Patent Description:
A fermentation container for a beverage maker and a beverage maker having the same fermentation container, and more particularly, a fermentation container in which a fermentation material is accommodated, and a beverage maker including the fermentation container are disclosed herein.

A beverage is a general term for a drinkable liquid, such as an alcoholic drink or tea, for example. For example, beverages may be classified into various categories, such as water (drink) for quenching thirst, a fruit juice having a unique aroma and flavor, a cooling beverage providing a refreshing feeling, a favorite beverage capable of providing a stimulant effect, or an alcoholic beverage having an alcoholic effect.

A representative example of theses beverages is beer. Beer is an alcoholic drink produced by making and filtering juice from malt, which is made by sprouting barley, and then adding hops and fermenting it.

Customers can purchase ready-made products made and sold by beer manufacturers or may make beer at home (hereinafter "homemade beer") made by fermenting the materials of beer at home or in a bar. Homemade beer may be produced in a variety of types and may be produced to fit the tastes of customers, in comparison with ready-made products.

Water, malt, hops, yeast, and a flavor additive, for example, may be the materials of beer. Yeast may ferment the malt when it is added to the malt, and may help to produce alcohol and carbonic acid. A flavor additive may be an additive substance that enhances the flavor of beer, such as fruit, syrup, and vanilla beans, for example.

In general, the process of making homemade beer may include a total of three steps or operations, a step or operation of making a malt juice, a fermentation step or operation, and an aging step or operation, and two to three weeks may be taken from the making of a malt juice to the aging step.

Maintaining an optimal temperature in the fermentation operation is important for homemade beer, and the simpler the homemade beer is to make, the greater the user convenience. Recently, beverage makers that make it possible to easily make homemade beer at home or in a bar are increasing being used, and for those beverage makers to safely and simply make beer. Such beverage makers for brewing beers at home are for instance disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

One or more of the above objectives and/or any other objective is achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claim(s).

In an aspect of the present technique, a fermentation container is provided. The fermentation container may include a main body; a bonding portion spaced in a downward direction apart from a bottom surface of the main body; a connecting portion configured to connect the bonding portion and the main body; a flexible container including a thermal bonding portion thermally bonded to a top surface of the bonding portion, and a container portion connected to the thermal bonding portion and forming a fermentation space under the bonding portion; and a pressing member comprising an elastic material and configured to press the thermal bonding portion to the bonding portion by being fitted between the main body and the thermal bonding portion.

It may be noted that instead of being thermally bonded the bonding portion and the thermal bonding portion may be adhered together by other techniques such as adhesive, mechanical means such as screws or rivets, and like.

A seating portion configured to be seated on a fermenter may be formed at an edge of the main body. The seating portion may be spaced apart from the pressing member.

A distance from a virtual central axis of the main body to the seating portion may be larger than a distance from the virtual central axis of the main body to an outer circumference of the pressing member.

A top surface of the pressing member may be in contact with a bottom surface of the main body.

A bottom surface of the pressing member may be in contact with a top surface of the thermal bonding portion.

The connecting portion may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The connecting portion may be connected by being fitted on an outer circumference of a recession recessed downward from the main body.

The bonding portion may extend radially outward from a lower end of the connecting portion.

The pressing member may have a cylindrical ring shape surrounding an outer circumference of the connecting portion.

A locking protrusion may be formed at a first end of the pressing member. A fitting portion in which the locking protrusion is fitted may be formed at a second end of the pressing member.

A distance from a virtual central axis of the connecting portion to an outer circumference of the pressing member may be equal to or larger than a distance from the virtual central axis of the connecting portion to an outer circumference of the bonding portion.

When the container portion expands, a portion of an outer surface of the container portion may be configured to come in contact with a bottom surface of the pressing member.

In another aspect of the present technique, a beverage maker including the fermentation container is provided. The fermentation container may be according to the above-described aspect of the present technique.

In yet another aspect of the present technique, a beverage maker is provided. The beverage maker may include: a fermenter having an opening; a fermentation lid configured to open and close the opening; and a fermentation container inserted into the fermenter through the opening. The fermenter may be a rigid body such as a metallic case. The fermenter may be non-deformable. The fermentation container may be according to any one of the above-described embodiments.

The fermentation container may include: a container body; a flexible container including a thermal bonding portion thermally bonded to the container body, and a container portion connected to the thermal bonding portion and forming a fermentation space; and a pressing member mounted on the container body, comprising an elastic material, and configured to press the thermal bonding portion. The fermentation container may be according to any one of the above-described embodiments.

The container body may include a main body having a seating portion. The seating portion may be formed at an edge thereof and may be seated on the fermenter.

The container body may include a bonding portion that is spaced downward apart from a bottom surface of the main body and to which the thermal bonding portion may be thermally bonded. The pressing portion may be configured to press the thermal bonding portion to the bonding portion by being fitted between the main body and the thermal bonding portion.

A distance from a virtual central axis of the container body to an outer circumference of the pressing member may be equal to or larger than a distance from the virtual central axis of the container body to an outer circumference of the bonding portion; and/or a distance from a virtual central axis of the container body to an outer circumference of the pressing member may be smaller than a distance from the virtual central axis of the container body to the seating portion.

Hereinafter, embodiments are described with reference to drawings. Wherever possible, like or the same reference numerals have been used to indicate like or the same elements, and repetitive disclosure has been omitted.

Although beer is exemplified as a beverage that is made using a beverage maker according to embodiments, the kind of beverage that can be made using the beverage maker is not limited to beer and various kinds of beverages may be made using the beverage maker according to embodiments.

<FIG> is a view of a beverage maker according to an embodiment. The beverage maker may include a fermentation module <NUM>. Fermentation of a beverage may proceed in the fermentation module <NUM>.

The beverage maker may include a fluid supply module <NUM>. The fluid supply module <NUM> may supply a fluid, such as water.

The beverage maker may include a materials feeder <NUM> having material receivers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in which materials for making a beverage may be accommodated. The beverage maker may include first and second main channels <NUM> and <NUM> that connect the fluid supply module <NUM> and the fermentation module <NUM>.

The beverage maker may include a beverage dispenser <NUM> that dispenses the beverage made in the fermentation module <NUM>. The beverage dispenser <NUM> may be connected to the second main channel <NUM>, whereby the beverage taken out of the fermentation module <NUM> may be guided to the beverage dispenser <NUM> through a portion of the second main channel <NUM>.

The beverage maker may further include a gas discharger <NUM>. The gas discharger <NUM> may be connected to the fermentation module <NUM>, thereby being able to discharge gas produced in the process of making a beverage.

The beverage maker may further include an air injector <NUM> that injects air. The air injector <NUM> may be connected to the fluid supply module <NUM> or the first main channel <NUM>. The air injector may include an air pump <NUM>.

The beverage maker may further include an air adjuster <NUM> that adjusts pressure between an inner wall of a fermenter <NUM> and an outer side of a fermentation container <NUM>.

The fermentation module <NUM> may include the fermenter <NUM> having an opening <NUM> (see <FIG>) and a fermentation lid <NUM> that opens/closes the opening <NUM>. An internal space S1 in which the fermentation container <NUM> may be accommodated may be formed in the fermenter <NUM>. That is, the fermentation container <NUM> may be accommodated in the fermenter <NUM>.

The fermentation container <NUM> may be a container that is separately provided to prevent beverage materials and a completed beverage from sticking to the inner wall of the fermenter <NUM>. The fermentation container <NUM> may be detachable from the fermenter <NUM>. The fermentation container <NUM> may be seated in the fermenter <NUM> and may ferment a beverage in the fermenter <NUM>, and when it finishes being used, it may be taken out of the fermenter <NUM>.

The fermentation container <NUM> is a pack in which materials for making a beverage are accommodated. The fermentation container <NUM> may be made of a flexible material, so it may be easily inserted into the fermenter <NUM> and contract and expand, depending on pressure. However, the fermentation container <NUM> may include a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, for example.

