . The insulator 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 the heater 14 (see FIG. 1) may be located between the heat insulation unit and the fermentation tank 112. That is, the thermal insulation unit may surround the evaporator 134 and/or the heater 14 together with the fermenter 112, thereby facilitating temperature control of the fermenter 112.

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, fermentation lid 107 may be hinged with fermenter module 111 .

The fermentation reed 107 may be provided with a first hinge connection portion 107A protruding backward, and the first hinge connection portion 107A may be hingedly connected to the fermenter module 111.

On the other hand, the refrigerating cycle device 13 may include a compressor 131, a condenser 132, an expansion mechanism 133, and an evaporator 134 (see FIG. 1). The beverage maker may further include a blowing fan 135 cooling the condenser 132 .

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

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

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

The base 100 may support at least a portion of the refrigerating cycle device 13 . For example, the compressor 131 and the condenser 132 of the refrigeration cycle device 13 may be supported by the base 100 .

In addition, a pipe 136 may be connected to the fermentation module 1 . A part of the refrigerant pipe constituting the refrigerating cycle device 13 (see FIG. 1) may be embedded in the pipe 136. In more detail, a refrigerant pipe connecting the expansion mechanism 133 and the evaporator 134 (see FIG. 1) may be embedded in the pipe 136.

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 part 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 or similar shape as the fermentation lid 107. As a result, the beverage maker can have a sense of unity in design, and there is an advantage in that the same parts can be used as the water tank lid 110 and the fermentation lid 107, respectively.

The height from the base 100 to the fermentation lid 107 may be the same as the height from the base 100 to 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.

The fermentation module cover 201 and the water tank cover 202 may surround at least a portion of the outer circumference of the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51, respectively. The fermentation module cover 201 and the water tank cover 51 can fix the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51, respectively, and protect them from external impact.

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.

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

The front cover module 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) may be disposed at the rear.

The front cover module 210 may configure the front side appearance of the beverage maker.

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

The front cover module 210 may be configured by combining a plurality of members.

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

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 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 .

Meanwhile, the front cover 213 may be disposed between the front fermentation module cover 211 and the front water tank cover 212. Accordingly, the front cover 213 may be a center cover that blocks the gap between the front fermentation module cover 211 and the front water tank cover 212 .

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

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

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

The dispenser 62 may be mounted on the front cover 212 to be positioned in front of the front cover 212 .

The front cover 213 may include a dispenser mounting portion 214 in which the dispenser 62 is mounted and a display hole 282 displaying various information on the beverage maker. The display hole 282 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 .

The dispenser mounting portion 214 may be formed at a position closer to the upper end of the front cover 213 than to the lower end.

A detailed configuration of the front cover 213 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 .

Meanwhile, the rear cover 220 may be coupled to the front cover module 210 , and an inner space of the outer case 200 may be formed between the rear cover 220 and the front cover module 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 behind the first rear cover 260 .

An opening 264 open in the front-rear direction may be formed in the first rear cover 260 . In more detail, the cover body 261 may be formed with an opening 264 that is open in the front-rear direction. The opening 264 may be formed to face the main frame 230 to be described later 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 on the cover body 261. The rear fermentation module cover 262 and the rear water tank cover 263 may be mounted from the front with respect to the cover body 261 .

A portion of the upper surface of the cover body 261 may be positioned between the rear fermentation module cover 262 and the rear water tank cover 263.

Avoidance 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 avoidance groove 262C formed on the rear fermentation module cover 262 corresponds to the first hinge connection portion 107A formed on the lid body 109 of the fermentation lid 107, and the first hinge formed on the rear water tank cover 263 The second avoidance groove 263C may correspond to the second hinge connection portion 110A formed in the water tank lid 110 .

Each of the avoidance grooves 262C and 263C may be configured to avoid interference with each of the hinge connection portions 107A and 110A.

A through hole 265 may be formed in the rear fermentation module cover 262 . The through hole 265 may be formed long in the vertical direction and open in the front-rear direction. Channels connected to the fermentation module 1 may not interfere with the rear fermentation module cover 262 through the through hole 265 .

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

A connection channel avoidance groove 261A may be formed in the cover body 261 to avoid interference with the connection channels 311 and 312 of the material supplier 3 (see FIG. 1).

Meanwhile, the second rear cover 270 may be mounted behind the first rear cover 260 . The second rear cover 270 may cover the opening 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 second rear cover 270 may be mounted to cover both side surfaces of the first rear cover 260 .

The second rear cover 270 may be configured to be mounted at the same height as the upper ends of the rear fermentation module cover 262 and the rear water tank cover 263 .

At least one through hole 271 may be formed in the rear cover 220 , more specifically, the second rear cover 270 . The through hole 271 may face the opening 264 and/or the through hole 265 formed in the first rear cover 260 in the front and rear directions.

The gas discharged from the gas discharge valve 73 (see FIG. 1) or the pressure release valve 76 (see FIG. 1) may be discharged to the outside of the beverage maker through the through hole 271. In addition, the air exhausted from the exhaust valve 156 (see FIG. 1) may be discharged to the outside of the beverage maker through the through hole 271.

Meanwhile, the blowing fan 135 may be disposed in front of the condenser 132 . In more detail, the blowing fan 135 may be disposed at a position overlapping the opening 264 and the through hole 271 in the front-back direction, and the condenser 132 is between the blowing fan 135 and the through hole 271. can be located 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 opening 264 and the through hole 271 .

A material supplier accommodating portion 272 may be formed in the second rear cover 270 .

The material supplier accommodating part 272 may be formed on the top of the second rear cover. A part of the rear side of the material supplier 3 may be accommodated in the material supplier accommodating part 272 .

In addition, a third avoidance groove 275 and a fourth avoidance groove 276 may be formed in the second rear cover 270 . The third avoidance groove 275 may correspond to the first avoidance groove 262C formed on the rear fermentation module cover 262, and the fourth avoidance groove 276 may correspond to the second avoidance groove formed on the rear water tank cover 263. (263C) may correspond.

Meanwhile, the material feeder 3 may be disposed between the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51. As a result, the beverage maker can be manufactured more compactly when the material feeder 3 is located other than between the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51, and the material feeder 3 is placed between the fermentation module 1 and the water tank 51. ) can be protected by

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

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

The material supplier 3 may be located between the front cover module 210 and the rear cover 220 in the front and rear directions. The front of the material supplier 3 may be covered by the front cover 213 of the front cover module 210, and the rear surface may be covered by the material supplier receiving portion 272 of the second rear cover 270. .

The material supplier 3 may be supported by the cover body 261 of the first rear cover 261 and the material supplier accommodating portion 272 of the second rear cover 270 .

The material feeder 3 includes a capsule mounting body 36 having capsule mounting portions 31, 32, and 33 on which capsules C1, C2, and C3 are detachably mounted, and capsule mounting portions 31, 32 ) (33) may include a lead module (37).

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

The lead module 37 may be slidably disposed or rotatably connected to the capsule mounting body 36 . The lead module 37 may be hinged to the capsule mounting body 36 .

The material feeder 3 may be installed at an approximately central upper portion of the beverage maker, and the user rotates the lead module 37 of the material feeder 3 upward to easily insert the capsules C1, C2, and C3. Can be installed and detached.

On the other hand, the beverage maker may include a main frame (230). The main frame 230 may have a configuration in which at least some of the valves and channels described above are fixed.

The main frame 230 may be positioned between the front cover module 210 and the rear cover 220 in the front and rear directions. The main frame 230 may be disposed in contact with the outer circumference of the fermentation module 1.

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.

At least a portion of the main frame 230 may be located below the material feeder 3 .

At least one of a water supply pump 52 , a water supply heater 53 , a blower 135 , and an air pump 82 may be mounted on the main frame 230 . For example, the blower 135 and the air pump 82 may be mounted on the main frame 230 , and the water supply pump 52 and the water heater 53 may be mounted on the base 100 .

