Beverage container support device

Abstract

A beverage dispensing device includes a height-adjustable support member for supporting a beverage container at multiple different support positions. The beverage dispensing device may include: a beverage dispensing outlet for dispensing beverage; and a movable support member having a top surface for supporting the beverage container below the beverage dispensing outlet, the movable support member including an internal telescopic element and an external telescopic element. An actuation assembly is operatively connected to the movable support member to move the movable support member thereby changing the distance between the top surface of the movable support member and the beverage dispensing outlet; and wherein activation of the actuation assembly causes the internal telescopic element and the external telescopic element to move simultaneously toward or away from the beverage dispensing outlet.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Invention Patent Application No. 2019800595696 (Invention Title: Beverage Container Support Device), filed on August 16, 2019.

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to UK Patent Application No. 1813479.1, filed on 17 August 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This invention relates to a beverage container support device. More specifically, this invention relates to a height-adjustable beverage container support device for a beverage dispenser. Background Technology

[0005] In beverage dispensing devices, it is desirable to position the beverage container so that its edge is as close as possible to the beverage dispensing outlet, thereby reducing beverage spillage and waste. A beverage container support is known to be height-adjustable, allowing adjustment of the support's position to ensure that the edge of the beverage container is close to the dispensing outlet within a range of container height.

[0006] However, a wide variety of beverage container heights are available, and it is difficult to ensure that the height adjustment of the support is suitable for accommodating such a diverse range of beverage containers. Furthermore, the potential location range of various beverage containers makes it difficult to accurately sense and control beverage dispensing, especially for automatic or semi-automatic beverage dispensers.

[0007] Therefore, it will be understood that improvements to the beverage container support are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect, a beverage container support device for a beverage dispensing apparatus is provided, comprising: a height-adjustable beverage container support configured to support a beverage container at a plurality of different support positions; a beverage container support actuator configured to adjust the height of the beverage container support; a beverage container edge detector disposed at a first vertical position and configured to determine whether the highest part of the beverage container supported by the beverage container support is in an appropriate position for dispensing beverage into the beverage container; a first beverage container detector disposed at a second vertical position below the vertical position of the beverage container edge detector and configured to determine whether a beverage container is present on the beverage container support; and a second beverage container detector disposed at a third vertical position between the vertical positions of the beverage container edge detector and the first beverage container detector and configured to determine whether a beverage container is present on the beverage container support.

[0009] One or more of the beverage container edge detectors, as well as the first and second beverage container detectors, can be optical detectors. One or more of the detectors can be beam interruption detectors, such as infrared light level detectors with a transmitter and a receiver.

[0010] The height-adjustable beverage container support has multiple support positions, including a lowest support position and a highest support position, as well as multiple intermediate support positions between the lowest and highest support positions.

[0011] When the beverage container support is in its lowest supported position, the first beverage container detector is operable to determine whether a beverage container is present on the beverage container support. When the beverage container support is in its highest supported position, the second beverage container detector is operable to determine whether a beverage container is present on the beverage container support.

[0012] The highest support position of the beverage container support can be above the vertical position of the first beverage container detector, so that when the beverage container support is in the highest support position, the first beverage container detector is prohibited from detecting the presence of the beverage container.

[0013] The upper part of the multiple intermediate support positions can also be above the vertical position of the first beverage container detector, so that when the beverage container support is located at the intermediate support position among the upper parts of the multiple intermediate support positions, the first beverage container detector is prohibited from detecting the presence of the beverage container.

[0014] At the top of the highest support position and multiple intermediate support positions, the beverage container support can block the first beverage container detector, thereby preventing the detection of beverage containers by the first beverage container detector.

[0015] The highest support position of the beverage container support can be below the vertical position of the second beverage container detector, so that the second beverage container detector is operable to detect beverage containers on the upper part of the beverage container support in the support position and optionally in a plurality of intermediate support positions.

[0016] The lowest support position of the beverage container support can be below the vertical position of the first beverage container detector, so that the first beverage container detector is operable to detect beverage containers on the beverage container support at the lowest support position and optionally at a plurality of intermediate support positions.

[0017] The beverage container support device can be configured such that when the beverage container support is in a support position below the vertical position of the first beverage container detector, the first beverage container detector detects the presence of a beverage container; and when the beverage container support is in a support position above the vertical position of the first beverage container detector, the second beverage container detector detects the presence of a beverage container.

[0018] A first beverage container detector can define the intersection positions of a beverage container support. The upper portions of multiple positions of the beverage container support can be above the intersection positions, and the lower portions of multiple positions of the beverage container support can be below the intersection positions. At the position of the beverage container support below the intersection position, the device can be configured to cause the first beverage container detector to detect the presence of a beverage container. At the position of the beverage container support above the intersection position, the device can be configured to cause a second beverage container detector to detect the presence of a beverage container.

[0019] The beverage container support may further include a beverage container positioning element that defines a preferred position of the beverage container on the beverage container support. When positioned in the preferred position, one or more of the beverage container edge detector and the first and second beverage container detectors may be configured or positioned to substantially or approximately coincide with the tangent of the beverage container having a circular cross-section (optionally a straight-edged cylindrical beverage container).

[0020] In a second aspect, a beverage dispensing device is provided, comprising: a beverage dispensing outlet for dispensing a beverage into a beverage container; and a beverage container support according to the first aspect. The height-adjustable beverage container support is configured to support the beverage container at multiple different support positions relative to the beverage container dispensing outlet. The beverage dispensing outlet may be a beverage dispensing outlet of the beverage dispensing device or a beverage dispensing outlet of a beverage ingredient container.

[0021] According to a third aspect, a method is provided for operating a beverage dispensing device including a beverage container support, the method comprising: positioning a height-adjustable beverage container support at a lowest support position; detecting the presence of a beverage container on the beverage container support using a first beverage container detector located at a first vertical position above the lowest support position; detecting whether the highest portion of a beverage container supported by the beverage container support is in an appropriate position for dispensing a beverage into the beverage container using a beverage container edge detector; and: a) if a beverage container is detected on the support and the highest portion of the beverage container is in an appropriate position, dispensing a beverage; b) if a beverage container is detected on the support and the highest portion of the beverage container is not in an appropriate position, raising the beverage container support; then determining whether the support position of the beverage container support is above the vertical position of the first beverage container detector; if the support position is determined to be above the first beverage detector, detecting the presence of a beverage container on the beverage container support using a second beverage container detector located at a vertical position above the first beverage detector.

[0022] The method may further include: during the lifting of the beverage container support and the use of a beverage container edge detector, detecting whether the highest part of the beverage container supported by the beverage container support is in an appropriate position for dispensing beverage into the beverage container; if the highest part of the beverage container is detected to be in an appropriate position, stopping the lifting of the beverage container support; and then dispensing the beverage.