A fermentation space S2 in which beverage materials are accommodated and a beverage made is formed in the fermentation container <NUM>. The fermentation container <NUM> may be smaller than the internal space S1 of the fermenter <NUM>.

The fermentation container <NUM> may be inserted into and accommodated with materials accommodated therein in the fermenter <NUM> through the opening <NUM> (see <FIG>). The fermentation container <NUM> may be inserted into the fermenter <NUM> and accommodated in the fermenter <NUM> with the fermentation lid <NUM> open.

The fermentation lid <NUM> may close tightly the fermenter <NUM> after the fermentation container <NUM> is inserted into the fermenter <NUM>. The fermentation container <NUM> may help fermentation of materials in a state in which it is accommodated in the internal space S1 closed tightly by the fermenter <NUM> and the fermentation lid <NUM>. The fermentation container <NUM> may be expanded by internal pressure thereof while a beverage is made. When the beverage in the fermentation container <NUM> is taken out and air is supplied between an inner side of the fermenter <NUM> and an outer side of the fermentation container <NUM>, the fermentation container <NUM> may be compressed by the air in the fermenter <NUM>.

The fermentation lid <NUM>, which closes tightly an inside of the fermenter <NUM>, may be disposed over the fermenter <NUM> and may close the opening <NUM>. The fermentation lid <NUM> may have a main channel connecting portion <NUM> connected with the main channel, more particularly, the second main channel <NUM>. The main channel connecting portion <NUM> may communicate with the fermentation space S2 of the fermentation container <NUM>.

A tube 115a elongated in a vertical direction and communicating with the main channel connecting portion <NUM> may be provided in the fermentation container <NUM>. A lower end of the tube 115a may be adjacent to a floor of the fermentation container <NUM>, and when a beverage is taken out, the beverage in the fermentation container <NUM> may be easily suctioned into the tube 115a.

The fermenter <NUM> may be provided with a temperature adjuster <NUM>. The temperature adjuster <NUM> may change an internal temperature of the fermenter <NUM>. The temperature adjuster <NUM>, which heats or cools the fermenter <NUM>, may adjust the temperature of the fermenter <NUM> to an optimal temperature for beverage fermentation.

The temperature adjuster <NUM> may include at least one of a refrigeration cycle apparatus or a heater. However, the temperature adjuster <NUM> is not limited thereto and may include a thermoelectric element (TEM), for example.

For example, a refrigeration cycle apparatus of the temperature adjuster <NUM> may adjust the temperature of the fermenter <NUM> by cooling the fermenter <NUM>. The refrigeration cycle apparatus may include, for example, a compressor, a condenser, and expansion device, and an evaporator. The evaporator may be disposed in contact with an outer side of the fermenter <NUM>. The evaporator may be configured as an evaporation tube wound on the outer side of the fermenter <NUM>.

The main channels <NUM> and <NUM> may include first channel <NUM>, which may connect the fluid supply module <NUM> and the material feeder <NUM>, and second main channel <NUM>, which may connect the material feeder <NUM> and the fermentation module <NUM>. That is, the first main channel <NUM> may guide a fluid, such as water supplied from the fluid supply module <NUM> to the material feeder <NUM> and the second main channel <NUM> may guide a mixture of materials from the material feeder <NUM> and the fluid to the fermentation module <NUM>. A first end 41a of the first main channel <NUM> may be connected to the fluid supply module <NUM> and a second end thereof may be connected to the material feeder <NUM>.

A material supply valve <NUM> that opens/closes the first main channel <NUM> may be disposed in the first main channel <NUM>. The material supply valve <NUM> may be a component included in the material feeder <NUM>.

The material supply valve <NUM> may be opened when additives accommodated in material receivers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are to be put in, thereby opening the first main channel <NUM>.

A first end of the second main channel <NUM> may be connected with the main channel connecting portion <NUM> of the fermentation module <NUM> and a second end thereof may be connected to the material feeder <NUM>. A main valve <NUM> that opens/closes the second main channel <NUM> may be disposed in the second main channel <NUM>.

The main valve <NUM> opens when fluid is supplied, air is injected, or an additive is supplied into the fermentation container <NUM>, thereby opening the second main channel <NUM>. The main valve <NUM> closes when the fermenter <NUM> is cooled, fermentation proceeds in the fermentation container <NUM>, or a beverage is aged and kept in the fermentation container <NUM>, thereby closing the second main channel <NUM> and closing tightly the fermentation container <NUM>. The main valve <NUM> may open the second main channel <NUM> by opening when a beverage is dispensed by the beverage dispenser <NUM>, and the beverage in the fermentation container <NUM> may be moved to the beverage dispenser <NUM> through the main valve <NUM>.

The main channels <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured as one continuous channel when the beverage maker does not include the material feeder <NUM>. When the beverage maker includes the material feeder <NUM>, the beverage maker may further include the bypass channel <NUM> configured such that fluid or air bypasses the material receivers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The bypass channel <NUM> may connect the first main channel <NUM> and the second main channel <NUM> while bypassing the material receivers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. A first end 43a of the bypass channel <NUM> may be connected to the first main channel <NUM> and a second end 43b thereof may be connected to the second main channel <NUM>. The first end 43a of the bypass channel <NUM> may be connected to a portion between the fluid supply module <NUM> and the material supply valve <NUM> in the first main channel <NUM>, and the second end 43b may be connected to a portion between the main valve <NUM> and the material feeder <NUM> in the second main channel <NUM>.

A bypass valve <NUM> that opens/closes the bypass channel <NUM> may be disposed in the bypass channel <NUM>. The bypass valve <NUM> may open when fluid supplied from the fluid supply module <NUM> or air injected from the air injector <NUM> is supplied into the fermentation container <NUM>, thereby opening the bypass channel <NUM>.

When beer is made using the beverage maker, the materials for making beer may include water, malt, yeast, hops, and/or a flavor additive, for example. The beverage maker may include both of the material feeder <NUM> and the fermentation container <NUM>, and the materials for making a beverage may be separately accommodated in the material feeder <NUM> and the fermentation container <NUM>. Some of the materials for making a beverage may be accommodated in the fermentation container <NUM> and other materials may be accommodated in the material feeder <NUM>. The materials accommodated in the material feeder <NUM> may be supplied into the fermentation container <NUM> together with a fluid, such as water supplied from the fluid supply module <NUM> and may be mixed with materials accommodated in the fermentation container <NUM>.

A main material necessary for making a beverage may be accommodated in the fermentation container <NUM> and additives added to the main materials may be accommodated in the material feeder <NUM>. The additives accommodated in the material feeder <NUM> may be mixed with the fluid, such as water supplied from the fluid supply module <NUM> and supplied into the fermentation container <NUM> together, and may be mixed with the main material accommodated in the fermentation container <NUM>.

The main material accommodated in the fermentation container <NUM> may include a material which is larger in content than other materials. For example, when beer is made, the main material may be malt of malt, yeast, hops, and a flavor additive. Further, the additives accommodated in the material feeder <NUM> may be other materials except for the malt, for example, yeast, hops, and a flavor additive.

The beverage maker may include the fermentation container <NUM> without including the material feeder <NUM>. In this case, the main material may be accommodated in the fermentation container <NUM> and a user may directly put additives into the fermentation container <NUM>.

When the beverage maker includes both of the material feeder <NUM> and the fermentation container <NUM>, it is possible to more simply make a beverage, and hereinafter, an example including both of the material feeder <NUM> and the fermentation container <NUM> is described for convenience. However, it should be noted that embodiments are not limited to the case that includes both of the material feeder <NUM> and the fermentation container <NUM>.

The materials in the fermentation container <NUM> may ferment, as time passes, and a finished beverage made in the fermentation container <NUM> may flow into the second main channel <NUM> through the main channel connecting portion <NUM> and may be dispensed by flowing to the beverage dispenser <NUM> from the second main channel <NUM>.

