WO2014115073A1 - Préparation automatique d'une boisson telle que du thé aux perles - Google Patents

Préparation automatique d'une boisson telle que du thé aux perles Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2014115073A1
WO2014115073A1 PCT/IB2014/058425 IB2014058425W WO2014115073A1 WO 2014115073 A1 WO2014115073 A1 WO 2014115073A1 IB 2014058425 W IB2014058425 W IB 2014058425W WO 2014115073 A1 WO2014115073 A1 WO 2014115073A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cup
beverage
station
dispensing
platform
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2014/058425
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Giorgio CELESTE
Original Assignee
SCHALLER, Roman
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SCHALLER, Roman filed Critical SCHALLER, Roman
Publication of WO2014115073A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014115073A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/40—Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
    • A47J31/405—Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea with one or more infusion chambers moving successively between loading, infusing and dumping stations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
    • G07F13/10—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with associated dispensing of containers, e.g. cups or other articles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an automatic device for preparing a beverage.
  • Bubble Tea a device for preparing a beverage of the type known as Bubble Tea.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the device suspends preparation of the beverage, automatically closing all the dispensing openings, especially those of the pearls.
  • the device has a special system that facilitates detachment of the cup from a handling platform, following an automatic sealing operation.
  • 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
  • Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a detail of the dispenser of
  • an automatic device for preparing a beverage in particular a bubble tea beverage.
  • 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.
  • the device 1 comprises a cup holder A suitable to accumulate and dispense a cup in which the chosen beverage will be prepared.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • each device Positioned below a dispensing outlet of each device is a collection tray V destined to collect any residues of product that spill during dispensing.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a threaded bar 34 and two lateral bars 34 acting as guides are preferably used.
  • a motor operates the threaded bar.
  • 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.
  • the flange of the cup is resting on the platform (and precisely on the semi-annular portions) and the cup is supported stably thereby.
  • 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.
  • the surface 36P of the element 36 projects in height with respect to the surface 35P defined by the platform (Fig. 7).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a flange of the cup abuts against the ring 36 and the cup is held firmly by the platform 35.
  • the handling means 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the handling means 30 convey the cup to the sealing station D.
  • the pressing device (suitably heated) presses the film onto the mouth of the cup and seals it thereto.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
  • Tea And Coffee (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif automatique de préparation de boisson comprenant : un moyen de sélection permettant à un utilisateur de sélectionner une boisson choisie, un porte-gobelet conçu pour accumuler et distribuer un gobelet dans lequel la boisson choisie sera préparée; au moins une première station pour distribuer et accumuler au moins un premier ingrédient constitué d'une suspension de perles gélatineuses dans un sirop; au moins une seconde station pour distribuer au moins un second ingrédient constitué d'une substance liquide permettant de compléter ladite boisson choisie; au moins une station de scellage dans laquelle l'ouverture est fermée au moyen d'un film; une zone de collecte où un utilisateur peut récupérer la boisson sélectionnée; et un moyen de manipulation dudit gobelet permettant de le transporter entre le porte-gobelet, la première station, la seconde station, la station de scellage et la zone de collecte; ledit moyen de manipulation comprenant une plateforme glissant sur des guides et pourvue d'un orifice dans lequel est inséré le gobelet; ladite plateforme étant pourvue d'un élément annulaire conçu pour s'appuyer contre un rebord faisant saillie sur l'embouchure dudit gobelet; ladite plateforme et/ou ledit élément annulaire étant produits en deux parties relativement mobiles de telle sorte que le gobelet soit maintenu en position lorsque lesdites deux parties sont déplacées l'une vers l'autre, tandis que le gobelet est prêt à tomber par l'orifice lorsque lesdites deux parties sont séparées l'une de l'autre (fig. 1).
PCT/IB2014/058425 2013-01-23 2014-01-21 Préparation automatique d'une boisson telle que du thé aux perles WO2014115073A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITBG2013A000003 2013-01-23
IT000003A ITBG20130003A1 (it) 2013-01-23 2013-01-23 Dispositivo automatico di preparazione di una bevanda del tipo bubble tea

