WO2014115073A1

WO2014115073A1 - Automatic preparation of a beverage like bubble tea

Info

Publication number: WO2014115073A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/058425
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giorgio CELESTE
Original assignee: SCHALLER, Roman
Priority date: 2013-01-23
Filing date: 2014-01-21
Publication date: 2014-07-31
Also published as: ITBG20130003A1

Abstract

Automatic device for preparing a beverage, comprising selection means for a user to select a chosen beverage, a cup holder suitable to accumulate and dispense a cup in which the chosen beverage will be prepared, at least a first station for dispensing and accumulating at least a first ingredient consisting of a suspension of gelatinous pearls in a syrup, at least a second station for dispensing at least a second ingredient consisting of a liquid substance suitable to complete said chosen beverage, at least a sealing station in which its opening is closed by means of a film, a collection area where a user can collect the beverage selected and handling means of said cup suitable to convey it between the cup holder, the first station, the second station, the sealing station and the collection area; said handling means comprising a platform sliding on guides and provided with a hole into which the cup is inserted; said platform being provided with an annular element suitable to abut against a flange projecting around the mouth of said cup; said platform and/or said annular element are produced in two relatively moving portions so that when said two portions are moved towards each other the cup is retained in position, while when said two portions are moved away from each other the cup is free to drop through the hole (Fig. 1).

Description

AUTOMATIC PREPARATION OF A BEVERAGE LIKE BUBBLE TEA.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an automatic device for preparing a beverage.

More in particular, it relates to a device for preparing a beverage of the type known as Bubble Tea.

As known, this beverage originated in the 1980s in the tea shops of Taichung, a city in western Taiwan. It is a non-alcoholic beverage based on tea, which has become widely used in various parts of Asia, the United States and Europe.

The conventional brew is mixed with fruit (or natural flavourings), at times milk and syrups, and tapioca pearls, which is perhaps the true particular feature of this Bubble Tea. Tapioca pearls are starches obtained from the tapioca (or cassava) root, which after being cooked become transparent gelatinous balls. These can be used both for beverages and for sweets and, naturally, are edible.

The beverage can be made with all varieties of tea, from green tea to black tea, but also with oolong (or wulong) tea, a special tea that is not very well known, which sums up properties and particular features of the previous kinds.

The beverage is prepared manually in suitably equipped shops.

In substance, the gelatinous balls (tapioca pearls or the like), drowned in a sugar solution or syrup with different flavours, are first placed inside an empty cup. These pearls drowned in syrup are collected from containers similar to those used for ice cream.

Subsequently, a liquid ingredient, which can be tea, milk, water or a mixture of these ingredients, is placed in the cup.

The opening of the cup is then sealed using a semi-automatic device, which applies a pierceable film, preferably made of plastic material, over the mouth of the cup. The sealed cup is separated from the sealing machine by striking it from below to detach the melted plastic of the film from the base of the sealing machine.

The user thus receives the sealed cup, shakes it and perforates the film with a straw provided together with the cup.

The straw has a larger diameter than conventional straws, as the user must be able to suck up both the syrup mixed with the tea or milk and the pearls.

The object of the present invention is to automate preparation of the beverage, by providing an automatic machine capable of preparing it.

A further object of the present invention is to make preparation of the beverage more hygienic. In fact, it is currently prepared by an operator behind a counter. The products of which the beverage is composed, especially the pearls, are exposed to the air and, albeit in a refrigerated environment, they can be easily contaminated while being collected by the operator.

These and other objects are achieved by producing a device according to the technical teachings of the appended claims. Advantageously, in the absence of feed, the device suspends preparation of the beverage, automatically closing all the dispensing openings, especially those of the pearls.

Moreover, the device has a special system that facilitates detachment of the cup from a handling platform, following an automatic sealing operation.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the device, shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a simplified perspective view of the device according to the present invention, with the protective casing removed to show the internal parts;

Fig. 2 is a top view of the device of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 shows a detail for conveying a cup between the various stations of the device;

Fig. 4 is a simplified schematic side view of a device for dispensing and accumulating a suspension of pearls in syrup;

Fig. 5 shows a detail of the device of Fig. 4, when in a dispensing condition;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a platform for conveying a cup between the various stations of the device, partly visible also in Fig. 3;

Figs. 7 and 8 are detailed views in the direction of the arrow F of a detail of the platform of Fig. 6; Fig. 9 schematically shows a front view of a straw dispenser associable with the device of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 10 shows the dispenser of Fig. 9 without the front casings; and

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a detail of the dispenser of

Figs. 9 and 10.