Materials for making a beverage may be accommodated in the material feeder <NUM>, and the material feeder <NUM> may be configured to pass fluid, such as water supplied from the fluid supply module <NUM>. For example, when the beverage to be made in the beverage maker is beer, the materials that are accommodated in the material feeder <NUM> may be yeast, hops, and a flavor additive, for example.

The materials accommodated in the material feeder <NUM> may be directly accommodated in the material receivers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> formed in the material feeder <NUM>. At least one material receiver <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be formed in the material feeder <NUM>. A plurality of material receivers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be formed in the material feeder <NUM>, and in this case, the plurality of material receivers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be separated from each other.

Inlets 31a, 32a, and 33a through which fluid flows in and outlets 31b, 32b, and 33b through which fluid flows may be formed at the material receivers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively. Fluid flowing into the inlet of one material receiver may be mixed with the materials in the material receiver and then may be discharged to the outlet.

The materials accommodated in the material feeder <NUM> may be accommodated in material containers C1, C2, and C3. The material containers C1, C2, and C3 may be accommodated in the material receivers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the material receivers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be referred to as "material container mounts". The material containers C1, C2, and C3 may be configured as capsules or pods; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.

When materials are accommodated in the material containers C1, C2, and C3, the material feeder <NUM> may be configured such that the material containers C1, C2, and C3 may be seated therein and removed therefrom. Further, the material feeder <NUM> may be configured as a material container kit assembly in which the material containers C1, C2, and C3 are separably accommodated.

For example, a first additive, a second additive, and a third additive may be accommodated in the material feeder <NUM>. The first additive may be yeast, the second additive may be hops, and the third additive may be a flavor additive. The material feeder <NUM> may include a first material container mount <NUM> in which the first material container C1 accommodating the first additive therein is accommodated, a second material container mount <NUM> in which the second material container C2 accommodating the second additive therein is accommodated, and a third material container mount <NUM> in which the third material container C3 accommodating the third additive therein is accommodated.

The materials in the material receivers or the material containers C1, C2, and C3 may be extracted by pressure of the fluid, such as water supplied from the fluid supply module <NUM>. When the materials are extracted by pressure, the fluid supplied from the fluid supply module <NUM> to the first main channel <NUM> may be mixed with the materials while passing through the material receivers or the material containers C1, C2, and C3, and the materials accommodated in the material receivers or the material containers C1, C2, and C3 may flow with the fluid into the second main channel <NUM>.

Different kinds of additives may be separately accommodated in the material feeder <NUM>. For example, when beer is made, the additives accommodated in the material feeder <NUM> may be yeast, hops, and a flavor additive, for example, and they may be separately accommodated.

When a plurality of material receivers is formed in the material feeder <NUM>, the plurality of material receivers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be connected in series or in parallel with respect to a flow direction of fluid. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a plurality of material receivers is connected in series, the first main channel <NUM> may be connected to the inlet 31a of the first material container mount <NUM>, the outlet 31b of the first material container mount <NUM> may communicate with the inlet 32a of the second material container mount <NUM>, the outlet 32b of the second material container mount <NUM> may communicate with the inlet 33a of the third material container mount <NUM>, and the outlet 33b of the third material container mount <NUM> may be connected to the second main channel <NUM>.

The fluid supply module <NUM> may include a tub <NUM>, a pump <NUM> that pumps up fluid, such as water in the tub <NUM>, and a heater <NUM> that heats the fluid pumped up by the pump <NUM>. For example, the pump <NUM> may include a gear pump. The gear pump may be a rotary pump, that is, a pump that pumps liquid or fluid using engagement of two of the same rotors. The internal structure of a gear pump is well known, so it is not described herein.

The tub <NUM> and the pump <NUM> may be connected to a tub outlet channel 55a. The fluid in the tub <NUM> may be suctioned into the pump <NUM> through the tub outlet channel 55a. The pump <NUM> and the first end 41a of the first main channel <NUM> may be connected to a fluid supply channel 55b and the fluid discharged from the pump <NUM> may be guided to the first main channel <NUM> through the fluid supply channel 55b.

A flowmeter <NUM> that measures a flow rate of the fluid, such as water from the tub <NUM> may be disposed in the tub outlet channel 55a or the fluid supply channel 55b. Further, the tub <NUM> may be provided with a water level sensor (not shown) that measures an amount of fluid, such as water stored in the tub <NUM>. The heater <NUM> may be disposed in the fluid supply channel 55b.

When the pump <NUM> is driven, the fluid in the tub <NUM> may be suctioned into the pump <NUM> through the tub outlet channel 55a and the fluid discharged from the pump <NUM> may be heated by the heater <NUM> while flowing through the fluid supply channel 55b, and may be guided to the first main channel <NUM>.

The beverage dispenser <NUM> may be connected to the second main channel <NUM>. The beverage dispenser <NUM> may include a beverage dispensing channel <NUM> that communicates with the fermentation module <NUM>, a beverage dispensing valve <NUM> disposed in the beverage dispenser channel <NUM>, and a dispenser <NUM> connected to the beverage dispenser channel <NUM>.

The beverage dispensing channel <NUM> may communicate with the fermentation module <NUM> by being connected to the second main channel <NUM>. The beverage dispensing channel <NUM> may communicate with the fermentation space S2 of the fermentation container <NUM>. A first end <NUM> of the beverage dispensing channel <NUM> may be connected to the second main channel <NUM> between the material feeder <NUM> and the main valve <NUM> and a second end thereof may be connected to the dispenser <NUM>.

The beverage dispensing valve <NUM> which opens/closes the beverage dispensing channel <NUM> may be disposed in the beverage dispensing channel <NUM>. The beverage dispensing valve <NUM> may include a solenoid valve.

The beverage dispensing valve <NUM> may be opened when a beverage is dispensed, and the beverage dispensing valve <NUM> may be kept closed when a beverage is not dispensed. The beverage having passed through the beverage dispensing valve <NUM> may be guided to the dispenser <NUM>.

A user may adjust dispensing of a beverage by manipulating the dispenser <NUM>. When a user opens the dispenser <NUM>, a beverage may be dispensed from the dispenser <NUM>. The operation of opening/closing of the dispenser <NUM> is in connection with the beverage dispensing valve <NUM>, so when a user opens the dispenser <NUM>, the beverage dispensing valve <NUM> may be opened, and when a user closes the dispenser <NUM>, the beverage dispensing valve <NUM> may be closed.

The gas discharger <NUM> may be connected to the fermentation module <NUM> and discharge gas produced in the fermentation container <NUM>. The gas discharger <NUM> may include a gas discharge channel <NUM> connected to the fermentation module <NUM>, and a gas discharge valve <NUM> connected to the gas discharge channel <NUM>. The gas discharge channel <NUM> may be connected to the fermentation module <NUM>, more particularly, to the fermentation lid <NUM>. The fermentation lid <NUM> may have a gas discharge channel connecting portion <NUM> to which the gas discharge channel <NUM> may be connected.

The gas discharge channel connecting portion <NUM> may communicate with the fermentation space S2 of the fermentation container <NUM>. The gas in the fermentation container <NUM> may flow to the gas discharge channel <NUM> through the gas discharge channel connecting portion <NUM> and may be discharged to the gas discharge valve <NUM> that is open.

With the beverage maker according to embodiments, it is possible to uniformly mix a fluid, such as water and malt by injecting air into the fermentation container <NUM> using the air injector <NUM>, and in this process, bubbles generated from the liquid-state malt may be discharged outside through the gas discharge channel <NUM> and the gas discharge valve <NUM> over the fermentation container <NUM>. Further, the gas discharge valve <NUM> may be kept closed in the fermentation operation of a beverage.

