Solid cartridge device, beverage preparation apparatus and beverage preparation method

Abstract

The invention relates to a solid cartridge device comprising at least one solid cartridge, each solid cartridge comprising a hollow first part and a hollow second part, the lower end of the first part being able to be fitted on the upper side of the second part so as to put the hollow of the first part in communication with the hollow of the second part, and the first part and the second part being able to be detached from the fitted state. The invention also relates to a beverage preparation apparatus comprising a material module, a rotating mechanism and a control device, wherein the material module comprises a solid cartridge device and a liquid cartridge device as described previously, the control device being configured to receive information relating to a beverage to be prepared and to control the operation of the material module and the rotating mechanism on the basis of this information. The invention also relates to a method for preparing a beverage using a beverage preparation apparatus as described previously.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of beverage machines, and in particular to a solid material cartridge device, a beverage preparation apparatus and a method of preparing a beverage using the beverage preparation apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] There is an increasing demand for beverages, especially beverages prepared on the spot. Various machines for preparing beverages are available, such as juice machines, milk tea machines, coffee machines, etc. The existing commercial beverage machines have the following disadvantages: some machines have a single function and are mainly used for storing beverages that have been prepared or semi-prepared, and the variety of beverages available is limited and not fresh and hygienic; some machines are designed for preparing beverages on the spot, but have a low degree of automation and require a large amount of manual operation to assist, which makes it difficult to ensure the quality of the beverages, and the efficiency is low, the needs of customers cannot be met quickly, and the cost is high.

[0003] The present application aims to solve at least one of the above technical problems. SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the present application to provide a solid material cartridge device that is suitable for automatically delivering solid materials in a corresponding and quantitative manner for preparing beverages of various flavors.

[0005] It is another object of the present application to provide a beverage preparation apparatus and a method of preparing a beverage using the beverage preparation apparatus, which have a high degree of automation, are complete in function, and greatly improve the efficiency of preparing beverages.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided a solid material cartridge device, comprising: at least one solid material cartridge, each of the solid material cartridges comprising a hollow first part and a hollow second part, a lower end of the first part being able to be fitted on an upper side of the second part so that the hollow part of the first part communicates with the hollow part of the second part, and the first part and the second part being able to be disassembled from the fitted state; and a solid material inlet at an upper end of the first part and a solid material outlet at a lower end of the second part.

[0007] Optionally, the first part is substantially cylindrical, and the second part is substantially cuboid.

[0008] Optionally, the solid cartridge device further comprises a conveying mechanism for solid material corresponding to each of the solid cartridges, the conveying mechanism for solid material comprising a base for accommodating the second part of the solid cartridge therein, a first stepper motor mounted on one side of the base, a discharge rod built in the second part, and an end cover for closing an opening provided on one side of the second part, one axial end of the discharge rod being coupled with an output shaft of the first stepper motor, the opening provided on one side of the second part being opposite to the first stepper motor in the axial direction of the discharge rod, for assembly and / or disassembly of the discharge rod.

[0009] Optionally, a groove is provided on the outer periphery of the discharge rod, the discharge rod being rotatable between a first position and a second position by means of the driving of the first stepper motor, wherein in the first position, the groove of the discharge rod faces the open bottom of the first part of the solid cartridge so as to accommodate solid material from the solid cartridge; in the second position, the groove of the discharge rod faces the bottom opening of the base so that the solid material accommodated in the groove falls down, wherein the bottom opening of the base is aligned with the bottom opening of the second part of the solid cartridge.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a beverage preparation apparatus, comprising: a material module arranged at the uppermost part of the beverage preparation apparatus, the material module comprising a liquid cartridge device and the aforementioned solid cartridge device, the liquid cartridge device comprising at least one liquid cartridge and a conveying mechanism for liquid material, the material module being used for storing solid material and liquid material and outputting predetermined solid material and / or liquid material into a beverage cup according to the instruction of a control device; a rotating mechanism arranged below the material module, the rotating mechanism being used for rotating the beverage cup to a corresponding position according to the instruction of the control device, so that the beverage cup can receive at least one of the solid material output from the solid cartridge, the liquid material output from the liquid cartridge, and water; and the control device being configured to receive information about a beverage to be prepared and control the operation of the material module and the rotating mechanism based on the information.

[0011] Optionally, the rotating mechanism comprises: a turntable, a rotating driving device, a speed reduction device, and a rotating supporting device, wherein the turntable, the rotating driving device, and the speed reduction device are arranged on the rotating supporting device.

[0012] Optionally, the beverage preparation apparatus further comprises an instant heating module arranged at the side of the beverage preparation apparatus, the instant heating module comprising: a water inlet control device, a heating pipe, and a flow pipe, the heating pipe being used for heating the water according to the instruction of the control device.