The main frame 230 partitions between the condenser 132 and the fermentation module 1 to 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, 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 be disposed on the main frame 230 . The control module 280 may be fastened to the rear surface 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 opening 264 formed in the first rear cover 260 .

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

The controller 281A included in the control module 280 may be electrically connected to the wireless communication module. For example, the controller 281A may receive a command received through a wireless communication module and prepare a beverage accordingly. In addition, the controller 281A may transmit information about the beverage maker or the prepared beverage from the wireless communication module to a separate mobile terminal.

Also, the controller 281A may receive a command input from the input unit. For example, the controller 281A may prepare a beverage according to a command input by an input unit. In addition, the controller 281A may control to output various information of the beverage maker to the display module 284 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). For example, the controller 281A may display information such as the beverage dispensing amount, the remaining beverage amount, or beverage dispensing completion through the display module 284 .

The controller 281A may control at least one of the feed water pump 52, the feed water heater 53, the air pump 82, and the temperature controller 11. In addition, the controller 281A includes a flow control valve 54, a material supply valve 310, a main valve 40, a bypass valve 35, an air supply valve 159, an exhaust valve 156, and a beverage dispensing valve. At least one of (64), the sub valve 92, the gas discharge valve 73, and the pressure release valve 76 may be controlled.

The controller 281A may receive a measurement value of at least one of the flow meter 56, the thermistor 54A, the water supply temperature sensor 57, the temperature sensor 16, and the gas pressure sensor 72.

In more detail, the controller 281A may detect the internal pressure of the fermentation container 12 by the gas pressure sensor 72 and 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.

In addition, the controller 281A can detect the temperature of the water supplied from the water supply module 5 to the first main channel 41 by the water supply temperature sensor 57, and the water supply heater 53 ) can be controlled.

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

In addition, the controller 281A may accumulate at least one of the time the dispenser 62 is open, the time the air pump 82 is operated, and the time the main valve 40 is turned on after beverage production is completed. The controller 281A may calculate the amount of beverage taken out of the fermentation container 12 according to the accumulated time. The controller 281A may calculate the remaining amount of the beverage from the dispensing amount of the beverage thus calculated. The controller 281A may determine whether or not all beverages in the fermentation container 12 have been taken out based on the calculated remaining amount of beverage information. When it is determined that all beverages in the fermentation container 12 have been taken out, the controller 281A may determine that the beverage has been taken out.

In addition, the controller 281A may control the overall operation of the beverage maker. This will be described in detail later.

4 is a perspective view of a front cover according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the front cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The front cover 213 may be formed of a plurality of layers. For example, the front cover 213 may include a front body 213B forming an outer surface and a front panel 213A forming an inner surface.

The front body 213B may be disposed in front of the front panel 213A and may cover the front of the front panel 213A. The front body 213B may be exposed to the outside to form the appearance of the beverage maker. The front body 213B may have transparency through which light of the display module 284 may pass.

The material of the front body 213B may be glass, particularly tempered glass, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a synthetic resin material such as transparent plastic. In addition, the material of the front panel 213A may be a synthetic resin such as plastic, but is not limited thereto.

The front panel 213A may be disposed behind the front body 213B. The front panel 213A may be in close contact with the rear surface of the front body 213B, and may be bonded and integrated with the front body 213B.

The display module 284 and the dispenser 62 may be mounted on the front panel 213A. Mounting parts to which the dispenser 62, the beverage dispensing valve 64, and the display module 284 can be mounted using hooks or fastening members such as screws may be formed on the front panel 213A. Each of these mounting parts may be formed on the rear surface of the front panel 213A.

The dispenser 62 may be mounted on the dispenser mounting portion 214 of the front cover 213, and the beverage dispensing valve 64 may be mounted on the rear surface of the front cover 213.

In detail, the dispenser mounting portion 214 may be formed by penetrating the front body 213B and recessing a portion of the front panel 213A.

Accordingly, in the dispenser 62 , a part of the dispenser body 600 may be directly accommodated in the dispenser mounting portion 214 . In addition, a dispenser connecting portion protruding toward the dispenser mounting portion 214 may be formed on the rear surface of the dispenser body 600 so that the dispenser connecting portion may be accommodated in the dispenser mounting portion 214 . Also, the dispenser mounting unit 214 and the dispenser 62 may be fastened and fixed by a fastening member (not shown). Accordingly, the fastening portion 214B may be formed on the dispenser mounting portion 214 .

A through hole 214A opened in the forward and backward directions may be formed in the dispenser mounting portion 214 . The beverage dispensing channel 61 or the dispenser channel 611 (see FIG. 6) may pass through the through hole 214A and be connected to each other.

The beverage dispensing valve 64 may be mounted adjacent to the dispenser mounting part 214 on the rear surface of the front cover 213 . Therefore, the length of the beverage dispensing channel 61 can be minimized. Meanwhile, the dispenser channel 611 and the beverage take-out channel 61 are passages that are always exposed to the atmosphere. Therefore, there is a problem that the dispenser channel 611 and the beverage dispensing channel 61 may be easily contaminated by air when the remaining amount remains after the beverage is dispensed. Therefore, by mounting the beverage dispensing valve 64 adjacent to the dispenser mounting portion 214, the length of the beverage dispensing channel 61 can be minimized, thereby reducing the length of the passage exposed to the atmosphere.

The display hole 282 may be formed in the front panel 213A. The display hole 282 is preferably formed at a position not covered by the dispenser 62 of the front cover 213 . That is, the display hole 282 may be formed lower than the dispenser 62 and the beverage dispensing valve 64 . Also, the display module 284 may be mounted on the rear surface of the display hole 282, more precisely, on the rear surface of the front panel 213A where the display hole 282 is located (refer to FIG. 6).

The display module 284 may be mounted at a lower height than the dispenser 62 . The display module 284 may be mounted such that the light output direction X of the display module 284 crosses the beverage dispensing direction Y of the dispenser channel 611 . The display module 284 may be a front-back direction (X) in which the light output direction (X) is directed toward the front of the beverage maker, and the beverage dispensing direction (Y) of the beverage dispensing direction (Y) is a downward direction ( Y) can be.

The user can move a cup containing beverage under the dispenser 62, and the front cover 213 preferably has a sufficient height considering the height of the cup.

The display module 284 may emit light toward the bottom of the dispenser 62 , and the user may operate the dispenser 62 while checking display information of the display module 284 .

On the other hand, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the horizontal width (L1, see FIG. 5) of the display module 284 is longer than the horizontal width (L2, see FIG. 4) of the dispenser, and the horizontal width of the front cover 213 It may be shorter than the direction width (L3, see FIG. 5).

The display module 284 may include a display element 284A such as an LCD, LED, or OLED.

The display module 284 may include a display housing 284B mounted on the rear surface of the front panel 213A to surround the display element 284A. The display housing 284B may prevent liquid from flowing into the display element 284A.

The display module 284 may be electrically connected to a controller 281A to be described later.

A barrier 286 protruding between the beverage take-out valve 64 and the display module 284 may be formed on the rear surface of the front panel 213A. The barrier 286 may protect the display module 284 from liquid that may leak from the beverage dispensing valve 64 and the beverage dispensing channel 61 or may be generated when cold beverage flows.

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

The input unit may include at least one of a touch screen for receiving a user's command in a touch manner, a rotary knob for holding and rotating by a user, and a button for pressing by a user.

The input unit may be disposed on the front cover 213 .

For example, the input unit may be a rotary knob. The rotary knob may function as a button pressed by a user. That is, the user may input a control command by holding and turning the rotary knob or pressing the front surface of the rotary knob.

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 module 284, and it is possible for the display module 284 to function as a touch screen.

The input unit may be electrically connected to the display module 284 or a controller 281A to be described later.

In addition, the beverage maker may further include a wireless communication module 285. The type of wireless communication module 285 is not limited, and as an example, the wireless communication module 285 may include a Bluetooth module and a Wi-Fi module.

The wireless communication module 285 may be disposed on the rear surface of the front cover 213 .