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014115073A1 true WO2014115073A1 (fr) 2014-07-31

Family

ID=47748680

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2014/058425 WO2014115073A1 (fr) 2013-01-23 2014-01-21 Préparation automatique d'une boisson telle que du thé aux perles

Country Status (2)

Country Link
IT (1) ITBG20130003A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2014115073A1 (fr)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3063070A4 (fr) * 2013-10-28 2017-12-20 Ball Corporation Procédé de remplissage, de soudure, de distribution et de vente d'une boisson dans un récipient métallique en un seul lieu
CN108313397A (zh) * 2018-01-31 2018-07-24 六安维奥智能科技有限公司 一种纸杯自动包装装置
IT201800005931A1 (it) * 2018-06-01 2019-12-01 Dispositivo per la traslazione di bicchieri e simili ad elevata versatilità.
JP2021036972A (ja) * 2019-08-30 2021-03-11 富士電機株式会社 飲料供給装置
WO2021074911A1 (fr) * 2019-10-18 2021-04-22 Evoca S.P.A. Porte-gobelet pour un distributeur automatique de boissons
US11158151B2 (en) 2019-02-26 2021-10-26 Cornelius, Inc. Systems and methods for nesting cups from a dispenser
CN114743309A (zh) * 2022-05-04 2022-07-12 杭州千岛湖瑞淳机器人研究院有限公司 奶茶制作设备及其制作方法
US11406118B2 (en) * 2016-05-18 2022-08-09 Alberts Nv Method and assembly for preparing a drink based on frozen food
US11738987B2 (en) 2021-02-24 2023-08-29 Yum Connect, LLC Automated beverage dispensing system and method

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3533211A (en) * 1968-05-31 1970-10-13 Leonard Einnehmer Vending machine for supplying and dispensing sealed containers of potables
US3587918A (en) * 1969-02-19 1971-06-28 Cornelius Co Comestible dispensing machine
EP0036734A1 (fr) * 1980-03-20 1981-09-30 Vgl Industries Limited Machines de vente
US20030012864A1 (en) * 2001-01-25 2003-01-16 Gerber Ernest C. Product blender and dispenser
DE202004015463U1 (de) * 2004-10-06 2005-03-10 Weinreich, Holger Getränk, versetzt mit gekochten Tapiokaperlen
WO2007091265A2 (fr) * 2006-02-10 2007-08-16 Eran Nuriely Distributeur de boissons aux fruits et aux légumes

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3533211A (en) * 1968-05-31 1970-10-13 Leonard Einnehmer Vending machine for supplying and dispensing sealed containers of potables
US3587918A (en) * 1969-02-19 1971-06-28 Cornelius Co Comestible dispensing machine
EP0036734A1 (fr) * 1980-03-20 1981-09-30 Vgl Industries Limited Machines de vente
US20030012864A1 (en) * 2001-01-25 2003-01-16 Gerber Ernest C. Product blender and dispenser
DE202004015463U1 (de) * 2004-10-06 2005-03-10 Weinreich, Holger Getränk, versetzt mit gekochten Tapiokaperlen
WO2007091265A2 (fr) * 2006-02-10 2007-08-16 Eran Nuriely Distributeur de boissons aux fruits et aux légumes

