Beverage apparatus and method for controlling same

Abstract

The present invention provides a beverage apparatus and a method for controlling same, wherein beverages are extracted from two extraction units in a preset order and in a preset extraction amount by using blending information set by a user or blending information about a recipe selected by the user. Accordingly, beverages stored in two or more capsules can be blended and served according to the user's recipe.

Description

Beverage device and its control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage device for extracting a beverage contained in a capsule and a control method thereof.

[0002] Capsules, which contain ingredients for beverage production, are widely used. These capsules contain the beverage ingredients in a sealed container, and users can use a mechanical device to pass water through the capsule to make a beverage. Coffee machines are a representative example of beverage devices that utilize capsules. Recently, capsules are being used to make beverages by providing not only coffee but also various beverages and ingredients.

[0003] With regard to a device for extracting a beverage using a capsule, the same is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0017541 (prior document 1), Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0040026 (prior document 2), Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0924447 (prior document 3), Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1260504 (prior document 4), and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0000496 (prior document 5).

[0004] The aforementioned conventional technologies only extract beverages from a single capsule. Therefore, they can only extract a specific type of beverage, failing to provide a variety of blended beverages tailored to the user's preferences. In other words, conventional methods sequentially extract different types of beverages from sealed capsules and then mix the extracted beverages to produce a blended beverage tailored to the user's preference.

[0005] However, the aforementioned method has the disadvantage of not providing a variety of flavors for the blended beverages. That is, since the aforementioned method first extracts each beverage and then adjusts only the blending amount regardless of temperature, it fails to provide the optimal flavor for the blend.

[0006] Furthermore, the aforementioned method has the disadvantage of taking a long time to sequentially extract multiple beverages. That is, since one beverage is extracted first, then the other, the overall extraction time is bound to be long.

[0007] In particular, there is a disadvantage in that the blending of the two beverages does not provide the best taste due to the temperature difference that occurs between the beverage extracted first and the beverage extracted later due to the difference in the time it takes for the extraction to be completed.

[0008] Korean Patent No. 10-1284550 (Prior Document 6) provides a beverage extraction device that sequentially extracts two beverages of the same or different types. This prior document 6 is a technology that allows hot water to dissolve or steep in a capsule for a sufficient amount of time when extracting a capsule beverage. To this end, the prior document 6 provides an extraction valve in a discharge path through which a beverage extracted through each capsule is discharged, thereby preventing the beverage from being discharged for a certain period of time. In addition, the prior document 6 provides a water supply valve in a supply path that supplies hot water to the capsules in order to selectively supply hot water to each capsule.

[0009] However, the above prior art document 6 has a disadvantage in that the overall control is inevitably complicated because a valve must be provided on each of the hot water inlet side and the beverage outlet side of the capsule.

[0010] Furthermore, in the case of the above-mentioned prior art document 6, the water supply valve installed in the capsule supply path or the extraction valve installed in the discharge path must be positioned adjacent to the two trays on which each capsule is seated. Therefore, in the prior art document 6, the portion for beverage extraction is bound to be larger and heavier. Consequently, the prior art document 6 inevitably has limitations in designing the exterior of the beverage extraction device.

[0011] In addition, the above-mentioned prior art document 6 has the inconvenience that it can only extract multiple drinks simultaneously, and the user must manually blend each drink. In other words, in the case of prior art document 6, the extracted drinks are provided to two separate beverage cups through two outlets, so the user had no choice but to manually blend the drinks. Furthermore, since the blending method is simply a method of mixing two extracted drinks at a certain ratio, it is not possible to enjoy blended drinks with various flavors.

[0012] The present invention has been devised to solve various problems of the above-mentioned conventional technology, and the purpose of the present invention is to enable various beverages to be blended and provided during the extraction process.

[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to enable the extraction amount to be taken into consideration when blending a beverage.

[0014] The purpose of the present invention is to enable extraction temperature to be taken into consideration when blending a beverage.

[0015] The purpose of the present invention is to enable extraction pressure to be taken into consideration when blending a beverage.

[0016] The purpose of the present invention is to enable the supply order of extraction water to be taken into consideration when blending a beverage.

[0017] An object of the present invention is to enable motion control for blending a beverage to be performed using a user's mobile app.

[0018] An object of the present invention is to enable a beverage to be blended according to a recommended recipe.

[0019] The purpose of the present invention is to enable the mounting position of a capsule to be determined differently depending on the type of beverage or extraction temperature.

[0020] According to the beverage device of the present invention for achieving the above purpose, the beverage may be sequentially supplied to capsules provided in a plurality of extraction units to extract the beverage and then fall into a beverage cup through one outlet to be blended.

[0021] According to the beverage device of the present invention, it can be configured to sequentially supply extraction water to a plurality of spaces in which capsules are accommodated.

[0022] According to the beverage device of the present invention, the discharge unit can be configured to receive a beverage that has passed through a plurality of extraction units and discharge it into a beverage cup through a single guide tube.

[0023] According to the beverage device of the present invention, beverages that have sequentially passed through a plurality of extraction units can be configured to be blended while being sequentially provided in one beverage cup.

[0024] According to the beverage device of the present invention, a base is included on which a beverage cup is placed, and a beverage extracted from the extraction unit can flow down to a beverage cup on the upper surface of the base.

[0025] According to the beverage device of the present invention, a heavy weight part is provided within the base, and the extraction unit can be configured to form only a path for perforating the capsule and delivering the extraction water to the capsule.

[0026] According to the beverage device of the present invention, a water tank, a pump, a valve, and a control unit may be provided within the base. This allows the weight of the extraction unit to be reduced.

[0027] According to the beverage device of the present invention, a plurality of extraction units and discharge units can be provided in a housing provided separately from the base.

[0028] According to the beverage device of the present invention, the extraction water provided to the extraction unit within the base may be configured to be provided at a controlled temperature. To this end, a heating unit may be provided within the base.

[0029] According to the beverage device of the present invention, blending information for extracting a beverage for each extraction unit can be acquired online or offline.