[0013] Optionally, the beverage preparation apparatus further comprises a thermal insulation module arranged around the material module, the thermal insulation module comprising: a thermally insulated housing, an air circulation device, and a refrigeration device, the thermally insulated housing at least enclosing the solid cartridge and the liquid cartridge, the air circulation device and the refrigeration device being configured to perform air circulation operation and refrigeration operation in an internal space enclosed by the thermally insulated housing, respectively, according to instructions of the control device.

[0014] Optionally, one of the liquid material delivery mechanisms is provided for each of the liquid cartridges, the liquid material delivery mechanism comprising a peristaltic pump.

[0015] Optionally, the material module further comprises a liquid cartridge extraction mechanism and a frame enclosing the liquid cartridge and the liquid cartridge extraction mechanism, the liquid cartridge extraction mechanism comprising a slide rail movable relative to the frame and a bracket supporting the liquid cartridge.

[0016] Optionally, the bottom end of the liquid cartridge is provided with a self-sealing liquid cartridge connector, and the lower end of the bracket is provided with a liquid material outlet connector for delivering liquid material to the beverage cup, the liquid material outlet connector being detachably connected to one end of a delivery pipe for delivering liquid material, and the other end of the delivery pipe being detachably connected to the liquid cartridge connector.

[0017] Optionally, the water inlet control device comprises a solenoid valve and a peristaltic pump.

[0018] Optionally, the thermally insulated housing is composed of a metal plate with foamed material attached to the inner side.

[0019] Optionally, the air circulation device comprises a fan installed adjacent to the liquid cartridge and a fan installed adjacent to the solid cartridge.

[0020] Optionally, the carousel comprises a central portion fixed on the rotating support device, one or more overhanging brackets radially extending from the central portion, and a cup holder corresponding to each overhanging bracket, each overhanging bracket being uniformly distributed circumferentially at an angle from each other, and each cup holder being detachably attached to the corresponding overhanging bracket, and the position of each cup holder corresponding to the output position of the solid material, the liquid material, and the water.

[0021] Optionally, the rotating mechanism further comprises an initial position sensor provided on the rotating support device, the initial position sensor determining the cup holder where the empty beverage cup is initially placed as the initial position.

[0022] Optionally, a recessed portion is provided on the front side of the beverage preparation apparatus as a taking and placing opening, the taking and placing opening exposing one cup holder for taking and placing the beverage cup, and a beverage cup presence sensor is provided adjacent to the taking and placing opening for detecting whether the beverage cup is present in the cup holder at the taking and placing opening.

[0023] Optionally, the beverage preparation apparatus according to the present application further comprises at least one of the following: a code scanning device; a human-machine interface; a label printing device; a beverage cup storage and dispensing device; and an ice storage tank; an emergency stop button; a charging pedal; and an audible / visual prompting device.

[0024] According to still another aspect of the present application, there is also provided a method for preparing a beverage using the aforementioned beverage preparation apparatus, the method comprising the following steps:

[0025] a) receiving information about the beverage to be prepared by the control device and issuing a prompt for placing an empty beverage cup,

[0026] b) activating the rotating mechanism by which the beverage cup is rotated from the initial position to one or more dispensing positions in sequence,

[0027] c) dispensing at least one solid material from the solid material cartridge, at least one liquid material from the liquid material cartridge and / or water into the beverage cup at each dispensing position to brew the beverage, and

[0028] d) rotating the beverage cup containing the beverage to the cup taking position by the rotating mechanism.

[0029] Optionally, multiple dispensing ports are provided at one dispensing position to simultaneously dispense at least one of the following into the same beverage cup: multiple solid materials; multiple liquid materials; at least one solid material and at least one liquid material; solid material and water; liquid material and water; and solid material, liquid material and water.

[0030] Optionally, a step e) is further included between step a) and step b), which comprises determining the initial position of the beverage cup by an initial position sensor provided on the rotating support device of the rotating mechanism, the initial position corresponding to the cup holder where the empty beverage cup is initially placed.

[0031] Optionally, step e) further comprises detecting whether there is a beverage cup in the cup holder at the access opening provided at the recessed portion of the front face of the beverage preparation apparatus by a beverage cup presence sensor.

[0032] Optionally, step a) further comprises the following steps: al) the control device receives the input data of an order and instructs the label printing device to print a label associated with the order; and a2) the code scanning device identifies the identification code on the label and transmits the result to the control device to start the beverage preparation process.

[0033] Optionally, a step e) is further included after step b) and before step d), which comprises receiving new information about the beverage to be prepared by the control device and issuing a prompt for placing a new empty beverage cup.