The air injector <NUM> may be connected to the fluid supply channel 55b or the first main channel <NUM> and may inject air. Air injected into the first main channel <NUM> from the air injector <NUM> may be injected into the fermentation container <NUM> sequentially through the bypass channel <NUM> and the second main channel <NUM>. Accordingly, stirring or aeration may be performed in the fermentation container <NUM>.

Further, the air injected into the first main channel <NUM> from the air injector <NUM> may remove remaining fluid or residue while passing through the material container mounts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to keep the material container mounts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> clean.

The air injector <NUM> may include an air injection channel <NUM> connected to the fluid supply channel 55b or the first main channel <NUM>, and air pump <NUM> connected to the air injection channel <NUM>. The air pump <NUM> may pump up air into the air injection channel <NUM>.

The air adjuster <NUM> may adjust pressure between the inner wall of the fermenter <NUM> and the outer side of the fermentation container <NUM>. The air adjuster <NUM> may supply air between the fermentation container <NUM> and the inner wall of the fermenter <NUM> or may remove air from between the fermentation container <NUM> and the inner wall of the fermenter <NUM>.

The air adjuster <NUM> may include an air supply channel <NUM> connected to the fermentation module <NUM>, and an exhaust channel <NUM> connected to the air supply channel <NUM> to discharge air to the outside. A first end 154a of the air supply channel <NUM> may be connected to the first main channel <NUM> and a second end thereof may be connected to the fermentation module <NUM>.

The fermentation module <NUM> may have an air supply channel connecting portion <NUM> to which the air supply channel <NUM> may be connected, and the air supply channel connecting portion <NUM> may communicate with the space between the inner wall of the fermenter <NUM> and the outer side of the fermentation container <NUM>. The air supply channel connecting portion <NUM> may be formed at the fermenter <NUM> or the fermentation lid <NUM>.

The air injected into the first main channel <NUM> from the air injector <NUM> may be guided between the outer side of the fermentation container <NUM> and the inner wall of the fermenter <NUM> through the air supply channel <NUM>. As described above, the air supplied in the fermenter <NUM> may press the fermentation container <NUM> between the outer side of the fermentation container <NUM> and the inner wall of the fermenter <NUM>.

The beverage in the fermentation container <NUM> may be pressed by the fermentation container <NUM> pressed by the air, and may flow to the second main channel <NUM> through the main channel connecting portion <NUM> when the main valve <NUM> and the beverage dispensing valve <NUM> are opened. The beverage flowing to the second main channel <NUM> from the fermentation container <NUM> may be dispensed outside through the beverage dispenser <NUM>. On the other hand, the exhaust channel <NUM> may function as an air exhaust passage that discharges air between the fermentation container <NUM> and the fermenter <NUM> to the outside in cooperation with a portion of the air supply channel <NUM>.

The air supply channel <NUM> may include a first channel extending from the first end 154a connected with the first main channel <NUM> to a connecting portion 157a to which the exhaust channel <NUM> is connected, and a second channel extending from the first end 154a to which the exhaust channel <NUM> is connected to the air supply channel connecting portion <NUM>. The first channel may be an intake channel that guides the air pumped by the air pump <NUM> to the second channel. Further, the second channel may be an intake/exhaust compatible channel that supplies air, which has passed through the intake channel, between the fermenter <NUM> and the fermentation container <NUM> or that guides the air from between the fermenter <NUM> and the fermentation container <NUM> to the exhaust channel <NUM>.

An exhaust valve <NUM> that opens/closes the exhaust channel <NUM> may be connected to the exhaust channel <NUM>. The exhaust valve <NUM> may be opened such that the air between the fermentation container <NUM> and the fermenter <NUM> may be discharged outside, when the fermentation container <NUM> expands while a beverage is made.

The air adjuster <NUM> may further includes an air supply valve <NUM> that connects/disconnects the air that is pumped up from the air pump <NUM> and supplied between the fermentation container <NUM> and the fermenter <NUM>. The air supply valve <NUM> may be disposed in the air supply channel <NUM>. The air supply valve <NUM> may be disposed between the first end 154a connected with the first main channel <NUM> and the connecting portion 157a connected with the exhaust channel <NUM>, in the air supply channel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a fermentation container <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view of the fermentation container <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a pressing member <NUM> according to an embodiment.

The fermentation container <NUM> may include a container body <NUM> seated over the fermenter <NUM>; a flexible container <NUM> thermally bonded to the container body <NUM>, having fermentation space S2, and positioned in the fermenter <NUM>; and includes a pressing member <NUM> that firmly maintains thermal bonding between the container body <NUM> and the flexible container <NUM>. The fermentation container <NUM> may further include a tube <NUM> connected to a lower portion of the container body <NUM> and extending up to a lower portion in the flexible container <NUM>.

The container body <NUM> may include a hard material. Accordingly, the fermentation container <NUM> may be stably seated and supported in the fermenter <NUM>.

The container body <NUM> may be formed as a single unit or may be formed by combining a plurality of members. For example, the container body <NUM> may include a main body <NUM> and a connecting body <NUM> that is fastened to the main body <NUM> and to which the flexible container <NUM> may be bonded. The main body <NUM> may have substantially a disc shape.

An outer hollow portion <NUM> may be formed at the container body <NUM>, more particularly, the main body <NUM>. The outer hollow portion <NUM> may protrude upward from the container body <NUM>.

Further, a seating portion <NUM> that is seated on the fermenter <NUM> may be formed at the container body <NUM>. The seating portion <NUM> may be formed at a circumferential portion <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. The circumferential portion <NUM> may be positioned outside of the outer hollow portion <NUM> in a radial direction of the container body <NUM>.

A recession <NUM> recessed downward may be formed at the container body <NUM>. The recession <NUM> may be formed by recessing at least a portion of the portion positioned inside of the outer hollow portion <NUM> of a top surface of the main body <NUM>. The recession <NUM> may form a recessed space S5 that communicates with an inside of the outer hollow portion <NUM>. An inner diameter of the recessed space S5 may be smaller than an inner diameter of the outer hollow portion <NUM>.

The recessed space S5 may refer to a space between an inner circumference of the recession <NUM> and an outer circumference of an inner hollow portion <NUM>. The inner hollow portion <NUM> which communicates with the fermentation space S2 may be formed at the container body <NUM>. The inner hollow portion <NUM> may be formed at the recession <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. A diameter of the inner hollow portion <NUM> may be smaller than a diameter of the recession <NUM>.

The inner hollow portion <NUM> may form an inner channel <NUM> in cooperation with the tube <NUM>. Fluid, such as water, air, or a mixture may be supplied into the fermentation space S2 of the flexible container <NUM> through the inner channel <NUM>. When a finished beverage is dispensed, the beverage accommodated in the fermentation space S2 may be dispensed from the flexible container <NUM> through the inner channel <NUM>.

The inner hollow portion <NUM> may have a first connecting portion <NUM> that protrudes upward from the recession <NUM>, and a second connecting portion <NUM> that protrudes downward. An outer circumferential surface of the first connecting portion <NUM> may be spaced apart from an inner circumferential surface of the recession <NUM>. The first connecting portion <NUM> may communicate with the main channel connecting portion <NUM> formed at the fermentation lid <NUM>. The recession <NUM> may be separably connected to the second connecting portion <NUM>.

The tube <NUM> may be elongated downward to be adjacent to a bottom surface of the flexible container <NUM>. Accordingly, when a finished beverage is dispensed, the beverage in a lower portion of the flexible container <NUM> may be easily dispensed through the tube <NUM>.

The tube <NUM> may be a flexible tube and may be folded with the flexible container <NUM>, so there is an advantage that the fermentation container <NUM> may be stored in a compact size.

At least one gas exhaust hole <NUM>, also referred to as a gas discharge hole, through which gas in the fermentation space S2 may be discharged may be formed at the container body <NUM>. The gas exhaust hole <NUM> may communicate with the fermentation space S2 in the flexible container <NUM>.