With reference to the aforesaid figures, there is shown an automatic device for preparing a beverage, in particular a bubble tea beverage.

It comprises selection means T for a user to select a chosen beverage. These means are entirely conventional and can, for example, comprise a display associated with buttons for choosing the flavour and type of beverage, the quantity of sugar, milk, etc. A coin counter M or other similar device for payment of the beverage is also provided. All this is managed by a control unit U.

As can be seen in Fig. 1 , the device 1 comprises a cup holder A suitable to accumulate and dispense a cup in which the chosen beverage will be prepared. By way of example, the cup holder has three columns A , A2 and A3, into which cups of different shape and capacity can be inserted.

A station is also provided for dispensing and accumulating at least a first ingredient, consisting of a suspension of gelatinous pearls (such as tapioca) in a syrup.

The dispensing station comprises, in the example, a plurality of dispensing and accumulating devices, each containing a suspension of pearls in syrup with different characteristics and taste.

In the example, four devices B1 , B2, B3 and B4 are provided. These are substantially slush machines and therefore have a cooling (refrigeration) system 3 of the temperature of a compartment 2 in which pearls immersed in the syrup are accumulated. The compartment is also provided with an agitator, preferably comprising a worm screw.

The agitator maintains the syrup suitably mixed with the pearls to ensure optimum dispensing.

Positioned below a dispensing outlet of each device is a collection tray V destined to collect any residues of product that spill during dispensing.

As can be seen in Fig. 4, there is provided an automatic opening/closing system 10 (preferably pneumatic) of a dispensing port 11. A shutter 4 is provided fixed to a shaft 6 of a pneumatic cylinder 5. The cylinder has a stroke of around 25 mm, just sufficient to allow dispensing of the beverage, as can be seen in Fig. 5 (dispensing direction indicated by the arrow). Naturally, the action of the piston is controlled by the control unit U which decides when the shutter is to be opened as a function of the beverage chosen.

As can be seen, there is provided between the shutter 4 and the closing cap of the cylinder an elastic element, such as a spring 7, to return the shutter to the closed position (rest position). This is particularly useful either in the case of malfunction or in the case of a sudden power cut, to allow immediate isolation of the container and prevent loss of the product.

The device is also provided with a second station C for dispensing at least a second ingredient consisting of a liquid substance suitable to complete said chosen beverage.

This liquid substance can, for example, be tea, milk, water, fruit syrups or another substance of choice.

As can be seen from the drawings, the second station C is a multiple dispensing head provided with a plurality of dispensing ducts C1 , C2, C3, etc. Each of these dispensing ducts is connected to a tank S1 , S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9 etc. containing the substance to be dispensed. In the example, the tank S1 is filled with cold green tea, the tank S2 is filled with cold black tea, the tank S3 is filled with milk and the tanks from S4 to S9 are filled with fruit syrups.

The multiple dispenser C is capable of dosing in a known manner the required quantities from the unit U, of each of the liquid substances present in the tanks.

The device is also provided with a sealing station D.

The sealing station is provided with a pin 20 housing a roll 21 of film. Advantageously, the film is made entirely of thermoplastic material, and is, for example, a plastic film. It would also be possible for the film to be made of another material, preferably an aluminium- based multilayer composite.

The sealing machine has a pressing device heated to a melting temperature of the thermoplastic film.

When the cup is placed in the sealing unit the pressing device presses the film onto the edge of the cup and seals it along the edge of this latter. The pressing device comprises a punch that cuts the film to obtain a disk the same size as the cup.

The operation will be better described below.

An area E for collecting the prepared beverage is also provided.

The collection area E is substantially an opening accessible from the outside, visible in Fig. 1. It has a top panel provided with an opening 50 through which the cup containing the beverage is dropped after being sealed. This operation will be better explained below.

