Beverage maker

Abstract

A beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a fermenter, a gas discharge channel connected to the fermenter, a gas discharge valve connected to the gas discharge channel, a gas pressure sensor disposed in the gas discharge channel, and a controller that controls the opening of the gas discharge valve when a first measurement value measured by the gas pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a preset first value, and determines whether the gas discharge valve is faulty based on a second measurement value of the gas pressure sensor after the gas discharge valve is controlled to open.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage making machine, and more specifically, to a beverage making machine for making fermented beverages. Background Technology

[0002] Beverages are a general term for drinkable liquids such as alcohol or tea. For example, beverages can be classified into various categories, such as water (beverages) to quench thirst, fruit juices with unique aromas and flavors, soft drinks that provide a refreshing sensation, beverages that are expected to have a stimulating effect, or alcoholic beverages that have an alcoholic effect.

[0003] Beer is a representative example of such a beverage. Beer is an alcoholic beverage made by squeezing out malt (barley sprouts), filtering the liquid, adding hops, and fermenting it with yeast.

[0004] Consumers can purchase ready-made products manufactured and sold by beer companies, or drink house beer (or craft beer) made by fermenting beer ingredients themselves at home or in a bar.

[0005] House beer can be produced in a wider variety than mass-produced products and can be tailored to consumer tastes.

[0006] The ingredients for brewing beer may include water, malt, hops, yeast, flavor additives, etc.

[0007] Yeast can be called yeast, and when added to malt, it can ferment the malt and help produce alcohol and carbonation.

[0008] Flavoring additives are ingredients that enhance the taste of beer, such as fruits, syrups, and vanilla beans.

[0009] Typically, house beer may include a total of three stages: wort production, fermentation, and maturation, and it may take about 2 to 3 weeks from the wort production stage to the maturation stage.

[0010] For house beer, it is important to maintain the optimal temperature during the fermentation stage, and the simpler the manufacturing process, the greater the convenience for the user.

[0011] Recently, there has been a growing trend of using beverage makers that allow for the easy production of house beer at home or in bars, and it is desirable for such makers to produce beer safely and conveniently.

[0012] Meanwhile, in the process of manufacturing a fermented beverage using a beverage maker, the pressure inside the beverage maker increases due to the fermentation of the beverage ingredients; accordingly, a gas pressure sensor and a gas release valve capable of regulating the pressure inside the beverage maker were required.

[0013] In addition, determining whether the gas discharge valve was malfunctioning was important; however, conventional beverage makers determined the malfunction based solely on the measurement value of the gas pressure sensor, which led to a problem where the gas discharge valve was deemed malfunctioning even when the power was turned off due to a prolonged power outage during beverage production. The problem to be solved

[0014] The purpose of the present disclosure is to accurately determine whether the gas discharge valve is malfunctioning when the power to the beverage maker is turned off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like.

[0015] The purpose of the present disclosure is to prevent unexpected dispensing of a beverage through a child lock function after the beverage preparation is completed. means of solving the problem

[0016] A beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fermenter, a gas discharge channel connected to the fermenter, a gas discharge valve connected to the gas discharge channel, a gas pressure sensor disposed in the gas discharge channel, and a controller that controls the gas discharge valve to open when a first measurement value measured by the gas pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a preset first value, and determines whether the gas discharge valve is faulty based on a second measurement value of the gas pressure sensor after the gas discharge valve is controlled to open.

[0017] In addition, the controller may determine that the gas discharge valve is faulty if the second measured value of the gas pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a preset second value.

[0018] In addition, the controller may determine that the gas discharge valve is faulty if the second measured value of the gas pressure sensor remains at or above the second value for a preset period of time.

[0019] In addition, the controller may increase a fault count if the second measurement value of the gas pressure sensor remains at or above the second value for a preset time, and determine the gas discharge valve as faulty if the fault count exceeds a limit count.

[0020] In addition, if the controller determines that the gas discharge valve is faulty, it can output a fault notification through the display unit.

[0021] In addition, the controller may determine that the gas discharge valve is normal if the second measured value of the gas pressure sensor is less than a preset second value, and perform a second fermentation step to determine whether the change in pressure detected by the gas pressure sensor is less than a second fermentation set pressure.

[0022] Additionally, the controller may further include an input unit for receiving user input, and the controller may receive a child lock setting command through the input unit and, in response to the child lock setting command, control the beverage dispensing valve to close so that the beverage does not flow into the beverage dispensing channel.

[0023] In addition, it further includes a display unit that displays information related to the beverage, and when the dispenser is opened after receiving the child lock command, the controller can output a child lock setting notification through the display unit.

[0024] In addition, the child lock setting notification may include at least one of the dispenser lock and the child lock setting release notification.

[0025] In addition, the controller can receive a child lock release command through the input unit and, in response to the child lock release command, control the opening of the beverage dispensing valve.

[0026] In addition, a method of operation of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fermentation tank, a gas discharge channel connected to the fermentation tank, a gas discharge valve connected to the gas discharge channel, and a pressure sensor disposed in the gas discharge channel, wherein the pressure sensor detects the pressure of the gas discharge channel, a step of controlling the gas discharge valve to open if a first measurement value of the gas pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a preset first value, and a step of determining whether the gas discharge valve is faulty based on whether a second measurement value of the gas pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a preset second value after controlling the gas discharge valve to open and after a preset time has elapsed.

[0027] In addition, the step of determining whether the gas discharge valve is faulty may include the step of determining the gas discharge valve as faulty if the second measured value of the gas pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a preset second value.

[0028] Additionally, the step of determining whether the gas discharge valve is faulty may include increasing a fault count if the second measurement value of the gas pressure sensor remains at or above the second value for a preset time, and determining the gas discharge valve as faulty if the fault count is greater than or equal to a limit count.

[0029] In addition, if the gas discharge valve is determined to be normal, the method may further include the step of receiving a child lock setting command and, in response to the child lock setting command, controlling the beverage dispensing valve to close so that the beverage does not flow into the beverage dispensing channel.

[0030] In addition, the method may further include the step of outputting a child lock setting notification through the display unit when the dispenser is opened after receiving the child lock command. Effects of the invention

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the power of the beverage maker is turned off during the production of a fermented beverage and the gas discharge valve is inevitably unable to operate, the failure of the gas discharge valve can be accurately determined by determining the failure of the gas discharge valve using a separate algorithm.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by setting a child lock function after the beverage is prepared according to the normal operation of the gas discharge valve, the dispensing of the beverage unexpectedly by the user can be effectively prevented. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0033] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a beverage making machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the control sequence of a beverage maker according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the control configuration of a beverage maker according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation of a beverage maker according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the child lock command input of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the setting or release of a child lock on a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a beverage status screen and a child lock setting notification according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0034] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0035] In the following specification, beer is described as an example of a beverage manufactured using a beverage manufacturing machine; however, the types of beverages that can be manufactured using the beverage manufacturing machine are not limited to beer, and various types of beverages can be manufactured through the beverage manufacturing machine according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a beverage making machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] A beverage maker may include a fermentation module (1). Fermentation of the beverage may take place in the fermentation module (1).

[0038] The beverage maker may include a temperature controller that controls the temperature inside the fermentation module (1).

[0039] The beverage maker may include a water supply module (5). The water supply module (5) can supply water.

[0040] A beverage maker may include a material feeder (3) having a material receiving section (31)(32)(33) formed therein for receiving materials required to make a beverage.

[0041] The beverage maker may include a main channel (41)(42) connecting the water supply module (5) and the fermentation module (1).

[0042] The beverage maker may include a beverage dispenser (6) that dispenses the beverage produced in the fermentation module (1) to the outside.

[0043] The beverage dispenser (6) can be connected to the second main channel (42), so that the beverage dispensed from the fermentation module (1) can pass through a part of the second main channel (42) and be guided to the beverage dispenser (6).

[0044] The beverage maker may further include a gas exhauster (7). The gas exhauster (7) is connected to the fermentation module (1) and can exhaust gas generated during the beverage manufacturing process.

[0045] The beverage maker may further include an air injector (8) for injecting air. The air injector (8) may be connected to a water supply module (5) or a first main channel (41). The air injector may include an air pump (82).

[0046] The beverage maker may further include an air regulator (15) that regulates the pressure between the inner wall of the fermentation tank (112) and the outer surface of the fermentation container (12).

[0047] The beverage maker may further include a sub-channel (91). The sub-channel (91) can connect the water supply module (5) and the beverage dispenser (6).

[0048] The fermentation module (1) is described in detail below.

[0049] The fermentation module (1) may include a fermentation tank module (111) having an opening formed therein and a fermentation lid (107) that opens and closes the opening.

[0050] The fermentation vessel module (111) may include a fermentation case (160) and a fermentation vessel (112) that is housed in the fermentation case (160) and has an internal space (S1) formed therein. An insulating section (not shown) may be provided between the fermentation case (160) and the fermentation vessel (112). The fermentation vessel module (111) may further include a lid mounting body (179) on which a fermentation lid (107) is seated.