[0030] According to the beverage device of the present invention, the blending information may be one of information input by the user, searched online, or stored in advance in memory.

[0031] And, according to a control method of a beverage device for achieving the purpose of the present invention, a process of acquiring blending information may be included.

[0032] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, the extraction order for each capsule provided to each of the plurality of extraction units can be input. This allows the user to directly select blending information.

[0033] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, a user can directly select blending information.

[0034] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, the blending information may include the extraction order of the beverage for each extraction unit.

[0035] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, the blending information may include the extraction amount or extraction ratio of the beverage for each extraction unit.

[0036] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, the blending information may further include at least one of extraction temperature, extraction pressure, and extraction time for each extraction order.

[0037] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, each device can be controlled according to a set pattern using blending information input by the user.

[0038] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, the extraction order of each capsule can be determined using the input blending information. This allows for providing a beverage flavor that varies depending on the extraction order of the two blended beverages.

[0039] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, the extraction amount or extraction ratio of each beverage for each extraction order can be determined using blending information.

[0040] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, it is possible to provide a beverage taste that varies depending on the extraction order or extraction amount of two beverages to be blended.

[0041] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, the beverage extracted from each capsule is sequentially placed in a beverage cup and blended.

[0042] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, a process of acquiring information about a capsule may be included.

[0043] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, the seating position in each extraction section can be determined based on the information of the capsule.

[0044] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, blending information can be automatically recommended based on capsule information.

[0045] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, a process for recommending a recipe for capsule extraction may be included. This allows users to receive blended beverages with a variety of flavors even without basic blending knowledge.

[0046] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, the extraction order of each capsule can be determined differently.

[0047] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, the extraction amount or extraction ratio of each beverage for each extraction sequence can be determined using the acquired recipe. This makes it possible to provide a beverage flavor that varies depending on the extraction amount of the two beverages being blended.

[0048] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, beverages from capsules with relatively low extraction temperatures can be preferentially extracted. This eliminates the need for a process of lowering the temperature of the heated extraction water, enabling the rapid provision of blended beverages.

[0049] According to the beverage device control method of the present invention, the blending information may include either a recipe registered in advance by the user or a recommended recipe.

[0050] The beverage device of the present invention and its control method as described above may have at least one of the following effects.

[0051] The beverage device and control method of the present invention can provide a blend of multiple beverages through sequential extraction. That is, rather than blending by completely extracting each beverage and then mixing them together, the blending is performed by adjusting the temperature, pressure, or extraction amount during extraction of each beverage, thereby providing a blended beverage with a greater variety of flavors.

[0052] In addition, the beverage device of the present invention and its control method can obtain a wider variety of tastes because the order of extraction of each capsule for each beverage can be selected differently as needed when blending beverages, and can be provided more than twice.

[0053] In addition, the beverage device and its control method of the present invention can obtain a wider variety of flavors because the extraction amount of each capsule can be determined differently for each beverage when blending the beverage.

[0054] In addition, the beverage device and its control method of the present invention can obtain a wider variety of tastes because the extraction temperature and pressure can be determined differently when blending a beverage.

[0055] Furthermore, the beverage device and control method of the present invention allow blending information to be provided as a recipe, thereby allowing multiple blending information items to be input simultaneously by selecting a single recipe. This facilitates convenient information input.

[0056] Additionally, the beverage device and its control method of the present invention can control the blending operation of a beverage through a mobile application. This facilitates convenient information input.

[0057] In addition, the beverage device of the present invention and its control method can determine the capsule mounting position or the supply order of the extraction water differently depending on the type of beverage or the extraction temperature.

[0058] In addition, the beverage device of the present invention and its control method can blend in a form having multiple beverage layers.

[0059] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 4 is a plan view showing an example of the internal structure of the base of a beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of a beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 6 is a flowchart for a control method of a beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of an information acquisition step in a method for controlling a beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 8 is a flowchart for another example of an information acquisition step in a method for controlling a beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 9 is a flowchart for the blending step in the control method of the beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 10 is a flowchart for a recipe registration step in a method for controlling a beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figures 11 to 15 are state diagrams showing examples of screens for each situation displayed on an application or display window linked to a beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figures 16 to 19 are state diagrams for explaining the beverage extraction process by the beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figures 20 to 22 are flowcharts for explaining an example of a process for blending a beverage using the beverage device of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 23 is a state diagram illustrating a blended beverage produced as an example of a process of blending a beverage using the beverage device of the present invention.

[0073] Figures 24 to 26 are flowcharts for explaining another example of the process of blending a beverage using the beverage device of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 27 is a state diagram for explaining a blended beverage made as another example of the process of blending a beverage using the beverage device of the present invention.

[0075] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known structure or function is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0076] The present invention relates to a beverage device capable of blending two or more capsule beverages and a control method thereof.

[0077] A beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a beverage device that uses a capsule (11, 12).

[0078] The attached Figure 1 schematically illustrates, in block form, the configuration of a beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the attached Figures 2 to 5 are perspective views and cross-sectional views showing the internal state of an example of the beverage device of the present invention.

[0079] As illustrated in the drawing, the beverage device according to the embodiment of the present invention supplies extraction water to each extraction unit (210, 220) to sequentially extract each beverage, and then sequentially provides the beverages to a single beverage cup (2) through a discharge unit (300) so that they can be blended. As a result, beverages of capsules (11, 12) provided to each extraction unit (210, 220) can be blended and provided to the beverage cup (2) under different blending conditions.

[0080] First, the beverage device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a water supply unit (100) for supplying extracted water.

[0081] The above water supply unit (100) serves to supply extraction water for extracting beverages from capsules (11, 12). The extraction water may be water, a liquid other than water, or steam.

[0082] The water supply unit (100) may be provided, for example, within the base (10). The base (10) forms the bottom of the beverage device of the present invention and may be formed to provide an area on its upper surface where a beverage cup is placed.

