Liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism, metering device and beverage machine for beverage machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism for a beverage machine, which comprises a moving member and a driving device. The driving device is used to drive the moving member to move between an actuating position and a non-actuating position. At the actuating position, the moving member pushes the liquid outlet switch of the beverage machine to discharge the beverage. At the non-actuating position, the moving member releases the liquid outlet switch of the beverage machine to stop discharging the beverage. The present invention also relates to a metering device for a beverage machine, which comprises the above-mentioned liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism, a weight sensor and a controller. The weight sensor is used to detect the total weight of the cup placed on the metering device and the beverage contained in the cup. The cup is used to receive the beverage from the beverage machine. The controller is used to receive the detection signal from the weight sensor and control the driving device of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism in response to the detection signal. The present invention also relates to a beverage machine. According to the present invention, by using machinery instead of manual labor, the labor cost is reduced and the accuracy of the cup volume is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of beverage machines, and more particularly to a liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism for a beverage machine, a metering device including the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism, and a beverage machine including the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism or the metering device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, beverage machines used in the market generally discharge beverages by an operator pressing a liquid outlet switch in the form of a valve push plate with a cup. The operator observes whether the amount of beverage reaches the cup volume requirement. If the amount of beverage reaches the cup volume requirement, the operator releases the liquid outlet switch and the beverage discharge stops. Since it completely relies on manual labor, during the peak dining hours, an employee has to repeat this action all the time, resulting in a waste of manpower.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to develop a liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism that uses machinery to replace manual labor to actuate the liquid outlet switch. Additionally, it is also desirable to develop a metering device including the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism for automatically or semi-automatically controlling the beverage discharge amount of the beverage machine. Thereby, the dependence on manpower can be reduced and the accuracy of the cup volume can be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention aims to solve at least one aspect of the above problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism for a beverage machine, the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism including a moving member and a driving device, the driving device being configured to drive the moving member to move between an actuating position and a non-actuating position. At the actuating position, the moving member pushes the liquid outlet switch of the beverage machine to discharge beverages, and at the non-actuating position, the moving member releases the liquid outlet switch of the beverage machine to stop discharging beverages.

[0006] Preferably, the moving member includes a first part and a second part directly or indirectly connected to the first end of the first part, the second end of the first part being connected to the driving device, and the second part being configured to actuate the liquid outlet switch by pushing the liquid outlet switch of the beverage machine.

[0007] Preferably, the moving member is a push rod, the push rod including a first rod part and a second rod part directly or indirectly connected to the first end of the first rod part, the second end of the first rod part being connected to the driving device, and the second rod part being configured to actuate the liquid outlet switch by pushing the liquid outlet switch of the beverage machine.

[0008] Preferably, the second rod part is transverse to the first rod part, and the push rod further includes an intermediate connecting rod part disposed between the first rod part and the second rod part, the intermediate connecting rod part allowing the first rod part to be closer to the main body part of the beverage machine relative to the second rod part.

[0009] Preferably, the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism includes a guiding member disposed around the push rod for guiding the push rod.

[0010] Preferably, the driving device includes a motor and a lead screw nut mechanism connected to the motor, and the push rod is connected to the lead screw nut mechanism.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a metering device for a beverage machine, which includes the above-mentioned liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism, a weight sensor, and a controller. The weight sensor is used to detect the total weight of the cup placed on the metering device and the beverage contained in the cup, and the cup is used to receive the beverage from the beverage machine. The controller is used to receive the detection signal from the weight sensor and control the driving device of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism in response to the detection signal.

[0012] Preferably, the controller includes an input unit and a processing module. The input unit is used to receive the operation signal of the operator and send the operation signal to the processing module. The processing module is used to receive the operation signal from the input unit and the detection signal from the weight sensor, and control the driving device of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism in response to the operation signal and the detection signal.

[0013] Preferably, the input unit includes a touch screen and / or physical buttons.

[0014] Preferably, the input unit includes at least two cup volume buttons for controlling the beverage machine to supply beverages to the cup in at least two cup volumes.

[0015] Preferably, the metering device further includes a liquid receiving box for receiving the spilled beverage.