Fig. 3 shows means 30 for handling the cup which, controlled by the unit U, convey this latter between the various stations of the unit.

The handling means comprise a first guide 31 that allows a longitudinal movement (axis X) of the cup. A second guide 32 is mounted sliding on the first guide to allow the cup to make transverse movements (axis y). The second guide supports sliding thereon a frame 33 that in turn supports further guides that delimit the movement of a platform composed of two portions 35A and 35B. When joined, the two portions define a hole in which the cup is placed.

The cup has a flange that abuts against the walls of the platform defining said hole, and therefore it is maintained in position.

Suitable actuators are also provided, to allow the platform to shift along the direction x, y and to move the two portions 35A and 35B towards or away from each other.

In particular, to move the two portions 35A and 35B towards or away from each other, a threaded bar 34 and two lateral bars 34 acting as guides are preferably used. A motor operates the threaded bar.

It must be noted that the platform, in proximity of the hole, has an element 36, which when the two portions are joined, has an annular structure (see Fig. 3). Naturally, this is also produced in two parts. When the two portions are joined, the flange of the cup is resting on the platform (and precisely on the semi-annular portions) and the cup is supported stably thereby. When the portions open the cup is no longer supported by the platform and can drop downwards.

Each of the two parts 36A and 36B that define the ring 36 is mounted on the respective portion of the platform in opposition to springs 37. When the springs are in a rest position, the surface 36P of the element 36 projects in height with respect to the surface 35P defined by the platform (Fig. 7).

Instead, when a pressure is exerted on the ring 36(by the pressing device of the sealing machine) the surfaces 36P and 35P are aligned.

In this way, as soon as the pressing device is raised from the cup after cutting and sealing, because of the springs 37 the ring 36 pushes the cup in the direction of the piston thereby detaching any portion of the film remaining sealed to the platform 35. This facilitates detachment of the cup after sealing.

When conventional sealing is used, in manual preparation of the beverage, the cup is detached from the platform by striking it on the bottom.

Completing the description of the device, it is stressed that it can also be provided with an automatic straw dispenser, such as the one represented in Figs. 9 to 11.

This is controlled by the unit U and, following selection and preparation of the beverage, can dispense a straw with which the film sealed onto the cup can be pierced and which can be used to drink the beverage.

The straw dispenser 40 comprises a hopper 41 in which said straws are stored, an accumulator 42 open towards the hopper in which said straws are laid horizontally on top of one another in a single row, as can be seen in Fig. 9.

An ejection device 44 is also provided, which, for example, by means of a connecting rod operated by a gear motor, collects a straw from the bottom of this row.

A particular feature of the dispenser 40 is that it is provided, at the mouth of the accumulator 42, with an agitator that maintains the straws mixed with one another in axial direction, thereby facilitating their orderly descent from the hopper to the accumulator.

The agitator is produced with a suitably shaped tubular element 44. It is provided with a first 44A, a second 44B and a third 44C section, parallel to one another. The second section 44B, interposed between the first and the third, extends for a greater length with respect to the others and has a greater length than that of the straws to be agitated. The first, the second and the third section are interconnected by suitably sloped joining portions 49.

The tubular element is advantageously obtained by bending a rod preferably made of metallic material.

In use, this tubular element 44 is made to rotate by a gear motor 45 suitably provided in the dispenser. The gear motor is advantageously controlled by the unit U and can preferably operate discontinuously, according to needs.

Operation of the automatic device for preparing beverages described above is as follows.

A user selects by means of the selection means T the chosen beverage and pays for it using the coin counter.

The control unit U establishes the size of the cup suitable for the chosen beverage and controls the handling means 30 so that the platform is positioned under the column of cups A1 , A2 or A3 of the required size.

The chosen cup holder releases a cup, which is dropped into the hole of the platform 35. It must be noted that in this step the two portions of the platform are moved towards each other as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

A flange of the cup abuts against the ring 36 and the cup is held firmly by the platform 35.

The handling means, controlled by the unit U, convey the cup under one of the four devices B1 , B2 B3 or B4, depending on the beverage selected. The shutter of the device under which the cup is placed is opened and the predetermined quantity of pearl and syrup suspension is dispensed into the cup.