The wireless communication module 285 may be electrically connected to a controller 281A to be described later. By the wireless communication module 285, the beverage maker may perform wireless communication with a separate mobile terminal and the like. A user may input a command, inquire manufacturing information, or monitor a manufacturing process in real time using a mobile terminal.

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

The dispenser 62 may include a dispenser body 600 , an elevating body 610 , a control unit 620 , a limit switch 630 , a valve spring 640 and a cock member 650 .

In detail, a body inner space 600A in which parts are installed is formed inside the dispenser body 600, and an elevating body 610 may be provided in the body inner space 600A. The shape of the elevating body 610 may be, for example, a multi-stepped cylindrical shape such that the radius increases as it goes downward. Accordingly, the inner radius may be small and the outer radius may gradually increase. In addition, the elevating body 610 may form a recessed space from the lower end to the upper side, thereby reducing the weight of the elevating body 610 as a whole.

In addition, a guide part 610A for guiding the elevating body 610 up and down may be formed in the inner space 600A of the body. Accordingly, the elevating body 610 may be elevated along the guide portion 610A. The guide part 610A may vertically extend downward from an upper end of the body inner space 600A so that the elevating body 610 vertically moves up and down. In addition, the guide part 610A may be formed to surround the outside of the elevating body 610 and be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval so as to be movable. Meanwhile, the guide portion 610A may be formed to surround a portion of the circumference to an extent capable of guiding the elevating body 610 .

The elevating body 610 may include a control unit 620 for manipulating elevation of the elevating body 610 . The control unit 620 may be a lever type that can be manipulated by a user gripping and rotating a handle, or a button type having an on/off button. In addition, various methods may be used. In the present invention, it will be described as an example that the control unit 620 is a lever.

An upper portion of the elevating body 610 may be rotatably connected to the control unit 620 . The control unit 620 and the elevating body 610 may be rotated while being connected by a hinge 621, for example. In addition, the control unit 620 may be erected vertically or laid horizontally while being connected to the elevating body 610 . In this case, when the control unit 620 is laid horizontally, the elevating body 610 may be raised, and when the control unit 620 is erected vertically, the elevating body 610 may be lowered.

A valve spring 640 that elastically presses the elevating body 610 in a downward direction may be included in the inner space 600A of the body. The valve spring 640 may be interposed between the top of the dispenser body 600 and the elevating body 610 . Thus, the valve spring 640 may support the elevating body 610 . Therefore, when the control unit 620 is laid horizontally and the elevating body 610 rises, the valve spring 640 is compressed, and when the control unit 620 is erected vertically in a horizontally laid state, the valve spring 640 can be decompressed.

The dispenser 62 may further include a deceleration member 610B interposed between the elevating body 610 and the guide unit 610A. The decelerating member 610B may increase friction so that the elevating body 610 does not suddenly and quickly move when it ascends or descends, in particular, when descending. For example, an O-ring may be provided around an outer circumference of the elevating body 610 to reduce a speed when the elevating body 610 is elevated. This is because, in general, when the valve spring 640 is compressed (force is applied) and compression is released (applied force disappears), elastic force due to compression is generated.

In addition, in order to prevent the deceleration member 610B from being arbitrarily removed when the elevating body 610 ascends or descends, the deceleration member accommodation groove 610C is recessed into the outer circumferential surface of the elevating body 610 and accommodates the deceleration member 610B. ) may be formed.

Meanwhile, a manipulation protrusion 614 protruding outward may be formed on one side of the elevating body 610 . and. The direction in which the manipulation protrusion 614 protrudes may be in the direction of the limit switch 630 . The control protrusion 614 moves up and down together with the elevation of the elevation body 610, and can contact a terminal 631 to be described later.

A switch mounting portion 630A, in which the limit switch 630 is mounted, may be formed in the dispenser body 600 . Also, a terminal 631 may be rotatably provided on one side of the limit switch 630 . For example, the terminal 631 may extend diagonally downward from the lower end of the limit switch 630 . Also, the terminal 631 may extend toward the manipulation protrusion 614 .

The terminal 631 is rotated according to the elevation of the elevation body 610, and when the elevation body 610 is elevated, the limit switch 630 and the terminal 631 may be brought into contact. That is, the limit switch 630 may be switched by moving up and down by the control unit 620 . And, the limit switch 630 may be electrically connected to the controller 281A, and the controller 281A may control the beverage maker according to the on/off of the limit switch 630.

Therefore, when the limit switch 630 is contacted, the controller 281A may recognize that the control unit 620 is laid horizontally and open the beverage dispensing valve 64 .

Conversely, when the control unit 620 is erected in a laid-down state, the elevating body 610 descends together with the control protrusion 614, thereby releasing the contact between the limit switch 630 and the terminal 631. Also, when the contact of the terminal 631 is released, the controller 281A may close the beverage dispensing valve 64.

A dispenser channel 611 connected to the beverage dispensing channel 61 may be further provided in the body inner space 600A. In general, since beverage dispensing is performed from the lower side, the dispenser channel 611 may be provided in the lower region of the body inner space 600A, but is not limited thereto.

The dispenser base 600 may include a first dispenser channel 612 disposed inclined downward, and a second dispenser channel 613 bent downward at a front end of the first dispenser channel 612. The second dispenser channel 611 may extend to the bottom of the dispenser body 600 or to a position adjacent to the bottom.

A caulk coupling hole 600B to which a caulk member 650 to be described later is connected may be formed on the lower surface of the dispenser body 600 adjacent to the second dispenser channel 611 . Accordingly, the cock member 650 may be coupled to the lower surface of the dispenser body 600 through the cock coupling hole 600B.

A cock member 650 may be coupled to the lower side of the dispenser body 600 . The cock member 650 may have a cylindrical shape. The inside of the cock member 650 may be hollow, and the hollow portion may be referred to as a third dispenser channel 651 .

As described above, the cock member 650 may be coupled to the dispenser body 600 through the cock coupling hole 600B. The way in which the cock member 650 is coupled to the cock coupling hole 600B may form, for example, a cock locking portion 652 extending outward from the upper end of the cock member 650. Therefore, after the caulk member 650 passes through the caulk coupling hole 600B, the caulk catch part 652 is caught on the lower inner surface of the dispenser body 600 so that the caulk member 650 can be fixed.

When the cock member 650 is coupled to the dispenser body 600, the third dispenser channel 611 may be connected to the second dispenser channel 611. When the second dispenser channel 611 and the third dispenser channel 611 are simply connected, since the beverage may leak, a cork sealing member 653 such as an O-ring to prevent leakage may be provided at the connection portion. There will be.

Therefore, when the dispensing valve is opened as the elevating body 610 rises, the beverage guided to the beverage dispensing channel 61 flows through the first dispenser channel 612, the second dispenser channel 613, and the third dispenser channel ( 611), and may fall to the lower side of the third dispenser channel 613.

7 and 8 are views showing a separation process of a dispenser base and a dispenser case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a view schematically showing a sliding coupling between a dispenser base and a dispenser case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The dispenser body 600 may include a dispenser base 601 and a dispenser case 602 . Also, the dispenser base 601 and the dispenser case 602 may be separated from each other.

Accordingly, it may be said that the dispenser 62 is composed of an upper dispenser module (U) and a lower dispenser module (L) detachably coupled to the upper dispenser module (U).

In detail, the upper dispenser module (U) includes a dispenser case 602, an elevating body 610, a control unit 620, a limit switch 630 and a valve spring 640, and the lower dispenser module (L) is the dispenser base 6601, a dispenser channel 611 and a cock member 650 may be included.

The dispenser base 601 may include a case mounting portion 601A on which the dispenser case 602 is seated and a base coupling portion coupled to the dispenser case 602 .

The case mounting portion 601A is an upper surface of the dispenser base 601, on which the dispenser case 602 can be mounted. The case mounting portion 601A may be formed so that the opposite surface in contact with the dispenser case 602 is molded to each other.

The base coupling portion may include a base protrusion 601B protruding upward from the case seating portion 601A, a guide protrusion 601C protruding laterally from the base protrusion 601B, and a locking jaw 601D.