[0051] The fermentation case (160) and the fermentation tank (112) may each be composed of a combination of multiple members. The fermentation case (160) may form the exterior of the fermentation tank module (111).

[0052] The fermentation lid (107) seals the interior of the fermentation vessel module (111) and can be positioned on the upper side of the fermentation vessel module (111) to cover the opening. The fermentation lid (107) may be provided with a main channel connection part (115) that is connected to a main channel, more specifically, a second main channel (42).

[0053] A fermentation container (12) can be accommodated inside the fermentation tank (112).

[0054] The fermentation container (12) may be a separate container provided so that the beverage ingredients and the finished beverage do not stick 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 placed inside the fermentation tank (112) to ferment the beverage inside the fermentation tank (112), and after use, it may be withdrawn outside the fermentation tank (112).

[0055] The fermentation container (12) may be a pack containing materials for making a beverage. The fermentation container (12) may be formed of a flexible material so that it can be easily inserted into the fermentation tank (112) and may be capable of shrinking and expanding under pressure. However, it is not limited thereto, and it is also possible for the fermentation container (12) to be made of PET material.

[0056] A beverage manufacturing space (S2) in which beverage ingredients are received and a beverage is manufactured may be formed inside the fermentation container (12). The fermentation container (12) may be formed to be smaller than the internal space (S1) of the fermentation tank (112).

[0057] The fermentation container (12) can be inserted into the fermentation tank (112) and received with materials contained inside. The fermentation container (12) can be inserted into the fermentation tank (112) and received in the fermentation tank (112) with the fermentation lid (107) open.

[0058] The fermentation lid (107) can seal the fermentation tank (112) after the fermentation container (12) is inserted into the fermentation tank (112). The fermentation container (12) can assist in the fermentation of materials while contained in the internal space (S1) sealed by the fermentation tank (112) and the fermentation lid (107). The fermentation container (12) can be expanded by the internal pressure while the production of the beverage is in progress. The fermentation container (12) can be compressed by the air inside the fermentation tank (112) when the beverage contained inside is discharged and air is supplied between the inner surface of the fermentation tank (112) and the outer surface of the fermentation container (12).

[0059] The fermentation tank (112) may be placed 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). More specifically, 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).

[0060] An insulating section (not shown) may be provided between the fermentation case (160) and the fermentation tank (112). The insulating section may be located inside the fermentation case (160) and surround the fermentation tank (112). This allows the temperature of the fermentation tank (112) to be maintained at a constant level.

[0061] The above insulation part may be formed of a material such as expanded polystyrene or polyurethane that has high thermal insulation performance and can absorb vibrations.

[0062] The fermentation tank (112) may be equipped with a temperature sensor (16) for measuring the temperature of the fermentation tank (112).

[0063] A temperature sensor (16) can be mounted on the perimeter of the fermentation tank (112). The temperature sensor (16) can be located on the lower side of the evaporator (134) wrapped around the fermentation tank (112).

[0064] Below, the temperature controller (11) is described in detail.

[0065] The temperature controller (11) can change the internal temperature of the fermentation vessel module (111). More specifically, the temperature controller (11) can change the temperature of the fermentation vessel (112).

[0066] The temperature controller (11) heats or cools the fermentation tank (112) and can adjust the temperature of the fermentation tank (112) to an optimal temperature for beverage fermentation.

[0067] The temperature controller (11) may include at least one of a cooling cycle device (13) and a heater (14). However, it is not limited thereto, and the temperature controller may also be configured to include a thermoelectric element (TEM).

[0068] The cooling cycle device (13) can cool the fermentation tank (112) to control the temperature of the fermentation tank (112). The cooling cycle device (13) may include a compressor (131; see FIG. 6), a condenser, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator (134).

[0069] The evaporator (134) may be positioned to be in contact with the outer surface of the fermentation tank (112). The evaporator (134) may be composed of an evaporation tube that wraps around the outer surface of the fermentation tank (112). The evaporator (134) may be accommodated between the fermentation tank (112) and the insulation part, and may cool the fermentation tank (112) insulated by the insulation part.

[0070] The temperature controller (11) may further include a heater (14) for heating the fermentation tank (112). The heater (14) may be installed in contact with the bottom surface of the fermentation tank (112) and may be composed of a heating heater that generates heat when power is applied. The heater (14) may be composed of a plate heater.

[0071] Thus, natural convection of the fluid can occur inside the fermentation tank (112) by means of the evaporator (134) and heater (14), and the temperature distribution inside the fermentation tank (112) and fermentation container (12) can be made uniform.

[0072] The main channel (41)(42) and bypass channel (43) are described below.

[0073] As previously explained, the main channels (41)(42) may include a first main channel (41) connecting the water supply module (5) and the material supply unit (3), and a second main channel (42) connecting the material supply unit (3) and the fermentation module (1).

[0074] That is, the first main channel (41) can guide water supplied from the water supply module (5) to the material supply unit (3), and the second main channel (42) can guide a mixture of material and water extracted from the material supply unit (3) to the fermentation module (1).

[0075] One end (41A) of the first main channel (41) can be connected to the water supply module (5), and the other end can be connected to the material feeder (3), more specifically to the inlet (31A) of the first material receiving section (31) to be described later.

[0076] A material supply valve (310) for opening and closing the first main channel (41) may be installed in the first main channel (41). The material supply valve (310) may be a component included in the material feeder (3).

[0077] The material supply valve (310) can be opened to open the first main channel (41) when an additive received in the material receiving section (31)(32)(33) is introduced. The material supply valve (310) can be opened to open the first main channel (41) when cleaning the material receiving section (31)(32)(33).

[0078] One end of the second main channel (42) can be connected to the main channel connection part (115) of the fermentation module (1), and the other end can be connected to the outlet (33B) of the material feeder (3), more specifically the final material receiving part (33) to be described later.

[0079] A main valve (40) for opening and closing the second main channel (42) may be installed in the second main channel (42). Additionally, a main check valve (314) for flowing fluid from the material supply unit (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 into the material supply unit (3).

[0080] The main check valve (314) can be located between the main valve (40) and the material feeder (3) with respect to the second main channel (42).

[0081] The main valve (40) can be opened to open the second main channel (42) when supplying water to the fermentation container (12). The main valve (40) can be closed to close the second main channel (42) while cooling the fermentation tank (112). The main valve (40) can be opened to open the second main channel (42) when injecting air into the interior of the fermentation container (12). The main valve (40) can be opened to open the second main channel (42) when supplying additives into the interior of the fermentation container (12). The main valve (40) can be closed to seal the interior of the fermentation container (12) while the fermentation of the material is in progress. The main valve (40) can be closed to seal the interior of the fermentation container (12) during beverage aging and storage. The main valve (40) can be 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) can pass through the main valve (40) and flow to the beverage dispenser (6).

[0082] The main channel (41)(42) can be configured as a single continuous channel if the beverage maker does not include a material feeder (3).

[0083] If the beverage maker includes a material feeder (3), the beverage maker may further include a bypass channel (43) configured to allow water or air to bypass the material receiving section (31)(32)(33).

[0084] The bypass channel (43) can bypass the material receiving section (31)(32)(33) to connect the first main channel (41) and the second main channel (42).

[0085] One end (43A) of the bypass channel (43) can be connected to the first main channel (41), and the other end (43B) can be connected to the second main channel (42). More specifically, one end (43A) of the bypass channel (43) can be connected to the first main channel (41) between the water supply module (5) and the material supply valve (310), and the other end (43B) can be connected to the second main channel (42) between the main valve (40) and the material supply unit (3).

[0086] A bypass valve (35) for opening and closing the bypass channel (43) may be installed in the bypass channel (43).

[0087] The bypass valve (35) can 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) can 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) can be opened to open the bypass channel (43) when cleaning the bypass channel (43).

[0088] Additionally, a bypass check valve (324) that allows fluid to flow from the first main channel (41) to the second main channel (42) may be installed in the bypass channel (43). That is, fluid can only flow from the first main channel (41) to the second main channel (42) and cannot flow in the opposite direction.

[0089] The bypass check valve (324) can be located between the bypass valve (35) and the second main channel (42) with respect to the bypass channel (43).

[0090] The material feeder (3) is described in detail below.

[0091] When brewing beer using a beverage maker, the ingredients for brewing the beer may include water, malt, yeast, hops, flavor additives, etc.

[0092] A beverage maker may include both a material feeder (3) and a fermentation container (12), and materials for making a beverage may be distributed and received in the material feeder (3) and the fermentation container (12). Some of the materials for making a beverage may be received in the fermentation container (12), and the remaining materials may be received in the material feeder (3). The remaining materials received in the material feeder (3) may be supplied to the fermentation container (12) along with water supplied from the water supply module (5), and may be mixed with some of the materials received in the fermentation container (12).