[0083] The above water supply unit (100) may include a water tank (110) in which extracted water is stored and a pump (120). That is, the water supply unit (100) may pump extracted water (e.g., water) stored in the water tank (110) by using the pump (120) and supply it to each flow path to be described later.

[0084] The above pump (120) may be provided as a pump capable of controlling the extraction pressure. As an example, the pump (120) may be provided as a variable displacement piston pump.

[0085] Although not shown, the water supply unit (100) may be directly connected to a tap or water purifier without using a water tank (110) and a pump (120). In this case, the extracted water supplied from the water supply unit (100) may be tap water or purified water.

[0086] The above water supply unit (100) includes a main channel (130). The main channel (130) is connected to the water tank (110) of the water supply unit (100) and guides the flow of water pumped by the operation of the pump (120).

[0087] A heating unit (150) may be provided within the base (10). The heating unit (150) may be configured to heat the extraction water pumped by the pump (86) to a set temperature. The heating unit (150) may be formed as a boiler that controls the temperature of the extraction water by heating a conduit through which the extraction water flows with a high-temperature fluid or heat. Although not shown, the heating unit (150) may also be configured as a heater installed in a conduit through which the extraction water flows.

[0088] A valve may be provided within the base (10). The valve selectively blocks the flow of the extraction water pumped by the pump (150). That is, the extraction water may be selectively supplied to the capsule (1) of the extraction unit (30) to be described later by the valve. The valve may include an overpressure prevention valve (OPV: Over Pressure Valve) (89) to prevent excessive pressure. In addition, the valve may include a flow control valve (140) that controls the flow of the extraction water heated while passing through the heating unit (150). For example, the flow control valve may be configured as a three-way valve and configured to selectively supply the extraction water to two capsules (1).

[0089] A display window (411) may be provided on the outer surface of the base (10). The display window (411) may serve to provide various information related to the operation of the beverage device or various information related to the beverage. The display window (411) may be configured to input various information for the operation of the beverage device. For example, the display window (411) may be configured as a touch panel. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a separate operation unit (18) for receiving information from a user may be additionally provided on the upper surface of the base (10).

[0090] An area on which a beverage cup is placed may be provided on the upper surface of the base (10). The display window (411) is formed on the upper surface of the base (10), and the area on which the beverage cup is placed may be any part of the display window (411).

[0091] Next, the beverage device according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a first extraction unit (210).

[0092] The first capsule (11) is placed in the first extraction unit (210).

[0093] The interior of the first capsule (11) may be filled with powder of a beverage to be extracted. For example, ground coffee powder may be filled and provided within the first capsule (11). The beverage may be provided in a solid or liquid state.

[0094] The interior of the first capsule (11) may be filled with additives. For example, sugar or dairy products may be provided in the first capsule (11).

[0095] The first extraction unit (210) may be provided with a punching structure for punching a hole in the first capsule (11). Extracted water may flow into the first capsule (11) through the hole in the first capsule (11) punched by the punching structure.

[0096] The first extraction unit (210) is connected to the first flow path (211). The first capsule (11) placed in the first extraction unit (210) extracts a beverage as the extraction water provided through the first flow path (211) passes through it.

[0097] The above first flow path (211) is connected to the main flow path (130) connected to the water supply unit (100). That is, the extraction water flowing along the main flow path (130) is guided to be extracted from the base (10) through the first flow path (211) and then provided to the first extraction unit (210).

[0098] An outlet is provided in the first extraction unit (210). The extracted water (or beverage) supplied into the first extraction unit (210) and passing through the first capsule (11) can be discharged through the outlet.

[0099] Next, the beverage device according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a second extraction unit (220).

[0100] A second capsule (12) is placed in the second extraction unit (220).

[0101] The interior of the second capsule (12) may be filled with powder of a beverage to be extracted. For example, ground coffee powder may be filled and provided within the second capsule (12). The beverage may be provided in a solid or liquid state.

[0102] The interior of the second capsule (12) may be filled with additives. For example, sugar or dairy products may be provided in the second capsule (12).

[0103] The beverage or additive in the second capsule (12) may be a different type of beverage or additive than that in the first capsule (11).

[0104] The second extraction unit (220) may be provided with a punching structure for punching a hole in the second capsule (12). Extracted water may flow into the second capsule (21) through the hole of the second capsule (21) punched by the punching structure.

[0105] The second extraction unit (220) is connected to the second flow path (221). The second capsule (12) placed in the second extraction unit (220) extracts a beverage as the extraction water provided through the second flow path (221) passes through it.

[0106] The second flow path (221) is connected to the main flow path (130) connected to the water supply unit (100). That is, the extraction water flowing along the main flow path (130) is guided to be extracted from within the base (10) through the second flow path (221) and then provided to the second extraction unit (220).

[0107] An outlet is provided in the second extraction unit (220). The beverage supplied into the second extraction unit (220) and extracted while passing through the second capsule (12) can be discharged through the outlet.

[0108] Meanwhile, the first flow path (211) and the second flow path (221) may be formed to branch off from the main flow path (130). That is, the extraction water provided from the main flow path (130) may be selectively provided to at least one of the first flow path (211) and the second flow path (221).

[0109] Meanwhile, the capsules (11, 12) may be provided to both the first extraction unit (210) and the second extraction unit (220). Alternatively, the capsules (11, 12) may be provided to only one of the first extraction unit (210) and the second extraction unit (220).

[0110] Meanwhile, the first extraction unit (210) and the second extraction unit (220) may be configured to discharge the extracted beverage into a single discharge unit (300). That is, the beverage extracted from the first capsule (11) while passing through the first extraction unit (210) and the beverage extracted from the second capsule (12) while passing through the second extraction unit (220) are discharged into the discharge unit (300) and then sequentially provided to the same beverage cup (2) through the guide tube (310) so that they can be blended with each other.

[0111] The discharge portion (300) is positioned so that at least a portion of the discharge portion (300) is aligned with the outlet of the first extraction portion (210), and another portion of the discharge portion (300) is positioned so that at least another portion of the discharge portion (300) is aligned with the outlet of the second extraction portion (220). For example, a portion of the discharge portion (300) is positioned directly below the outlet of the first extraction portion (210), and another portion of the discharge portion (300) is positioned directly below the outlet of the second extraction portion (220).