The base protrusion 601B is formed along the circumference of the outer end of the case seating portion 601A, and may be spaced apart from each other inward. Accordingly, the outer circumference of the base projection 601B has a similar shape to the outer circumference of the case seating portion 601A, but the outer circumference of the base projection 601B may be smaller. Meanwhile, the guide protrusion 601C may be formed only on a part of the outer circumference of the case seating portion 601A, rather than being formed on the entire circumference.

The guide protrusion 601C may protrude outward from the outer surface of the base protrusion 601B. It may be said that the guide protrusion 601C protrudes vertically from the outer surface of the base protrusion 601B toward the outer end of the case seating portion 601A. The guide protrusion 601C is formed at a position spaced upward from the case seating portion 601A. Also, the protruding length of the guide protrusion 601C may be equal to or smaller than the outer end of the dispenser base 601 . The guide protrusions 601C may be provided in plural numbers spaced apart at regular intervals. The guide protrusion 601C is coupled to a guide groove 602A of the dispenser case 602 to be described later, so that the dispenser case 602 and the dispenser base 601 may be coupled to each other.

The locking protrusion 601D may be formed on the rear side of both ends of the base protrusion 601B. However, the position of the locking step 601D is not limited thereto. The hook 601D is a component for coupling the dispenser case 602 and the dispenser base 601 together with a hook 602C, which will be described later, and the hooking process will be described in detail in FIG. 10 .

The dispenser case 602 is caught in the guide groove 602A for guiding the guide protrusion 601C, the coupling confirmation hole 602B for confirming the coupling between the dispenser case 602 and the dispenser base 601, and the locking jaw 601D. A hook 602C preventing the dispenser case 602 and the dispenser base 601 from being arbitrarily removed may be included.

The guide groove 602A may be formed by recessing an inner portion of the dispenser case 602 . Also, the guide grooves 602A may be formed in the same number as the guide protrusions 601C.

The guide groove 602A may include an entrance groove 602AA that extends upwardly from the lower end of the dispenser case 602 and is recessed, and a slide groove 602AB that is vertically bent and extended forward and recessed. The length L1 of the extension of the entrance groove 602AA may be equal to or slightly longer than the length L2 from the case seating portion 601A of the dispenser base 601 to the top of the base protrusion 601B. If L1 is smaller than L2, the dispenser case 602 will not be seated on the case mounting portion 601A of the dispenser base 601.

The coupling confirmation hole 602B may be formed such that a portion of the outer end of the slide groove 602AB of the dispenser case 602 passes through. Therefore, when the guide protrusion 601C is located in the coupling confirmation hole 602B, it can be determined that the coupling of the dispenser case 602 and the dispenser base 601 is completed.

The hook 602C may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the dispenser case 602 . Also, a part of the end of the hook 602C may be extended inward so as to be caught on the hook 601D of the dispenser base 601 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the dispenser case 602 and the dispenser base 601 from being arbitrarily separated due to the hook 602C being caught on the hook 601D of the dispenser base 601 . The hook 602C and the hook 601D will be described with reference to FIG. 10 .

The guide protrusion 601C and the guide groove 602A described above are described as being formed on the dispenser base 601 and the dispenser case 602, respectively, but on the contrary, the guide protrusion 601C is formed on the dispenser case 602, A guide groove 602A may be formed in the dispenser base 601.

Next, a coupling process between the dispenser case 602 and the dispenser base 601 will be briefly described.

In order to couple the dispenser case 602 to the dispenser base 601, the guide protrusion 601C may be positioned in the entry/exit groove 602AA. When the guide protrusion 601C is positioned in the entry/exit groove 602AA, the guide protrusion 601C moves along the manual guide groove 602AA so that the dispenser case 602 can be seated on the case seating portion 601A. Conversely, when the guide protrusion 601C is not located in the entry/exit groove 602AA, the dispenser case 602 is caught by the guide protrusion 601C and cannot be seated on the case mounting portion 601A.

Further, when the base dispenser 62, that is, the guide protrusion 601C is moved forward along the slide groove 602AB, the dispenser case 602 and the dispenser base 601 may be coupled to each other. At this time, the hook 602C is caught on the locking jaw 601D, and the guide protrusion 601C will be located in the coupling confirmation hole 602B.

10 is a partial perspective view showing that the hooking jaw according to the embodiment of the present invention is hooked and fixed.

The dispenser base 601 may be fixed to the dispenser case 602 by sliding it forward. At this time, the hook 601D may be moved forward together with the dispenser base 601A, and the hook 602C may be hooked on and fixed to the hook 601D as shown in FIG. 10 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the dispenser case 602 and the dispenser base 601 from being arbitrarily disengaged by the fixation of the hook 602C and the locking jaw 601D.

Meanwhile, the dispenser case 602 may be made of an elastically deformable material. Therefore, when the hook 602C is deformed outward enough to release the locking jaw 601D, the dispenser base 601 and the dispenser case 602 can be disengaged.

The locking jaw 601D and the hook 602C described above are described as being formed on the dispenser base 601 and the dispenser case 602, respectively. A hook 602C may be formed on the base 601.

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

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 11 together with FIG. 1, the operation of the beverage maker of this embodiment will be described.

The beverage maker of this embodiment may include a cleaning step (S100) (S1100) of cleaning the channel therein. The cleaning step (S100) (S1100) may proceed separately from the beverage manufacturing step.

The cleaning step (S100) (S1100) is preferably performed before and after the beverage preparation step is performed.

In addition, the cleaning step (S100) (S1100) can be performed by user input during the beverage manufacturing step, and in this case, like the first fermentation step (S700) or the second fermentation step (S800) described later, This can be done while the main valve 40 is closed and the material feeder 3 is free of additives.

The cleaning steps (S100) (S1100) may be performed in a state in which the capsules (C1, C2, and C3) are not accommodated in the material feeder (3).

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

A user may input a cleaning command through an input unit provided in the control module 280, a remote control, or a portable terminal. The controller 281A may control the beverage maker to the cleaning step (S100) (S1100) according to the input of the cleaning command.

In addition, the user may input a beverage preparation command through an input unit provided in the control module 280, a remote control, or a portable terminal. The controller 281A may automatically control the beverage maker to a cleaning step (S100) (S1100) before and after the execution of the beverage preparation step according to the input of the beverage preparation command.

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

When the dispenser 62 is in the closed state, the controller 281A may display a message to open the dispenser 62 on the display module 284 and the user may open the dispenser 62 .

The controller 281A opens the beverage dispensing valve 64 and turns on the water supply pump 52 and the water heater 53 when the dispenser 62 is opened and a cleaning command is input through the input unit, remote control, or portable terminal. can make it Also, the controller 281A may keep the main valve 40 closed.

The controller 281A may perform cleaning of the material supplier 3 and the bypass channel 4C. The controller 281A may open the material supply valve 310 and the bypass valve 35. Also, the controller 281A may perform cleaning of the sub-channel 91 . The controller 281A may open the sub valve 92.

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 .

Water heated by the feedwater heater 53 (ie, hot water) may be divided into a sub channel 91 and a first main channel 41 to flow.

Water flowing through the sub-channel 91 may flow into the beverage dispensing channel 61 through the sub valve 92 and may be dispensed into the dispenser 62 through the beverage dispensing valve 64 .

In addition, the water flowing through the first main channel 41 may be divided into the material supplier 3 and the bypass channel 43 to flow.

The water flowing through the material feeder 3 sequentially passes through the material supply valve 310, the first capsule mounting part 31, the intermediate capsule mounting part 32, and the final capsule mounting part 33 to the second main channel 43. It can flow, flow into the beverage dispensing channel 62, pass through the beverage dispensing valve 64, and then be dispensed from the dispenser 62.

The water flowing through the bypass channel 43 can flow through the bypass valve 35 to the second main channel 43, flow into the beverage dispensing channel 62 and pass through the beverage dispensing valve 64. After that, it can be taken out from the dispenser (62).