[0034] The beverage preparation device and the beverage preparation method have the following advantages:

[0035] 1. The device has a refrigeration function to ensure the freshness of the materials;

[0036] 2. The device can make multiple cups of beverages at the same time;

[0037] 3. All parts in contact with food can be disassembled for cleaning and disinfection;

[0038] 4. The device has a hot beverage making function;

[0039] 5. The material feeding is accurate and reliable;

[0040] 6. The device has real-time monitoring and prompting functions for materials;

[0041] 7. The device improves the degree of automation and reduces manual operation;

[0042] 8. The device improves the quality and uniformity of the beverages and reduces the cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] The embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a beverage preparation device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a beverage preparation device according to an embodiment of the present application, showing the expanded state of some modules, devices and parts;

[0046] Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of a beverage preparation device according to an embodiment of the present application, showing the expanded state of some modules, devices and parts;

[0047] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a solid material box device according to an embodiment of the present application, showing the assembled state of the solid material box device;

[0048] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the solid material box device shown in Figure 4A , showing the disassembled state of the solid material box device;

[0049] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a liquid material box device and a liquid material box extraction mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an instant heating module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 7A is a top view of a thermal module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 7B is Figure 7A is a top perspective view of a thermal module shown in

[0053] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a rotating mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application; and

[0054] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a beverage preparation method according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The solid cartridge device, the beverage preparation apparatus and the beverage preparation method according to the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in connection with specific embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and explain the technical solutions of the present application schematically and do not constitute a limitation of the present application.

[0056] Figures 1 to 3 An example of a beverage preparation apparatus 1 according to the present application is shown generally, which comprises a material module 10 arranged at the uppermost part of the beverage preparation apparatus 1, an instant heating module 20 arranged at the side of the beverage preparation apparatus 1, a thermal module 30 arranged around the material module 10, a rotating mechanism 40 arranged below the material module 10, and a control device 95.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4A to 5 , the material module 10 comprises a solid cartridge device and a liquid cartridge device. Specifically, the solid cartridge device comprises one or more solid cartridges 101 and a conveying mechanism 102 for solid material corresponding to each solid cartridge 101. The liquid cartridge device comprises one or more liquid cartridges 107 and a conveying mechanism 110 for liquid material. The material module 10 is used to store solid material and liquid material and to output predetermined solid material and / or liquid material into a beverage cup according to the instruction of the control device 95. The liquid material includes but is not limited to fruit juice, tea beverage base, syrup, etc. The "solid material" refers to non-fluid material as opposed to "liquid material", which includes but is not limited to various materials that can be added to a beverage to obtain different flavors and textures, such as the common powder balls, red beans, sago, fruit pulp, coconut fruit in milk tea beverages, etc., and can also be granulated sugar, instant powder, spices or other flavorings.

[0058] Referring to Figure 4A and Figure 4BEach solid material box 101 is quickly detachable for cleaning and / or replacement, and comprises a first substantially hollow cylindrical portion 1011 and a second substantially hollow cuboid portion 1012, the lower end of the first portion 1011 being able to fit on the upper side of the second portion 1012 so that the hollow portion of the first portion 1011 communicates with the hollow portion of the second portion 1012. The first portion 1011 and the second portion 1012 are detachable from the fitted state, see Figure 4B .

[0059] The solid material inlet 102 is located at the upper end of the first portion 1011, and the solid material outlet 104 is located at the lower end of the second portion 1012. A flange-like disc portion can also be provided at the upper end of the first portion 1011 to prevent the solid material from spilling outside the solid material box 101 when the solid material is added. For this purpose, the periphery of the disc portion has an upwardly extending rim, and the solid material inlet 102 is provided at the center of the disc portion.

[0060] A conveying mechanism 103 for solid material is provided for each solid material box 101. Figure 4B A solid material box 101 and a conveying mechanism 103 for solid material are shown in the detached state. The conveying mechanism 103 for solid material comprises a base 1033 for accommodating the second portion 1012 of the solid material box 101 therein, a stepping motor 1031 mounted on one side of the base 1033, a discharge rod 1032 built into the second portion 1012, and an end cover 10340 for closing an opening provided on one side of the second portion 1012. One axial end of the discharge rod 1032 is coupled to the output shaft of the stepping motor 1031, and the opening provided on one side of the second portion 1012 is opposite the stepping motor 1031 in the axial direction of the discharge rod 1032, so as to assemble and / or detach the discharge rod 1032.

[0061] A groove is provided on the periphery of the discharge rod 1032, and the discharge rod 1032 is rotatable between a first position and a second position by means of the driving of the stepping motor 1031, in the first position, the groove of the discharge rod 1032 faces the open bottom of the first portion 1011 of the solid material box 101 so as to accommodate the solid material from the solid material box 101; in the second position, the groove of the discharge rod 1032 faces the bottom opening of the base 1033 so that the solid material accommodated in the groove falls down. The bottom of the base 1033 is provided with an opening, and the bottom of the second portion 1012 of the solid material box 101 is also provided with an opening, the two openings are aligned with each other. Therefore, the discharge rod 1032 can be rotated by the stepping motor 1031 to transfer the solid material received in the groove downward, and make the material fall down by high-frequency small oscillation.