[0023] If, after the beverage container support is raised to its highest position, the beverage container edge detector detects that the highest point of the beverage container supported by the beverage container support is not in the proper position for dispensing the beverage into the beverage container, then a second beverage container detector can be used to detect whether a beverage container still exists on the beverage container support. If a beverage container is detected to still exist, then the beverage can be dispensed.

[0024] A controller can be provided to execute the methods described in the second aspect of this paper.

[0025] Any aspect may include any combination of features and / or limitations mentioned in relation to any other aspect mentioned above, except for combinations of mutually exclusive features.

[0026] In another aspect, the present invention can be a beverage dispensing device, comprising: a beverage dispensing outlet for dispensing a beverage; a movable support member having a top surface for supporting a beverage container below the beverage dispensing outlet, the movable support member including an internal telescopic element and an external telescopic element; an actuating member operatively connected to the movable support member and configured to move the movable support member to change the distance between the top surface of the movable support member and the beverage dispensing outlet; and wherein activation of the actuating member causes the internal and external telescopic elements to move simultaneously toward or away from the beverage dispensing outlet.

[0027] In another aspect, the present invention can be a beverage dispensing device, comprising: a housing extending from a bottom end to a top end along a longitudinal axis; a beverage dispensing outlet for dispensing a beverage; a movable support member for supporting a beverage container below the beverage dispensing outlet, the movable support member including a first component and a second component; and an actuating member operatively connected to the movable support member such that, once the actuating member is activated, the first component moves relative to the housing in one of a first vertical direction and a second vertical direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and the second component moves relative to the first component simultaneously in the same direction of the first and second vertical directions.

[0028] In another aspect, the present invention can be a beverage dispensing device comprising: a housing; a beverage container support member including a support member detachably connected to the housing, the support member including: a base member including a cavity, a top surface and an opening in the top surface; and a movable support member at least partially positioned within the cavity of the base member; and an actuation member operatively connected to the movable support member and configured to move the movable support member relative to the base member between a plurality of support positions, wherein in at least some of the plurality of support positions, the movable support member extends through the opening in the base member and protrudes from the top surface.

[0029] The aspects described above can provide a beverage container support for a beverage dispensing device that can accommodate or allow a wider range of beverage container sizes through automated and safe operation. Specifically, to provide automated operation and beverage container positioning for containers within a larger range of container heights, a greater range of vertical movement of the beverage container support must be provided. However, this may mean that at higher positions on the support required for small containers, the beverage container support itself may obstruct the beverage container sensor or prevent it from detecting the presence of the container. Therefore, by providing an additional beverage container detector at a higher vertical position, the presence of the container can still be verified during vending operation to prevent vending (if the container is removed during vending operation). Furthermore, these aspects can allow the use of very small containers where, even at the highest support position, the edge of the container does not reach the edge detector, as the additional beverage container detector can verify the presence of the container when the edge detector and the lower container may be unavailable. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing device including a beverage container support device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the beverage dispensing device.

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the beverage container support of a beverage dispensing device.

[0034] Figure 4A yes Figure 3 Exploded view of the beverage container support component;

[0035] Figure 4B yes Figure 3A partial exploded view of the beverage container support shows the support component of the beverage container support being removed from the actuating component of the beverage container support.

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A plan view of the beverage container support component;

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A bottom view of the beverage container support;

[0038] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the internal telescopic element of the movable support member of the beverage container support;

[0039] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of an internal telescopic element containing a rotating component;

[0040] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken from line IX-IX;

[0041] Figure 10 yes Figure 3 Bottom perspective view of the external telescopic element of the movable support member of the beverage container support;

[0042] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view taken from line XI-XI;

[0043] Figure 12 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken from line XII-XII;

[0044] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a beverage container support, in which its movable support member is in its lowest position.

[0045] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A partial sectional view of a beverage container support, with its movable support member at its highest position.

[0046] Figure 15 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken by line XV-XV shows the movable support component of the beverage container support in its lowest position.

[0047] Figure 16 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI shows the movable support of the beverage container support at its lowest position, with the container positioned on the movable support.

[0048] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 The cross-sectional view shows the movable support member of the beverage container support in its highest position; and

[0049] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 The cross-sectional view shows the movable support of the beverage container support at its highest position. Detailed Implementation

[0050] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A beverage dispensing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The beverage dispensing device 100 includes a beverage container support device 200, which will be described in more detail below. The beverage container support device 200 includes a beverage container support assembly 300 and a sensor device 203. The beverage dispensing device 100 is generally configured to dispense various types of beverages into beverage containers (not shown), which are placed on a movable support member 202 of the beverage container support assembly 300 of the beverage container support device 200.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the beverage dispensing device 100 is configured to prepare a hot beverage, such as coffee, for dispensing into a beverage container. In some embodiments, the beverage prepared by the device 100 may be a cold drink, such as juice or ice water. It should be understood that the present invention is applicable to a variety of types of beverage dispensing devices or machines.

[0052] The beverage dispensing device 100 includes a housing 110, which is the main component of the beverage dispensing device 100. The housing 110 extends along axis WW from bottom end 111 to top end 112. The housing 110 has an inner cavity that houses electronic devices and other components necessary for the proper operation of the beverage dispensing device 100 to produce and dispense beverages. In an exemplary embodiment, the beverage dispensing device 100 receives a beverage ingredient container (not shown) in a container compartment 102 of the housing 100. In vending machine operation, hot water is pumped into the beverage ingredient container located within the container compartment 102. As the hot water passes through the beverage ingredients in the beverage ingredient container, a beverage is prepared. The beverage (or prepared beverage) is dispensed from the beverage ingredient container in the container compartment 102 through a beverage dispensing outlet 204 into a beverage container positioned on a movable support member 202 of a beverage container support assembly 300.

[0053] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, a beverage dispensing outlet 204 is provided to position the ingredient container directly above the beverage container to deliver the prepared beverage into the container. In other embodiments, the prepared beverage may not be dispensed directly from the container into the container, but may be prepared within the device 100 and guided, for example, via a conduit system to an optional beverage dispensing outlet of the device 100 positioned above the beverage container support assembly 300. Other configurations will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0054] Now go to Figure 3-6 The beverage container support assembly 300, shown in perspective, exploded view, top view, and bottom view, will be described in more detail. As mentioned above, the beverage container support assembly 300 generally includes a support member 270 and an actuating member 271. Figure 4B As shown, the support member 270 and the actuation member 271 are configured to be detached from each other, the purpose of which will be described in more detail below.