During the above control, the main channels 41 and 42, the bypass channel 43, the sub channel 91, the beverage dispensing channel 64, the valves installed in the respective channels, and the dispenser 62 are sterilized and can be washed In addition, each capsule mounting portion 31, 32, 33 and the connection channel 311, 312 can be sterilized and washed.

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

The controller 281A can turn off the water supply pump 52 and the water supply heater 53 after the set cleaning time has elapsed, and the beverage dispensing valve 64, the bypass valve 35, and the material supply valve 310 and the sub-valve 92 may be closed.

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

For the beverage manufacturing step, the user may open the fermentation lid 107 and insert the fermentation container 12 into the opening 170 to be seated in the fermentor module 111 . At this time, malt may be accommodated inside the fermentation container 12 . The malt may be accommodated in the form of malt.

Then, the user can close the fermentation lid 107, and the fermentation container 12 can be accommodated 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.

Then, the user inserts a plurality of capsules (C1) (C2) (C3) into the material feeder (3) before and after the fermentation container (12) is seated, and then inserts the plurality of capsule mounting parts (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 controller 281A, a remote control, or a mobile terminal. The controller 281A may control the beverage maker to a beverage preparation step according to an input of a beverage preparation command.

The beverage preparation step may include a water supply step (S200).

The water supply step (S200) may be a liquid malt forming step of forming liquid malt by evenly mixing (Mixing) the malt in the fermentation container 12 with hot water.

The controller 281A may turn on the water supply pump 52 and the water supply heater 53 during the water supply step (S200), and may keep the material supply valve 310 closed. The controller 281A may open the bypass valve 35 and the main valve 40 during the water supply step (S200).

Meanwhile, the controller 281A may open the exhaust valve 156 when water is supplied to the fermentation container 12 .

During the above control, the water discharged from the water tank 51 may pass through the feed water pump 52, flow to the feed water heater 53, and be heated by the feed water heater 53. The water heated by the feedwater heater 53 flows from the first main channel 41 to the bypass channel 43, passes through the bypass valve 35, and flows to the second main channel 42. . Water flowing through the second main channel 42 may pass through the main valve 40 and be introduced into the fermentation container 12 . The hot water introduced into the fermentation container 12 may be mixed with the malt contained in the fermentation container 12, and the malt in the fermentation container 12 may be mixed with water and gradually diluted. Since hot water is supplied to the fermentation container 12, the malt contained in the fermentation container 12 can be quickly and evenly mixed with the hot water.

The fermentation container 12 can be gradually expanded when the water is introduced as described above, and the air between the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112 is part of the air supply channel as the fermentation container 12 expands. It flows to 154 and can be discharged to exhaust valve 156.

Thus, while water is introduced into the fermentation container 12, the fermentation container 12 can be supplied with water without bursting or tearing inside the fermentation tank 112.

On the other hand, in the water supply step (S200), it is preferable that the water supply heater 53 heats the water to 50 to 70 ° C., and the controller 281A controls the water supply heater 53 according to the temperature detected by the water supply temperature sensor 57. You can control it.

The controller 281A may perform the water supply step (S200) until the accumulated water quantity detected by the flow meter 56 reaches the set flow rate, and when the accumulated water quantity detected by the flow meter 56 reaches the set flow rate , It is possible to complete the water supply step (S200).

Upon completion of the water supplying step (S200), the controller 281A may turn off the water supply pump 52 and the water supply heater 53, and may close the bypass valve 35. The controller 281A may close the gas discharge valve 73 and the exhaust valve 156 when the water supply step (S200) is completed.

Meanwhile, the controller 281A may control air to be introduced into the fermentation container 12 during the water supply step (S200).

The controller 281A first introduces water into the fermentation container 12 and then stops it, then injects air into the fermentation container 12 and then stops it, and finally into the fermentation container 12. It is possible to stop after the second inflow of hot water, and it is also possible to complete the water supply step (S200) after completing all of the first water inflow, the air injection, and the second 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 (S200) 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. .

As an example of the water supplying step (S200), when only the hot water supplying process is performed in the water supplying step (S200), the details are the same as those described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

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 controller 281A may turn on the feed water pump 52 and the feed water heater 53 and open the bypass valve 35 and the main valve 40 at the start of the first hot water supply process. The supply valve 310 can be kept closed. In addition, the controller 281A may open the gas discharge valve 73 and the exhaust valve 156 at the start of the first hot water supply process.

During the first hot water supply process, water may be introduced into the fermentation container 12, the fermentation container 12 may be inflated by the inflowing water, and there is a gap between the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112. Some of the air may be pushed by the expanding fermentation container 12 and flow into the air supply channel 154, and may be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156.

Also, the controller 281A may determine the completion of the first hot water supply process according to the flow rate sensed by the flow meter 56 during the first hot water supply process. When the flow rate detected by the flow meter 56 reaches the first set flow rate during the first hot water supply process, the controller 281A determines that the first hot water supply process is complete, and the water pump 52 and the water heater ( 53) can be turned off, and the open state of the bypass valve 35 and the main valve 40 can be maintained. In addition, the controller 281A may maintain the open state of the gas discharge valve 73 and the exhaust valve 156 upon completion of the first hot water supply process.

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

The controller 281A may turn on the air pump 82 at the start of the air injection process. Also, the controller 281A may keep the air supply valve 159 closed.

While the air pump 82 is on, air injected into the air injection channel 81 can flow from the first main channel 41 to the second main channel 42 through the bypass channel 43, It may pass through valve 40 and flow into fermentation container 12 . In this way, the air introduced into the fermentation container 12 may hit the liquid malt to help the malt and hot water be more evenly mixed.

As air flows into the fermentation container 12, the fermentation container 12 can be inflated, and some of the air between the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112 is expanded fermentation container 12 It can be pushed to the air supply channel 154 and can be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156.

The controller 281A may complete the air injection process when the pressure detected by the gas pressure sensor 72 is equal to or greater than the set pressure, and may turn off the air pump 82 to complete the air injection process. When the air injection process is completed, the control module 280 may keep the main valve 40, the bypass valve 35, the gas discharge valve 73, and the exhaust valve 156 open.

When the air injection process is completed, a second hot water supplying process may be performed.

The controller 281A may turn on the feed water pump 52 and the feed water heater 53 when the secondary hot water supply process starts.

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

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

The controller 281A may determine the completion of the secondary hot water supply process according to the flow rate detected by the flow meter 56 during the secondary hot water supply process. When the flow rate detected by the flow meter 56 reaches the second set flow rate during the secondary hot water supply process, the controller 281A determines that the secondary hot water supply process is complete, and the water pump 52 and the water heater ( 53) can be turned off, and the main valve 40 and the bypass valve 35 can be closed. Also, upon completion of the secondary hot water supply process, the controller 281A may close the gas discharge valve 73 and the exhaust valve 156.

Meanwhile, the beverage manufacturing step may include a fermentation tank cooling step (S300).

In more detail, when the water supply step (S200) is completed, a fermentation tank cooling step (S300) of cooling the fermentation tank 112 may be performed.

The controller 281A may control the temperature controller 11 for cooling of the fermenter 112. In more detail, the controller 281A may control the refrigeration cycle device 13 for cooling the fermenter 112. The refrigerant may take heat from the fermentation tank 112 while passing through the evaporator 134 and evaporate. When the refrigerating cycle device 13 is driven, the fermentation tank 112 may be gradually cooled, and the fermentation container 12 accommodated in the fermentation tank 112 and the liquid malt contained in the fermentation container 12 may be cooled.

When the fermentation tank 112 is cooled as described above, the evaporator 134 may cool the fermentation container 12, and the controller 281A freezes according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 installed in the fermentation tank 112. The cycle device 13 can be controlled.

The controller 281A may control the compressor so that the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 16 is maintained at a set temperature (eg, 35). In more detail, the controller 281A may turn on the compressor of the refrigeration cycle device 13 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 exceeds the compressor on temperature (eg, 35.5). The control module 280 may turn off the compressor when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is less than or equal to the compressor off temperature (eg, 34.5).