[0093] The fermentation container (12) may contain a main ingredient essential for the production of a beverage, and the material feeder (3) may contain an additive to be added to the main ingredient. In this case, the additive 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 may be mixed with the main ingredient contained in the fermentation container (12).

[0094] The main ingredient contained 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 ingredient may be malt among malt, yeast, hops, and flavor additives. And, the additive contained in the material feeder (3) may be other materials excluding malt among the materials for beer production, and may be yeast, hops, flavor additives, etc.

[0095] The beverage maker may not include a material feeder (3) and may include a fermentation container (12), in which case the main ingredient may be contained in the fermentation container (12) and the user may directly add an additive to the fermentation container (12).

[0096] A beverage maker can make beverages more easily when it includes both a material feeder (3) and a fermentation container (12), and for convenience, the following description is given with an example that includes both a material feeder (3) and a fermentation container (12). However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to including both a material feeder (3) and a fermentation container (12).

[0097] The material in the fermentation container (12) can be fermented over time, and the beverage that has been completed in the fermentation container (12) can be flowed to the second main channel (42) through the main channel connection part (115), and can be flowed from the second main channel (42) to the beverage dispenser (6) and dispensed.

[0098] The material feeder (3) may be configured to accommodate materials necessary for making a beverage and to allow water supplied from the water supply module (5) to pass through. For example, if the beverage produced by the beverage maker is beer, the materials accommodated in the material feeder (3) may be yeast, hops, flavor additives, etc.

[0099] The material received in the material feeder (3) can be directly received in the material receiving portions (31)(32)(33) formed in the material feeder (3). At least one material receiving portion (31)(32)(33) may be formed in the material feeder (3). Multiple material receiving portions (31)(32)(33) may be formed in the material feeder (3), and in this case, the multiple material receiving portions (31)(32)(33) may be formed by partitioning each other.

[0100] Each material receiving section (31)(32)(33) may have an inlet (31A)(32A)(33A) for fluid to flow in and an outlet (31B)(32B)(33B) for fluid to flow out. Fluid flowing into the inlet of a material receiving section may be mixed with the material of the material receiving section and flow out through the outlet.

[0101] Meanwhile, the material received in the material supply unit (3) can be received in the material container (C1)(C2)(C3). In this case, the material container (C1)(C2)(C3) can be received in the material receiving section (31)(32)(33), and the material receiving section (31)(32)(33) can be named as the material container mounting section.

[0102] The material containers (C1)(C2)(C3) may be composed of capsules or pods, but are not limited thereto.

[0103] When materials are received in material containers (C1)(C2)(C3), the material feeder (3) may be configured to allow the material containers (C1)(C2)(C3) to be seated and withdrawn, and the material feeder (3) may be configured as a material container kit assembly in which the material containers (C1)(C2)(C3) are received in a detachable manner.

[0104] For example, the material feeder (3) may accommodate a first additive, a second additive, and a third additive. The first additive may be yeast, the second additive may be hops, and the third additive may be a flavor additive. The material feeder (3) may include a first material container mounting part (31) that accommodates a first material container (C1) that accommodates the first additive, a second material container mounting part (32) that accommodates a second material container (C2) that accommodates the second additive, and a third material container mounting part (33) that accommodates a third material container (C3) that accommodates the third additive.

[0105] The material contained in the material receiving section or material container (C1)(C2)(C3) can be extracted by the water pressure of the water supplied from the water supply module (5).

[0106] 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 receiving section or material container (C1)(C2)(C3), and the material contained in the material receiving section or material container (C1)(C2)(C3) can flow to the second main channel (42) together with the water.

[0107] A number of additives of different types can be received separately in the material feeder (3). For example, the number of additives received in the material feeder (3) during the production of beer may be yeast, hops, and flavor additives, and these can be received separately.

[0108] When a plurality of material receiving sections are formed in the material feeder (3), the plurality of material receiving sections (31)(32)(33) can be connected in series with respect to the direction of water flow.

[0109] More specifically, the material feeder (3) may include at least one connecting channel (311)(312) connecting the outlet of one of the material receiving sections (31)(32)(33) and the inlet of another material receiving section.

[0110] Additionally, the plurality of material receiving sections (31)(32)(33) may include an initial material receiving section (31) and a final material receiving section (33). The plurality of material receiving sections (31)(32)(33) may further include an intermediate material receiving section (32).

[0111] The inlet (31A) of the first material receiving section (31) can be connected to the first main channel (41), and the outlet (33B) of the final material receiving section (33) can be connected to the second main channel (42).

[0112] The intermediate material receiving section (32) may be located between the first material receiving section (31) and the second material receiving section (33) with respect to fluid flow. Different connection channels (311)(312) may be connected to the inlet (32A) and outlet (32B), respectively, of the intermediate material receiving section (32).

[0113] As shown in FIG. 1, when three material receiving sections are formed in the material feeder (3), the outlet (31B) of the first material receiving section (31) can be connected to the inlet (32A) of the intermediate material receiving section (32) and the first connecting channel (311), and the outlet (32B) of the intermediate material receiving section (32) can be connected to the inlet (33A) of the final material receiving section (33) and the second connecting channel (312).

[0114] In this case, water introduced into the inlet (31A) of the first material receiving section (31) through the first main channel (41) can flow into the first connecting channel (311) through the outlet (31B) together with the first additive contained in the first material receiving section (31).

[0115] The fluid (a mixture of water and the first additive) introduced into the inlet (32A) of the intermediate material receiving section (32) through the first connecting channel (311) can flow into the second connecting channel (312) through the outlet (32B) together with the second additive contained in the intermediate material receiving section (32).

[0116] The fluid (a mixture of water, the first additive, and the second additive) introduced into the inlet (33A) of the final material receiving section (33) through the second connecting channel (312) can flow into the second main channel (42) through the outlet (33B) together with the third additive contained in the final material receiving section (33).

[0117] The fluid (a mixture of water, the first additive, the second additive, and the third additive) discharged through the second main channel (42) is guided to the main channel connection (115) of the fermentation module (1) and can be introduced into the fermentation container (12).

[0118] However, the configuration of the material feeder (3) is not limited to this, and for example, if there is no intermediate material receiving section, two material receiving sections may be formed in the material feeder (3). In this case, one material receiving section may be the initial material receiving section and the other material receiving section may be the final material receiving section. The outlet of the initial material receiving section and the inlet of the final material receiving section may be connected by a connecting channel.

[0119] As another example, when there are multiple intermediate material receiving sections, four or more material receiving sections may be formed in the material feeder (3). In this case, one material receiving section may be the initial material receiving section, another material receiving section may be the final material receiving section, and the remaining material receiving section may be an intermediate material receiving section. In this case, the serial connection relationship between each material receiving section can be easily understood by those skilled in the art, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0120] Since multiple material receiving sections (31)(32)(33) are connected in series, there is an advantage that the channel configuration of the material feeder (3) can be simplified. Additionally, since the additives contained in each material container (C1)(C2)(C3) are extracted at once, there is an advantage that the time required is shortened. Furthermore, since the user does not need to worry about the mounting order of the material containers (C1)(C2)(C3), malfunctions caused by mounting the material containers (C1)(C2)(C3) in the wrong order can be prevented. In addition, the leakage points of the material feeder (3) are minimized, so reliability can be maintained.

[0121] When the material received in the material feeder (3) is received in the material container (C1)(C2)(C3), the first material receiving section (31) may be named the first material container mounting section, the intermediate material receiving section (32) may be named the intermediate material container mounting section, and the final material receiving section (33) may be named the final material container mounting section.

[0122] The water supply module (5) is described in detail below.

[0123] The water supply module (5) may include a water tank (51), a water supply pump (52) for pumping water from the water tank (51), and a water supply heater (53) for heating the water pumped from the water supply pump (52).

[0124] It may further include a water supply pump (52) for pumping water from a water tank (51) and a water supply heater (53) for heating the water pumped from the water supply pump (52).

[0125] The water tank (51) and the water supply pump (52) can be connected to the water tank outlet channel (55A), and the water contained in the water tank (51) can be sucked into the water supply pump (52) through the water tank outlet channel (55A).

[0126] One end (41A) of the water supply pump (52) and the first main channel (41) can be connected to the water supply channel (55B), and water discharged from the water supply pump can be guided to the first main channel (41) through the water supply channel (55B).

[0127] A flow meter (56) for measuring the flow rate of water discharged from the tank (51) may be installed in the tank discharge channel (55A).

[0128] Additionally, a flow control valve (54) for controlling the flow rate of water discharged from the water tank (51) may be installed in the water tank discharge channel (55A). The flow control valve (54) may include a step-in motor.

[0129] Additionally, a thermistor (54A) for measuring the temperature of water discharged from the tank (51) may be installed in the tank discharge channel (55A). The thermistor (54A) may be built into the flow control valve (54).