[0062] For the convenience of cleaning and maintenance, the material module 10 can further comprise a liquid cartridge extraction mechanism 108 and a frame 111 surrounding the liquid cartridges 107 and the liquid cartridge extraction mechanism, see Figure 5 . The liquid cartridge extraction mechanism 108 comprises a slide rail 1081 movable relative to the frame 111 and a support 1082 supporting the liquid cartridges 107. The liquid cartridges 107 are detachably placed on the support 1082.

[0063] The liquid cartridges 107 can be provided in a plurality, for example, 2 to 10, preferably 6 to 8. The top end of each liquid cartridge 107 is open for adding liquid material. The bottom end of each liquid cartridge 107 is provided with a self-sealing liquid cartridge joint 1071 facilitating the quick insertion of a delivery tube for delivering liquid material, and the liquid cartridge joint 1071 is capable of self-sealing the opening at the bottom end of the cartridge when the liquid cartridge 107 is removed (for example, for cleaning) so that the liquid material inside the cartridge does not flow out. The lower end of the support 1082 is provided with a liquid material outlet joint 109 for delivering liquid material to the beverage cup, which is used to detachably connect one end of a delivery tube (not shown), and the other end of the delivery tube is capable of being detachably connected to the liquid cartridge joint 109. The delivery tube for delivering liquid material can be a food-grade silicone hose. A plurality (for example, 2 to 4) of liquid material outlet joints 109 can be arranged at one discharge position, allowing multiple liquid materials to be output simultaneously, improving production efficiency.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5 , a delivery mechanism 110 for liquid material can be provided for each liquid cartridge 107, which comprises a peristaltic pump. In use, the liquid material in the liquid cartridge 107 can be delivered to the liquid material outlet by means of the peristaltic pump through the food-grade silicone hose.

[0065] As shown in Figure 6 , the instant module 20 comprises a water inlet control device 95, a heating tube 204 and a flow conduit 205. Upon command of the control device 95, the heating tube 204 can raise the temperature of the water input from the water inlet 201 in a short time to meet the demand for making hot beverages. One or more, preferably two, heating tubes 204 can be provided. The water inlet control device 95 comprises a solenoid valve 202 and a peristaltic pump 203. The water inlet 201, the solenoid valve 202, the peristaltic pump 203 and the heating tube 204 can be connected in series by a silicone hose. Similar to the delivery of liquid material, the water input to the instant module can be output into the beverage cup through an outlet joint provided on the support 1082. Of course, in order to prepare normal temperature beverages or cold beverages, the heating tube 204 can not be activated and the water input into the instant module 20 can be directly output into the beverage cup.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7Aand Figure 7B As shown, the insulation module 30 includes an insulation shell 301, an air circulation device, and a refrigeration device 303. The insulation module 30 is used for refrigerating solid and liquid materials. The insulation shell 301 is constructed of a metal plate with foamed material attached to its inner side, and at least surrounds (e.g., as shown in the image) a cooling unit. Figure 2 , Figure 7A and Figure 7B The solid material container 101 and the liquid material container 107 are shown to be circumferentially surrounded by the heat insulation housing 301. It is also conceivable that the heat insulation housing 301 further surrounds at least a portion of the rotating mechanism 40. The air circulation device includes a fan 302 mounted adjacent to the liquid material container 107 and a fan 302' mounted adjacent to the solid material container 101. Multiple sets of fans 302 and 302' can be provided; for example, two sets of fans 302 are provided for the liquid material container, and one set of fans 302' is provided for the solid material container. Other numbers or arrangements are also conceivable, as long as the internal temperature of the heat insulation module 30 is substantially uniform. The cooling device 303 may include cooling copper pipes. It is conceivable that the air circulation device and the cooling device are configured to perform air circulation and cooling operations respectively within the internal space surrounded by the heat insulation housing 301 according to instructions from the control device 95.

[0067] like Figure 8 As shown, the rotating mechanism 40 includes a turntable 401, a rotating drive device 402, a reduction gear 403, and a rotating support device 405. The turntable 401, the rotating drive device 402, and the reduction gear 403 are arranged on the rotating support device 405. The rotating mechanism 40 is used to rotate the beverage cup to a corresponding position according to the instructions of the control device 95, so that the beverage cup can receive solid materials output from the solid material container 101 and / or liquid materials output from the liquid material container 107 and / or water output from the instant heating module 20. The rotating drive device 402 may be a stepper motor.

[0068] The turntable 401 includes a central portion fixed to a rotating support 405, one or more cantilever brackets 4011 extending radially from the central portion, and cup holders 406 corresponding to the cantilever brackets 4011. The cantilever brackets 4011 are evenly distributed circumferentially at an angle (referred to as "angular spacing") between each other. Each cup holder 406 is detachably attached to its corresponding cantilever bracket 4011, and the position of each cup holder 406 corresponds to the discharge position, i.e., the outlet position, for solid materials, liquid materials, and water. The cup holders 406 may be configured as grippers, made of acrylic material, and sized to accommodate at least two cup types (e.g., large and medium cups). The cup holders 406 can be snap-fitted onto the cantilever brackets 4011 and can be quickly removed by operators for cleaning and / or replacement. The number of cup holders 406 can be 6 to 12, preferably 9.