Since the feed water heater 53 is turned off during the additive input step (S500) to be described later, the temperature of the fermentation container 12 is set during the cooling step (S300) by the water introduced into the fermentation container 12 together with the additives. It may be slightly lower than the set temperature. For example, the temperature of the fermentation container 12 is maintained at about 35 degrees until then, and when the additive and water are put into the fermentation container 12 together, the temperature of the fermentation container 12 may decrease to about 30 degrees. Therefore, it is preferable that the set temperature in the cooling step (S300) is determined in consideration of this temperature drop.

The controller 281A may keep the exhaust valve 156 closed during the fermentation tank cooling step (S300), and the air between the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112 passes through the exhaust valve 156 to the outside. It does not escape, and the air inside the fermenter 112 can be quickly cooled.

Exceptionally, when the temperature of the fermentation container 12 is lower than the set temperature even when the refrigerating cycle device 13 is turned off because the external temperature is very low, the controller 281A controls the heater 14 located at the bottom of the fermentation tank 112. ) can be turned on. The controller 281A may turn on the heater 14 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is lower 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.

On the other hand, the beverage manufacturing step may include an air supply step (S400).

In more detail, in the beverage maker, after the fermentation tank cooling step (S300) is initiated and the compressor of the refrigeration cycle device 13 is turned on, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is at least once below the compressor off temperature, An air supply step (S400) of mixing liquid malt by supplying air into the fermentation container 12 may be performed. Alternatively, in the beverage maker, when the fermentation tank cooling step (S300) is initiated and the heater 14 is turned on, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is at least once the heater off temperature or higher, the fermentation container 12 An air supply step (S400) of mixing liquid malt by supplying air therein may be performed.

The beverage maker can turn on and off the refrigerating cycle device 13 and the heater 14 according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 even during the air supply step (S400), and such a refrigerating cycle device 13 And the on/off control of the heater 14 may be continued until the additive input step (S500) to be described later is completed.

During the air supply step (S400), the controller 281A may turn on the air pump 82 and open the bypass valve 35 and the main valve 40. In addition, the controller 281A may open the gas discharge valve 73 and the exhaust valve 156, and may keep the air supply valve 159 and the material supply valve 310 closed.

While the air pump 82 is on, air injected into the air injection channel 81 can flow from the first main channel 41 to the second main channel 42 through the bypass channel 43, It may pass through valve 40 and flow into fermentation container 12 . As such, the air introduced into the fermentation container 12 may help the malt and hot water to be more evenly mixed by hitting the liquid malt, and the air hitting the liquid malt may supply oxygen to the liquid malt. That is, agitation and aeration can be performed.

While air is injected into the fermentation container 12, the fermentation container 12 may be inflated by the air injected into the fermentation container 12. Some of the air between the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112 may be pushed by the expanding fermentation container 12 and flow into the air supply channel 154, and may flow to the outside through the exhaust valve 156. can be exhausted. As a result, the fermentation container 12 can be easily inflated, and air in the second main channel 42 can quickly flow into the fermentation container 12 and be mixed with liquid malt.

The controller 281A can mix air into liquid malt for the mixing set time when the air pump 82 is turned on, and the air supply step (S400) can be completed when the air pump 82 is turned on and the mixing set time elapses. there is. Upon completion of the air supply step (S400), the controller 281A may turn off the air pump 82 and close the bypass valve 35. In addition, the controller 281A may close the gas discharge valve 73 and the exhaust valve 156 upon completion of the air supply step (S400).

The beverage preparation step may include an additive input step (S500).

In more detail, the beverage maker may perform an additive input step (S500) after the air supply step (S400).

In the additive input step (S500), the first additive of the first capsule (C1), the second additive of the second capsule (C2), and the third additive of the third capsule (C3) are introduced into the fermentation container (12). It can be. At this time, the first capsule (C1) is a capsule mounted on the first capsule mounting portion 31, the second capsule (C2) is a capsule mounted on the intermediate capsule mounting portion 32, and the third capsule (C3) is a final capsule. It is a capsule mounted on the mounting portion 33.

During the additive input step (S500), the controller 281A may turn on the feed water pump 52 and maintain the feed water heater 53 in an off state. Also, the controller 281A may keep the bypass valve 35 closed and open the material supply valve 310 and the main valve 40 . Also, the controller 281A may open the gas discharge valve 73 and the exhaust valve 156.

When the feed water pump 52 is turned on, the water in the water tank 51 flows through the feed water pump 52 and the feed water heater 53 to the first main channel 41, passes through the material supply valve 310, It can flow into the first capsule (C1). Water introduced into the first capsule C1 may be mixed with the first additive contained in the first capsule C1 and flow together with the first additive into the first connection channel 311 .

The fluid (a mixture of water and the first additive) introduced into the second capsule C2 through the first connection channel 311 is mixed with the second additive contained in the second capsule C2, and the second additive It can flow to the second connection channel 312 together with.

The fluid (a mixture of water, the first additive and the second additive) introduced into the third capsule C3 through the second connection channel 312 is mixed with the third additive contained in the third capsule C3, , It can flow into the second main channel 42 together with the third additive.

The fluid (a mixture of water, the first additive, the second additive, and the third additive) flowing through the second main channel 42 may pass through the main valve 40 and be introduced into the fermentation container 12 . Thus, all of the additives contained in each of the capsules C1, C2, and C3 may be put into the fermentation container 12.

The controller 281A may complete the additive input process S500 when the cumulative flow rate detected by the flow meter 56 reaches the additive input set flow rate from the start of the additive input process S500. Upon completion of the additive input process (S500), the controller 281A may turn off the water supply pump 52.

The beverage preparation step may include a material feeder residual water removal step (S600).

In more detail, when all of the additive inputting step (S500) is completed, a material feeder residual water removing step (S600) of removing residual water in the material feeder 3 may be performed.

In the step of removing residual water from the material supplier (S600), the controller 281A may turn on the air pump 82 and keep the air supply valve 159 closed. In addition, the controller 281A may open and control the material supply valve 310 and the main valve 40 . Also, the controller 281A may open and control the gas discharge valve 73 and the exhaust valve 156 .

When the air pump 82 is turned on, the air injected into the air injection channel 81 flows into the first main channel 41 and passes through the material supply valve 310 to flow into the first capsule C1. . The air introduced into the first capsule (C1) passes through the first capsule (C1), the second capsule (C2), and the third capsule (C3) in order, and the residual water remaining in each is transferred to the second main channel (42). can blow The air flowing through the second main channel 42 may flow into the fermentation container 12 together with the remaining water.

As a result, additives and residual water remaining in each of the capsules C1, C2, and C3 without being extracted can be introduced into the fermentation container 12 without leaving any residue.

As residual water and air are injected into the fermentation container 12 from the second main channel 42, the fermentation container 12 can be further expanded, and there is a gap between the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112. Some of the air may be pushed by the expanding fermentation container 12 and flow into the air supply channel 154, and may be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust valve 156. Thus, the fermentation container 12 can be easily inflated, and air and residual water in the second main channel 42 can be quickly introduced into the fermentation container 12 .

The controller 281A may turn on the air pump 82 for a set residual water removal time, and may complete the step of removing residual water from the material supplier (S600) when the set residual water removal time elapses.

When the material supply residual water removal step (S600) is completed, the controller 281A may turn off the air pump 82, and may close the material supply valve 310 and the main valve 40. Also, the controller 281A may close the gas discharge valve 73 and the exhaust valve 156.

The controller 281A may display a capsule separation message indicating that the capsules C1, C2, and C3 may be removed on the display module 284 when the material feeder residual water removal step (S600) is completed, and the user may select the material feeder In (3), the empty capsule can be removed.

The beverage preparation step may include fermentation steps (S700) and (S800).

In more detail, after the completion of the material feeder residual water removal step (S600), the first fermentation step (S700) and the second fermentation step (S800) may be sequentially performed.