[0130] A water supply check valve (59) can be installed in the water supply channel (55B) to prevent water from flowing back into the water supply pump (52).

[0131] The water supply heater (53) can be installed in the water supply channel (55B).

[0132] A thermal fuse (58) may be installed in the water supply heater (53) to cut off the circuit and cut off the current supplied to the water supply heater (53) when the temperature is high.

[0133] The water supply module (5) may further include a safety valve (53A). The safety valve (53A) may be in communication with the inside of the heater case of the water supply heater (53). The safety valve (53A) may 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.

[0134] The water supply module (5) may further include a water supply temperature sensor (57) that measures 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 placed in a portion of the water supply channel (55B) located after the water supply heater (53) along the direction of water flow. Additionally, it is possible for the water supply temperature sensor (57) to be installed in the first main channel (41).

[0135] When the water supply pump (52) is operated, water from the water tank (51) is sucked into the water supply pump (52) through the water tank discharge channel (55A), and water discharged from the water supply pump (52) is heated by the water supply heater (53) while flowing through the water supply channel (55B) and can be guided to the first main channel (41).

[0136] Below, the beverage dispenser (6) will be described.

[0137] The beverage dispenser (6) can be connected to the second main channel (42).

[0138] More specifically, the beverage dispenser (6) may include a dispenser (62) from which a beverage is dispensed, and a beverage dispensing channel (61) connecting the dispenser (62) and the second main channel (42).

[0139] One end (61A) of the beverage dispensing channel (61) can be connected between the main check valve (314) and the main valve (40) with respect to the second main channel (42), and the other end can be connected to the dispenser (62).

[0140] A beverage dispensing valve (64) for opening and closing the beverage dispensing channel (61) may be installed in the beverage dispensing channel (61).

[0141] The beverage dispensing valve (64) can be opened to open the beverage dispensing channel (61) when the beverage is dispensed. The beverage dispensing valve (64) can be opened to open the beverage dispensing channel (61) when residual water is removed. The beverage dispensing valve (64) can be opened to open the beverage dispensing channel (61) when cleaning the beverage dispenser (6).

[0142] A foam blocking section (not shown) may be provided in the beverage dispensing channel (61), and foam from the beverage flowing from the second main channel (42) to the beverage dispensing channel (61) may be minimized as it passes through the foam blocking section. The foam blocking section may be provided with a mesh or the like that filters out foam.

[0143] When dispensing a beverage, the beverage dispensing valve (64) can be opened, and when not dispensing a beverage, the beverage dispensing valve (64) can be kept closed.

[0144] Below, the gas exhaust device (7) will be described in detail.

[0145] The gas exhauster (7) is connected to the fermentation module (1) and can discharge the gas generated inside the fermentation container (12).

[0146] More specifically, the gas discharger (7) may include a gas discharge channel (71) connected to the fermentation module (1), a gas pressure sensor (72) installed in the gas discharge channel (71), and a gas discharge valve (73) connected to the gas discharge channel (71) in the direction of gas discharge.

[0147] In addition, the gas discharge channel (71) can be branched and connected to a gas pressure sensor (72) and a gas discharge valve (73), respectively.

[0148] The gas discharge channel (71) can be connected to the fermentation module (1), particularly the fermentation lid (107). The fermentation lid (107) may be provided with a gas discharge channel connection part (121) to which the gas discharge channel (71) is connected.

[0149] Gas inside the fermentation container (12) can 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) can detect the pressure of the gas discharged from the fermentation container (12) to the gas discharge channel (71) through the gas discharge channel connection part (121).

[0150] The gas discharge valve (73) can be turned on and opened when air is injected into the interior of the fermentation container (12) by the air injector (8). The beverage maker can inject air into the fermentation container (12) to evenly mix the malt and water, and at this time, bubbles generated from the liquid malt can be discharged to the outside through the gas discharge channel (71) and the gas discharge valve (73) from the top of the fermentation container (12).

[0151] The gas discharge valve (73) can be turned on and opened to detect the degree of fermentation during the fermentation process, and then turned off and closed again.

[0152] 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 direction of gas discharge in 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.

[0153] Meanwhile, the gas discharge valve (73) can function as a pressure release valve (not shown).

[0154] Specifically, a noise reduction device (77) may be installed on the gas discharge valve (73), and the noise reduction device (77) may include at least one of an orifice structure or a muffler structure.

[0155] By means of the noise reduction device (77), the noise generated even when the gas discharge valve (73) is opened can be significantly reduced.

[0156] The gas discharge valve (73) can be opened to release pressure when the internal pressure of the fermentation container (12) rises due to gas generation as the fermentation of the beverage proceeds. The noise reduction device (77) can effectively reduce noise caused by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the fermentation container (12).

[0157] The following describes the air injector (8).

[0158] The air injector (8) can be connected to the water supply channel (55B) or the first main channel (41) to inject air. For convenience of explanation, the following description is based on the case where the air injector (8) is connected to the water supply channel (55B).

[0159] The air injector (8) can be connected to the opposite side of the sub-channel (91) described later, based on the water supply heater (53).

[0160] In this case, the air injected from the air injector (8) can pass through the water supply heater (53) and flow into the sub-channel (91) together with the residual water inside the water supply heater (53). By doing so, the residual water inside the water supply heater (53) is removed, and the water supply heater (53) can be kept clean.

[0161] Alternatively, air injected from the air injector (8) into the first main channel (41) may pass sequentially through the bypass channel (43) and the second main channel (42) and be injected into the fermentation container (12). In this way, stirring or aeration can be performed within the fermentation container (12).

[0162] Alternatively, air injected from the air injector (8) into the first main channel (41) can be guided to the material feeder (3) and flow into the material container mounting section (31)(32)(33). Residual water or debris in the material container (C1)(C2)(C3) or the material container mounting section (31)(32)(33) can be flowed into the second main channel (42) by the air injected by the air injector (8). The material container (C1)(C2)(C3) and the material container mounting section (31)(32)(33) can be kept clean by the air injected by the air injector (8).

[0163] The air injector (8) may include an air injection channel (81) connected to a water supply channel (55B) or a first main channel (41), and an air pump (82) connected to the air injection channel (81). The air pump (82) can pump air into the air injection channel (81).

[0164] An air injection check valve (83) may be installed in the air injection channel (81) to prevent water flowing into the water supply channel (55B) by the water supply pump (52) from flowing into the air pump (82) through the air injection channel (81).

[0165] The air injector (8) may further include an air filter (82A). The air filter (82A) may be provided in the intake portion 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) can inject clean air into the air injection channel (81).

[0166] Below, the air regulator (15) is described in detail.

[0167] The air regulator (15) can regulate the pressure between the inner wall of the fermentation tank (112) and the outer surface of the fermentation container (12).

[0168] The air regulator (15) can supply air between the fermentation container (12) and the inner wall of the fermentation tank (112), or conversely, exhaust the air between the fermentation container (12) and the inner wall of the fermentation tank (112) to the outside.

[0169] 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.

[0170] One end (154A) of the air supply channel (154) can be connected to the first main channel (41), and the other end can be connected to the fermentation module.

[0171] The air supply channel (154) can be connected to the fermentation module (1), particularly the fermentation lid (107). The fermentation module (1) may be provided with an air supply channel connection part (117) to which the air supply channel (154) is connected, and the air supply channel connection part (117) may be connected to the space between the inner wall of the fermentation tank (112) and the outer surface of the fermentation container (12).

[0172] Air injected from the air injector (8) into the first main channel (41) can be guided through the air supply channel (154) between the outer surface of the fermentation container (12) and the inner wall of the fermentation tank (112).

[0173] The air injector (8), together with the air supply channel (154), can function as an air supply device that supplies air between the fermentation container (12) and the fermentation tank (112).

[0174] In this way, the air supplied into the fermentation tank (112) can pressurize the fermentation container (12) between the outer surface of the fermentation container (12) and the inner wall of the fermentation tank (112).

[0175] The beverage inside the fermentation container (12) can be pressurized by the fermentation container (12) which is pressed by air, and when the main valve (40) and the beverage dispensing valve (64) are opened, it can flow through the main channel connection part (115) to the second main channel (42). The beverage flowing from the fermentation container (12) to the second main channel (42) can be dispensed to the outside through the beverage dispensing device (6).

[0176] The air pump (82) can supply air to form a predetermined pressure between the fermentation container (12) and the fermentation tank (112), and a pressure can be formed between the fermentation container (12) and the fermentation tank (112) that facilitates the extraction of the beverage inside the fermentation container (12).

[0177] The air pump (82) remains off while the beverage dispensing is in progress, and when the beverage dispensing is finished, it can be driven for the next beverage dispensing and then stopped.

[0178] Thus, when the beverage manufacturing process is complete, the beverage manufacturing machine can extract the beverage inside the fermentation container (12) to the beverage extraction channel module (6) while the fermentation container (12) is positioned inside the fermentation module (1) without being taken out of the fermentation module (1).