The gas exhaust hole <NUM> may extend vertically through a floor of the recession <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. The gas exhaust hole <NUM> may be formed outside of the inner hollow portion <NUM> in a radial direction of the container body <NUM>.

That is, the gas discharge hole <NUM> may face the space between the inner circumference of the recession <NUM> and the outer circumference of the inner hollow portion <NUM>. More particularly, the gas discharge hole <NUM> may face the space between the inner circumference of the recession <NUM> and the outer circumference of the first connecting portion <NUM>.

In the fermentation operation of a beverage, an internal pressure of the flexible container <NUM> may be increased by fermentation gas generated by the beverage, and when the pressure is excessive, the flexible container <NUM> may explode or break. The fermentation gas may be discharged out of the flexible container <NUM> through the gas exhaust hole <NUM>, whereby the internal pressure of the flexible container <NUM> may be maintained at an appropriate level.

The connecting body <NUM> may be separably fastened to the main body <NUM>. Accordingly, a user may replace the tube <NUM>, or the connecting body <NUM> and the flexible container <NUM> and mount new ones to the main body <NUM>.

The connecting body <NUM> may include a connecting portion <NUM> and a bonding portion <NUM>. The connecting portion <NUM> may have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape and may be fastened to the main body <NUM>. The recession <NUM> of the main body <NUM> may be fastened by being inserted into the connecting portion <NUM>. An inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion <NUM> may be fitted and fastened to the outer circumferential surface of the recession <NUM>. The connecting portion <NUM> may connect the main body <NUM> and the bonding portion <NUM>.

The bonding portion <NUM> may be formed in ring-shaped plate shape. The bonding portion <NUM> may extend outward from a lower end of the connecting portion <NUM> in a radial direction of the connecting portion <NUM>. The bonding portion <NUM> may be positioned under the main body <NUM> and may face a bottom surface of the main body <NUM>. The bonding portion <NUM> and the bottom surface of the main body <NUM> may be spaced apart in a vertical direction.

The flexible container <NUM> may include a flexible material, such that an internal volume may be easily changed. The flexible container <NUM> may include a thermal bonding portion 194a thermally bonded to the bonding portion <NUM>, and a container portion 194b connected to the thermal bonding portion 194a and forming the fermentation space S2.

The thermal bonding portion 194a may be thermally bonded to a top surface of the bonding portion <NUM>. A thermal bonding layer <NUM> may be provided between the thermal bonding portion 194a and the bonding portion <NUM>. The thermal bonding layer <NUM> may be, for example, a thermosetting paint that makes thermal bonding between the thermal bonding portion 194a and the bonding portion <NUM> easy.

The container portion 194b may form the fermentation space S2 by being connected to the thermal bonding portion 194a. The fermentation space S2 may be formed under the bonding portion <NUM>.

The container portion 194b may expand due to gas, such as carbonic acid generated by fermentation in the fermentation space S2. When the container portion 194b expands, a force may be applied to the thermal bonding portion 194a to be separated from the bonding portion <NUM>.

Accordingly, in order to firmly maintain thermal bonding between the bonding portion <NUM> and the thermal bonding portion 194b, a pressing member <NUM> presses the thermal bonding portion 194b to the bonding portion <NUM>. The pressing member <NUM> is mounted on the container body <NUM>. More particularly, the pressing member <NUM> is mounted by being fitted between the main body <NUM> and the thermal bonding portion 194a.

A top surface of the pressing member <NUM> may be in contact with the bottom surface of the main body <NUM> and a bottom surface of the pressing member <NUM> may be in contact with a top surface of the thermal bonding portion <NUM>.

The pressing member <NUM> may include a soft material or an elastic material, such as a sponge. For example, the pressing member <NUM> may include a polyurethane material. Accordingly, the pressing member <NUM> may be compressed between the bottom surface of the main body <NUM> and the top surface of the thermal bonding portion 194a, and the thermal bonding portion 194a may be pressed downward, that is, toward the bonding portion <NUM> by elasticity of the pressing member <NUM>.

The pressing member <NUM> may have a substantially circular ring shape and may surround an outer circumference of the connecting portion <NUM>. A locking portion <NUM>, for e.g. a locking protrusion <NUM> may be formed at a first end of the pressing member <NUM>, and a fitting portion or recess <NUM> in which the locking protrusion <NUM> may be fitted may be formed at a second end of the pressing member <NUM>. The locking protrusion <NUM> may be fitted in the fitting portion <NUM>. The pressing member <NUM> may have a circular ring shape and may surround an outer circumference of the connecting portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the pressing member <NUM> may be easily mounted on the container body <NUM>.

The container body <NUM> may have a virtual central axis C, hereinafter also referred to as the central axis C. The virtual center axis C of the container body <NUM> may be a virtual vertical center axis that forms a center axis of the connecting portion <NUM> having a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. That is, the center axes of the main body <NUM> and the connecting portion <NUM> may be aligned.

The pressing member <NUM> may be spaced apart from the seating portion <NUM> formed at the circumferential portion <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. A distance L3 from the virtual center axis C of the container body <NUM> to the seating portion <NUM> may be larger than a distance L2 from the virtual center axis C of the container body <NUM> to an outer circumference of the pressing member <NUM>. Accordingly, when the fermentation container <NUM> is inserted and seated in the fermenter <NUM>, the seating portion <NUM> may be smoothly seated without interference between the pressing member <NUM> and the fermenter <NUM>.

Further, the distance L2 from the virtual center axis C of the container body <NUM> to the outer circumference of the pressing member <NUM> may be the same as or larger than a distance L1 from the virtual center axis C of the container body <NUM> to the outer circumference of the bonding portion <NUM>. Accordingly, there is an advantage that it is possible to more reliably prevent the phenomenon in which the thermal bonding portion is separated from the bonding portion by expansion of the container portion and it is possible to make a beverage with high quality because carbonic acid in the fermentation space does not leak.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a fermentation module according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view when the fermentation lid of the fermentation module shown in <FIG> is open. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the fermentation module according to an embodiment.

As described above, the fermentation module <NUM> may include the fermenter <NUM> having the opening <NUM> and the fermentation lid <NUM> that opens/closes the opening <NUM>. The fermenter <NUM> may include a fermentation tank <NUM>, a restricting body <NUM>, and a lid seat body <NUM>.

The space S1 in which the fermentation container <NUM> may be inserted may be formed in the fermentation tank <NUM>. That is, the fermentation container <NUM> may be inserted into the fermentation tank <NUM> and fermentation of a beverage may proceed in the fermentation space S2 of the fermentation container <NUM>.

The restricting body <NUM> may restrict an opening/closing operation of the fermentation lid <NUM>. A rotary body <NUM> included in the fermentation lid <NUM> may be restricted or released by the restricting body <NUM>, depending on a rotational direction thereof. The restricting body <NUM> may be fastened to the fermentation tank <NUM> over the fermentation tank <NUM>.

The lid seat body <NUM> may be disposed over the fermentation tank <NUM> and may support the fermentation lid <NUM> from under the fermentation lid <NUM>. A lid seat space S3 may be formed in the lid seat body <NUM>. At least a portion of the fermentation lid <NUM> may be positioned and seated in the lid seat space S3. An inner diameter of the lid seat space S3 may decreases in a downward direction or may be maintained at a predetermined level.

A seat surface 179b on which the fermentation lid <NUM> may be seated may be formed at the lid seat body <NUM>. The seat surface 179b may be formed as a curved surface, whereby a contact area between the fermentation lid <NUM> and the lid seat body <NUM> increases, so even if the internal pressure of the fermenter <NUM> increases, it is possible to prevent gas, for example, from leaking between the fermentation lid <NUM> and the lid seat body <NUM>. A hinge connecting portion 179a may be formed at the lid seat body <NUM> and may be hinged to the hinge portion 107a formed at the fermentation lid <NUM>.