According to an example of the first fermentation step (S700), the first fermentation step (S700) may include the entire fermentation process and the main fermentation process. This fermentation process may be carried out after the entire fermentation process is completed.

The entire fermentation process is a process for rapidly and actively activating the yeast added to the fermentation container 12 during the additive input step (S500).

The controller 281A may control the refrigeration cycle device 13 and the heater 14 so that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 16 maintains the target temperature (eg, 30) during the entire fermentation process. . The controller 281A periodically opens and closes the gas discharge valve 73 after the entire fermentation process starts, and stores the pressure value detected by the gas pressure sensor 72 immediately after the gas discharge valve 73 is closed. It can be stored in a sub (not shown). The controller 281A may compare the stored pressure value with a pressure value sensed after a predetermined time elapses in a closed state of the gas discharge valve 73 to calculate a change in pressure. The controller 281A may determine that all fermentation is completed when the calculated change in pressure exceeds the pre-fermentation set pressure, and complete the entire fermentation process.

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

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

After starting the fermentation process, the control module 280 periodically opens and closes the gas discharge valve 73, and stores the pressure detected by the gas pressure sensor 72 while the gas discharge valve 73 is closed. not shown). When the change in pressure periodically detected by the gas pressure sensor 72 exceeds the main fermentation set pressure, the control module 280 may determine that the main fermentation is complete and complete the primary fermentation step (S700).

However, the first fermentation step (S700) is not limited thereto, and according to another example of the first fermentation step (S700), the first fermentation step (S700) may include only this fermentation process without including the entire fermentation process. there is. Descriptions thereof are omitted because they are redundant.

Meanwhile, the controller 281A may start the second fermentation step (S800) after the first fermentation step (S700) is completed.

The controller 281A may control the refrigerating cycle device 13 and the heater 14 so that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 16 becomes the secondary fermentation target temperature during the secondary fermentation step (S800).

Since the internal pressure of the fermentation container 12 is high during the secondary fermentation step (S800), when the gas discharge valve 73 is opened, there is a risk of generating loud noise. In order to solve the above concerns, the controller 281A keeps the gas discharge valve 73 closed during the second fermentation step (S800) and opens/closes the pressure release valve 76 equipped with the noise reduction device 77. You can control it.

After the second fermentation step (S800) starts, the controller 281A periodically opens and closes the pressure release valve 76, and the pressure detected by the gas pressure sensor 72 while the pressure release valve 76 is closed. may be stored in a storage unit (not shown). When the change in pressure periodically detected by the gas pressure sensor 72 exceeds the second fermentation set pressure, the controller 281A determines that the secondary fermentation is complete, and may complete the secondary fermentation step (S800).

The beverage manufacturing step may include a ripening step (S900).

In more detail, when both the first fermentation step (S700) and the second fermentation step (S800) are completed, the aging step (S900) may be performed.

During the aging step, the controller 281A may stand by for the aging time, and during this aging time, the temperature of the beverage is maintained between the upper limit of the set aging temperature and the lower limit of the set aging temperature. 14) 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 controller 281A may turn off the compressor of the refrigerating cycle device 13 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is less than the lower limit of the set ripening temperature, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is If it is more than the upper limit of the set aging temperature, the compressor can be turned on.

Exceptionally, when the temperature outside the beverage maker is lower than the lower limit of the set aging temperature, the controller 281A may turn on the heater 14 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 is less than the lower limit, and the temperature sensor 16 ) If the detected temperature is higher than the upper limit of the set ripening temperature, the heater 14 may be turned off.

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

However, in some cases, the aging step (S900) may be omitted and the preparation of the beverage may be completed when the secondary fermentation step (S800) is completed.

The controller 281A may display the completion of preparation of the beverage through the display module 284 or the like.

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

The controller 281A may maintain the temperature of the fermenter 112 between the upper and lower limits of the predetermined drinking temperature until the beverage dispensing step (S1000) to be described later is completed.

The beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a beverage dispensing step (S1000) of dispensing the beverage after beverage preparation is completed.

According to an example of the beverage dispensing step (S1000), the beverage dispensing step (S1000) may include a beverage dispensing process and a dispenser cleaning process.

In the beverage dispensing step (S1000), the user may manipulate the dispenser 62 to dispense the beverage.

When the user opens the dispenser 62 after beverage preparation is completed, the controller 281A may open the main valve 40 and the beverage dispensing valve 64 .

When the main valve 40 and the beverage take-out valve 64 are opened, the beverage in the fermentation container 12 is released from the fermentation container 12 by air pressure between the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112. It can flow into the second main channel 42, flow from the second main channel 42 to the beverage dispensing channel 61, and can be dispensed into the dispenser 62.

When the user closes the dispenser 62 after partially dispensing a beverage through the dispenser 62, the controller 281A may close the main valve 40 and the beverage dispensing valve 64. As a result, one beverage dispensing process can be completed.

Thereafter, the controller 281A may turn on the air pump 82, open the air supply valve 159, and keep the exhaust valve 156 closed.

When the air pump 82 is turned on, the air injected into the air injection channel 81 flows from the first main channel 41 to the air supply channel 154, and the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 and the fermentation tank 112 It can be supplied between the inner walls of. The air between the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation vessel 112 may pressurize the fermentation container 12 to a pressure that allows the beverage in the fermentation container 12 to rise into the second main channel 42. . This is to form a sufficiently high pressure between the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112 so that the beverage from the fermentation container 12 can be smoothly and quickly taken out during subsequent beverage dispensing.

A user may take out a beverage at least once through the dispenser 62 . That is, the beverage dispensing process may be performed at least once, and the controller 281A determines the time when the dispenser 62 is open, the time when the air pump 152 is driven, and the main valve 40 after beverage preparation is completed. It is possible to determine whether or not beverage dispensing has been completed using information such as the on-in time.

The controller 281A may close the air supply valve 159 when beverage dispensing is completed. In addition, the controller 281A may open the exhaust valve 156 for a set completion time when beverage dispensing is complete and the dispenser 62 is in a closed state.

When the exhaust valve 156 is controlled to open, the air between the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermenter 112 is exhausted to the exhaust valve 156 through the air supply channel 154 and the exhaust channel 157. The pressure in the space between the outer surface of the fermentation container 12 and the inner wall of the fermentation tank 112 may be equal to atmospheric pressure.

The controller 281A may close the exhaust valve 156 when the completion set time has elapsed after turning on the exhaust valve 156 .

If the cleaning step (S1100) is not performed after beverage dispensing is completed, or if the cleaning step (S1100) does not include a main channel cleaning process to be described later, the controller (281A) displays the fermentation container (12) on the display module (284) or the like. ) may prompt you to remove the pack. A user may open fermentation lid 107 to take fermentation container 12 out of fermenter module 111 .

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

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

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

Meanwhile, the dispenser cleaning process may be performed after at least one beverage dispensing process.

When a considerable time interval exists between the completion of the last beverage dispensing process and the next beverage dispensing process, the inside of the dispenser channel 611 may be contaminated by the beverage remaining in the dispenser channel 611 (see FIG. 4). There are possible concerns.

Accordingly, when the user intends to dispense a beverage after the dispenser cleaning set time elapses from the last beverage dispensing process, the controller 281A may perform the dispenser cleaning process.

In more detail, the controller 281A may start a timer (not shown) when each beverage dispensing process is completed, and reset the timer when the next beverage dispensing process is started. The controller 281A may perform a dispenser cleaning process when the timer elapses the dispenser cleaning set time and the dispenser 62 is opened.

In addition, the controller 281A may perform a dispenser cleaning process by receiving a dispenser cleaning command from an input unit or a mobile terminal.

When the dispenser cleaning process starts, the controller 281A may display a cleaning notification on the display module 284 or the like. The cleaning notification may include content instructing the user not to bring a cup or glass to the dispenser 62 .

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

During the water washing process, the controller 281A may turn on the water supply pump 52. In addition, the controller 281A may open the sub valve 92 and the beverage dispensing valve 64 and keep the material supply valve 310 and the bypass valve 35 closed.