[0016] Preferably, the metering device further includes a base that defines a receiving cavity, and the processing module, the liquid receiving box, and the driving device are accommodated in the receiving cavity of the base.

[0017] According to still another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a beverage machine, which includes the above-mentioned liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism or metering device.

[0018] According to the present invention, using a machine to replace manual labor to actuate the liquid outlet switch reduces the labor cost. In addition, by automatically controlling the cup volume, the deviation during the manual beverage collection process is reduced, and the accuracy of the cup volume is improved. Description of the Drawings

[0019] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings via exemplary embodiments, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a metering device according to a first embodiment of the present invention for use with a beverage machine.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a metering device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 is Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism of the metering device shown.

[0023] Figure 4 is Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the metering device and the beverage machine shown, showing that the push rod of the metering device is in the actuating position of pushing the liquid outlet switch of the beverage machine.

[0024] Figure 5 is Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the metering device and the beverage machine shown, showing that the push rod of the metering device is in the non-actuating position of releasing the liquid outlet switch of the beverage machine.

[0025] Figure 6 is Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the metering device shown, showing the structure of the lower part of the metering device.

[0026] Figure 7 is Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of the input unit of the metering device shown.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a metering device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of a metering device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] These drawings are only schematic and are not necessarily drawn to scale. They only show those parts necessary to illustrate the present invention, while other parts may be omitted or only briefly mentioned. That is, in addition to the components shown in the drawings, the present invention may also include other components. Additionally, in different embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030] The following describes, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism for a beverage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, a metering device including the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism, and a beverage machine including the metering device. In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention to those skilled in the relevant art. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some of these specific details may not be required for the implementation of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the present invention can be implemented by any combination of the following features and elements, regardless of whether they relate to different embodiments. Therefore, the following features, embodiments, and advantages are for illustrative purposes only and should not be regarded as elements or limitations of the claims, unless expressly recited in the claims.

[0031] Figure 1 Schematically shown is a metering device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention for use with a beverage machine 200. The metering device 100 can be independent of the beverage machine 200 and abuts against the beverage outlet 202 of the beverage machine 200 (see Figure 4 ) below, so that the metering device 100 can be applied to an existing beverage machine 200. It should be noted that the metering device 100 can also be integrated with the beverage machine 200.

[0032] The following Figures 1 to 7 describes in detail the metering device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 show that the metering device 100 is used for a beverage machine 200 including a liquid outlet switch 201 in the form of a valve push plate, but it should be understood that the metering device 100 can also be used for any beverage machine including a liquid outlet switch adapted to be opened by mechanical actuation.

[0033] As Figure 1 shown, the metering device 100 includes a liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1, a weight sensor 2, and a controller 3. As Figure 1 and Figure 4 shown, the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 is used to actuate the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200 to discharge the beverage. The weight sensor 2 is used to detect the total weight of the cup 300 placed on the metering device 100 and the beverage contained in the cup 300, and the cup 300 is used to receive the beverage from the beverage machine 200. The controller 3 is used to receive the detection signal from the weight sensor 2 and control the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 in response to the detection signal.

[0034] As Figure 3 shown, the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 includes a push rod 11 and a driving device 12. The driving device 12 is used to drive the push rod 11 to move between an actuating position and a non-actuating position. AsFigure 4 As shown, in the actuated position, the push rod 11 pushes the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200 to discharge the beverage, for example, discharging the beverage into a cup 300 placed below the beverage outlet 202 of the beverage machine 200. As Figure 5 shown, in the non-actuated position, the push rod 11 releases the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200, that is, the push rod 11 no longer pushes the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200 to stop discharging the beverage.

[0035] The push rod 11 of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 may include a first rod portion and a second rod portion connected to the first end of the first rod portion. The second end of the first rod portion is connected to the driving device 12. The second rod portion is used to actuate the liquid outlet switch 201 by pushing the lower surface of the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200. The second rod portion is transverse to the first rod portion to allow the push rod 11 to contact the liquid outlet switch 201 with a larger contact area, so as to be able to actuate the liquid outlet switch 201 more firmly.

[0036] The push rod 11 may further include an intermediate connecting rod portion disposed between the first rod portion and the second rod portion. The intermediate connecting rod portion allows the first rod portion to be closer to the main body portion of the beverage machine relative to the second rod portion, thereby providing sufficient space for placing the cup 300.