The fermentation lid <NUM> may include a top cover <NUM>, a lid body <NUM>, and the rotary body <NUM>. The top cover <NUM> may form a top surface of the fermentation lid <NUM>. The top cover <NUM> may have a substantially disc shape and may have a rotatable handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may be installed in an installation portion <NUM> recessed downward from the top cover <NUM>.

A through-hole <NUM> may be formed in the top cover <NUM> and the handle <NUM> may be fastened to the rotary body <NUM> through the through-hole <NUM>. Accordingly, the handle <NUM> may rotate with the rotary body <NUM>.

The lid body <NUM> may be seated on the lid seat body <NUM>. An open top surface of the lid body <NUM> may be covered by the top cover <NUM>. The lid body <NUM> may form a circumferential portion of the fermentation lid <NUM>. The lid body <NUM> may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape a diameter of which decreases downward or is maintained at a predetermined level.

An outer circumferential surface of the lid body <NUM> may be a curved surface corresponding to the seat surface 179b of the lid seat body <NUM>. The rotary body <NUM> may be rotatably mounted on the lid body <NUM>.

The rotary body <NUM> may be disposed under the top cover <NUM>. A portion of an upper portion of the rotary body <NUM> may be positioned inside of the lid body <NUM>. The rotary body <NUM> may be fastened to the handle <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>, thereby being able to rotate with the handle <NUM>.

The rotary body <NUM> may be restricted by or released from the restricting body <NUM>, depending on the rotational direction. That is, when a user rotates the handle <NUM> in a first direction, the rotary body <NUM> may be restricted by the restricting body <NUM> and the fermentation lid <NUM> may be closed tightly to the fermenter <NUM>. In contrast, when a user rotates the handle <NUM> in a second direction, the rotary body <NUM> may be released from the restricting body <NUM> and the fermentation lid <NUM> may be opened.

The rotary body <NUM> may include an upper cover <NUM> fastened to the top cover <NUM>, and a hollow body <NUM> fastened to the upper cover <NUM>. The hollow body <NUM> may press down the fermentation container <NUM> mounted on the fermentation tank <NUM>. The hollow body <NUM> may or may not be hollow and may be generally referred to as the body <NUM>.

A channel connecting portion <NUM> that communicates with the fermenter <NUM>, that is, the fermentation space S2 in the fermentation container <NUM> may be formed at the hollow body <NUM>. The channel connecting portion <NUM> may include a main channel connecting portion <NUM>, and a gas discharge channel connecting portion <NUM>.

A top surface of the hollow body <NUM> may be open and the open top surface of the hollow body <NUM> may be covered by the upper cover <NUM>. Accordingly, the channel connecting portion <NUM> formed at the hollow body <NUM> may be protected by the upper cover <NUM>.

At least a portion including a lower end of an outer circumference of the hollow body <NUM> may face an inner circumference of the restricting body <NUM> in the radial direction, and a locking portion <NUM> may be formed at the portion. That is, the locking portion <NUM> protruding radially outward from the outer circumference of the hollow body <NUM> may face the inner circumference of the restricting body <NUM>. The locking portion <NUM> may be locked in the vertical direction to a locking step <NUM> (see <FIG>) formed at the restricting body <NUM>.

The upper cover <NUM> may be fastened to the handle <NUM> through the through-hole <NUM> formed at the top cover <NUM>. The upper cover <NUM> may be formed in a substantially disc shape and may cover the open top surface of the hollow body <NUM>.

The upper cover <NUM> may be fastened to the hollow body <NUM>, and the upper cover <NUM> and the hollow cover <NUM> may rotate together. The lid inner space S6 (see <FIG>) may be formed between the upper cover <NUM> and the hollow body <NUM>, and the channel connecting portion <NUM> may be positioned in the lid inner space S6.

An opening 520c through which the channels <NUM> and <NUM> connected to the channel connecting portion <NUM> pass may be formed at the lid body <NUM>. That is, the second main channel <NUM> (see <FIG>) connected to the main channel connecting portion <NUM> and the gas discharge channel <NUM> (see <FIG>) connected to the gas discharge channel connecting portion <NUM> may pass through the opening 520c.

Further, an open portion 506a that prevents interference with the channel may be formed at the upper cover <NUM>. Accordingly, the second channel <NUM> and the gas discharge channel <NUM> may enter the lid inner space S6 through the opening 520c and the open portion 506a from outside of the fermentation module <NUM>, and may be connected to the main channel connecting portion <NUM> and the gas discharge channel connecting portion <NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing an inside of the fermentation module according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view when the fermentation lid of the fermentation module shown in <FIG> is open.

The fermentation tank <NUM> may include a case <NUM>, an inner tank <NUM> accommodated in the case <NUM>, and a thermal insulating portion <NUM> positioned between the case <NUM> and the inner tank <NUM>. The case <NUM> may include a case main body <NUM>, and a bracket <NUM> fastened to an upper portion of the case main body <NUM>. The case main body <NUM> may configure an external appearance of the fermentation module <NUM>.

The bracket <NUM> may be formed substantially in a ring shape and may be fastened to the case main body <NUM> over the case main body <NUM>. Further, the bracket <NUM> may be fastened to the restricting body <NUM> under the restricting body <NUM>.

A seat portion or seat <NUM> on which the container body <NUM> of the fermentation container <NUM> may be seated may be formed at the fermentation tank <NUM>. The seat portion <NUM> may be formed at the bracket <NUM>. The seating portion <NUM> of the fermentation container <NUM> may be seated on the seat portion <NUM>.

A first sealing member or seal <NUM> may be mounted on the seat portion <NUM>, and the seating portion <NUM> of the container body <NUM> may be seated on the first sealing member <NUM>. The seat portion <NUM> may be referred to as a "sealing member mount".

The inner tank <NUM> may be fastened to the bracket <NUM> and accommodated in the case main body <NUM>. A second sealing member or seal <NUM> may be disposed on a bottom surface of the bracket <NUM> and may seal a gap between the inner tank <NUM> and the bracket <NUM>.

The internal space S1 which may communicate with the opening portion <NUM> may be formed in the inner tank <NUM> and may be a space in which the fermentation container <NUM>, that is, the flexible container <NUM> may be accommodated. That is, the fermentation container <NUM> may be inserted into the internal space S1 of the inner tank <NUM> through the opening <NUM>.

The thermal insulating portion <NUM> may be positioned between the inner tank <NUM> and the case <NUM>. The thermal insulating portion <NUM> may maintain a temperature in the inner tank <NUM> by surrounding the fermenter <NUM>.

The restricting body <NUM> may restrict the rotary body <NUM> of the fermentation lid <NUM> in the vertical direction. The restricting body <NUM> may have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape and may be positioned over the fermentation tank <NUM>. The restricting body <NUM> may be fastened to the fermentation tank <NUM>, that is, the bracket <NUM>. An inside of the restricting body <NUM> may form the opening <NUM> that communicates with the internal space S1 of the inner tank <NUM>.

Grooves <NUM> from which the locking portion <NUM> of the hollow body <NUM> may be separated and locking steps <NUM> to which the locking portion <NUM> may be locked may be alternately formed on the inner circumference of the restricting body <NUM>.

When the fermentation lid <NUM> moves down and closes tightly the opening <NUM>, the locking portion <NUM> may be positioned under the grooves <NUM> through the grooves <NUM>. In this state, when the rotary body <NUM> is rotated a predetermined angle in a first direction, the locking portion <NUM> may move under the locking step <NUM>. Accordingly, the locking portion <NUM> may be locked to the locking step <NUM>, so the fermentation lid <NUM> may be restricted in the vertical direction.

When the rotary body <NUM> is rotated a predetermined angle in an second opposite direction with the fermentation lid <NUM> restricted to the restricting body <NUM>, the locking portion <NUM> may move under the grooves <NUM>. In this case, the locking portion <NUM> may move up through the grooves <NUM>, and the fermentation lid <NUM> may be released in the vertical direction.