When the water supply pump 52 is turned on, the water sucked into the water supply pump 52 in the water tank 51 can flow from the water supply channel 55B to the sub-channel 91, and passes through the sub-valve 92 to drink beverages. It can flow into the dispensing channel 61, pass through the beverage dispensing valve 64, and be dispensed into the dispenser 62. In the process of dispensing the water into the dispenser 62 , it may be dispensed together with debris and foreign substances inside the dispenser channel 611 to perform cleaning.

Water and foreign substances taken out by the dispenser 62 may fall into the beverage container 101 (see FIG. 2).

The controller 281A may complete the water washing process when the water washing process starts and the accumulated water quantity of the flow meter 56 reaches the water washing set flow rate. At this time, the water washing set flow rate may be less than the cleaning set flow rate during the cleaning steps (S100) (S1100).

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

The controller 281A may turn on the air pump 82 when the air washing process starts.

When the air pump 82 is turned on, the air injected from the air pump 82 through the air injection channel 81 into the first main channel 41 passes through the water heater 53 and into the sub channel 91. It flows, passes through the sub valve 92, flows into the beverage dispensing channel 61, passes through the beverage dispensing valve 64, and can be discharged to the dispenser 62. In the process of discharging the air to the dispenser 62, the air may be taken out along with residual water remaining in the dispenser channel 611 to perform cleaning. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the influence of remaining water on the taste of the beverage in the subsequent beverage dispensing process.

The controller 281A may complete the air washing process when the air washing process starts and the air washing set time elapses. When the air cleaning process is completed, the controller 281A may turn off the air pump 82 and close the sub valve 92 . In this way, the dispenser cleaning process may be completed.

When the dispenser cleaning process is completed, the controller 281A may start the beverage dispensing process again.

On the other hand, when all beverages in the fermentation container 12 are taken out and the controller 281A determines that the beverage is taken out, the controller 281A may further perform a beverage preparation step and a cleaning step after the beverage takeout (S1100).

The cleaning step (S1100) 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 ( S1100 ) includes a first cleaning process and a second cleaning process, the order of performing each cleaning process may not be limited.

Since the first cleaning process is the same as or similar to the cleaning step (S100) before the beverage manufacturing step described above, overlapping information will be omitted. Hereinafter, the second cleaning process will be described.

The second cleaning process is carried out in a state in which beverage dispensing is completed and the empty fermentation container 12 is mounted, or the user removes the empty fermentation container 12 and attaches a separate cleaning pack to the fermentation tank 112. may be performed later. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case in which a separate cleaning pack is accommodated in the fermentation tank 112 will be described as an example.

When the beverage extraction from the fermentation container 12 is completed, the controller 281A may display a container replacement notification on the display module 284 or the like. The user may open the fermentation lid, remove the empty fermentation container 12 from the fermentation vessel 112, and insert a separate cleaning pack into the fermentation vessel 112. Thereafter, the fermentation lid 107 may be closed.

After that, the controller 281A may start a second cleaning process.

When the second cleaning process starts, the controller 281A may turn on the water supply pump 52 and the water supply heater 53 and close the beverage dispensing valve 64 . In addition, the controller 281A may open the material supply valve 310, the bypass valve 35 and the main valve 40.

When the second cleaning process starts, the controller 281A may open the gas discharge valve 73 and the exhaust valve 156 . Also, the controller 281A may open the sub valve 92.

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 .

Water heated by the feedwater heater 53 (ie, hot water) may be divided into a sub channel 91 and a first main channel 41 to flow.

Water flowing through the sub-channel 91 may flow into the beverage dispensing channel 61 through the sub-valve 92 . Water flowing through the beverage dispensing channel 61 may flow into the second main channel 42 , pass through the main valve 40 , and flow into the cleaning pack accommodated in the fermenter 112 .

In addition, the water flowing through the first main channel 41 may be divided into the material supplier 3 and the bypass channel 43 to flow.

The water flowing through the material feeder 3 sequentially passes through the material supply valve 310, the first capsule mounting part 31, the intermediate capsule mounting part 32, and the final capsule mounting part 33 to the second main channel 43. It can flow and pass through the main valve 40 and flow into the cleaning pack accommodated in the fermenter 112.

The water flowing into the bypass channel 43 can flow through the bypass valve 35 to the second main channel 43, and passes through the main valve 40 to the cleaning pack accommodated in the fermentation tank 112. can be infiltrated.

During the above control, the main channels 41 and 42, the bypass channel 43, the sub-channel 91, the valves installed in each channel, and the main channel connection part 115 can be sterilized and washed. In addition, each capsule mounting portion 31, 32, 33 and the connection channel 311, 312 can be sterilized and washed.

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

The controller 281A may turn off the water supply pump 52 and the water supply heater 53 after the second cleaning set time has elapsed, the main valve 40, the bypass valve 35, and the material supply valve 310 ), the sub valve 92, the gas discharge valve 73, and the exhaust valve 156 can be closed.

Meanwhile, after the cleaning step (S1100) is completed, the user may open the fermentation reed 107 and take out the cleaning pack containing the water that has been washed in the fermentation tank 112 for treatment.

12 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage maker according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12 , a lower through-hole may be formed at the lower end of the dispenser base 601 . Meanwhile, the lower through-hole may be formed by penetrating a part of the dispenser base 601 in the same manner as the aforementioned cock coupling hole 300B.

In addition, the second dispenser channel 613 may pass through the lower through-hole and extend downward, so that the second dispenser channel 613 may protrude downward from the dispenser base 601 .

In addition, the dispenser base 601 may be provided with a channel case 613A surrounding the second dispenser channel 613 protruding downward.

13 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage maker according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the first dispenser channel 612 may be horizontally disposed. Also, a channel support protrusion 612A may be provided on the lower side of the dispenser base 601 to support the horizontally disposed first dispenser channel 612 .

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

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

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

Claims (19)

front cover;
a beverage dispensing valve mounted on a rear surface of the front cover; and
A dispenser mounted on the front cover to be located in front of the front cover and having a dispenser channel connected to the beverage dispensing valve to guide beverages,
Further comprising a display module mounted on the rear surface of the front cover to be spaced apart from the beverage dispensing valve,
The front cover includes a barrier protruding between the beverage dispensing valve and the display module,
The barrier protrudes from the rear surface of the front cover.
beverage maker. According to claim 1,
The beverage dispenser is a solenoid valve connected to the dispenser channel and the beverage dispenser channel. According to claim 2,
A beverage maker having a through hole through which at least one of a dispenser channel and a beverage take-out channel passes through the front cover. delete According to claim 1,
The display module is a beverage maker mounted lower than the beverage take-out valve. delete According to claim 1,
The dispenser is mounted closer to the top of the front cover than the bottom,
The display module is a beverage maker equipped with a lower height than the dispenser. According to claim 1,
Beverage maker further comprising a wireless communication module installed to be spaced apart from the beverage dispensing valve on the rear surface of the front cover. According to claim 1,
The dispenser,
an upper dispenser module in which an operation unit for dispensing a beverage is disposed;
A beverage maker comprising a lower dispenser module in which the dispenser channel is disposed and detachably coupled to the upper dispenser module. According to claim 9,
The dispenser
Beverage maker further comprising a cork member detachably coupled to the lower dispenser module and connected to the dispenser channel. According to claim 9,
The upper dispenser module
A dispenser case with a space formed therein;
Beverage maker comprising a limit switch accommodated in the space. According to claim 11,
The upper dispenser module
a lifting body connected to the control unit and moved up and down by the control unit to switch the limit switch; and
Beverage maker further comprising a valve spring disposed in the dispenser case to support the elevating body. According to claim 9,
The lower dispenser module
Beverage maker comprising a dispenser base having a lower through-hole through which the dispenser channel passes. According to claim 9,
The dispenser channel is
a first dispenser channel inclined downward; and
Beverage maker comprising a second dispenser channel bent downward from the front end of the first dispenser channel and penetrating the lower through-hole. delete delete delete delete delete

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