[0055] The support member 270 of the beverage container support assembly 300 includes a base member 201 and a movable support member 202 on which a beverage container (or simply container) is placed for dispensing beverages into the container, and these components will be described in more detail below. The base member 201 includes a base part 205 and a cap 206. The base part 205 has a base plate and sidewalls that jointly define a cavity 294 configured to hold a quantity of liquid that can be dispensed from the beverage dispensing outlet 204 instead of entering the beverage container. The cap 206 closes the open top of the cavity 294. Furthermore, the cap 206 includes a plurality of drainage holes 208 that open into the cavity 294 within the base member 201. Thus, any portion of the dispensed liquid / beverage that does not reach the container can flow through the drainage holes 208 in the cap 206 and into the cavity 294 of the base member 205 until the base member 205 is cleaned by the user / operator. The base component 205 may be designed to have a pouring opening 219 in one of its sidewalls to facilitate the removal of liquid from the cavity 294. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 206 of the base component 201 also includes an opening 207, and a movable support member 202 may extend through the opening 207 in the cover 206 of the base component 201. Specifically, the movable support member 202 may be positioned within the cavity 294 of the base component 205, and depending on a specific height to which the movable support member 202 is adjusted, a portion of the movable support member 202 may protrude through the opening 207 in the cover 206 of the base component 201, as described below.

[0056] The base component 205 includes a base plate 227 and one or more lifting members 228 projecting from the base plate 227. In an exemplary embodiment, three lifting members 228 are present; however, the invention is not limited to all embodiments, and other embodiments may include fewer or more than three lifting members 228. Each lifting member 228 includes a driven member 229 that travels along a track of a component of the movable support member 202, as described in more detail below. During operation of the movable support member 202, the base component 205 and all its parts are fixed. Therefore, the lifting members 228 are fixedly connected to the base plate 227 of the base component 205 and do not move during operation of the device. Specifically, the lifting members 228 function in the movement of the movable support member 202. This will be described in more detail below, but their function is achieved without requiring movement of the lifting members 228.

[0057] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown in the best view, the beverage container support assembly 300, more specifically, its actuating component 271 includes an actuating assembly 209. The actuating assembly 209 includes a plate member 260 (which includes an upper plate 260a and a lower plate 260b joined together when the plate member 260 is assembled) and a mechanism for positioning the movable support member 202 in its lowest position (see [link to image]). Figure 15 ) and the highest position (see Figure 17 A component that moves between ( ). Specifically, the actuation component 209 typically includes a motor 216 and a gear train 218 operably connected to the plate member 260. More specifically, the motor 216 is located on the top surface of the plate member 260, and the gears of the gear train 218 are located on the bottom surface of the plate member 260. In other words, the motor 216 is connected to the upper plate 260a of the plate member 260, and the gear train 218 is connected to the lower plate 260b of the plate member 260. In an exemplary embodiment, the motor 216 and the gear train 218 are connected to the plate member 260 of the actuation member 271 of the beverage container support assembly 300. Specifically, when the upper plate member 260a and the lower plate member 260b are connected together, the motor 216 is connected to the gear train 218, as described in more detail below. The actuation member 271 of the beverage container support assembly 300 is configured to be fixedly positioned within the beverage dispensing device 100. Therefore, although the support member 270 can be detached from the rest of the beverage dispensing device 100, the actuation member 271 remains connected to the beverage dispensing device 100 (although in other embodiments, the actuation member 271 may be removed from the housing 110).

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, gear train 218 is a rack and pinion gear train; however, in other embodiments, gear train 218 may take other forms. In an exemplary embodiment, gear train 218 typically includes a drive gear 290 directly connected to motor 216 (when upper plate 260a and lower plate 260b are connected together), such that when motor 216 is driven and rotated, drive gear 290 rotates two idler gears 291a, 291b and driven gear 292. Driven gear 292 interacts with rack 293, which is operatively connected to movable support member 202, such that movement of rack 293 due to interaction with driven gear 292 causes movable support member 202 to move between a lowest position and a highest position. Motor 216 is operatively connected to a power source (not shown), and a switch may be present between motor 216 and the power source to control the start of motor 216 and thereby control the height of movable support member 202, as described herein. Other configurations for adjusting the height of the movable support member 202 are also conceivable, such as hydraulic or pneumatic actuation. Furthermore, the rack 293 can be replaced with other gears. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, the rack 293 is arcuate, but in other embodiments, it can be linear while still achieving the same function described herein.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, each gear 290-292 of the gear train 218 lies on the same plane. Specifically, the bottom surfaces of the drive gear 290, idler gears 291a, 291b, and driven gear 292 are coplanar. This helps to give the device a low profile while still allowing it to have the movable support member 202 as described herein.

[0060] Refer again Figures 3 to 6 , please refer to Figure 4A In an exemplary embodiment, the movable support member 202 is a double-helix telescopic device that gives the movable support member 202 a low profile when in its lowest position and a height more than twice that when extended to its highest position. In this respect, the movable support member 202 includes an inner telescopic element 210 and an outer telescopic element 212 (the inner telescopic element 210 and the outer telescopic element 212 may be referred to as a first component and a second component, where the first component may refer to either the inner telescopic element or the outer telescopic element, and the second component may refer to either the inner telescopic element or the outer telescopic element). In an exemplary embodiment, the outer telescopic element 212 at least partially surrounds the inner telescopic element 210, although with respect to the highest position (… Figure 17 Compared to the lowest position () Figure 15 A larger portion of the internal telescopic element 210 can be surrounded by the external telescopic element 212.

[0061] Furthermore, the beverage container support assembly 300 also includes a rotator assembly 214. The rotator assembly 214 is functionally positioned between the actuation assembly 209 and the movable support member 202. Therefore, the actuation assembly 209 rotates the rotator assembly 214, which in turn causes the movable support member 202 to change between a lowest and a highest position, as further described below. The rotator assembly 214 generally includes: a connecting plate 261 that interacts with a rack 293 to rotate the connecting plate 261; a shaft 262 projecting from the top surface of the connecting plate 261; and a rotator member 263 that interacts with an internal telescopic element 210, as described below. The connecting plate 261, shaft 262, and rotator member 263 are connected together such that rotation of any one of these assemblies causes rotation of all of those components. Therefore, when the connecting plate 261 is rotated, as described below, the shaft 262 and the rotator member 263 also rotate.

[0062] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 6 The interaction between the gear train 218 and the rotator assembly 214 will be described, causing the rotator assembly 214 to rotate. In an exemplary embodiment, the engagement plate 261 is a circular plate having a peripheral edge 264. The peripheral edge 264 of the engagement plate 261 includes a notch 265. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the rack 293, operatively connected to the driven gear 292 of the gear train 218, includes a protrusion 295 that is nested within a recess 265 in the peripheral edge 264 of the engagement plate 261. Therefore, when the rack 293 moves through interaction with the driven gear 292 of the gear train 218, this movement is imparted to the engagement plate 261 because the protrusion 295 of the rack 293 is located within the recess 265 of the engagement plate 261. Thus, when the rack 293 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, the engagement plate 261 (and therefore the entire rotator assembly 214) moves by the same amount in the same direction.