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10010926B2 (en) 2013-10-28 2018-07-03 Ball Corporation Method for filling, seaming, distributing and selling a beverage in a metallic container at a single location
EP3063070A4 (fr) * 2013-10-28 2017-12-20 Ball Corporation Procédé de remplissage, de soudure, de distribution et de vente d'une boisson dans un récipient métallique en un seul lieu
US11406118B2 (en) * 2016-05-18 2022-08-09 Alberts Nv Method and assembly for preparing a drink based on frozen food
CN108313397A (zh) * 2018-01-31 2018-07-24 六安维奥智能科技有限公司 一种纸杯自动包装装置
IT201800005931A1 (it) * 2018-06-01 2019-12-01 Dispositivo per la traslazione di bicchieri e simili ad elevata versatilità.
EP3576057A1 (fr) * 2018-06-01 2019-12-04 Bianchi Industry S.p.a. Dispositif hautement polyvalent pour la translation de gobelets et similaires
US11158151B2 (en) 2019-02-26 2021-10-26 Cornelius, Inc. Systems and methods for nesting cups from a dispenser
JP2021036972A (ja) * 2019-08-30 2021-03-11 富士電機株式会社 飲料供給装置
JP7358851B2 (ja) 2019-08-30 2023-10-11 富士電機株式会社 飲料供給装置
WO2021074911A1 (fr) * 2019-10-18 2021-04-22 Evoca S.P.A. Porte-gobelet pour un distributeur automatique de boissons
EP4224446A1 (fr) * 2019-10-18 2023-08-09 EVOCA S.p.A. Porte-gobelet pour distributeur automatique de boissons
EP4224447A1 (fr) * 2019-10-18 2023-08-09 EVOCA S.p.A. Porte-gobelet pour distributeur automatique de boissons
US11738987B2 (en) 2021-02-24 2023-08-29 Yum Connect, LLC Automated beverage dispensing system and method
CN114743309A (zh) * 2022-05-04 2022-07-12 杭州千岛湖瑞淳机器人研究院有限公司 奶茶制作设备及其制作方法
CN114743309B (zh) * 2022-05-04 2023-07-14 杭州千岛湖瑞淳机器人研究院有限公司 奶茶制作设备及其制作方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITBG20130003A1 (it) 2014-07-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2014115073A1 (fr) Préparation automatique d'une boisson telle que du thé aux perles
US3295998A (en) Apparatus for preparing and dispensing hot potables
EP1541070B1 (fr) Procede, machine et emballage utilises dans l'elaboration et l'expedition de boissons chaudes et froides
EP1586534A1 (fr) Distribution d'une substance
EP2515726B1 (fr) Unité d'infusion pour boissons pourvue d'un système de fermeture hydraulique
US20080314918A1 (en) Vending apparatus for dispensing made-to-order salads
JP2013519487A (ja) コーヒー飲料を調製するための装置、そのような装置と共に使用するための挽いたコーヒー包装カートリッジ、そのような装置によって飲料を調製する方法、及びそのような挽いたコーヒー包装カートリッジから挽いたコーヒーを供給する方法
CN105640336A (zh) 用于制备咖啡饮料的系统
EP2024944A2 (fr) Distributeur de boissons aux fruits et aux légumes
JP6644054B2 (ja) 飲料を調製するためのパック及びマシン
AU2012306662B2 (en) Method and device for producing a coffee preparation
AU2023200275B2 (en) Ice cream dispensing machine and cartridge
WO2016178734A1 (fr) Système d'extraction de jus avec liquide supplémentaire pour former une boisson de jus
US10472104B2 (en) Method of fabricating coffee pods at point of sale
JP7116814B2 (ja) 飲料製造装置
US10457431B2 (en) Coffee pod point of sale fabrication device
WO2008050190A1 (fr) Emballage pour boissons solubles
TWM600125U (zh) 配料儲存器及飲品調製設備
WO2016133768A1 (fr) Système et procédés de fabrication de jus
WO2020162747A1 (fr) Procédé et dispositif d'emballage de la chair d'un ananas automatiquement pelée et dénoyautée dans un récipient
GB2380990A (en) Drinks machine with capsule piercing spike
JP7494114B2 (ja) 様々な種類の容器からの複数原材料飲料調製システム
US20230104361A1 (en) Refrigerator ice-cream dispenser and matching capsules
EP3474246A1 (fr) Distributeur automatique de produits alimentaires, en particulier pour distribuer des garnitures alimentaires

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 14708649

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 14708649

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1