[0037] The following will specifically describe the preferred embodiments of the push rod 11 of the present invention in conjunction with Figures 2 to 5 the specific description.

[0038] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, the push rod 11 of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 includes a vertical rod portion 111 and a horizontal rod portion 112 connected to the top end of the vertical rod portion 111. The bottom end of the vertical rod portion 111 is connected to the driving device 12. The horizontal rod portion 112 is used to push the liquid outlet switch 201 via the lower surface of the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200 to open the beverage valve and thus discharge the beverage into the cup 300. By providing the horizontal rod portion 112, the contact area between the push rod 11 and the liquid outlet switch 201 is increased, so as to be able to actuate the liquid outlet switch 201 more firmly.

[0039] In addition, as Figures 2 to 5 shown, the push rod 11 may further include an inclined rod portion 113 disposed between the vertical rod portion 111 and the horizontal rod portion 112. The inclined rod portion 113 extends obliquely upward away from the beverage machine 200 relative to the vertical rod portion 111. Thus, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 shown, the vertical rod portion 111 of the push rod 11 can be as close as possible to the beverage machine 200, and it is allowed that the horizontal rod portion 112 can still act on the liquid outlet switch 201. This provides sufficient space for placing the cup 300.

[0040] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 may further include a guide member 13 disposed around the push rod 1 for guiding the push rod 1 so as to guide the push rod 1 when the push rod 1 moves up and down between the actuated position and the non-actuated position, thereby ensuring that the horizontal rod portion 112 of the push rod 1 can be reliably engaged with the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200.

[0041] As Figure 3 shown, the driving device 12 includes a motor 121 and a lead screw nut mechanism 122 connected to the motor 121. The bottom end of the vertical rod portion 111 of the push rod 1 is connected to the nut slider 1221 of the lead screw nut mechanism 122. When the motor 121 rotates, the motor shaft drives the lead screw 1222 of the lead screw nut mechanism 122 to rotate, and the lead screw 1222 drives the nut slider 1221 to move up and down, thereby driving the push rod 1 to move up and down. It should be understood that any suitable driving device may be used.

[0042] As Figure 2 and Figure 6 shown, the controller 3 of the metering device 100 includes an input unit 31 and a processing module 32. The input unit 31 is used to receive the operation signal of the operator and send the operation signal to the processing module 32. The processing module 32 is used to receive the operation signal from the input unit 31 and the detection signal from the weight sensor 2, and control the driving device 12 of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 in response to the operation signal and the detection signal.

[0043] As Figure 7 shown, the input unit 31 includes a start / stop button 311, a large cup volume button 312, and a small cup volume button 313. The start / stop button 311 is used to control the start and stop of the driving device 12. The large cup volume button 312 is used to control the metering device 100 to supply beverages to the cup 300 in a large cup volume. The small cup volume button 313 is used to control the metering device 100 to supply beverages to the cup 300 in a small cup volume. Here, the large cup volume and the small cup volume refer to the capacities of two commonly used sizes of beverage cups in current restaurants. Obviously, it should be understood that more different cup volume buttons may be provided so as to have more cup volume options. The above buttons may be physical buttons or virtual buttons (or called icons) on the touch screen. For example, instead of setting multiple different cup volume buttons, multiple cup volumes may also be selected by using a single cup volume icon on the touch screen, and the single cup volume icon includes different cup volume levels. The input unit 31 may include a touch screen or physical buttons or both a touch screen and physical buttons.

[0044] In the fully automatic working mode, when the operator places the cup 300 on the metering device 100, the weight sensor 2 detects the weight of the cup 300 and sends the detection signal to the processing module 32 of the controller 3. The processing module 32 analyzes and processes the detection signal, and actuates the motor 121 of the driving device 12 to rotate forward. The motor 121 drives the push rod 11 to move upward via the lead screw nut mechanism 122. The horizontal rod portion 112 of the push rod 11 pushes the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200 to open the beverage valve and thus discharge the beverage into the cup 300. The weight sensor 2 detects the total weight of the cup 300 and the beverage in the cup 300, and sends the detection signal to the processing module 32 of the controller 3. The processing module 32 analyzes and processes the detection signal to obtain the amount of beverage in the cup 300 and determines whether the amount of beverage in the cup 300 reaches the preset value. When the processing module 32 determines that the amount of beverage in the cup 300 reaches the preset value, the processing module 32 actuates the motor 121 of the driving device 12 to rotate in the reverse direction. The motor 121 drives the push rod 11 to move downward via the lead screw nut mechanism 122. The horizontal rod portion 112 of the push rod 11 thus releases the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200, so the beverage valve closes and the beverage discharge stops. At this time, the operator can take away the cup 300 filled with beverage from the metering device 100. In the fully automatic working mode, the operator only needs to place the cup 300 on the metering device 100 and take away the cup 300 filled with beverage from the metering device 100, thus significantly reducing the workload of the operator.