[0063] Reference Figure 4A , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The rotator component 263 is directly connected to the distal end of the shaft 262. As a result, when the engaging plate 261 and the shaft 262 rotate due to the engagement between the engaging plate 261 and the rack 293, the rotator component 263 also rotates. In an exemplary embodiment, the engaging plate 261 and the shaft 262 form part of an integral structure (e.g., see...). Figure 9The rotator member 263 is mechanically connected to the shaft 262. The rotator member 263 includes a hub portion 266 and a plurality of engaging members 224 extending circumferentially spaced from the hub portion 266. Each engaging member 224 terminates at a distal edge 225, which, in an exemplary embodiment, is concave. The purpose of making the distal edge 225 of the engaging member 224 concave will be better understood from the following description of the interaction between the rotator member 263 and the internal telescopic element 210. In alternative embodiments, the distal edge 225 of the engaging member 224 may also be convex, which will also be discussed below.

[0064] refer to Figure 7 The internal telescopic element 210 will be described in more detail, followed by... Figure 8 and Figure 9 Additional description is provided to illustrate the interaction between the rotator member 263 of the rotator assembly 214 and the internal telescopic element 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal telescopic element 210 is a cylindrical structure (or more specifically, an annular structure) having an inner surface 310 and an outer surface 311. Furthermore, the internal telescopic element 210 extends along a central axis ZZ from the bottom end 312 to the top end 313. The internal telescopic element 210 is a hollow annular structure, such that its inner surface 310 surrounds an empty space. Additionally, openings are formed in the top end 312 and the bottom end 313 of the internal telescopic element 210.

[0065] The internal telescopic element 210 includes a plurality of vertically extending protrusions 220 that extend circumferentially spaced from the inner surface 310. In an exemplary embodiment, three vertically extending protrusions 220 are present, but more or fewer than three vertically extending protrusions 220 may be used in various different embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the vertically extending protrusions 220 extends from the bottom end 312 of the internal telescopic element 210 to the top end 313 of the internal telescopic element 210, although the exact height of the vertically extending protrusions 220 may vary in alternative embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the vertically extending protrusions 220 has a convex outer surface 221 facing the central axis ZZ of the internal telescopic element 210 to facilitate engagement with the distal edge 225 of the engagement member 224 of the rotator member 263, as referenced below. Figure 8 and Figure 9 Further description.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the vertically extending protrusion 220 can be replaced by a vertically extending recess or depression having the same geographic signature. The vertically extending protrusion 220 is designed to engage with the recessed distal end 225 of the engaging member 224, while the vertically extending recess will be designed to engage with the engaging member 224 (if they have a convex distal end). Of course, other features can be provided as alternatives to the vertically extending protrusion 220 and the engaging member 224, while still ensuring that the rotator member 263 can be operatively connected to the internal telescopic element 210, as described herein.

[0067] The internal telescopic element 210 also includes a plurality of ramp elements. Each ramp element 226 extends along a portion of the inner surface 310 of the internal telescopic element 210, and as it extends circumferentially, it also extends from the bottom end 312 to the top end 313 of the internal telescopic element 210. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the ramp element 226 is helical. The ramp element 226 protrudes from the inner surface 310 of the internal telescopic element 210, and the ramp element 226 includes a top surface 314 and a bottom surface 315. In the exemplary embodiment, three ramp elements 226 are present, but in other embodiments, a different number of ramp elements may be used. Each of the ramp elements 226 extends between two adjacent vertically extending protrusions 220. Thus, each of the ramp elements 226 has a first end 316 and a second end 317, the first end 316 being connected to or adjacent to the outer surface of one of the vertically extending protrusions 220, and the second end 317 being connected to or adjacent to the outer surface of the other vertical portion of the vertically extending protrusion 220. The ramp element 226 is arranged spirally such that its first end 316 and second end 317 are at different heights.

[0068] Finally, the internal telescopic element 210 includes a plurality of protrusions 230 that extend radially outward from the outer surface 311 of the internal telescopic element 210 at its tip 313. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the protrusions 230 protrudes from the outer surface 311 and / or from the tip 313 of the internal telescopic element 210. The protrusions 230 are arranged in a circumferentially spaced manner. In an exemplary embodiment, three protrusions 230 are present, although more or fewer than three protrusions 230 may be used in other embodiments. The protrusions 230 interact with portions of the outer telescopic element 212 to facilitate the telescopic movement of the movable support member 202 during transition between its lowest and highest positions.

[0069] Turn again Figure 8 and 9The interaction between the rotator member 263 of the rotator assembly 214 and the internal telescopic element 210 of the movable support member 202 will be described. As described above, the rotator member 263 is suspended inside the internal telescopic element 210 due to its connection with the shaft 262. Furthermore, the rotator member 263 is oriented such that each of the engaging members 224 of the rotator member 263 aligns with one of the vertically extending protrusions 220 of the internal telescopic element 210. More specifically, the concave distal edge 225 of each engaging member 224 contacts the outer surface 221 of one of the vertically extending protrusions 220. Due to this contact, when the rotator member 263 rotates via its operably connected connection to the gear train 218 and the motor 216, the internal telescopic element 210 also rotates. Furthermore, since the two components are connected to each other, the internal telescopic element 210 will rotate by the same amount / distance as the rotator member 263.

[0070] Moreover, such as Figure 8 As shown (and as will be described below) Figure 13 and 14 In the middle, the lifting element 228 of the base component 205 engages with the ramp element 226 of the internal telescopic element 210. More specifically, the driven member 229 of each lifting element 228 includes a channel 239 (in Figure 4A (Ref. 9 and 14) The ramp element 226 is nested within the channel 239. As described above, the lifting element 228 and its driven member 229 are integrally formed with the base member 205, and therefore they are fixed or immovable. Thus, when the inner telescopic element 210 rotates counterclockwise (due to its engagement with the rotating element 263), it is forced to move vertically upward. When the inner telescopic element 210 rotates clockwise, it is forced to move vertically downward. Specifically, because the ramp element 226 is helical, when the inner telescopic element 210 rotates, the engagement between the ramp element 226 and the lifting element 228 forces the inner telescopic element 210 to move vertically upward and downward according to the direction of rotation of the inner telescopic element 210.