If required, the handling means move under another of the devices of the station B and another product is dispensed into the cup and mixes with the first.

Subsequently, the handling means 30 carry the platform (and consequently the cup) to the second station C where the milk, black or green tea, or any other liquid substance required to prepare the chosen beverage, is added. This step is also managed by the control unit U.

At this point, the beverage having been completed and any other components in powder form such as sugar, cocoa or the like (for example dispensed by known devices suitable provided in another station, not shown here for simplicity) having been added, the handling means 30 convey the cup to the sealing station D. As already explained, the pressing device (suitably heated) presses the film onto the mouth of the cup and seals it thereto.

After the pressure of the pressing device on the mouth of the cup has ceased, the springs 37 lift the ring 36 with respect to the platform 35, thus releasing the cup from any portions of film inadvertently sealed to the plate.

The beverage is thus completed and the handling means 30 convey the cup over the opening 50 produced over the collection area.

In the last step, the two portions of the platform move apart and the cup then drops into the opening, striking the bottom of the collection area. This causes mixing of the various components of the beverage in the cup.

The user can then collect the cup.

During preparation of the beverage the straw dispenser 40 is activated by the control unit U, ejecting from a suitable opening a part of the straw, which can be collected by the user to drink the beverage, after having further shaken the container and having pierced the film placed over the cup with the straw.

It must be noted that one method of preparing the beverage has been described by way of example, but that others can be implemented according to the programming of the control unit U. Therefore, for example, the cup can be sent first to the second station and then to the first; or to the first, then to the second and then back to the first, before reaching the sealing station.

Naturally, the preparation process of the beverage and the quantities will vary at will, according to the beverage selected and to the flavour chosen by the user.

Claims

1. Automatic device for preparing a beverage, comprising selection means for a user to select a chosen beverage, a cup holder suitable to accumulate and dispense a cup in which the chosen beverage will be prepared, at least a first station for dispensing and accumulating at least a first ingredient consisting of a suspension of gelatinous pearls in a syrup, at least a second station for dispensing at least a second ingredient consisting of a liquid substance suitable to complete said chosen beverage, at least a sealing station in which its opening is closed by means of a film, a collection area where a user can collect the beverage selected and handling means of said cup suitable to convey it between the cup holder, the first station, the second station, the sealing station and the collection area; said handling means comprising a platform sliding on guides and provided with a hole into which the cup is inserted; said platform being provided with an annular element suitable to abut against a flange projecting around the mouth of said cup; said platform and/or said annular element are produced in two relatively moving portions so that when said two portions are moved towards each other the cup is retained in position, while when said two portions are moved away from each other the cup is free to drop through the hole.

2. Device according to claim 1 , wherein there is provided a straw dispenser suitable to dispense a straw following selection and preparation of the beverage, which can be used to pierce the film sealed onto the cup and to drink the beverage.

3. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein said straw dispenser comprises a hopper in which said straws are stored, an accumulator open towards the hopper in which said straws are laid horizontally on top of one another in a single row, an ejection device that collects a straw from the bottom of this row, and at least one straw agitator arranged in the hopper, at the mouth of the accumulator.

4. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein said agitator comprises a suitably shaped tubular element made to rotate by a gear motor.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first station is provided with a plurality of dispensing and accumulating devices, each containing a suspension of pearls in syrup with different characteristics and taste.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first station is provided with at least one dispensing and accumulating device of a suspension of pearls in syrup, said device having a cooling tank provided with a rotating agitator suitable to maintain said pearls homogeneously mixed in the syrup.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said dispensing devices is provided with a dispensing port closed by a shutter automatically controlled to open in opposition to elastic means suitable to return it to a closed rest position.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said second station is provided with dispensing devices of one or more chosen liquid substances belonging to the following group: milk, tea, water and fruit syrups.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said annular element is mounted on said platform in opposition to springs, so that, after the sealing station has applied the film to said cup, said annular element thrust by the springs facilitates separation between cup and platform.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said handling means comprise a first guide that allows a longitudinal movement (axis x) of the cup.

11. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein a second guide is mounted sliding on the first guide to allow the cup to make transverse movements (axis y).