[0112] The above discharge unit (300) is provided with a guide tube (310) through which the extracted beverage is discharged. The extracted beverage is provided to the beverage cup (2) through the guide tube (310). At this time, the guide tube (310) may be formed as a vertically erected tube.

[0113] The above guide tube (310) may be provided as one. That is, the beverage extracted from each extraction unit (210, 220) may be sequentially discharged to the discharge unit (300) and then sequentially placed in one beverage cup (2) through the one guide tube (310) to be blended. Although not shown, the above guide tubes (310) may be provided in multiples. For example, the above guide tubes (310) may be provided in two and positioned adjacent to each other. However, if the above guide tubes (310) are provided in multiples, there may be disadvantages such as the inlet of the beverage cup (2) having to be enlarged accordingly or a separate valve having to be added for controlling the flow to each guide tube (310). Therefore, it may be preferable to provide only one guide tube (310). That is, if only one guide tube (310) is provided, the space through which the beverage is discharged may be reduced, so that the beverage can be easily supplied even to a beverage cup (2) with a narrow inlet.

[0114] Meanwhile, the plurality of extraction parts (210, 220) and discharge parts (300) may be provided in a housing (32) provided separately from the base (10).

[0115] The housing (32) may be positioned to be spaced apart from the upper surface of the base (10). At this time, the distance between the housing (32) and the base (10) may be at least a distance sufficient to allow a beverage cup (2) to be placed thereon.

[0116] The housing (32) may be installed so as to be spaced apart from the upper surface of the base (10) by at least one support (20). For example, as shown in the drawing of the embodiment, three supports (20) may be configured to support the housing (32).

[0117] In this case, the first flow path (211) and the second flow path (221) may be connected at one end to the flow control valve (140) within the base (1), drawn out from the base (1), passed through the support (20), and then connected to the housing (32).

[0118] Next, the beverage device according to the embodiment of the present invention may include an information acquisition unit (410).

[0119] Blending information for beverage extraction of capsules (11, 12) installed in each extraction unit (210, 220) can be acquired through the above information acquisition unit (410). That is, beverage extraction and blending for each capsule (11, 12) can be performed based on the blending information acquired through the above information acquisition unit (410).

[0120] The above information acquisition unit (410) can acquire blending information in various ways.

[0121] As an example, the information acquisition unit (410) can acquire blending information through voice recognition.

[0122] As another example, the information acquisition unit (410) may receive and acquire blending information by touching the screen or pressing a button. In this case, the screen may be a display window (e.g., LCD, etc.) (411) that displays various types of information (e.g., text or images) and allows for touch input.

[0123] As another example, the information acquisition unit (410) can receive blending information through an application (31) of a mobile terminal (30). The application (31) can be connected to the information acquisition unit (410) or the control unit (420) described below in a data communication manner and input blending information into the information acquisition unit (410).

[0124] The application (31) may be provided with a screen for a user to input various information or display various information. The various information may include at least one of blending information, capsule information, recipe information, taste evaluation, and blending history. The application (31) may be provided with a screen capable of providing information on each capsule (11, 12). The information on each capsule (11, 12) may include the provision location (extraction location) of the corresponding capsule (11, 12) or the name of the beverage stored or blended in each capsule (11, 12).

[0125] Figures 3 to 7 are examples of screen configurations of the application (31). Here, Figure 3 shows a screen configuration that guides the location of each capsule (11, 12) or provides blending information. Figure 4 shows a screen configuration that provides the location of each capsule (11, 12) for each extraction unit (210, 220), capsule information, and blending information. Figure 5 shows a screen configuration when extraction is complete. Figure 6 shows a screen configuration that provides extraction history. Figure 7 shows a screen configuration that recommends a recipe.

[0126] The blending information received by the above information acquisition unit (410) may include the extraction order of the beverage for each extraction unit. The blending information received by the above information acquisition unit (410) may include the extraction amount or extraction ratio of the beverage for each extraction unit.

[0127] In addition, the blending information received by the information acquisition unit (410) may further include at least one of the following information: extraction temperature, extraction pressure, and extraction time for each extraction order.

[0128] Meanwhile, the beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a heating unit (150) that heats the extracted water.

[0129] The heating unit (150) may be formed as a coil-shaped heater that is formed to be wound along the outer circumference of the main channel (130) through which the extracted water flows. Although not shown, the heating unit (150) may also be formed in a structure in which the main channel (130) passes through a space in which a high-temperature fluid (e.g., water or steam) is stored.

[0130] The heating unit (150) can heat the main channel (130) by applying power as needed, or stop heating the main channel (130) by blocking the application of power. That is, the heating unit (150) can be operated to control the temperature of the extraction water.

[0131] If the beverage device is configured to receive extracted water from a water purifier, the temperature of the extracted water can be controlled using a heater or boiler provided in the water purifier. In this case, the heating unit (150) may be omitted.

[0132] Although not shown, the heating unit (150) may be provided in each of the first flow path (211) and the second flow path (221).

[0133] Additionally, although not shown, a cooling unit may be additionally provided to lower the temperature of the extraction water provided to each extraction unit (210, 220). In this case, the cooling unit may be provided to each of the flow paths (211, 221).

[0134] Next, the beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit (420).

[0135] The above control unit (420) can control the water supply unit (100). That is, the water supply unit (100) can adjust the supply amount of extraction water under the control of the control unit (420).

[0136] The above control unit (420) can control the heating unit (150). That is, the extraction water flowing along the main flow path (130) or each flow path (211, 221) can be heated to a set temperature by the operation of the heating unit (150) under the control of the control unit (420).

[0137] The above control unit (420) can control the valve (140). That is, the valve (140) is operated so that the extraction water flows to the first extraction unit (210) or the second extraction unit (220) under the control of the control unit (420). At this time, the control unit (420) can control the time at which the extraction water is supplied to the first flow path (211) or the second flow path (221) by controlling the opening time or the closing time for each flow path of the valve (140).