[0071] Therefore, when the internal telescopic element 210 rotates clockwise, the lifting element 228 engages with the ramp element 226, and the internal telescopic element 210 rises vertically with its rotation. When the internal telescopic element 210 rotates counterclockwise, the lifting element 228 engages with the ramp element 226, and the internal telescopic element 210 descends vertically with its rotation. As the vertically extending protrusion 220 extends vertically from the highest edge to the lowest edge of the internal telescopic element 210, the engaging portion 224 of the rotator member 263 remains in contact with the internal telescopic element 210 throughout its vertical movement. It should be understood that the components of the rotator assembly 214 (engaging plate 261, shaft 262, and rotator member 263) rotate, but they do not move vertically upward or downward. Instead, the internal telescopic element 210 moves upward / downward relative to the rotator assembly 214, and the rotator assembly 214 remains at the same height. In other words, the movable support member 202 moves upward / downward, but the rotator assembly 214 does not move.

[0072] Reference Figure 10 and 11 The external telescopic element 212 will be described. Because the external telescopic element 212 has a hollow interior, it is typically cylindrical, or more specifically, annular. The external telescopic element 212 includes an inner surface 320 and an outer surface 321, and extends along a central axis YY from a bottom end 322 to a top end 323. Because the external telescopic element 212 is annular, its inner surface 320 surrounds an empty space and has openings at both the bottom end 322 and the top end 323. The external telescopic element 212 includes a plurality of tracks 232 on the inner surface 320. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, three tracks 232 are present, but more or fewer tracks 232 may be used in other embodiments. Each track 232 includes a first protrusion 324 and a second protrusion 325, which are spaced apart from each other by gaps in the channels 326 forming the track 232.

[0073] Each track 232 is helical because it extends around a portion of the inner surface 320 of the outer telescopic element 212, and as it extends circumferentially, it also extends upward or downward (depending on the circumferential direction). Thus, the track 232 has a first end 327 and a second end 328, the first end 327 being located at or adjacent to the bottom end 322 of the outer telescopic element 212, and the second end 328 being located at or adjacent to the top end 323 of the outer telescopic element 212, the first end 327 and the second end 328 being offset from each other circumferentially.

[0074] The external telescopic element 212 also includes a first annular flange 329 extending radially inward from the inner surface 320 along its bottom end 322 and a second annular flange 330 extending radially inward from the inner surface 320 along its top end 323. A first end 327 of the track 232 abuts the first annular flange 329, and a second end 328 of the track 232 abuts the second annular flange 330. As will be further described below, the protrusion 230 of the internal telescopic element 210 travels along the track 232 within its channel 326, thus the first annular flange 329 and the second annular flange 330 prevent the protrusion 230 from being removed from the channel 326 of the track 232.

[0075] Finally, the external telescopic element 212 includes an anti-rotation member 331. In an exemplary embodiment, the anti-rotation member 331 is a protrusion extending from the outer surface 321 of the external telescopic element 212. Brief Reference Figure 1 In the assembled beverage dispensing device 100, the anti-rotation component 331 of the external telescopic element 212 is nested within the recess (or anti-rotation component) 101 of the beverage dispensing device 100. This interaction between the anti-rotation component 331 and the recess 101 ensures that the external telescopic element 212 does not rotate. As will be understood from the following description, preventing rotation of the external telescopic element 212 ensures that the external telescopic element 212 can move vertically rather than simply rotating into place. Therefore, the engagement of the anti-rotation component 331 in the vertically extending recess 101 (or guide rail) prevents rotation of the external telescopic element 212 and restricts its movement path to pure vertical translation, thereby preventing rotation.

[0076] Although the anti-rotation part 331 is illustrated as a protrusion in the exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to all embodiments. In some embodiments, the anti-rotation part 331 may be a recess, and the beverage dispensing device 100 may include a protrusion that interacts with the recess to prevent rotation of the external telescopic element 212. Other structural components of the anti-rotation part 331 are also possible within the scope of the invention set forth herein.

[0077] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5 A perforated cover element 215 is provided on the upper surface of the movable support member 202, on which a beverage container can be placed during use. The perforations in the cover element 215 allow waste liquid to be discharged into the cavity 294 (i.e., waste liquid compartment) of the base member 205.

[0078] Figure 12 It shows along Figure 5This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of the support member 270 of the beverage container support assembly 300. This view shows the interaction between the driven member 229 of the lifting member 228 and the ramp element 226 of the internal telescopic element 210. The interaction between the rotator member 263 and the internal telescopic element 210 is also visible. However, the interaction between the protrusion 230 of the internal telescopic element 210 and the track 232 of the external telescopic element 212 is not shown in this view, but this interaction is... Figure 13 and 14 The text is a mix of Chinese characters and symbols, and doesn't form coherent sentences. A direct translation isn't possible without further Figure 13 and 14 Describe it. Figure 12 The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are consistent with the descriptions provided above, to provide an understanding of the interactions between all the various components, parts, and elements. For the sake of brevity, they are combined with... Figure 12 Detailed descriptions of each component will not be provided.

[0079] Now refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The interaction between the components of the movable support member 202 and the rotator assembly 214 that allows the movable support member 202 to move vertically for height adjustment will be described. Figure 13 The movable support member 202 in its lowest position is shown, and Figure 14 The movable support member 202 in its highest position is shown. This can be seen, and will be referred to again... Figure 15 and Figure 17 The movable support member 202 is configured such that its height at the highest position is more than twice that at the lowest position. When the components of the movable support member 202 are fully assembled, the inner telescopic element 210 is located inside the outer telescopic element 212, and the rotator member 263 is located inside the inner telescopic element 212. These components are arranged concentrically in the exemplary embodiment.

[0080] As can be seen from these figures, the engaging member 224 of the rotator member 263 contacts the vertically extending protrusion 220 of the internal telescopic element, so that any rotational movement of the rotator member 263 (which occurs because it is operably connected to the gear train 218 and rack 293 via the engaging plate 26l) will result in the same rotational movement of the internal telescopic element 210. Furthermore, each of the ramp elements 226 of the internal telescopic element 210 is located within the channel 239 of the driven member 229 of one of the lifting members 228. Therefore, when the internal telescopic element 210 rotates through the rotator member 263, the ramp elements 226 of the internal telescopic element 210 travel within the channel 239 of the driven member 229 of the lifting member 228, which causes the internal telescopic element 210 to move vertically upward. Specifically, because the ramp elements 226 are helical, with their two ends at different heights, when the inner telescopic element 210 rotates, it will be forced upward as long as the ramp elements 226 are within the channel 239 of the driven member 229 of the lifting member 228. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the driven member 229 may include parts such as protrusions that have the same effect, nested within the helical channel or within the track on the inner surface 310 of the inner telescopic element 210.