[0179] It is also possible for the air regulator (15) to be configured to include an air injector (8) and a separate air supply pump. In this case, the air supply channel (154) may be connected to the air supply pump rather than being connected to the first main channel (41). However, it would be more desirable in terms of product compactness and cost reduction to configure the air pump (82) to be used for both injecting air into the fermentation container (12) and supplying air between the fermentation container (12) and the fermentation tank (112).

[0180] Meanwhile, the exhaust channel (157) can function as an air exhaust passage to exhaust air between the fermentation container (12) and the fermentation tank (112) to the outside, together with a part of the air supply channel (154).

[0181] The exhaust channel (157) may be located outside the fermentation module (1). The exhaust channel (157) may be connected to the part of the air supply channel (154) located outside the fermentation tank (112).

[0182] The air supply channel (154) may include a first channel from a connection part (154A) connected to the first main channel (41) to a connection part (157A) connected to the exhaust channel (157), and a second channel from a connection part (154A) connected to the exhaust channel (157) to an air supply channel connection part (117). The first channel may be a supply channel that guides air pumped from the air pump (82) to the second channel. The second channel may be a combined supply and exhaust channel that supplies air passing through the supply channel to the fermentation tank (112) and the fermentation container (12), or guides air flowing out from between the fermentation tank (112) and the fermentation container (12) to the connection channel (157).

[0183] An exhaust valve (156) that opens and closes the exhaust channel (157) may be connected to the exhaust channel (157).

[0184] The exhaust valve (156) can be opened to exhaust air between the fermentation container (12) and the fermentation tank (112) to the outside when the fermentation container (12) expands during beverage production. The exhaust valve (156) can be controlled to open when water is supplied by the water supply channel module (5). The exhaust valve (156) can be controlled to open when air is injected by the air injection channel module (8).

[0185] The exhaust valve (156) can be opened to remove air between the fermentation container (12) and the fermentation tank (112) once the beverage extraction from the fermentation container (12) is complete. After the beverage extraction is complete, the user can take the fermentation container (12) out of the fermentation tank (112), as a safety accident may occur if the inside of the fermentation tank (112) maintains high pressure. The exhaust valve (156) can be controlled to open when the beverage extraction from the fermentation container (12) is complete.

[0186] The air regulator (15) may further include an air supply valve (159) that controls the air pumped from the air pump (82) and supplied between the fermentation container (12) and the fermentation tank (112).

[0187] An air supply valve (159) may be installed in an air supply channel (154). More specifically, the air supply valve (159) may be installed between the connection portion (154A) with the first main channel (41) and the connection portion (157A) with the exhaust channel (157) of the air supply channel (154).

[0188] The following describes the sub-channel (91) in detail.

[0189] The sub-channel (91) can connect the water supply module (5) and the beverage dispenser (6). More specifically, one end (91A) of the sub-channel (91) can be connected to the water supply channel (55B) and the other end (91B) can be connected to the beverage dispensing channel (61).

[0190] The sub-channel (91) can be connected between the water supply pump (52) and the water supply heater (53) for the water supply channel (55B).

[0191] Additionally, the sub-channel (91) can be connected to the beverage dispensing channel (61) between the connection part (61A) with the second main channel (42) and the beverage dispensing valve (64).

[0192] 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), dispensed to the dispenser (62), and can remove any remaining water or beverage inside the beverage dispenser (6).

[0193] A sub-valve (92) for opening and closing the sub-channel (91) may be installed in the sub-channel (91).

[0194] The sub-valve (92) can be opened to open the sub-channel (91) when dispensing a beverage or cleaning the interior.

[0195] Additionally, a sub-check valve (93) may be installed in the sub-channel (91) to prevent the beverage from the beverage dispensing channel (61) from flowing back into 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).

[0196] The sub-channel (91) can 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), bypass valve (35), and material supply valve (310) are closed and the sub-valve (92) is open, the air injected into the air injection channel (81) can flow through the water supply heater (53) to the sub-channel (91), and then flow through the sub-valve (92) to the beverage dispensing channel (61) and then be dispensed to the dispenser (62). In this process, the residual water can be removed by dispensing the air to the dispenser (62) together with the residual water remaining in the water supply module (5), more specifically the water supply heater (53) and the water supply channel (55B).

[0197] Additionally, the sub-channel (91) can function as a cleaning channel. More specifically, when a beverage is partially dispensed from the dispenser (62) and a long time has elapsed until the next dispensing, water can be flowed into the sub-channel (91) to clean the dispenser (62) before the next dispensing is performed.

[0198] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the control sequence of a beverage maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0199] The beverage maker of the present embodiment may include a cleaning step (S100)(S200) for cleaning the internal channels. The cleaning step (S100)(S200) may be performed separately from the beverage manufacturing step.

[0200] It is preferable that the cleaning step (S100)(S200) be performed before and after the beverage manufacturing step.

[0201] Additionally, the cleaning step (S100) (S200) can be performed by user input during the beverage manufacturing step, and in this case, it can be performed while the channel connected to the fermentation module (1) is closed and the material feeder (3) is not filled with material, as in the first fermentation step (S160) or second fermentation step (S170) described later.

[0202] On the other hand, the beverage manufacturing step can be carried out with the material container accommodated in the material feeder (3) and the fermentation container (12) accommodated inside the fermentation module (1).

[0203] The user can input a cleaning command through an input unit (420; see FIG. 3), a remote control, a mobile terminal, etc. The controller (460) can control the beverage maker to a cleaning step (S100) (S200) according to the input of the cleaning command.

[0204] Additionally, the user can input a beverage manufacturing command through the input unit (420), a remote control, a mobile terminal, etc. The controller (460) can automatically control the beverage manufacturing machine to a cleaning step (S100) (S200) before and after the beverage manufacturing step according to the input of the beverage manufacturing command.

[0205] The controller (460) can supply water from the tank (51) to internal channels and material feeders (3) during the cleaning phase. The supplied water can be discharged to the outside through the dispenser (62) along with foreign matter or residue present in the channels and material feeders (3).

[0206] The beverage maker can perform the cleaning as described above for a cleaning setting time, and after the cleaning setting time, can complete the cleaning process.

[0207] In addition, the beverage manufacturing machine of the present embodiment may include a beverage manufacturing step for manufacturing a beverage.

[0208] For the beverage manufacturing step, the user may place the fermentation container (12) on the fermentation module (1). At this time, some material (e.g., malt) may be contained inside the fermentation container (12). The malt may be contained in the form of malt extract.

[0209] Additionally, the user can insert material containers (C1, C2, C3) into the material feeder (3) before and after the fermentation container (12) is placed. The user can input a beverage manufacturing command through the input unit (420), a remote control, a mobile terminal, etc. The controller (460) can control the beverage maker to the beverage manufacturing stage according to the input of the beverage manufacturing command.

[0210] The beverage manufacturing step may include a water supply step (S110).

[0211] The water supply step (S110) may be a liquid malt formation step in which the malt in the fermentation container (12) is evenly mixed with hot water to form liquid malt.

[0212] The controller (460) can turn on the water pump (52) during the water supply step (S110) to supply water from the water tank (51) into the fermentation container (12). According to an embodiment, the water supply module (5) may further include a water heater to supply hot water into the fermentation container (12). In this case, water discharged from the water tank (51) can pass through the water pump (52) and flow to the water heater to be heated by the water heater. The water heated by the water heater can flow into the interior of the fermentation container (12) through a channel between the water supply module (5) and the fermentation module (1). The hot water flowing into the fermentation container (12) can be mixed with the malt contained in the fermentation container (12), and the malt inside the fermentation container (12) can be gradually diluted by mixing with the water. 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.

[0213] The controller (460) can perform the water supply step (S110) until the accumulated amount detected by the flow meter (56) reaches the set flow rate, and when the accumulated amount detected by the flow meter (56) reaches the set flow rate, the water supply step (S110) can be completed.

[0214] When the water supply stage (S110) is completed, the controller (460) can turn off the water supply pump (52) and the water supply heater.

[0215] Meanwhile, the beverage manufacturing step may include a fermentation tank cooling step (S120).

[0216] More specifically, when the water supply step (S110) is completed, a fermentation tank cooling step (S120) for cooling the fermentation tank (112) or fermentation container (12) may be performed.

[0217] The controller (460) can control the temperature controller (11) included in the fermentation module (1) for cooling the fermentation container (12). More specifically, the controller (460) can control the refrigeration cycle device (13) for cooling the fermentation container (12). When the refrigeration cycle device is operated, the fermentation container (12) can be gradually cooled, and the liquid malt contained in the fermentation container (12) can be cooled. The controller (460) can control the refrigeration cycle device (13) according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (16) installed in the fermentation module (1).

[0218] The beverage manufacturing step may include an additive input step (S130).