[0069] The rotating mechanism 40 further comprises an initial position sensor 407 arranged on the rotating support device 405. The initial position of the beverage cup refers to the cup holder position or cup holder number where the empty beverage cup to be prepared is placed. The control device 95 can determine the angle by which the beverage cup needs to be rotated in sequence based on the cup holder position, so as to position the cup holder 406 and the beverage cup therein successively to each dispensing position required for preparing the beverage and finally to the cup taking position. No matter where the cup holder 406 is driven to rotate, each dispensing position is always corresponding to one cup holder 406 in the circumferential direction. After the steps of dispensing the material and water into the beverage cup are automatically completed, the rotating mechanism 40 rotates the beverage cup to the cup taking position. In order to facilitate the operation and simplify the structure of the device, only one taking and placing opening 94 can be arranged to place the empty cup and take the cup. The initial position sensor 407 determines the cup holder 406 where the beverage cup is located as the initial position and sends the initial position to the control device 95. The taking and placing opening 94 can be a recessed part arranged on the front of the beverage preparation device 1, so that one cup holder 406 can be exposed, that is, the width thereof is suitable for taking and placing one beverage cup.

[0070] In addition, the beverage preparation device 1 can further comprise a beverage cup presence sensor 91 arranged adjacent to the taking and placing opening 94, for detecting whether there is a beverage cup in the cup holder 406 at the taking and placing opening 94, so as to determine whether the operator has completed the cup taking operation, or to determine whether the operator is allowed to place a new empty cup. The beverage cup presence sensor 91 can be a diffuse reflection sensor.

[0071] In use, the control device 95 determines the material required for preparing the beverage and the corresponding dispensing position according to the order and the initial position of the beverage cup, and drives the rotating disc 401 by the driving rotating device 402 (step motor) and the speed reduction device 403 to accurately control the rotating angle, which is substantially equal to one or more times of the angular interval of the adjacent overhanging supports 4011, so that the beverage cup is rotated in sequence to the predetermined dispensing position, that is, aligned with the outlet for dispensing the solid material and / or liquid material and / or water, so as to accurately fall into the beverage cup. After the dispensing is completed, the rotating mechanism 40 rotates the beverage cup to the taking and placing opening 94 for the operator to take the cup.

[0072] The control device 95 is configured to receive information about the beverage to be prepared (for example, order information) and control the operation of the material module 10, that is, the hot module 20, the heat preservation module 30 and the rotating mechanism 40 based on the information to prepare the beverage, as described in detail below. The control device 95 can comprise a control circuit and a central processing unit (CPU) and the like. The control device 95 is communicatively connected with other modules / mechanisms / devices to be controlled.

[0073] In addition, the beverage preparation apparatus 1 according to the present application can further comprise a code scanning device 50, a human-machine interface 60, a label printing device 70, a beverage cup storage and dispensing device 80, an ice storage tank 90, an emergency stop button 92, a material loading pedal 93, and an audible / visual prompting device.

[0074] The code scanning device 50 can be arranged at the upper part of the access opening 94 and protrude from the recessed surface of the access opening 94. The beverage cup presence sensor can be arranged at the bottom of the code scanning device 50 and exposed to the cup holder 406 below.

[0075] The operator can place an order through the human-machine interface 60, select, for example, the beverage type (e.g. milk tea, juice or coffee, each of which can be further classified into various flavors), the beverage cup size (e.g. large or medium), the beverage temperature (e.g. cold, hot or room temperature), the solid material type, etc. The selection result is transmitted to the control device 95 as input data after being confirmed by the operator, and the control device 95 instructs the label printing device 70 to print a label associated with the order after receiving the input data, which can be pasted on the beverage cup by the operator. The control device 95 can also receive a remote order and instruct the label printing device 70 to print a label after being confirmed by the operator, or automatically instruct the label printing device 70 to print a label after a user places an order and makes a payment through a client without the need for on-site operator confirmation. The human-machine interface 60 can be a touch screen.

[0076] Subsequently, the operator places the beverage cup with the label near the code scanning device 50, so that the code scanning device 50 can recognize the identification code (e.g. a bar code) on the label. The code scanning device 50 transmits the recognition result to the control device 95 to start the beverage preparation process.

[0077] The beverage cups can be stored in the beverage cup storage and dispensing device 80, from which the operator can extract the beverage cups. The beverage cup storage and dispensing device 80 can store at least two cup sizes.

[0078] The ice storage tank 90 is used to store ice cubes for the operator to add to cold beverages. In the event of an emergency, the on-site operator can press the emergency stop button 92 to stop the operation of the apparatus.