[0081] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown and described above, the protrusion 230 of the inner telescopic element 210 is positioned within the track 232 of the outer telescopic element 212, more specifically, within the channel 326 of the track 232. The protrusion 230 is prevented from being removed from the channel 326 of the track 232 by the first annular flange 329 and the second annular flange 330. Furthermore, due to the anti-rotation part 331 of the outer telescopic element 212 and the aforementioned recess 101 (in... Figure 13 and 14 The interaction between the inner telescopic element 210 (not shown) and the outer telescopic element 212 prevents it from rotating. As a result, as the inner telescopic element 210 rotates and moves upward, the protrusion 230 travels within the channel 326 of the track 232, causing the outer telescopic element 212 to also move upward. Therefore, because both the inner and outer telescopic elements 210 and 212 move upward simultaneously, each upward movement of the movable support member 202 is doubled. The outer telescopic element 212 moves not only because the inner telescopic element 210 moves, but also, when the inner telescopic element 210 also moves vertically, the outer telescopic element 212 moves vertically relative to the inner telescopic element 210. Therefore, if the inner telescopic element 210 moves vertically a first distance, the outer telescopic element 210 will move vertically a second distance, which is greater than the first distance.

[0082] Specifically, when the movable support member 202 moves vertically upward, the distance between the top end 313 of the inner telescopic element 210 and the top end 323 of the outer telescopic element 212 increases because the outer telescopic element 212 moves relative to the inner telescopic element. Similarly, when the movable support member 202 moves vertically downward, the distance between the top end 313 of the inner telescopic element 210 and the top end 323 of the outer telescopic element 212 decreases because the outer telescopic element 212 moves relative to the inner telescopic element 210.

[0083] Furthermore, it should be understood that by reversing the direction of the motor, the components will rotate in the opposite direction, causing the movable support member 202 (internal telescopic element 210 and external telescopic element 212) to move downwards instead of upwards. Using the above-described interaction and components, the movable support member 202 can move from its lowest position ( Figure 13 Move to the highest position ( Figure 14 And any position therein. It should be understood that once the actuation assembly 209 is activated to rotate the motor 216 (and the gears of the gear train 218), both the internal telescopic element 210 and the external telescopic element move simultaneously toward or away from the beverage dispensing outlet 204.

[0084] Therefore, when the inner telescopic element 210 rotates and the protrusion 230 rotates, they are pushed along the track 232. As described above, in the exemplary embodiment, the outer telescopic element 212 does not rotate with the inner telescopic element 210. Therefore, when the inner telescopic element 210 rotates, the protrusion 230 pushes the outer telescopic element 212 vertically upward (or downward). Specifically, when the inner telescopic element 210 rotates clockwise, the interaction between the protrusion 230 and the track 232 forces the outer telescopic element 212 to move vertically upward because the track 232 is inclined downward in a clockwise direction. Similarly, when the inner telescopic element 210 rotates counterclockwise, because the track 232 is inclined upward in a counterclockwise direction, the interaction between the protrusion 230 and the track 232 forces the outer telescopic element 212 to move vertically downward.

[0085] Because both the inner telescopic element 210 and the outer telescopic element 212 have their own helical ramps, this arrangement is generally described herein as a "double helix" configuration. The helical track 232 and the helical ramp 226 are angled in opposite directions. Specifically, as the inner telescopic element 210 and the outer telescopic element 212 move clockwise, the helical ramp 226 is angled upwards, while the helical track 232 is angled downwards. This configuration significantly increases the vertical distance that the movable support member 202 can travel with only a small-angle rotation of the motor 216. Therefore, the movable support member 202 can accommodate a wide range of container heights. Of course, although the movable support member 202 is configured as described above in the exemplary embodiment, it should be understood that other configurations for adjusting the height or vertical position of the beverage container support are also possible.

[0086] Now for reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 The arrangement and operation of the beverage container support device 200 will be described with reference to the entire beverage dispensing device 100 and not just its movable support member 202. Figure 15 It shows the direction along arrow XV-XV. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the beverage dispensing device 100 as seen from a plane is shown. Figure 16 It shows the opposite direction indicated by arrows XVI-XVI. Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the beverage dispensing device 100 as viewed from a plane. The following description will include a discussion of the sensor device 203 and its role in the overall operation of the beverage dispensing device 100.

[0087] The beverage container support device 200 includes a height-adjustable beverage container support, in this case, a movable support member 202 of the aforementioned beverage container support assembly 300. As described above, the movable support member 202 is height-adjustable, allowing it to be configured to support the beverage container at multiple different support positions. In other words, the movable support member 202 can support the beverage container at a range of different vertical heights. The beverage container support device 200 also includes an actuation component 209 configured to adjust the height of the movable support member 202. An exemplary actuation component 209 has been discussed above, but other types of actuators are conceivable. Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the movable support member 202 is arranged at its lowest vertical position. When not performing vending machine operation, the beverage dispensing device 100 is configured to hold the movable support member 202 at this lowest position.

[0088] The sensor device 203 of the beverage container support assembly 200 includes a beverage container edge detector 236, which includes an edge emitter 236a and an edge receiver 236b, disposed on opposite sides of the beverage container support assembly 200 at a vertical position near the beverage dispensing outlet 204. The beverage container edge detector 236 is configured to determine whether the highest portion of the beverage container supported by the beverage container support assembly 300 is in a suitable position for dispensing beverage into the beverage container. Specifically, the edge emitter 236a emits light, such as infrared light, which is measured to have intensity at the edge receiver 236b when there is no obstruction between the edge emitter 236a and the edge receiver 236b. If an object is placed between the edge emitter 236a and the edge receiver 236b, the intensity measured at the edge receiver 236b decreases, indicating the presence of an object at the vertical position of the edge detector 236. Therefore, if the edge or highest part of the beverage container interrupts the line of sight between the edge transmitter 236a and the edge receiver 236b, it can be detected. This type of sensor transmitter-receiver detector should be referred to herein as a beam interruption detector.

[0089] The beverage container support 200 also includes a first beverage container detector 238, which is disposed at a low vertical position near the support surface of the movable support member 202. The first beverage container detector 238 includes a first transmitter 238a and a first receiver 238b, and functions as a beam interruption detector in a manner similar to the edge detector 236 described above. The first beverage container detector 238 is configured to determine whether a beverage container is present on the beverage container support 202. It should be understood that placing a beverage container on the beverage container support 202 will interrupt the line of sight between the first transmitter 238a and the first receiver 238b. An exemplary container V is... Figure 16 The image is shown in a ghosted form, illustrating how a container can interrupt the line of sight of the first beverage container detector 238 and be detected.

[0090] The beverage container support 200 also includes a second beverage container detector 240, which is positioned at an intermediate vertical position between the beverage container edge detector 236 and the first beverage container detector 238. Like the other detectors 236 and 238, the second beverage container detector 240 includes a second transmitter 240a and a second receiver 240b, and is configured as a beam interruption detector. The second beverage container detector 240 is also configured to determine whether a beverage container is present on the beverage container support.