The fermentation lid <NUM>, that is, the lid body <NUM> may be seated on the lid seat body <NUM>. The lid seat body <NUM> may be disposed over the fermentation tank <NUM>. The lid seat body <NUM> may be fastened to the restricting body <NUM> or the case <NUM>.

The lid seat space S3 may be formed at the lid seat body <NUM>, and the fermentation lid <NUM> may be at least partially positioned and seated in the lid seat space S3. The lid seat space S3 may be positioned over the opening <NUM> of the fermenter module <NUM> and may communicate with the opening <NUM>.

The fermentation lid <NUM> may open/close the opening <NUM> of the fermenter <NUM>. The fermentation lid <NUM> may cover the opening <NUM> by being inserted into the lid seat space S3 formed at the lid seat body <NUM>. The fermentation lid <NUM> may fix the fermentation container <NUM> by pressing down the container body <NUM> of the fermentation container <NUM> seated in the fermentation tank <NUM>.

As described above, the fermentation lid <NUM> may include the top cover <NUM>, the lid body <NUM>, and the rotary body <NUM>. The top cover <NUM> may cover the lid body <NUM> from above and may have the rotatable handle <NUM>.

The installation portion <NUM> in which the handle <NUM> may be installed may be formed at the top cover <NUM>. The installation portion <NUM> may be recessed downward from a top surface of the top cover <NUM>. A recessed depth of the installation portion <NUM> may correspond to a vertical height of the handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may rotate in a state in which it is installed in the installation portion <NUM>.

The through-hole <NUM> may be formed at the installation portion <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> and a center shaft of the handle <NUM> may be fitted in the through-hole <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may rotate about the center shaft. The rotary body <NUM> may be positioned under the top cover <NUM> and may rotate with the handle <NUM>.

As described above, the rotary body <NUM> may include the upper cover <NUM> and the hollow body <NUM>. The upper cover <NUM> may be positioned under the top cover <NUM> and may be positioned in the lid body <NUM>.

A hollow body connecting portion <NUM> connected with an upper end portion or end of the hollow body <NUM>, that is, an upper end portion or end of the outer body <NUM> may be formed at the upper cover <NUM>. The hollow body connecting portion <NUM> may be fitted on the upper end portion of the hollow body <NUM> over the hollow body <NUM>.

The upper cover <NUM> may form the lid inner space S6 in cooperation with the hollow body <NUM>. The lid inner space S6 may be formed between the upper cover <NUM> and the hollow body <NUM>. The lid inner space S6 may be a space that a channel connected to the channel connecting portion <NUM> enters.

The hollow body <NUM> may be positioned under the upper cover <NUM> and may rotate with the handle <NUM> and the upper cover <NUM>. The hollow body <NUM> may include an outer body <NUM>, an inner body <NUM> positioned inside of the outer body <NUM>, and a channel body <NUM> fastened to the inner body <NUM>.

The outer body <NUM> may have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. The outer body <NUM> may form a circumferential portion of the hollow body <NUM>.

At least one locking portion <NUM> may be formed on an outer circumference of the outer body <NUM>. The locking portion <NUM> may be positioned under the locking steps <NUM> or the grooves <NUM> formed on the inner circumference of the restricting body <NUM>.

When the locking portion <NUM> is positioned under the locking steps <NUM>, the fermentation lid <NUM> cannot be opened while restricted by the restricting body <NUM>. In contrast, when the locking portion <NUM> is positioned under the grooves <NUM>, the fermentation lid <NUM> may be opened when released from the restricting body <NUM>.

An upper end portion or end of the outer body <NUM> may be connected to the hollow body connecting portion <NUM> of the upper cover <NUM>. The inner body <NUM> may be disposed inside of the outer body <NUM>. The inner body <NUM> may function as a bracket that connects the outer body <NUM> and the channel body <NUM>. The channel connecting body <NUM> may be fastened to the inner body <NUM>.

A container body pressing portion <NUM> may be formed at the channel connecting body <NUM>. The container body pressing portion <NUM> may protrude downward from an edge of a bottom surface of the channel connecting body <NUM>. The container body pressing portion <NUM> may press down the container body <NUM>, that is, the circumferential portion <NUM> of the container body <NUM> (see <FIG>). Accordingly, the container body <NUM> may be fixed to the fermentation tank <NUM>.

At least one channel connecting portion <NUM> may be formed at the channel connecting body <NUM>. The channel connecting portion <NUM> may protrude from the channel connecting body <NUM> to the lid inner space S6. That is, the channel connecting portion <NUM> may protrude upward from the channel connecting body <NUM>.

The channel connecting portion <NUM> may include the main channel connecting portion <NUM> to which the second main channel <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be connected, and the gas discharge channel connecting portion <NUM> to which the gas discharge channel <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be connected. Further, a container body connecting portion <NUM> connected with the container body <NUM> of the fermentation container <NUM> seated in the fermentation tank <NUM> may be formed at the channel connecting body <NUM>.

The container body connecting portion <NUM> may protrude downward from the channel body <NUM>. An outer circumference of the container body connecting portion <NUM> may be fitted on an inner circumference of the outer hollow portion <NUM> of the container body <NUM>, thereby being connected with the container body <NUM>. An O-ring may be disposed between the container body connecting portion <NUM> and the outer hollow portion <NUM>.

The gas discharge channel connecting portion <NUM> may protrude upward from the container body connecting portion <NUM>. The gas discharge channel connecting portion <NUM> may be positioned over the recessed space S5 of the container body <NUM>. That is, the gas discharge channel connecting portion <NUM> may communicate with the recessed space S5. Accordingly, the fermentation space S2 in the fermentation container <NUM> may communicate with the gas discharge channel connecting portion <NUM> through the gas discharge hole <NUM>. The gas in the fermentation container <NUM> may be taken out to the recessed space S5 through the gas discharge hole <NUM> and may be discharged to the gas discharge channel <NUM> (see <FIG>) through the gas discharge channel connecting portion <NUM>.

The main channel connecting portion <NUM> may protrude upward from the container body connecting portion <NUM>. An inner channel connecting portion <NUM> that communicates with the main channel connecting portion <NUM> and protrudes downward may be formed at the container body connecting portion <NUM>.

The inner channel connecting portion <NUM> may be fitted and connected to the inner hollow portion <NUM> of the container body <NUM>, that is, the first connecting portion <NUM>. An O-ring may be disposed between the inner channel connecting portion <NUM> and the first connecting portion <NUM>.

Accordingly, the fermentation space S2 in the fermentation container <NUM> may communicate with the main channel connecting portion <NUM> through the inner channel <NUM>. Fluid guided to the second main channel <NUM> (see <FIG>) may flow into the fermentation space S2 sequentially through the main channel connecting portion <NUM>, the inner channel <NUM>, and the tube <NUM>. Further, the finished beverage in the fermentation space S2 may be discharged to the second main channel <NUM> (see <FIG>) sequentially through the tube <NUM>, the inner channel <NUM>, and the main channel connecting portion <NUM>.

The lid body <NUM> may be seated on the lid seat body <NUM>. The open top surface of the lid body <NUM> may be covered by the top cover <NUM>. The lid body <NUM> may form a circumferential portion of the fermentation lid <NUM>.

An upper cover anti-separating portion 520a and an upper cover accommodating portion 520b may be formed at the lid body <NUM>. The upper cover anti-separating portion 520a may form a bottom surface of the lid body <NUM>.

The upper cover anti-separating portion 520a may be positioned over the edge portion <NUM> of the upper cover <NUM>. The upper cover anti-separating portion 520a may vertically face the edge portion <NUM> of the upper cover <NUM>.

The upper cover anti-separating portion 520a may radially face the hollow body <NUM>, that is, the outer circumference of the outer body <NUM> forming the circumferential portion of the hollow body <NUM>. Accordingly, the upper cover anti-separating portion 520a may prevent the upper cover <NUM> from separating under the lid body <NUM> and may prevent the outer body <NUM> from bending radially outward.