[0045] The metering device 100 also allows operation in a semi-automatic mode. In the semi-automatic operation mode, the operator places the cup 300 on the metering device 100, and then actuates the start / stop button 311 of the input unit 31 to cause the motor 121 of the drive device 12 to rotate forward. The motor 121 drives the push rod 11 to move upward via the lead screw nut mechanism 122. The horizontal rod portion 112 of the push rod 11 pushes the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200 to open the beverage valve and thus discharge the beverage into the cup 300. The weight sensor 2 detects the total weight of the cup 300 and the beverage in the cup 300, and sends the detection signal to the processing module 32 of the controller 3. The processing module 32 analyzes and processes the detection signal to obtain the amount of beverage in the cup 300 and determines whether the amount of beverage in the cup 300 reaches a preset value. When the processing module 32 determines that the amount of beverage in the cup 300 reaches the preset value, the processing module 32 causes the motor 121 of the drive device 12 to rotate in the reverse direction. The motor 121 drives the push rod 11 to move downward via the lead screw nut mechanism 122. The horizontal rod portion 112 of the push rod 11 thus releases the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200, so the beverage valve closes and the beverage discharge stops. At this time, the operator can remove the cup 300 containing the beverage from the metering device 100. In the semi-automatic operation mode, the controller 3 actuates the drive device 12 in response to the operator's operation on the input unit 31, which avoids the risk of inadvertently touching the weight sensor 2 and causing beverage discharge.

[0046] In addition, the start / stop button 311 also allows the operator to control the drive device 12 to stop working at any time, so as to manually control the amount of beverage discharged into the cup 300.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the metering device 100 also has a calibration function. The push rod 11 moves upward under the action of the motor 121 of the drive device 12. When it touches the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200, the upward movement of the push rod 11 encounters resistance, and the current of the motor 121 increases. When it is detected that the current increases to a certain value, the controller 3 determines that the push rod 11 has risen in place based on this information. At this time, the position of the push rod 11 is used as the reference position for the push rod 11 to rise in place. This allows the metering device 100 to be applied to existing beverage machines 200 of different heights.

[0048] As Figure 2 and Figure 6 shown, the metering device 100 includes a base 4. The liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1, the weight sensor 2, and the controller 3 are fixed to the base 4.

[0049] As Figure 2 and Figure 6As shown, the metering device 100 further includes a liquid receiving box 5 for receiving spilled beverage. The liquid receiving box 5 is detachably mounted in an opening 41 formed in the top surface of the base 4. The metering device 100 may further include a liquid guiding grille 6 covering the liquid receiving box 5 to guide the spilled beverage into the liquid receiving box 5 and prevent contact with the inside of the liquid receiving box 5. A handle 7 fixed to the liquid receiving box 5 may also be provided. When it is necessary to empty the beverage in the liquid receiving box 5, the handle 7 can be lifted to remove the liquid receiving box 5 from the metering device 100 and pour out the beverage therein.

[0050] Figure 6 As shown, the base 4 defines a receiving cavity, and the processing module 32, the liquid receiving box 5, and the driving device 12 are received in the receiving cavity of the base 4. Preferably, as Figure 6 shown, the receiving cavity for receiving the liquid receiving box 5 is isolated from the receiving cavity for receiving the processing module 32 and the driving device 12, whereby it is possible to prevent the beverage from causing the processing module 32 or the driving device 12 to malfunction.