[0091] The height-adjustable movable support member 202 has multiple support positions, including as follows: Figure 15 and Figure 16 The lowest support position shown in the figure and as follows Figure 17 and 18 The highest support position is shown. The movable support member 202 can also take multiple intermediate support positions between the lowest and highest support positions shown.

[0092] Since the beverage container support 200 defaults to the movable support member 202 when no beverage is being sold, the beverage container support 200 will be set to this position by default. Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown in the lowest position, when a user places a beverage container on the movable support member 20, the beverage container will always be detected by the lower first beverage container detector 238, provided the container has sufficient height to interrupt the line of sight of the detector 238. The vertical position of the first beverage container detector 238 is configured such that the most typical beverage container should be detected. In this embodiment, any beverage container with a height of at least 50 mm should be detected by the first beverage container detector 238. Therefore, when placed at the lowest position of the beverage container support member 202, any container exceeding this minimum height will be detected. Therefore, the second beverage container detector 238 is redundant at this time and is not used to save power.

[0093] When a user requests vending machine operation, the beverage container support 200 first uses the first beverage container detector 238 to check if a beverage container is already placed on the movable support member 20. If no container is detected, an alarm can be presented to the user, such as a visual or audible alarm, because no container is present or the existing container is too small for vending to proceed. If the first beverage container detector 238 detects the presence of a container, then the edge detector 236 is used to determine if the highest point or edge of the container is in the appropriate position for dispensing the beverage. If the edge of the container is too low (or too far from the beverage dispensing outlet 204), dispensing the beverage into the container may cause it to spill, resulting in a mess. Therefore, it is generally desirable for the edge of the container to be located at or near the edge detector 236.

[0094] If edge detector 236 detects an edge at the appropriate height, dispensing begins. However, if edge detector 236 does not detect an edge, motor 216 is activated to raise movable support member 202, as detailed above. For taller beverage containers, only a small lift of movable support member 202 may be required for the edge to be detected. If an edge is detected during the lifting of beverage container support assembly 300, motor 216 is deactivated. However, if the container is removed during the lifting operation, its presence must be re-verified to prevent beverage dispensing. For taller containers, movable support member 202 may not be raised above the vertical position of the first beverage container detector 238; in this case, the container's presence can be re-verified by the same detector. However, for smaller beverage containers, the beverage container support may have already been raised above the first beverage container detector 238.

[0095] Figure 17 and 18 The illustration shows a scenario where the movable support member 202 has been raised above the vertical position of the first beverage container detector 238. In this case, the first beverage container detector 238 is no longer able to determine whether a container still exists on the beverage container support assembly 300 because it is now blocked by the movable support member 202. In this particular configuration, as shown in FIG18, the container V is actually too short to be detected by the edge detector 236, therefore the movable support member 202 has been raised to its highest vertical limit position. The range of the movable support member 202 below the first beverage container detector 238 can be referred to as the lower position, and the range of the movable support member 202 above the detector 238 can be referred to as the upper position. The vertical position of the first beverage container detector 238 can be referred to as the cross position, for the reasons that will become apparent below.

[0096] An encoder or similar device (not shown) may be provided to determine the height or vertical position of the movable support member 202. After the lifting of the movable support member 202 stops due to edge detection or reaches its highest limit position, if it is determined that the movable support member 202 is above the intersection position where the first beverage container detector 238 is blocked, it is determined that the second beverage container detector 240 must now be used. The highest support position of the movable support member 202 is below the vertical position of the second beverage container detector 240, so detector 240 can always be used to detect the presence of containers at all positions of the beverage container support assembly 300.

[0097] Therefore, the beverage container support device 200 is configured such that when the movable support member 202 is in a support position below the vertical position (also referred to as the cross position) of the first beverage container detector 238, the first beverage container detector 238 detects the presence of a beverage container before dispensing the beverage, and when the movable support member 202 is in a support position above the vertical position of the first beverage container detector 238, the second beverage container detector 240 detects the presence of a beverage container before dispensing the beverage. A controller can be provided to perform the operation method of the beverage dispensing device described herein, particularly the beverage container support device 200.

[0098] Therefore, the beverage container support 200 according to the invention can provide a beverage container support 200 for a beverage dispensing device 100, which can accommodate or allow a wider range of beverage container sizes through automatic and safe operation. In particular, to provide automatic operation and beverage container positioning for containers across a wide range of container heights, a greater range of vertical movement of the movable support member 202 of the beverage container support assembly 300 must be provided. However, this may mean that at higher positions on the support required for small containers, the movable support member 202 may obstruct the beverage container sensor or prevent it from detecting the presence of a container. Therefore, by providing an additional beverage container detector at a higher vertical position, the presence of the container can still be verified during vending operation to prevent vending (if the container is removed during vending operation). Furthermore, these aspects allow for the use of very small containers, where even at the highest support position, the edge of the container does not reach the edge detector, because the additional beverage container detector can verify the presence of the container when the edge detector and the lower container may be unavailable. In addition, since the movable support member 202 can block the first beverage container detector, the movable support member 202 can also be used to test whether the beverage container support actuator is operating correctly, because after the actuator's predetermined operation (e.g., a fixed number of motor revolutions), the detector should give a positive signal.

[0099] refer to Figure 15 When the movable support member 202 is in its lowest position, the movable support member 202 may have a first height H1 measured from the bottom surface 199 of the base member 201 to the top surface 198 of the movable support member 202. Furthermore, referring to... Figure 17When the movable support member 202 is in its highest position, the movable support member 202 may have a second height H2 measured from the bottom surface 199 of the base member 201 to the top surface 198 of the movable support member 202. In some embodiments, the second height H2 may be at least twice the first height H1. In other embodiments, the second height H2 may be greater than twice the first height H1. Therefore, the ratio of H2 to H1 may be at least 2:1, or at least 2.1:1 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the first height H1 may be between 42 mm and 52 mm, more specifically between 45 mm and 50 mm, and H2 may be between 95 mm and 105 mm, more specifically between 98 mm and 102 mm.

[0100] Furthermore, in its lowest position, the movable support member 202 has a third height H3 measured from its bottom surface 197 to its top surface 198. In its highest position, the movable support member 202 has a fourth height H4 measured from its bottom surface 197 to its top surface 198. Therefore, in some embodiments, the ratio of the third height H3 to the fourth height H4 may be at least 1.5:1, or in other embodiments at least 1.6:1, or in other embodiments at least 1.7:1. In some embodiments, the third height H3 may be between 63 mm and 73 mm, and more specifically between 65 mm and 70 mm, and the fourth height may be between 35 mm and 45 mm, and more specifically between 38 mm and 42 mm.