[0219] More specifically, the beverage maker may perform an additive addition step (S130) during the performance of the cooling step (S120). For example, the beverage maker may perform the additive addition step (S130) when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (16) reaches a value higher than a predetermined temperature than the cooling temperature set for the cooling step (S120).

[0220] During the additive input step (S130), the material contained in the material feeder (3) can be input into the fermentation container (12).

[0221] During the additive injection step (S130), the controller (460) can turn on the water supply pump (52). When the water supply pump (52) is turned on, the water in the water tank (51) can flow into the material supply unit (3) by passing through the water supply pump (52), the water supply module (5), and the material supply unit (3). The water flowing into the material supply unit (3) is mixed with the material contained in the material supply unit (3) and can flow into the fermentation container (12) together with the material.

[0222] The controller (460) can complete the additive injection process (S130) when the cumulative flow rate detected by the flow meter (56) since the start of the additive injection process (S130) reaches the additive injection set flow rate. When the additive injection process (S130) is completed, the controller (460) can turn off the water supply pump (52).

[0223] The beverage manufacturing step may include a material feeder residual water removal step (S140).

[0224] More specifically, when the additive input step (S130) is completely finished, a material feeder residual water removal step (S140) for removing residual water in the material feeder (3) can be performed.

[0225] During the material feeder residual water removal step (S140), the controller (460) can turn on the air pump (82).

[0226] When the air pump (82) is turned on, air can pass through the channel between the air pump (82) and the material feeder (3) and flow into the material feeder (3). The air flowing into the material feeder (3) can blow out the residual water remaining in the material feeder (3) into the channel between the material feeder (3) and the fermentation module (1). The air flowing through the channel can flow into the fermentation container (12) along with the residual water.

[0227] Thus, any materials and residual water that were not extracted and remained in the material feeder (3) can be fed into the fermentation container (12) without any waste.

[0228] The controller (460) turns on the air pump (82) for the residual water removal setting time, and when the residual water removal setting time has elapsed, the material feeder residual water removal step (S140) can be completed.

[0229] When the material feeder residual water removal step (S140) is completed, the controller (460) can turn off the air pump (82).

[0230] Meanwhile, the beverage manufacturing step may include an air supply step (S150).

[0231] More specifically, the beverage maker may complete the cooling step (S120) when the above-mentioned cooling step (S120) is initiated and the refrigeration cycle device is turned on, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (16) is at least one cooling temperature or lower. After the cooling step (S120) is completed, the beverage maker may perform an air supply step (S150) to mix liquid malt by supplying air into the fermentation container (12).

[0232] During the air supply stage (S150), the controller (460) can turn on the air pump (82).

[0233] While the air pump (82) is on, air can flow into the fermentation container (12) by passing through the channel between the air pump (82) and the fermentation module (1). The air flowing into the fermentation container (12) in this way can strike the liquid malt to help the malt and hot water mix more evenly, and the air striking the liquid malt can supply oxygen to the liquid malt. That is, stirring and aeration can be performed.

[0234] The controller (460) can mix air into the liquid malt for a mixing time when the air pump (82) is turned on, and can complete the air supply step (S150) when the air pump (82) is turned on and the mixing time has elapsed. When the air supply step (S150) is completed, the controller (460) can turn off the air pump (82).

[0235] The beverage manufacturing step may include a fermentation step (S160) (S170). The fermentation step may include a first fermentation step (S160) and a second fermentation step (S170).

[0236] The controller (460) can control the temperature controller so that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor during the first fermentation process maintains the first fermentation target temperature.

[0237] The controller (460) can repeat the above process for a certain period of time based on the beverage manufacturing recipe by closing the gas discharge valve (73) and opening the gas discharge valve (73) when the value measured by the gas pressure sensor (72) reaches a certain pressure.

[0238] Afterward, the controller (460) periodically opens and closes the gas discharge valve (73) that opens and closes the channel between the fermentation container (12) and the outside based on the recipe of the beverage being manufactured, and can store the pressure detected by the gas pressure sensor (72) while the gas discharge valve (73) is closed in the memory (450).

[0239] The controller (460) can complete the first fermentation step (S160) when the pressure change periodically detected by the gas pressure sensor is below a certain value or when the pressure change amount of the first fermentation standard pressure is detected a certain number of times below the first fermentation completion condition.

[0240] Meanwhile, the controller (460) can initiate the second fermentation step (S170) after the completion of the first fermentation step (S160).

[0241] The controller (460) can control the temperature controller so that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (16) during the second fermentation stage (S170) becomes the second fermentation target temperature. The second fermentation target temperature may be the same as the first fermentation target temperature, but is not necessarily so.

[0242] The controller (460) can open and close the gas discharge valve (73) based on the pressure inside the fermentation tank (112) after the start of the second fermentation stage (S170).

[0243] The controller (460) can determine that the second fermentation is complete and complete the second fermentation step (S170) if the pressure detected by the gas pressure sensor (72) does not deviate from the set second fermentation pressure range or if the second fermentation progress time exceeds the second fermentation set time.

[0244] Alternatively, the controller (460) may open and close the gas discharge valve (73) so that the pressure inside the fermenter (112) maintains the second fermentation pressure range during the second fermentation setting time. The controller (460) may complete the second fermentation stage (S170) when the second fermentation setting time has elapsed.

[0245] The beverage manufacturing step may include an aging step (S180).

[0246] More specifically, when both the first fermentation step (S160) and the second fermentation step (S170) are completed, the aging step (S180) can be carried out.

[0247] The controller (460) can wait during the aging stage and control the temperature controller to maintain the temperature of the beverage between the upper limit of the set aging temperature and the lower limit of the set aging temperature during the aging time.

[0248] When the aging time has elapsed, the production of the beverage may be completed. However, depending on the case, the aging step (S180) may be omitted and the production of the beverage may be completed when the second fermentation step (S170) is completed.

[0249] The controller (460) can indicate the completion of the beverage preparation through a display (440; see FIG. 3), etc.

[0250] The controller (460) can maintain the temperature of the fermentation container (12) between the upper and lower limits of the preset drinking temperature until the beverage extraction step (S190) described later is completed.

[0251] A beverage making machine according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a beverage extraction step (S190) for extracting a beverage after the beverage making is completed.

[0252] During the beverage dispensing step (S190), the user can dispense a beverage by operating the dispenser (62). When the user opens the dispenser (62), the beverage inside the fermentation container (12) can pass through the channel between the fermentation module (1) and the dispenser (62) and be dispensed to the outside through the dispenser (62).

[0253] The user can dispense a beverage at least once through the dispenser (62). That is, the beverage dispensing process can be performed at least once, and the controller (460) can determine whether the beverage dispensing is complete using information such as the time the dispenser (62) has been open.

[0254] When the controller (460) determines that the beverage extraction is complete after all the beverage in the fermentation container (12) has been extracted, the controller (460) may further perform a beverage manufacturing step and a cleaning step (S200) after the beverage extraction. The cleaning step (S200) may be similar to the cleaning step (S100) prior to beverage manufacturing.

[0255] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the control configuration of a beverage maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0256] The control configurations shown in FIG. 3 are not essential for implementing a beverage maker, and depending on the embodiment, the beverage maker may include more or fewer components.

[0257] Referring to FIG. 3, the beverage maker may include a communication unit (410) for communicating with a terminal (smartphone, tablet PC, etc.) or a server, etc. For example, the controller (460) may receive a request to execute a beverage making function from a user's terminal or receive recipe information, etc. through the communication unit (410). In addition, the controller (460) may transmit various information, such as the operation of the beverage maker, the manufacturing status or storage status of the beverage, etc., to the terminal or server through the communication unit (410).

[0258] This communication unit (410) may include a module that supports at least one of various wired and wireless communication methods previously disclosed. For example, the communication unit (410) may include a short-range wireless communication module such as Bluetooth or NFC (Near Field Communication), or a wireless internet module such as a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) module. For example, the NFC module can obtain recipe information corresponding to the beverage manufacturing pack or beverage manufacturing kit from the NFC tag when the NFC tag provided on the beverage manufacturing pack or beverage manufacturing kit comes within a predetermined distance.

[0259] The input unit (420) may be provided to receive various requests or commands from a user. For example, the input unit (420) may include a rotary knob (422), a touch pad (424; or a touch screen), other buttons or a microphone, etc. The controller (460) may receive a request to execute a beverage manufacturing function, recipe information, and control commands for various other operations of the beverage maker through the input unit (420).

[0260] According to an embodiment, the beverage maker may further include a code recognizer (430) for obtaining recipe information. For example, the code recognizer (430) may be implemented as a QR (quick response) code recognizer to recognize a QR code provided in a beverage making pack or beverage making kit and to obtain recipe information corresponding to the recognized QR code.

[0261] The display (440) can output various information related to the operation or status of the beverage maker, and various information related to the beverage being made or stored in the beverage maker.