[0138] The control unit (420) can control the operation of each component according to control information. For example, the control unit (420) can determine control information for the supply amount and the supply order of the extraction water supplied to the first extraction unit (210) or the second extraction unit (220) based on blending information. The control information includes the operating pressure of the pump (120), the operating time of the pump (120), and the operating time of the valve (140). For example, the supply amount of the extraction water is determined by the control information for the operating pressure and time of the pump (120), and the supply order or supply time of the extraction water is determined by the control information for the operating time of the valve (140). The control information may further include information for the power supply time of the heating unit (150) for controlling the temperature of the extraction water or for controlling the output of the heating unit (150).

[0139] The above blending information may include at least one of the information input into the information acquisition unit (410) and at least one recipe pre-registered in the control unit (420). At this time, the recipe is information data including information on the extraction order of the extraction water for each extraction unit and the extraction amount of the extraction water for each extraction unit. The recipe may further include at least one piece of information from the temperature of the extraction water for each extraction unit, the pressure of the extraction water for each extraction unit, the supply time of the extraction water for each extraction unit, the temperature of the extraction water for each extraction order, the pressure of the extraction water for each extraction order, and the supply time of the extraction water for each extraction order.

[0140] The above recipe may include at least one of a recipe recommended by a third party based on the taste of the beverage, or a recipe registered directly by the user.

[0141] The above control unit (420) may include a memory (421) capable of recording information. The above recipe may be stored in the memory (421) in a modifiable manner.

[0142] Below, a method for controlling a beverage device according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0143] First, the control method of the beverage device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an information acquisition step (S100) of receiving blending information for extracting a beverage from each capsule (11, 12).

[0144] The above information acquisition step (S100) may be performed after providing capsules (11, 12) to each extraction unit (210, 220). In this case, the positions where the first capsule (11) and the second capsule (12) are provided may be arbitrarily determined by the user. For example, the user may arbitrarily provide the first capsule (11) to the first extraction unit (210) and the second capsule (12) to the second extraction unit (220).

[0145] The above information acquisition step may be performed before providing the capsules (11, 12) to each extraction unit (210, 220). In this case, the positions of the capsules (11, 12) provided to each extraction unit (210, 220) may be recommended based on the information input in the information acquisition step.

[0146] The above information acquisition step may include a first process (S110) for acquiring information (capsule information) of the capsule (11, 12) to be extracted.

[0147] The above capsule information may include at least one of a unique code (e.g., identification number, barcode, QR code, etc.) of the capsule (11, 12) to be extracted, or a place of origin (e.g., Colombia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Panama, etc.) or variety (e.g., Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, etc.).

[0148] The above capsule information can be acquired by the user by directly inputting it through the information acquisition unit (410). For example, the identification number of the corresponding capsule (11, 12) is input through the information acquisition unit (410), or a barcode or QR code is recognized.

[0149] The above capsule information may also be input by the user selecting one of the lists of each capsule (11, 12) displayed through the display window (411). At this time, the list of each capsule (11, 12) may be provided and distinguished based on at least one of the following information: the capsule manufacturer, the origin or type of the beverage stored in each capsule, the taste of the beverage, and the number of recommendations.

[0150] The capsule information acquired in the above first process (S110) may further include the location of each capsule (11, 12) for each extraction unit. That is, the fact that the first capsule (11) is seated in the first extraction unit (210) and the second capsule (12) is seated in the second extraction unit (220) can be additionally input through the information acquisition unit (410) or the application (31) installed on the user's mobile terminal (30).

[0151] Of course, the position information for each extraction unit of each capsule (11, 12) may also be acquired by the beverage device automatically recognizing when the user places each capsule (11, 12) in each extraction unit (210, 220). For example, by providing a barcode reader or a QR code reader in each extraction unit (210, 220), information on the capsules (11, 12) placed in the corresponding extraction units (210, 220) may be automatically acquired. In this case, the process of acquiring the position for each extraction unit of each capsule (11, 12) through the information acquisition unit (410) may be omitted in step 1-1.

[0152] The above information acquisition step may include a second process (S120) of acquiring blending information related to the capsule (or beverage).

[0153] The blending information of the above second process (S120) can be input into the information acquisition unit (410). For example, the blending information can be input through voice recognition, by touching the screen displayed on the display window (411), by pressing a button, or through an application (31) of a mobile terminal (30) carried by the user.

[0154] The above blending information may be at least one of the extraction order for each capsule (each extraction unit) and the extraction amount or extraction ratio.

[0155] The above blending information may be entered at the user's discretion, or may be entered with reference to a recipe recommended by the control unit (420). The recipe may be one of the recipes stored in the memory (421) of the beverage device, a recipe personally acquired by the user, or a recipe recommended by a third party (e.g., an expert).

[0156] The attached Figures 11 and 12 are examples of screens in which a user inputs the blending information, and Figure 13 is an example of a screen in which a third party recommended recipe is selected.

[0157] The extraction order included in the above blending information may be three or more. That is, the beverage extracted from the two capsules (11, 12) may be extracted to form two layers of beverage in the beverage cup (2), but may also be extracted to form three or more layers of beverage.

[0158] As an example, a blended beverage composed of three different beverage layers can be provided in the beverage cup (2) by first extracting the beverage of the first capsule (11), then extracting the beverage of the second capsule (12), and then extracting the beverage of the first capsule (11).

[0159] If the beverages in the two capsules (11, 12) are of a type that mixes well with each other, the distinction between each beverage layer may be weak, and if the beverages in the two capsules (11, 12) are of a type that does not mix well with each other, the distinction between each beverage layer may be clear.

[0160] The order of each beverage layer above can be determined so that the beverage type that sinks relatively lower is extracted first.

[0161] The order of each beverage layer above may be determined differently depending on the taste of the beverage in each capsule.