[0101] The beverage container support 200 also includes a beverage container positioning element 242, which defines a preferred position for the beverage container on the movable support member 202. When positioned in the preferred position, the beverage container edge detector 236, the first beverage container detector 238, and the second beverage container detector 240 can be configured or positioned substantially or approximately coincident with the tangent of a beverage container having a circular cross-section (optionally a straight-edged cylindrical beverage container). This can improve the detection of transparent or translucent containers, since the thickest part of the container may be located between the transmitter and receiver of the detector.

[0102] Therefore, using the components described herein, the height of the movable support member 202 is adjustable such that its top surface 198 can be positioned at different heights relative to a horizontal support surface (such as a workbench), on which the beverage dispensing device 100 is positioned. In other words, the height of the movable support member 202 is adjustable such that its top surface 198 is located at different distances below the beverage dispensing outlet 204. Figure 15 and Figure 17As shown, the movement of the movable support member 202 changes the distance between the top surface 198 of the movable support member 202 and the beverage dispensing outlet 204. Therefore, compared with... Figure 17 Compared to the highest position, in Figure 15 The top surface 198 of the lowest position movable support member 202 is further away from the beverage dispensing outlet 204. The top surface 198 of the movable support member 202 can be located at... Figure 15 The lowest position and Figure 17 The distance between the highest and lowest positions, and therefore the distance between the top surface 198 of the movable support member 202 and the beverage dispensing outlet 204, can be any position. Figure 15 The distance shown and Figure 17 Any distance between the distances shown.

[0103] It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts described herein. Unless mutually exclusive, any feature may be used alone or in combination with any other feature, and the present invention extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.

Claims

1. A beverage container support device for a beverage dispensing apparatus, comprising: A movable support member configured to support a beverage container at multiple different support positions; An actuation component configured to adjust the height of the movable support member; A beverage container edge detector is arranged at a first vertical position and configured to determine whether the highest part of the beverage container supported by the movable support member is in an appropriate position for dispensing beverage into the beverage container; A first beverage container detector is arranged at a second vertical position below the first vertical position of the beverage container edge detector and configured to determine whether the beverage container is present on the movable support member. as well as A second beverage container detector is arranged at a third vertical position and configured to determine whether the beverage container is present on the movable support member, the third vertical position being located between the first vertical position of the beverage container edge detector and the second vertical position of the first beverage container detector. The movable support member includes a minimum support position and a maximum support position, as well as a plurality of intermediate support positions located between the minimum support position and the maximum support position. Wherein, when the movable support member is located at a support position below the second vertical position of the first beverage container detector, the first beverage container detector is used to detect the presence of the beverage container; and When the movable support member is in a support position above the second vertical position of the first beverage container detector, the second beverage container detector is used to detect the presence of the beverage container.

2. The beverage container support device according to claim 1, wherein, The beverage container edge detector and one or more of the first beverage container detector and the second beverage container detector are optical detectors.

3. The beverage container support device according to claim 1, wherein: When the movable support member is in the lowest support position, the first beverage container detector is operable to determine whether the beverage container is present on the movable support member; as well as When the movable support member is in the highest support position, the second beverage container detector is operable to determine whether the beverage container is present on the movable support member.

4. The beverage container support device according to claim 1, wherein, The highest support position of the movable support member is above the second vertical position of the first beverage container detector, thereby preventing the first beverage container detector from detecting the presence of the beverage container when the movable support member is in the highest support position.

5. The beverage container support device according to claim 4, wherein, The upper part of the plurality of intermediate support positions is above the second vertical position of the first beverage container detector, so that when the movable support member is located at the intermediate support position of the upper part of the plurality of intermediate support positions, the first beverage container detector is prohibited from detecting the presence of the beverage container.

6. The beverage container support device according to claim 5, wherein, Above the highest support position and the plurality of intermediate support positions, the movable support member blocks the first beverage container detector, thereby preventing the detection of the beverage container by the first beverage container detector.

7. The beverage container support device according to claim 1, wherein, The highest support position of the movable support member is below the third vertical position of the second beverage container detector, such that the second beverage container detector is operable to detect the beverage container on the movable support member at the highest support position.

8. The beverage container support device according to claim 1, wherein, The lowest support position of the movable support member is below the second vertical position of the first beverage container detector, such that the first beverage container detector is operable to detect the beverage container on the movable support member at the lowest support position.

9. The beverage container support device according to claim 1, further comprising a beverage container positioning element, the beverage container positioning element defining a preferred position of the beverage container on the movable support member, wherein, When the preferred position is located, the beverage container edge detector and one or more of the first beverage container detector and the second beverage container detector are positioned to substantially coincide with the tangent of the beverage container having a circular cross-section.

10. A beverage dispensing device, comprising: Beverage dispensing outlet, used to dispense beverages into beverage containers; The beverage container support device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the movable support member is configured to support the beverage container at a plurality of different support locations relative to the beverage container dispensing outlet.

11. A method of operating a beverage dispensing device including a beverage container support, comprising: Position the movable support component at the lowest support position; A first beverage container detector located at a first vertical position above the lowest support position is used to detect whether a beverage container is present on the movable support member. The beverage container edge detector is used to detect whether the highest part of the beverage container, supported by the movable support member, is in the appropriate position for dispensing beverage into the beverage container; and a) If it is detected that the beverage container is present on the movable support member and the highest part of the beverage container is in the proper position, then dispense the beverage; or b) If it is detected that the beverage container is present on the movable support member and the highest part of the beverage container is not in the proper position, then lift the movable support member; Then determine whether the support position of the movable support member is above the first vertical position of the first beverage container detector; as well as If it is determined that the support position is above the first beverage container detector, then a second beverage container detector located at a second vertical position above the first beverage container detector is used to detect whether the beverage container is on the movable support member; If it is determined that the support position is below the first beverage container detector, the first beverage container detector is used to detect whether the beverage container is present on the movable support member.

12. A method of operating the beverage dispensing device according to claim 11, further comprising: During the lifting of the movable support member and the use of the beverage container edge detector, it is detected whether the highest part of the beverage container supported by the movable support member is in the appropriate position for dispensing the beverage into the beverage container; and When the highest part of the beverage container is detected to be in the appropriate position, the lifting of the movable support member is stopped; The beverage is then dispensed.

13. A method of operating the beverage dispensing device according to claim 11, wherein: If, after the movable support member is raised to its highest position, the beverage container edge detector detects that the highest portion of the beverage container supported by the movable support member is no longer in the appropriate position for dispensing beverage into the beverage container, then... Then, the second beverage container detector is used to detect whether the beverage container still exists on the movable support member; as well as If the beverage container is still detected, the beverage is dispensed.

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