[0262] Such a display (440) can be implemented as an LCD (liquid crystal display), LED (light emitting diode), OLED (organic light emitting diode) display, etc. In the following description, it is assumed that the display (440) is implemented in a circular shape, but the shape of the display (440) can be freely modified.

[0263] For example, the display (440) may output the information in the form of graphics or text. According to an embodiment, the beverage dispenser may further include a sound output unit that outputs the information in the form of voice, and the controller (460) may output the information through various combinations of graphics, text, and voice using the display (440) and the sound output unit.

[0264] The memory (450) can store various information or data related to the operation of the beverage maker. For example, the memory (450) can store preset recipe information for beverages that can be made, various program data for the operation of the beverage maker, etc. In addition, the memory (450) can store various graphic data related to screens displayed through the display (440).

[0265] Additionally, the memory (450) can store manufacturing setting values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of recipe information. For example, the manufacturing setting values ​​may include the cooling temperature, primary fermentation target temperature, primary fermentation reference pressure change amount, secondary fermentation target temperature, secondary fermentation pressure range, secondary fermentation setting time, etc., as described in FIG. 2. Additionally, the manufacturing setting values ​​may further include the first opening time, closing time, second opening time, etc., which will be described later.

[0266] The controller (460) can control the overall operation of the beverage maker. Here, the controller (460) may refer to at least one controller. The at least one controller may be implemented in hardware such as a CPU, an application processor, a microcomputer (or microcontroller), an integrated circuit, or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0267] The controller (460) can control the temperature controller (11) based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (16) to adjust the temperature of the fermentation tank (112) to a set temperature during the cooling stage (S120) or the fermentation stage (S160, S170), etc. As described above, the temperature controller (11) may include a cooling cycle device (13) for cooling the fermentation tank (112) and a heater (14) for heating the fermentation tank (112).

[0268] The controller (460) can control the gas pressure sensor (72) to measure the pressure inside the fermentation tank (112) during the fermentation stage (S160, S170), etc. Additionally, the controller (460) can control the gas discharge valve (73) to regulate the pressure inside the fermentation tank (112) during the fermentation stage (S160, S170), etc., or to release gas containing off-flavor generated during fermentation to the outside.

[0269] Meanwhile, the types of beverages produced using a beverage maker can be diverse. Since the characteristics of the ingredients differ depending on the type of beverage, it is necessary to set up the appropriate manufacturing environment for each recipe to achieve the intended taste or aroma.

[0270] Accordingly, the beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention can improve the taste or quality of the manufactured beverage by determining manufacturing setting values ​​based on recipe information.

[0271] Meanwhile, when making a beverage using the beverage maker described above, the role of the gas discharge valve (73) and gas pressure sensor (72) for controlling the pressure inside the beverage maker according to the fermentation of the beverage is important.

[0272] That is, the controller (460) controls the opening or closing of the gas discharge valve (73) based on the measurement value of the gas pressure sensor (72).

[0273] To give a specific example, in the case where the gas discharge valve (73) is mostly open, such as in the first fermentation stage, the failure or malfunction of the gas discharge valve (73) may not be of great importance in the production of the beverage, but in the case where the pressure inside the beverage maker is maintained at a high pressure, such as in the second fermentation stage, and the internal pressure must be controlled in real time, the failure or malfunction of the gas discharge valve (73) may have a significant impact on the quality of the beverage production.

[0274] Accordingly, a conventional protection logic for determining the failure of the gas discharge valve (73) is provided.

[0275] Specifically, the controller (460) was able to open and close the gas discharge valve (73) based on the pressure inside the fermentation tank (112) after the start of the second fermentation stage (S170), and the controller (460) determined that the second fermentation was completed when the gas discharge valve (73) was closed and the pressure detected by the gas pressure sensor (72) did not deviate from the set second fermentation pressure range.

[0276] In the conventional protection logic, when the pressure detected by the gas pressure sensor (72) deviates from the secondary fermentation pressure range and the gas discharge valve (73) is controlled to open, the pressure detected by the gas pressure sensor (72) should decrease as the gas discharge valve (73) is controlled to open, but if the measured value of the gas pressure sensor (72) is greater than or equal to a preset failure value, it is determined that the gas discharge valve (73) is faulty.

[0277] However, the above protection logic encountered problems in situations such as when the power to the beverage maker was turned off (e.g., a prolonged power outage).

[0278] That is, when a power outage occurs, power is not supplied to the gas discharge valve (73) and it does not operate, and the beverage contained in the fermentation tank proceeds to ferment regardless of the power supply.

[0279] Accordingly, when the power of the beverage maker is turned back on, the measurement value of the gas pressure sensor (72) is measured to be greater than the preset failure value, and a problem occurs in which the gas discharge valve (73) is judged to be faulty even though no failure has occurred.

[0280] The present disclosure is designed to solve the above problems and is explained in detail below in FIG. 4.

[0281] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation of a beverage maker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0282] Referring to FIG. 4, if power is not supplied to the beverage maker for a certain period of time or longer during the fermentation stage (e.g., a long-term power outage), when power is supplied again, the controller (460) can detect that the first measured value measured by the gas pressure sensor (72) is greater than or equal to a preset first value (S400).

[0283] At this time, the first value previously set may have a value greater than the maximum value of the second fermentation pressure range set in the second fermentation stage.

[0284] For example, if the set range of secondary fermentation pressure is 3 BAR to 5 BAR, the first value may be 6 BAR.

[0285] Specifically, when power is not supplied to the beverage maker and the gas discharge valve (73) is not controlled to open, and consequently the pressure inside the beverage maker increases, the improved protection logic of the present disclosure operates, so it is desirable that the first value set above be greater than the maximum value of the secondary fermentation pressure range.

[0286] A controller (460) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can determine whether the failure count is greater than or equal to the limit count (S410).

[0287] At this time, the fault count may be a count that increases in proportion to the number of times the improved protection logic of the present disclosure described in FIG. 4 is repeated, when it is determined that the gas discharge valve (73) is faulty.

[0288] For example, the initial value of the failure count can be '0', and it can be increased in the S440 operation described later.

[0289] In addition, the limit count may be a threshold value for determining the failure of the gas discharge valve (73) as the failure count increases.

[0290] In other words, the limit count setting value can be greater than the initial value of the failure count.

[0291] For example, if the initial value of the failure count is '0', the setting value of the limit count can be '5'.

[0292] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller (460) can control the gas discharge valve (73) to open when the fault count is less than the limit count (S420).

[0293] When the controller (460) controls the opening of the gas discharge valve (73), the gas discharge valve (73) operates normally and opens, allowing the gas flowing through the gas discharge channel to be discharged to the outside. Accordingly, the measured value measured by the gas pressure sensor (72) may decrease.

[0294] On the other hand, when the controller (460) controls the gas discharge valve (73) to open, the gas discharge valve (73) is kept in a closed state despite the open command of the controller (460), and accordingly, the measured value measured by the gas pressure sensor (72) can be increased or maintained above the first value.

[0295] A controller (460) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may determine that the gas discharge valve (73) is faulty if the second measurement value of the gas pressure sensor (72) remains at or above the second value for a preset time (S430).

[0296] At this time, the previously set second value may have a value greater than the maximum value of the second fermentation pressure range set in the second fermentation stage. In addition, the previously set second value may have a value smaller when compared to the first value.

[0297] Specifically, in operation S430, it is determined whether the gas discharge valve (73) is operating normally. If the gas discharge valve (73) receives an open control command from the controller (460) and operates normally, the gas discharge valve (73) is opened, and accordingly, the gas in the gas discharge channel is discharged to the outside, and the measurement value of the gas pressure sensor (72) will decrease.

[0298] Therefore, the second value set for determining whether the gas discharge valve (73) is operating normally can have a smaller value when compared to the first value.

[0299] For example, if the set range of secondary fermentation pressure is 3 BAR to 5 BAR, the first value may be 6 BAR and the second value may be 5.5 BAR.

[0300] Meanwhile, the present disclosure is not limited to specific numerical values ​​such as the first and second values ​​mentioned above, and should be understood as examples for the convenience of explanation.

[0301] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller (460) may determine that the gas discharge valve (73) is faulty if, after the gas discharge valve (73) is controlled to open (S420), a second measurement value of the gas pressure sensor (72) is greater than or equal to the second value after a certain period of time has passed.

[0302] A controller (460) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can close the gas discharge valve and increase the fault count when the measured value of the gas pressure sensor (72) in S430 is greater than or equal to the second value (S440).

[0303] For example, the controller (460) can increase the failure count by '1'.

[0304] The controller (460) can determine whether the failure count is greater than or equal to the limit count again according to S410 after step S440.

[0305] The controller (460) can determine if the failure count is greater than or equal to the limit count, and can output a failure notification through the display (440) (S415).