[0162] In addition, the extraction amount for each beverage layer may be the same for all beverage layers, different for all beverage layers, or different for only some beverage layers.

[0163] As an example, a beverage on the first floor (the lowest floor) may be extracted in an amount of 10 ml, a beverage on the second floor (immediately above the first floor) may be extracted in an amount of 20 ml, and a beverage on the third floor (immediately above the second floor) may be extracted in an amount of 10 ml.

[0164] In addition, the blending information input in the above 1-2 steps may further include at least one of the following: extraction temperature for each extraction order, extraction pressure for each extraction order, and extraction time for each extraction order. In other words, by allowing temperature, pressure, or time to be adjusted differently for each extraction order, it is possible to create one's own recipe even for the same beverage.

[0165] As an example, the beverage on the first layer (the lowest layer) may be set to extract 10 ml at an extraction pressure of 8 bar and a temperature of 80°C, the beverage on the second layer (immediately above the first layer) may be set to extract 20 ml at an extraction pressure of 8 bar and a temperature of 80°C, and the beverage on the third layer (immediately above the second layer) may be set to extract 10 ml at an extraction pressure of 9 bar and a temperature of 87°C.

[0166] Meanwhile, when receiving the extraction order among the blending information of the second process (S120), the extraction order may be recommended based on the characteristics of the beverage stored in each capsule (11, 12). For example, it may be recommended that the beverage in the capsule with the relatively low extraction temperature be extracted first. This may prevent or resolve the problem of providing a separate cooling structure to lower the temperature of the heated extraction water, or of the extraction being stopped for a long time to allow it to cool down on its own.

[0167] The above information acquisition step (S100) may include a third step (S130) of selecting a recipe.

[0168] The recipe of the third process (S130) is data having blending information that is pre-specified according to the type (type of beverage) of each capsule (11, 12). That is, the recipe includes at least one piece of information on the extraction order and extraction amount or extraction ratio for each capsule. Accordingly, the user automatically selects the extraction order and extraction amount or extraction ratio for each capsule by selecting the recipe. Meanwhile, the recipe may further include at least one piece of information on the extraction temperature, extraction pressure, and extraction time for each extraction order. The extraction temperature, extraction pressure, and extraction time may be related to various tastes (flavor, bitterness, sourness, sweetness, saltiness, etc.) of the extracted beverage.

[0169] The above recipes can be listed in multiple numbers and provided as a display window (411) or an application (31). That is, the convenience of use can be improved by allowing the user to select one recipe during the information acquisition stage.

[0170] It is preferable that the above recipes be provided by listing only those related to each capsule (11, 12) provided to each extraction unit (210, 220). In this case, it is preferable that the types of beverages be described in the title or file name of the recipes so that the user can easily recognize them. Of course, all recipes registered in the memory (421) may be provided regardless of the type of each capsule (11, 12).

[0171] The above recipes may be provided by flavor or by type of drink.

[0172] The above recipes may be recommended. For example, the control unit (420) may recommend the most frequently (or frequently) selected recipe based on each capsule (11, 12) provided to each extraction unit (210, 220), or may recommend a recipe selected to produce a flavor as close as possible to the user's desired taste. Alternatively, recommendations may be made in order of the number of recommendations received from others.

[0173] Meanwhile, if the user directly inputs the extraction order and extraction amount or extraction ratio for each capsule without selecting the above recipe, the information may be registered as a separate user recipe and stored in memory (421). Such a user recipe may be provided in a recommended or retrieval manner when the information acquisition step is performed in the future.

[0174] In addition, the information acquisition step (S100) may include a fourth step (S140) of selecting the flavor of the blended beverage. That is, by allowing the user to select the flavor of the desired blended beverage (S141) through the information acquisition unit, blending information considering the beverage of the corresponding capsule can be automatically recommended (S142). The flavor of the blended beverage selected in the fourth step (S140) may include at least one of flavors including aroma, bitterness, sourness, sweetness, and saltiness.

[0175] For example, a screen for selecting flavor, bitterness, sourness, sweetness, and saltiness is displayed in the display window (411), and when each of the above flavors is selected, a recipe having blending information considering the flavor is automatically entered, or two or more recipes are recommended.

[0176] The blending information included in the above recipe may include the extraction order for each capsule and the extraction amount or extraction ratio for each capsule. The blending information included in the above recipe may further include at least one of the following information: the temperature of the extraction water for each extraction unit, the pressure of the extraction water for each extraction unit, the supply time of the extraction water for each extraction unit, the temperature of the extraction water for each extraction order, the pressure of the extraction water for each extraction order, and the supply time of the extraction water for each extraction order.

[0177] Next, the control method of the beverage device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control information determination step (S200).

[0178] The above control information determination step (S200) determines control information for extraction of each capsule (11, 12) provided to each extraction unit (210, 220).

[0179] In the above control information determination step (S200), control information can be determined based on the blending information input in the above information acquisition step (S100).

[0180] The control information of the above control information determination step (S200) is information for controlling the water supply unit (pump) (100) and valve (140) that operate based on the extraction order of each capsule (11, 12) and the extraction amount or extraction ratio of the beverage for each extraction order. The control information may include the operating pressure of the pump (120), the operating time of the pump (120), the operating time of the valve (140), etc. That is, the control unit (420) controls the operation of the pump (120) and valve (140) of the water supply unit (100) with the above control information.

[0181] The above control information may further include information for the operation of the heating unit (150). That is, the extraction temperature of the extraction water can be controlled by the operation of the heating unit (150).

[0182] In particular, the control information may further include information for controlling the extraction temperature for each extraction sequence, the extraction pressure for each extraction sequence, and the extraction time for each extraction sequence.

[0183] Next, the control method of the beverage device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a blending step (S300).

[0184] In the above blending step (S300), the operation of the pump (120), valve (140), and heating unit (150) is controlled by the control unit (420). As a result, the beverages in each capsule (11, 12) are sequentially extracted and blended.