[0079] The material loading pedal 93 allows the operator to stand on it to add materials to the inside of the material module 10. The material loading pedal 93 is configured to be pivotable and foldable, and thus includes two states: when not in use, it is folded to the apparatus and forms an integral part of the apparatus in terms of appearance, thus being more aesthetically pleasing; when in use, it can be folded down to form a step.

[0080] A sound / light prompting device can also be installed in the beverage preparation equipment 1. When the beverage preparation is completed and the beverage cup is rotated to the cup-taking opening 94, the control device 95 instructs the sound / light prompting device to sound and / or light up to prompt the operator that the cup can be taken.

[0081] A method for preparing a beverage using the beverage preparation apparatus according to the present invention may include the following steps:

[0082] a) Receive information about the beverage to be prepared using the control device 95.

[0083] b) Activate the rotating mechanism 40 to rotate the beverage cup from the initial position to one or more dispensing positions sequentially.

[0084] c) At each dispensing position, at least one solid material is dispensed from the solid material container 101, at least one liquid material is dispensed from the liquid material container 107, and / or water is dispensed from the instant heating module 20 into a beverage cup to prepare a predetermined beverage.

[0085] d) Use a rotating mechanism to rotate the beverage cup containing the beverage to the cup-taking position.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, a discharge position can be provided with multiple material / water outlet connectors, that is, multiple discharge ports, so as to simultaneously output multiple solid materials, multiple liquid materials, or a combination of at least one solid material and at least one liquid material, or a combination of solid material and water, or a combination of liquid material and water, or a combination of solid material, liquid material and water.

[0087] According to one embodiment, a step a1) is further included between step a) and step b): determining the initial position of the beverage cup using an initial position sensor disposed on the rotation support device 405 of the rotation mechanism 40, the initial position corresponding to the cup holder 406 where the empty beverage cup was initially placed.

[0088] According to one embodiment, step a1) further includes using a beverage cup presence sensor 91 to detect whether a beverage cup is present in the cup holder at the pick-up / placement port 94, which is located in a recessed portion on the front of the beverage preparation device 1 to facilitate operation by the operator.

[0089] According to one embodiment, step a) further includes the following steps: the control device 95 receives the input data of the order and instructs the label printing device 70 to print a label associated with the order; and the barcode scanner 50 identifies the identification code on the label and transmits the identification result to the control device 95 to start the beverage preparation process.

[0090] According to one embodiment, after step b) and before step d), the following step e) is further included: receiving, by the control device 95, new information about the beverage to be prepared and issuing a prompt for placing a new empty beverage cup. In this way, a new order can be inserted and a new beverage preparation performed before the corresponding beverage preparation according to the previous order is completed. Thus, two or more beverage preparation procedures can be performed simultaneously, greatly improving efficiency.

[0091] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a beverage preparation method according to one embodiment of the present application is shown, which shows the following procedures.

[0092] 1) First, an order is placed by the operator through the human-machine interface 60 and the cash register operation is completed through the cash register.

[0093] 2) Then the control device 95 instructs the label printer (i.e. label printing device 70) to print a label. The label printing operation can also be initiated manually by the operator clicking the "print label" icon on the human-machine interface 60.

[0094] 3) The operator pastes the printed label on the empty beverage cup extracted from the beverage cup storage and dispensing device 80 and aligns the barcode or two-dimensional code on the label with the code scanning head (i.e. code scanning device 50) to perform scanning and recognition operations.

[0095] 4) The code scanning device 50 transmits the recognition result as input data to the control device 95, which determines the materials required for preparing the beverage. After scanning the code, the operator can place the beverage cup in the cup holder 406 exposed at the loading and unloading port 94.

[0096] 5) When the beverage cup is detected by the beverage cup presence sensor 91, the information of the presence of the beverage cup is transmitted to the control device 95, and the initial position sensor confirms the cup holder 406 occupied by the beverage cup to obtain the "initial position" of the beverage cup, i.e. the cup holder number. The control device 95 thus calculates the angle of rotation required for the cup holder 406 to reach the predetermined (multiple) discharge position and the cup taking position in turn.

[0097] 6) After the required materials and water are added to the beverage cup, the beverage cup is rotated to the cup taking position, which coincides with the cup placing position in this embodiment, i.e. the loading and unloading port 94. Then the operator takes out the beverage cup containing the beverage, and if necessary, can take ice cubes from the ice storage tank 90 to add to the beverage, which can be required according to the order.

[0098] Before the above-mentioned beverage cup reaches the cup taking position, i.e. when the beverage of the previous order is still being prepared, a new order can be inserted, i.e. the operator can repeat the above-mentioned procedures 1) to 5).