[0306] Specifically, according to the operation of S420, the controller (460) may detect that the gas discharge valve (73) is not operating normally because, even though the gas discharge valve (73) is controlled to be open, the measured value of the gas pressure sensor (72) is determined to be high pressure, which is the second value, for a preset time.

[0307] In addition, the reliability of the fault detection of the gas discharge valve (73) can be increased by determining the fault of the gas discharge valve (73) when the fault count is greater than or equal to the limit count.

[0308] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first measurement value measured by the gas pressure sensor (72) is greater than or equal to a preset first value, the controller (460) may also be able to immediately open the gas discharge valve (73) without S410 operation.

[0309] In addition, the controller (460) of the present disclosure may also be able to immediately determine whether the gas discharge valve (73) is faulty if, after the gas discharge valve (73) is opened, the second measurement value of the gas pressure sensor (72) is greater than or equal to a preset second value.

[0310] Meanwhile, the case where the gas discharge valve (73) is determined to be normal will be explained.

[0311] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller (460) can determine that the gas discharge valve (73) is normal if the second measurement value of the gas pressure sensor (72) remains below the second value for a preset period of time (S435).

[0312] When the controller (460) determines that the gas discharge valve (73) is normal, it can resume the fermentation stage that was in progress.

[0313] For example, the controller (460) can resume the second fermentation stage and open and close the gas discharge valve (73) based on the pressure inside the fermenter (112), so that if the pressure detected by the gas pressure sensor (72) does not deviate from the set second fermentation pressure range, it can be determined that the second fermentation is completed.

[0314] Once the second fermentation stage is completed, the aging stage and storage can be carried out to complete the production of the beverage.

[0315] The child lock function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described below.

[0316] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the beverage is prepared, the user may set a child lock to prevent the dispenser from being opened to take out the beverage by an unexpected user (e.g., a child, a pet, etc.).

[0317] Specifically, the user can input a child lock setting command to the beverage dispenser through the input unit (420). For example, the user may input the child lock setting command provided on the display (440) by using touch input on the display (440).

[0318] This will be explained in detail below in Fig. 5.

[0319] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the child lock command input of a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0320] Referring to FIG. 5, the controller (460) can output a menu screen (510) through the display (440).

[0321] At this time, the menu screen (510) may include at least one menu among the brewing status of the beverage being produced, the settings of the beverage maker, the storage temperature of the beverage being produced, and the child lock function.

[0322] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the menu screen (510) may be equipped with a brewing status check button (511), a setting button (512), a brewing cancellation button (513), a storage temperature check button (514), a child lock setting button (515), and other setting buttons (516).

[0323] Also, FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b) allow the user to switch to scroll touch input on the display (440), etc.

[0324] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user inputs a child lock setting command through an input unit (420) to set a child lock, and a controller (460) receives the received child lock setting command and, in response to the child lock setting command, can control the beverage dispensing valve to close so that the beverage does not flow into the beverage dispensing channel.

[0325] Specifically, the child lock setting may be a setting that controls the valve provided in the beverage maker so that the beverage is not dispensed to the outside even if the dispenser (62) is opened.

[0326] For example, the user can touch the child lock setting button (515) on the menu screen (510). Depending on the user's touch input, the controller (460) can change the beverage maker to child lock mode.

[0327] When the child lock is set, the beverage may not flow into the beverage dispensing channel (61) even if the lever (620) included in the dispenser (62) of the beverage maker is operated by the user.

[0328] More specifically, the beverage dispensing valve (64) or the main valve (40) may be closed to prevent the beverage from flowing into the beverage dispensing channel (61).

[0329] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the setting or release of a child lock on a beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0330] FIG. 6 shows an example of disabling or enabling the child lock setting function of a beverage maker with the child lock mode set.

[0331] Referring to FIG. 6, the display (440) can output a child lock screen (520). At this time, the child lock screen (520) may be equipped with a child lock release button (521) and a child lock setting button (522).

[0332] The user can set or unlock the child lock by selecting the child lock unlock button (521) or the child lock setting button (522) included in the child lock screen (520).

[0333] When the child lock setting is released, if the lever (620) included in the dispenser (62) of the beverage maker is operated by the user, the beverage must flow into the beverage dispensing channel (61).

[0334] Therefore, when the controller (460) controls the opening of the dispenser to allow the beverage to flow into the beverage dispensing channel (61), the beverage dispensing valve (64) or the main valve (40) may be controlled to be open.

[0335] The following describes an example of when the dispenser is opened when the child lock function is set in Fig. 7.

[0336] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a beverage status screen and a child lock setting notification according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0337] Referring to FIG. 7, when the dispenser is opened after receiving the child lock command, a child lock setting notification can be output through the display (440).

[0338] For example, the controller (460) can output a beverage storage screen (510) through the display (440). The beverage storage screen may be a screen that includes information such as the type of beverage and the storage date of the beverage, as shown in FIG. 7(a).

[0339] The user can input a command to open the dispenser to the beverage maker for a beverage maker with the child lock function set.

[0340] The controller (460) of the beverage maker can output a child lock screen (520) through the display (440).

[0341] The child lock screen (520) may refer to a screen indicating that the child lock function is activated on the beverage maker.

[0342] For example, the child lock screen (520) may include dispenser lock (521) and a child lock setting release guide (522). Additionally, when the child lock screen (520) is displayed, the controller (460) may also output a warning sound (523) through the output unit.

[0343] Afterward, the child lock screen (520) can be switched back to the beverage storage screen (510) after a certain amount of time has passed (Fig. 7c).

[0344] In other words, as described above, the user can set a child lock to prevent unexpected dispensing of the beverage after preparation is complete, and it may also be possible to release the child lock to dispense the beverage depending on the situation.

[0345] The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0346] Meanwhile, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the invention is not limited by these embodiments.

[0347] The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

Claim 1 A beverage maker comprising: a fermentation tank; a gas discharge channel connected to the fermentation tank; a gas discharge valve connected to the gas discharge channel; a gas pressure sensor disposed in the gas discharge channel; and a controller that controls the opening of the gas discharge valve when a first measurement value measured by the gas pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a preset first value, and determines whether the gas discharge valve is faulty based on a second measurement value of the gas pressure sensor after the gas discharge valve is controlled to open, and further comprises a display unit, wherein the controller increases a fault count when the second measurement value of the gas pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a preset second value and continues for a preset time, and determines the gas discharge valve as faulty when the fault count is greater than or equal to a limit count, wherein the second value is smaller than the first value, and the controller outputs a fault notification through the display unit when the gas discharge valve is determined to be faulty. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A beverage maker according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines the gas discharge valve to be normal if the second measured value of the gas pressure sensor is less than a preset second value, and performs a second fermentation step to determine whether the change in pressure detected by the gas pressure sensor is less than a second fermentation set pressure. Claim 7 A beverage maker according to claim 6, further comprising: a dispenser for dispensing a beverage to the outside; a beverage dispensing channel connected to the dispenser; a beverage dispensing valve for opening and closing the beverage dispensing channel; and an input unit for receiving user input, wherein the controller receives a child lock setting command through the input unit and, in response to the child lock setting command, controls the beverage dispensing valve to close so that the beverage does not flow into the beverage dispensing channel. Claim 8 A beverage maker according to claim 7, wherein the controller outputs a child lock setting notification through the display unit when the dispenser is opened after receiving the child lock command. Claim 9 A beverage maker according to claim 8, wherein the child lock setting notification comprises at least one of the dispenser lock and the child lock setting release notification. Claim 10 A beverage maker according to claim 7, wherein the controller receives a child lock release command through the input unit and, in response to the child lock release command, controls the opening of the beverage dispensing valve. Claim 11 A method of operation of a beverage maker comprising a fermenter, a gas discharge channel connected to the fermenter, a gas discharge valve connected to the gas discharge channel, a gas pressure sensor disposed in the gas discharge channel, and a display unit, wherein the gas pressure sensor detects the pressure of the gas discharge channel; a step of controlling the opening of the gas discharge valve if the first measurement value of the gas pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a preset first value; and a step of determining whether the gas discharge valve is faulty based on whether the second measurement value of the gas pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a preset second value after controlling the opening of the gas discharge valve and after a preset time has elapsed, wherein the step of determining whether the gas discharge valve is faulty comprises increasing a fault count if the second measurement value of the gas pressure sensor remains greater than or equal to the second value for a preset time, determining the gas discharge valve as faulty if the fault count is greater than or equal to a limit count, and outputting a fault notification through the display unit, wherein the second value is smaller than the first value. Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 A method of operation of a beverage making machine according to claim 11, further comprising the step of receiving a child lock setting command when the gas discharge valve is determined to be normal, and in response to the child lock setting command, controlling the beverage dispensing valve to close so that the beverage does not flow into the beverage dispensing channel. Claim 15 A method of operation of a beverage maker according to claim 14, further comprising the step of outputting a child lock setting notification when the dispenser is opened after receiving the child lock command.

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