[0185] For example, in the blending step (S300), the control unit (420) controls the operation of the pump (120) of the water supply unit (100) to control the extraction pressure and extraction amount. In the blending step (S300), the control unit (420) controls the operation of the heating unit (150) to control the extraction temperature. In the blending step (S300), the control unit (420) controls the operation of the pump (120) and the valve (140) to control the extraction order and extraction time.

[0186] In this way, in the blending step (S300), the extracted water is supplied to each extraction unit (210, 220) in a set order, and the extracted beverage is sequentially provided to the discharge unit (300) while passing through the capsules (11, 12) of each extraction unit (210, 220). Then, the extracted beverage provided to the discharge unit (300) is discharged to the beverage cup (2) through the guide tube (310) of the discharge unit (300).

[0187] Accordingly, two or more beverages are sequentially placed in the beverage cup (2) according to the extraction order and blended in the extraction capacity for each extraction order. For example, as extraction water is provided to the first flow, a first beverage layer extracted from the first capsule is created in the beverage cup, and then as extraction water is provided to the second flow, a second beverage layer extracted from the second capsule is created on the first beverage layer of the beverage cup. If blending information is registered so that a third beverage layer is additionally provided, after the second beverage layer is created, extraction water is controlled to be provided to the first flow, and a third beverage layer extracted from the first capsule is created on the second beverage layer.

[0188] Next, the control method of the beverage device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an extraction termination step (S400).

[0189] The above extraction completion step (S400) is a process of controlling so that no additional extraction water is provided to each extraction unit after the beverage of each capsule (11, 12) is extracted in a set order.

[0190] This extraction termination step (S400) may include a process of terminating the operation of the heating unit (150) (S410) and a process of terminating the operation of the pump (120) (4520).

[0191] In the above extraction completion step (S400), a screen guiding each blended beverage may be provided as a display window or an application screen. For example, as shown in the attached Fig. 10, at least one of the beverage name, temperature, pressure, and capacity of the two blended beverages is displayed on the application screen (or display window) so that the user can accurately recognize the blended beverage.

[0192] Meanwhile, the control method of the beverage device according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a recipe registration step (S500).

[0193] The above recipe registration step (S500) is performed by receiving input on whether or not to register the recipe of the extracted beverage after performing the blending step (S300) or after performing the extraction completion step (S400). For example, after performing the extraction completion step (S400), whether or not to register the recipe is checked (S510) through the information acquisition unit (410), and if the user agrees to register the recipe, the corresponding recipe is stored (S530) in the memory (421) as the corresponding user's recipe. The recipe stored in this way can be provided so that it can be selected together with other recipes when a beverage blending request is generated in the future and the information acquisition step (S100) is performed. In other words, even if multiple pieces of blending information are not input when the corresponding recipe is selected in the information acquisition step (S100), the blending information stored in the corresponding recipe can be input in bulk.

[0194] The above recipe registration step (S500) may also include a step (S520) of modifying the blending information stored in the recipe. That is, by modifying the blending information stored in the corresponding recipe to create a new recipe, a blended beverage with a different taste from the currently extracted blended beverage can be produced.

[0195] Additionally, in the recipe registration step (S500), a screen that assigns a score to the recipe and provides information on the history of previously implemented recipes may be provided via the application screen (or display window). For example, as shown in the attached Figure 11, a screen displaying recipe history may be provided via the application screen (or display window), allowing the user to evaluate the current recipe or view the history or evaluations of previous recipes.

[0196] The following describes, by way of example, the process of providing a blended beverage using the control method of the present invention described above.

[0197] Extraction volume (ml)Pressure (bar)Temperature (℃)First extraction section 10101010Second extraction section 10101010

[0198] The above [Table 1] is an example of a case where 8 layers of beverages are to be sequentially extracted from one beverage cup.

[0199] In this case, the process as shown in the attached Figures 20 to 22 is followed.

[0200] That is, while the pump (120) is in operation and the heating unit (150) is in operation, the euro control valve (140) is controlled to provide extraction water to each extraction unit (210, 220). This extraction water is sequentially provided so that 10 ml can be extracted to each extraction unit (210, 220), for a total of 80 ml (40 ml for the first extraction unit, 40 ml for the second extraction unit).

[0201] For example, a total of 8 layers of beverages are beverages sequentially extracted from different extraction units (210, 220), and at this time, conditions for the extraction amount, extraction temperature, and extraction pressure can be set to be the same.

[0202] Accordingly, a blended beverage having a total of eight beverage layers, such as the attached drawing 23, can be provided.

[0203] The attached drawings 16 to 19 are state diagrams for explaining a state in which a beverage is extracted while extracting water is sequentially provided to each extraction unit (210, 220).

[0204] Extraction volume (ml)Pressure (bar)Temperature (℃)First extraction section 1088010987201090Second extraction section 209801088910790

[0205] The above [Table 2] is an example of a case where a user wants to sequentially extract six layers of beverage in one beverage cup while varying the extraction amount, pressure, and temperature.

[0206] In this case, the process as shown in the attached Figures 24 to 26 is followed.

[0207] That is, while the pump (120) is in operation and the heating unit (150) is in operation, the euro control valve (140) is controlled to provide extraction water to each extraction unit (210, 220). This extraction water is provided in an amount of 40 ml to each extraction unit (210, 220) (40 ml to the first extraction unit, 40 ml to the second extraction unit), but extraction can be performed under different extraction amount conditions, temperature conditions, or pressure conditions for each beverage in each layer.

[0208] For example, the beverages on the first floor and the beverages on the second floor are beverages sequentially extracted from different extraction units (210, 220) and at different extraction amounts and pressures.

[0209] The drinks on the 3rd and 4th floors are drinks extracted with the same amount of extraction, but under different pressure and temperature conditions.

[0210] The drinks on the 5th floor and the 6th floor are drinks extracted under the same temperature conditions but with different extraction amounts and pressure conditions.

[0211] Accordingly, a blended beverage having a total of six beverage layers, such as the attached drawing 27, can be provided.

[0212] Meanwhile, although not described or illustrated, the above extraction conditions may further include conditions regarding extraction time. For example, the extraction time may be different for each layer.