[0051] As Figure 2 and Figure 6 shown, the front side surface of the base 4 is arranged to be inclined rearward (i.e., toward the beverage machine 200), and the input unit 31 is arranged on the inclined front side surface. The inclined front side surface provides a larger space for the arrangement of the input unit 31 and facilitates the operator to operate the input unit 31.

[0052] The following refers to Figure 8 and Figure 9 to describe the second embodiment and the third embodiment according to the present invention. In the following description, the same structures as those in the first embodiment will not be described in detail.

[0053] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the metering device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this second embodiment, the push rod 11 includes two vertical rod portions 111, and these two vertical rod portions 111 are respectively connected to the same horizontal rod portion 112 by extending through inclined rod portions 113. In addition, in this second embodiment, the opening 41 for inserting and removing the liquid receiving box 5 is provided on the front side surface of the base 4, which allows the structure of the metering device 100 to be more compact, but compared with the opening 41 provided on the top surface of the base 4 in the first embodiment, a smaller liquid receiving box 5 is allowed in this second embodiment.

[0054] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the metering device 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this third embodiment, the liquid guiding grille 6 is provided on both sides of the weight sensor 2, which allows the structure of the metering device 100 to be more compact.

[0055] In addition, compared with the second and third embodiments, the metering device 100 of the first embodiment is raised as a whole (the base 4 is thickened), and the distance between the cup 300 and the beverage outlet 202 of the beverage machine 200 is shortened, which reduces the risk of beverage splashing.

[0056] Although the present invention is disclosed above in preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention shall be incorporated within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism (1) for a beverage machine (200), the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism (1) comprising a moving member and a driving device (12), the driving device (12) being configured to drive the moving member to move between an actuating position and a non-actuating position. In the actuating position, the moving member pushes the liquid outlet switch (201) of the beverage machine (200) to discharge the beverage. In the non-actuating position, the moving member releases the liquid outlet switch (201) of the beverage machine (200) to stop discharging the beverage, wherein, The drive device (12) is adapted to be received within the base (4) of the beverage machine (200). Wherein, the moving member is a push rod (11), and the push rod (11) includes a first rod portion and a second rod portion directly or indirectly connected to the first end of the first rod portion. The second end of the first rod portion is connected to the drive device (12), and the second rod portion is adapted to actuate the liquid outlet switch (201) by pushing the lower surface of the liquid outlet switch (201) of the beverage machine (200). Wherein, the second rod portion is transverse to the first rod portion. The push rod (11) further includes an intermediate connecting rod portion disposed between the first rod portion and the second rod portion, and the intermediate connecting rod portion allows the first rod portion to be closer to the main body portion of the beverage machine (200) relative to the second rod portion.

2. The liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism (1) includes a guide member (13) disposed around the push rod (11) for guiding the push rod (11).

3. The liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive device (12) includes a motor (121) and a lead screw nut mechanism (122) connected to the motor (121), and the push rod (11) is connected to the lead screw nut mechanism (122).

4. A metering device (100) for a beverage machine (200), the metering device (100) comprising: The liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3; A weight sensor (2) for detecting the total weight of a cup (300) placed on the metering device (100) and the beverage contained in the cup (300), the cup (300) being adapted to receive the beverage from the beverage machine (200); And A controller (3) for receiving the detection signal from the weight sensor (2) and controlling the drive device (12) of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism (1) in response to the detection signal.

5. The metering device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The controller (3) includes an input unit (31) and a processing module (32). The input unit (31) is adapted to receive the operation signal of the operator and send the operation signal to the processing module (32). The processing module (32) is adapted to receive the operation signal from the input unit (31) and the detection signal from the weight sensor (2), and control the drive device (12) of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism (1) in response to the operation signal and the detection signal.

6. The metering device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The input unit (31) includes a touch screen and / or physical buttons.

7. The metering device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The input unit (31) includes at least two cup volume buttons for controlling the beverage machine (200) to supply the beverage to the cup (300) in at least two cup volumes.

8. The metering device (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The metering device (100) further includes a drip tray (5) for receiving the spilled beverage.

9. The metering device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The metering device (100) further includes a base (4) defining a receiving cavity, and the processing module (32), the drip tray (5) and the drive device (12) are received within the receiving cavity of the base (4).

10. A beverage machine, the beverage machine including the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. A beverage machine, the beverage machine including the metering device (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 9.

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