[0099] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Any modifications and alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention should be included within the scope of protection of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

[0100] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0101] 1. Beverage preparation equipment

[0102] 10. Material Module

[0103] 101 Solid Material Box

[0104] 1011 Part 1

[0105] 1012 Part Two

[0106] 102 Solid material inlet

[0107] 103 Conveying mechanisms for solid materials

[0108] 1031 Stepper Motor

[0109] 1032 discharge bar

[0110] 1033 base

[0111] 1034 End Cap

[0112] 104 Solid material export

[0113] 107 Liquid Cartridge

[0114] 1071 Liquid Cartridge Connector

[0115] 108 Liquid cartridge extraction mechanism

[0116] 1081 slide rail

[0117] 1082 bracket

[0118] 109 Liquid material outlet connector

[0119] 110 Conveying mechanism for liquid materials

[0120] 1101 Peristaltic Pump

[0121] 111 Framework

[0122] 20 Instantaneous Heating Modules

[0123] 201 Inlet

[0124] 202 Solenoid Valve

[0125] 203 peristaltic pump

[0126] 204 heating tube

[0127] 205 silicone tube

[0128] 30 thermal insulation module

[0129] 301 thermally insulated housing

[0130] 302 fan for liquid cartridge

[0131] 302' fan for solid cartridge

[0132] 303 refrigeration device

[0133] 40 rotating mechanism

[0134] 401 rotating disc

[0135] 4011 overhanging support

[0136] 402 rotating drive device

[0137] 403 speed reduction device

[0138] 405 rotating support device

[0139] 406 cup holder

[0140] 407 initial position sensor

[0141] 50 code scanning device

[0142] 60 human-machine interface

[0143] 70 label printing device

[0144] 80 beverage cup storage and dispensing device

[0145] 90 ice bin

[0146] 91 beverage cup presence sensor

[0147] 92 emergency stop button

[0148] 93 loading pedal

[0149] 94 access opening

[0150] 95 control device

Claims

1. A beverage preparation apparatus (1), characterized in that, The beverage preparation apparatus comprises: a material module (10) arranged at the uppermost part of the beverage preparation apparatus, the material module comprising a liquid cartridge device and a solid cartridge device, the liquid cartridge device comprising at least one liquid cartridge (107) and a conveying mechanism (110) for liquid material, the material module being configured to store solid and liquid materials and to output predetermined solid and / or liquid materials into a beverage cup according to an instruction of a control device (95); a rotating mechanism (40) arranged below the material module, the rotating mechanism being configured to rotate the beverage cup to a corresponding position according to an instruction of the control device (95) so that the beverage cup can receive at least one of solid material output from the solid cartridge (101), liquid material output from the liquid cartridge, and water; and the control device (95) configured to receive information about a beverage to be prepared and to control the operation of the material module and the rotating mechanism based on the information, wherein the material module (10) further comprises a liquid cartridge extraction mechanism (108) and a frame (111) surrounding the liquid cartridge (107) and the liquid cartridge extraction mechanism, the liquid cartridge extraction mechanism comprising a slide rail (1081) movable relative to the frame and a bracket (1082) supporting the liquid cartridge, the liquid cartridge (107) being detachably placed on the bracket (1082), wherein the rotating mechanism comprises a rotating disc (401) comprising a central part fixed on a rotating support device (405), one or more overhanging brackets (4011) extending radially from the central part, and a cup holder (406) corresponding to each overhanging bracket, each overhanging bracket being uniformly distributed circumferentially at an angle apart from each other, and each cup holder being detachably attached to a corresponding overhanging bracket, wherein the solid cartridge device comprises: at least one solid cartridge (101), each of the solid cartridges comprising a hollow first part (1011) and a hollow second part (1012), a lower end of the first part being capable of being fitted on an upper side of the second part so that the hollow part of the first part communicates with the hollow part of the second part, and the first part and the second part being capable of being disassembled from the fitted state; a solid material inlet (102) at an upper end of the first part and a solid material outlet (104) at a lower end of the second part; and a conveying mechanism (103) for solid material corresponding to each of the solid cartridges (101), the conveying mechanism (103) for solid material comprising a base (1033) for accommodating the second part (1012) of the solid cartridge therein, a first stepper motor (1031) mounted on one side of the base, a discharging rod (1032) built in the second part, and an end cover (1034) for closing an opening provided on one side of the second part, one axial end of the discharging rod being coupled with an output shaft of the first stepper motor, and the opening provided on one side of the second part being opposite to the first stepper motor in the axial direction of the discharging rod, for assembly and / or disassembly of the discharging rod, The upper end of the first part (1011) is provided with a flange-shaped disc part, the periphery of the disc part has an upwardly extending disc edge, a recess is provided on the outer periphery of the discharge rod (1032), and the discharge rod (1032) can be driven to rotate by the first stepping motor (1031), so as to transfer the solid material received in the recess downward, and make the material fall by high-frequency small swing.

2. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The rotating mechanism comprises a rotating drive device (402), a speed reduction device (403) and a rotating support device (405), wherein the rotating disc, the rotating drive device and the speed reduction device are arranged on the rotating support device.

3. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a side-by-side instant heating module (20) arranged at the side of the beverage preparation apparatus, by means of which water can be delivered into the beverage cup, the instant heating module comprising a water inlet control device (202, 203), a heating tube (204) and a flow pipe (205), the heating tube being configured to heat the water according to the instruction of the control device (95).

4. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a heat preservation module (30) comprising an insulated housing (301), an air circulation device (302, 302') and a refrigeration device (303), the insulated housing at least enclosing the solid material box (101) and the liquid material box (107), the air circulation device and the refrigeration device being configured to perform air circulation operation and refrigeration operation in the internal space enclosed by the insulated housing respectively according to the instruction of the control device (95).

5. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein One of the delivery mechanisms for liquid material (110) is respectively arranged for each liquid material box (107), and the delivery mechanism for liquid material comprises a peristaltic pump.

6. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The bottom end of the liquid material box (107) is provided with a self-sealing liquid material box joint (1071), and the lower end of the support is provided with a liquid material outlet joint (109) for delivering liquid material to the beverage cup, the liquid material outlet joint being detachably connected to one end of a delivery pipe for delivering liquid material, and the other end of the delivery pipe being detachably connected to the liquid material box joint.

7. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The water inlet control device (95) comprises a solenoid valve (202) and a peristaltic pump (203).

8. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The insulated housing (301) is composed of a metal plate with foamed material attached to the inner side.

9. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The air circulation device comprises a fan (302) installed adjacent to the liquid material box and a fan (302') installed adjacent to the solid material box.

10. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The position of each cup holder corresponds to the output position of the solid material, the liquid material and the water.

11. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the rotating mechanism (40) further comprises an initial position sensor (407) disposed on the rotating support device (405), which determines the saucer (406) where the empty beverage cup is initially placed as the initial position.

12. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a recessed portion is provided on the front side of the beverage preparation apparatus as a taking and placing opening (94), which exposes a saucer (406) for taking and placing a beverage cup, and a beverage cup presence sensor (91) is provided adjacent to the taking and placing opening (94) for detecting whether a beverage cup is present in the saucer at the taking and placing opening.

13. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one of: a code scanning device (50); a human-machine interface (60); a label printing device (70); a beverage cup storage and dispensing device (80); and a ice storage tank (90); an emergency stop button (92); a charging pedal (93); and an acoustic / light prompting device.

14. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion (1011) is substantially cylindrical, and the second portion (1012) is substantially cuboid.

15. The beverage preparation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharge rod is rotatable between a first position and a second position by means of the driving of the first stepper motor (1031), wherein, in the first position, the groove of the discharge rod faces the open bottom of the first portion (1011) of the solid cartridge (101) so as to accommodate the solid material from the solid cartridge; and in the second position, the groove of the discharge rod faces the bottom opening of the base (1033) so that the solid material accommodated in the groove falls down, wherein the bottom opening of the base is aligned with the bottom opening of the second portion (1012) of the solid cartridge.

16. A method of preparing a beverage using the beverage preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, the method comprises the following steps: a) receiving information about the beverage to be prepared by means of the control device (95) and issuing a prompt to place an empty beverage cup, b) starting the rotating mechanism (40) to rotate the beverage cup from the initial position to one or more discharge positions in sequence by means of the rotating mechanism (40), c) at each discharge position, outputting at least one solid material from the solid cartridge (101), at least one liquid material from the liquid cartridge (107), and / or outputting water into the beverage cup to brew the beverage, and d) rotating the beverage cup containing the beverage to the cup taking position by means of the rotating mechanism.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein a plurality of discharge ports are provided at one discharge position so as to simultaneously output at least one of the following into the same beverage cup: a plurality of solid materials; a plurality of liquid materials; at least one solid material and at least one liquid material; a solid material and water; a liquid material and water; and a solid material, a liquid material and water.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein between step a) and step b) is included step e) : determining the initial position of the beverage cup by means of an initial position sensor arranged on the rotating support device (405) of the rotating mechanism (40), said initial position corresponding to the cup stand (406) where the empty beverage cup is initially placed.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Step e) further comprises detecting the presence of a beverage cup in the cup stand at the pick-up opening (94) by means of a beverage cup presence sensor (91), said pick-up opening being arranged at a recessed portion of the front face of the beverage preparation device.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, Step a) further comprises the following steps: al) the control device (95) receives the input data of the order and instructs the label printing device (70) to print a label associated with the order; and a2) the code recognition device (50) identifies the identification code on the label and transmits the result of the identification to the control device in order to initiate the beverage preparation process.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, between step b) and step d) is included step e) : receiving new information about the beverage to be prepared by means of the control device (95) and issuing a prompt to place a new empty beverage cup.

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