[0213] Ultimately, the beverages of the two capsules (11, 12) are sequentially extracted and provided in the above beverage cup (2), and this sequential provision of beverages allows the user to enjoy the taste of a blended beverage rather than the taste of a single beverage.

[0214] In particular, when extracting a beverage with each of the capsules (11, 12) above, the temperature or pressure of the extraction water or the extraction time can be set differently for each order. Accordingly, the beverage extracted with the beverage cup (2) can provide a variety of tastes (flavor, bitterness, sourness, sweetness, saltiness, etc.) rather than a simple mixture of two beverages.

[0215] And, when the extraction of the beverage is completed, the operation of the heating unit (150) is stopped and the pump (12) is stopped, thereby ending the operation of the beverage device.

[0216] The beverage device of the present invention and its control method as described above can provide multiple beverages by blending them with each other through sequential extraction.

[0217] In addition, the beverage device of the present invention and its control method can obtain various tastes because the extraction order and extraction amount of each capsule (11, 12) can be determined differently for each beverage when blending the beverage.

[0218] In addition, the beverage device and its control method of the present invention can obtain a wider variety of tastes because the extraction temperature and pressure can be determined differently when blending a beverage.

[0219] In addition, the beverage device and its control method of the present invention enable blending information to be provided as a recipe, so that a plurality of pieces of blending information can be input at once by selecting one recipe.

[0220] In addition, the beverage device of the present invention and its control method can control the operation for blending a beverage through an application (31) on a mobile terminal (30).

[0221] In addition, the beverage device of the present invention and its control method can determine the mounting position of the capsules (11, 12) or the supply order of the extraction water differently depending on the type of beverage or the extraction temperature.

[0222] In addition, the beverage device of the present invention and its control method can blend in a form having multiple beverage layers.

[0223] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined and operated in one or more combinations.

[0224] For example, the beverage cup (2) being positioned on the base (10), the base (10) forming the bottom of the beverage device of the present invention, and the extraction unit (210, 220) and the discharge unit (300) being arranged in a housing (32) provided separately from the base (10) are only one embodiment of the beverage device of the present invention. That is, all the components mentioned in the embodiments may be provided in combination as one, but only one of the components mentioned in the embodiments may be provided alone. Alternatively, the components may be provided in a form different from the structure mentioned in the embodiments.

[0225] Furthermore, terms such as "include," "comprise," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated otherwise, imply that the corresponding component may be present, and therefore should be interpreted to include other components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted to be consistent with the contextual meaning of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

Claims

1. A plurality of extraction units that receive a capsule and extract water from a water supply unit to extract a beverage from the capsule; A plurality of flow paths supplying extraction water to the plurality of extraction units; A valve for controlling the flow direction so that the extracted water supplied from the water supply unit is supplied to at least one of the plurality of flow paths; A discharge unit that receives and discharges the extracted beverage that has passed through the above-mentioned plurality of extraction units; An information acquisition unit that acquires blending information for blending beverages for each extraction unit; A beverage device including a control unit that determines the supply amount and the supply order of the extraction water supplied to multiple extraction units based on the blending information input to the above information acquisition unit, and blends the beverage of each capsule while controlling the water supply unit and valve according to the determined supply amount and supply order of the extraction water.

2. In paragraph 1, A beverage device in which a guide tube is provided in the above discharge unit, and beverages sequentially provided from each of the above extraction units are sequentially discharged into one beverage cup through the one guide tube.

3. In paragraph 2, The above-mentioned discharge unit is a beverage device located below the plurality of extraction units, which sequentially receives beverages falling from each extraction unit and discharges them into one beverage cup through the guide tube.

4. In paragraph 1, The above water supply unit and valve and control unit are provided within the base on which the beverage cup is placed, A beverage device in which the above-mentioned plurality of extraction units and discharge units are provided within a housing provided separately from the base.

5. In paragraph 4, A beverage device characterized in that the housing is installed so as to be spaced apart from the upper surface of the base by at least one support.

6. In paragraph 4, The above water supply unit A water tank where the extracted water is stored. A beverage device characterized by including a pump that pumps the extracted water stored in the water tank and supplies it to the valve.

7. In paragraph 6, Within the above base A beverage device including a heating unit that controls the temperature of the extracted water supplied through a valve through a pump of the above water supply unit.

8. In paragraph 1, A beverage device in which the blending information received by the above information acquisition unit includes the extraction order of the beverage for each extraction unit, the extraction amount of the beverage for each extraction order, or the extraction ratio of the beverage for each extraction unit.

9. An information acquisition step for acquiring blending information on at least one of the extraction order, extraction amount, or extraction ratio for each capsule provided to each of the plurality of extraction units; A control information determination step for determining control information for beverage extraction, such as the extraction order for each capsule and the extraction amount or extraction ratio for each extraction order, using the blending information acquired above; A control method for a beverage device, including a blending step for blending a beverage extracted from each capsule while controlling the operation of a pump and the operation of a valve according to the above-determined control information.

10. In paragraph 9, A control method for a beverage device, wherein the above information acquisition step further includes a process of acquiring information on capsules provided to each extraction unit.

11. In paragraph 10, A control method for a beverage device, wherein the above control information determination step further includes a step of recommending a recipe for extracting a capsule acquired in the above information acquisition step.

12. In paragraph 9, The blending information entered in the above information acquisition step includes A control method for a beverage device that further includes at least one piece of information among extraction temperature, extraction pressure, and extraction time for each extraction sequence.

13. In paragraph 9, A method for controlling a beverage device, wherein the above information acquisition step further includes a process of saving the input blending information as an individual recipe.

14. In paragraph 9, In the above information acquisition stage A control method for a beverage device further comprising a process for recommending that a beverage in a capsule having a relatively low extraction temperature be preferentially extracted.

15. In paragraph 9, A method for controlling a beverage device, wherein the blending information received in the above information acquisition step includes either information pre-registered by the user or one of the recommended recipes.

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