The upper cover accommodating portion 520b may protrude upward from the upper cover anti-separating portion 520a. The upper cover accommodating portion 520b may have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape.

The upper cover accommodating portion 520b may be positioned radially outside of the edge portion <NUM> of the upper cover <NUM>. The upper cover accommodating portion 520b may radially face the edge portion <NUM> of the upper cover <NUM>. That is, the upper cover accommodating portion 520b may surround the outer circumference of the upper cover <NUM>.

As described above, the internal space S1 in which the flexible container <NUM> is accommodated may be formed in the inner tank <NUM> and the fermentation space S2 in which fermentation proceeds and a beverage is made may be formed in the flexible container <NUM>. When the seating portion <NUM> of the container body <NUM> is seated on the seat portion <NUM>, the flexible container <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> may be positioned in the internal space S1 of the inner tank <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the container portion 194b of the flexible container <NUM> does not expand, the outer surface of the container portion 194b may be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the pressing member <NUM>. On the other hand, as shown in <FIG>, fermentation may proceed in the fermentation space S2 with the fermentation lid <NUM> closing tightly the fermenter <NUM>, and the container portion 194b of the flexible container <NUM> may expand due to gas, such as carbonic acid generated during fermentation.

When the container portion 194b expands, a portion of the outer side of the container portion 194b may come in contact with the bottom surface of the pressing member <NUM>. That is, the upper portion of the container portion 194b may expand upward, and in this case, the portion adjacent to the thermal bonding portion 194a of the container portion 194b may be blocked by the bottom surface of the pressing member <NUM>, so upward expansion may be restricted.

Accordingly, even if the container portion 194b is expanded by the internal pressure of the fermentation space S2, it is possible to prevent the internal pressure from being applied to the thermal bonding portion 194a. Therefore, it is possible to separate the thermal bonding portion 194a and the bonding portion <NUM>.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a fermentation container that prevents a flexible container thermally bonded to a bonding portion of a container body from separating from the bonding portion due to internal pressure, and a beverage maker including the fermentation container. Embodiments disclosed herein further provide a fermentation container that can make a beverage with high quality by preventing leakage of carbonic acid between a bonding portion and a flexible container, and a beverage maker including the fermentation container.

A fermentation container according to an embodiment may include a main body; a bonding portion spaced downward apart from a bottom surface of the main body; a connecting portion configured to connect the bonding portion and the main body; a flexible container including a thermal bonding portion thermally bonded to a top surface of the bonding portion, and a container portion connected to the thermal bonding portion and forming a fermentation space under the bonding portion; and a pressing member having an elastic material and configured to press the thermal bonding portion to the bonding portion by being fitted between the main body and the thermal bonding portion. A seating portion that is seated on a fermenter may be formed at an edge of the main body, and the seating portion may be spaced apart from the pressing member.

A distance from a virtual central axis of the main body to the seating portion may be larger than a distance from the virtual central axis of the main body to an outer circumference of the pressing member. A top surface of the pressing member may be in contact with a bottom surface of the main body, and a bottom surface of the pressing member may be in contact with a top surface of the thermal bonding portion.

The connecting portion may have a hollow cylindrical shape and may be connected by being fitted on an outer circumference of a recession recessed downward from the main body. The bonding portion may extend radially outward from a lower end of the connecting portion.

The pressing member may have a cylindrical ring shape surrounding an outer circumference of the connecting portion. A locking protrusion may be formed at one or a first end of the pressing member and a fitting portion in which the locking protrusion is fitted may be formed at the other or a second end of the pressing member.

A distance from a virtual central axis of the connecting portion to an outer circumference of the pressing member may be equal to or larger than a distance from the virtual central axis of the connecting portion to an outer circumference of the bonding portion. When the container portion expands, a portion of an outer surface of the container portion may come in contact with a bottom surface of the pressing member.

A beverage maker according to an embodiment may include a fermenter having an opening; a fermentation lid configured to open and close the opening; and a fermentation container inserted into the fermenter through the opening. The fermentation container may include a container body; a flexible container including a thermal bonding portion thermally bonded to the container body, and a container portion connected to the thermal bonding portion and forming a fermentation space; and a pressing member mounted on the container body, having an elastic material, and configured to press the thermal bonding portion.

The container body may include a main body having a seating portion formed at an edge thereof and seated on the fermenter; and a bonding portion that is spaced downward apart from a bottom surface of the main body and to which the thermal bonding portion may be thermally bonded, and in which the pressing portion is configured to press the thermal bonding portion to the bonding portion by being fitted between the main body and the thermal bonding portion. A distance from a virtual central axis of the container body to an outer circumference of the pressing member may be equal to or larger than a distance from virtual central axis of the container body to an outer circumference of the bonding portion and may be smaller than a distance from the virtual central axis of the container body to the seating portion.

The pressing member may press the thermal bonding portion of the flexible container toward the bonding portion, and thus, it is possible to prevent separation of the thermal bonding portion from the bonding portion. Accordingly, a gap is not generated between the thermal bonding portion and the bonding portion, carbonic acid in the flexible container does not leak, and there is an advantage that a beverage with high quality may be made.

Further, as the pressing member includes an elastic material, the thermal bonding portion may be easily pressed to the bonding portion by the elasticity of the pressing member. Furthermore, the seating portion and the pressing member may be spaced, and the distance to the seating portion may be larger than the distance to the pressing member from the virtual center axis of the main body. Accordingly, when the fermentation container is inserted and seated in the fermenter, the seating portion may be smoothly seated without interference between the pressing member and the fermenter. As the pressing member has a circular ring shape surrounding the outer circumference of the connecting portion, the connecting portion may be protected by the pressing member.

The locking protrusion formed at one end of the pressing member may be locked to the fitting portion formed at the other end. Accordingly, the pressing member may be easily mounted while surrounding the outer circumference of the connecting portion.

The distance to the outer circumference of the pressing member may be larger than or the same as the distance to the outer circumference of the boding portion from the virtual center axis of the connecting portion. Accordingly, it is possible to more reliably prevent separation of the thermal bonding portion from the bonding portion.

The portion adjacent to the thermal bonding portion of the container port may be blocked by the bottom surface of the pressing member, so upward expansion may be restricted, and accordingly, it is possible to transmit internal pressure of carbonic acid to the thermal bonding portion.

The above description merely explains the present technique and embodiments may be changed and modified in various ways. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are provided merely not to limit, but to explain the present technique, and the present technique is not limited by the embodiments. A protective range of embodiments should be construed by the following claims and the scope should be construed as being included in the patent right.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Claim 1:
A fermentation container (<NUM>) for a beverage maker, comprising:
a main body (<NUM>) having a central axis (C) and a circumferential portion (<NUM>);
a bonding portion (<NUM>) vertically spaced apart from a bottom surface of the circumferential portion (<NUM>) of the main body (<NUM>);
a connecting portion (<NUM>) configured to connect the bonding portion (<NUM>) and the main body (<NUM>); and
a flexible container (<NUM>) disposed below the circumferential portion (<NUM>) of the main body (<NUM>) and including a thermal bonding portion (194a) and a container portion (194b), wherein the thermal bonding portion (194a) is thermally bonded to a surface of the bonding portion (<NUM>) facing the circumferential portion (<NUM>) of the main body (<NUM>), and wherein the container portion (194b) is connected to the thermal bonding portion (194a) and includes a fermentation space (S2) therein;
wherein the fermentation container (<NUM>) is a pack in which materials for making a beverage are accommodated,
wherein the materials are accommodated in the fermentation space (S2); and
wherein the fermentation container (<NUM>) further comprises:
a pressing member (<NUM>) comprising an elastic material and being fitted between the circumferential portion (<NUM>) of the main body (<NUM>) and the thermal bonding portion (194a) to press the thermal bonding portion (194a) to the bonding portion (<NUM>).