Raw material delivery device for use in an automatic beverage preparation machine

Abstract

The application discloses a raw material conveying device for an automatic beverage preparation machine, which comprises a flow stabilizer configured to buffer liquid raw material flowing therethrough, and a flow meter configured to measure the flow of the liquid raw material output by the flow stabilizer. The flow stabilizer comprises a seat body comprising a raw material inlet, a raw material outlet, and a raw material buffer cavity between the raw material inlet and the raw material outlet, a diaphragm covering the raw material buffer cavity, a fixing member on the diaphragm and having a hollow portion, and a blocking member. When the volume of the liquid raw material in the raw material buffer cavity exceeds a predetermined amount, the diaphragm is deformed and bulges outward, so that a part of the diaphragm enters the hollow portion of the fixing member. The flow stabilizer buffers the liquid raw material flowing therethrough, so that the accuracy of the flow meter in detecting the flow of the liquid raw material output by the flow stabilizer is greatly improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on March 31, 2021, with application number 202110349136.3 and invention title "Raw material conveying device for automatic beverage mixing machine, and related discharge quantity detection device and flow stabilizing device". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the technology of automated beverage preparation apparatus, and more particularly to a raw material conveying device for automated beverage preparation apparatus, and related discharge quantity detection device and flow stabilization device. Background Technology

[0003] For many consumers, freshly made beverages are more appealing than factory-produced canned or bottled drinks in terms of freshness, taste, and / or the flexibility to customize ingredients. Therefore, many food service operators offer a variety of freshly made beverages to meet customer demand. However, the traditional method of manually preparing freshly made beverages has many drawbacks. For example, it's difficult to maintain consistent taste, training staff requires considerable time and cost, and the process often consumes a significant amount of manual labor. Due to rising labor costs and other factors (such as the impact of the pandemic or inflation leading to increased operating costs), many businesses have begun to utilize various machines and equipment to provide or assist in the preparation of freshly made beverages, thereby reducing the required manual time and costs.

[0004] As is well known, many ingredients in freshly made beverages are liquids with a higher viscosity than water, such as honey, various syrups, soy milk, nut puree, concentrated fruit juice, fruit juice containing fruit fiber, tea liquids containing small particles (e.g., tapioca pearls or pearls), milk-based liquids, edible oils, or other thicker liquid ingredients. However, traditional beverage preparation machines lack mechanisms to accurately measure the amount of these types of liquid ingredients used, often resulting in undesirable situations where the liquid volume of the freshly made beverage does not meet expectations or the taste deviates. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, how to improve the accuracy of beverage mixing machine in controlling the liquid volume of freshly made beverages and maintain the consistency of the flavor of freshly made beverages is a technical problem that needs to be solved.

[0006] This invention provides an embodiment of a raw material conveying device for an automatic beverage mixing machine, comprising: a flow stabilizing device configured to buffer liquid raw materials flowing through the flow stabilizing device; a flow meter coupled to the flow stabilizing device configured to measure the flow rate of the liquid raw materials output by the flow stabilizing device; a raw material output pipe; and a duckbill valve coupled to the raw material output pipe configured to output the liquid raw materials transmitted from the raw material output pipe; wherein the flow stabilizing device comprises: a body including a raw material inlet, a raw material outlet, and a raw material buffer chamber located between the raw material inlet and the raw material outlet, wherein the raw material inlet is used to conduct the received liquid raw materials to the raw material buffer chamber, and the raw material... A material buffer chamber is used to temporarily store liquid material flowing into the material buffer chamber, and a material outlet is used to convey the liquid material flowing through the material buffer chamber to the flow meter; a diaphragm covers the material buffer chamber; a fixing member is located on the diaphragm and has a hollow portion; and a blocking member is located inside the material buffer chamber and on the straight path between the material inlet and the material outlet, configured to prevent the liquid material from flowing directly from the material inlet to the material outlet in a straight line; wherein, when the volume of liquid material in the material buffer chamber exceeds a predetermined amount, the diaphragm will deform and bulge outward, so that a portion of the diaphragm enters the hollow portion of the fixing member.

[0007] One of the advantages of the above embodiments is that by using a flow stabilizing device to buffer the flowing liquid raw materials, the accuracy of the flow meter in detecting the flow of the liquid raw materials output by the flow stabilizing device can be greatly improved, thereby effectively improving the accuracy of automatic beverage mixing machine in controlling the liquid volume of freshly made beverages.

[0008] Another advantage of the above embodiments is that the automatic beverage preparation machine can accurately control the output of various liquid raw materials, thus maintaining the consistency of the flavor of freshly made beverages.

[0009] Another advantage of the above embodiments is that the automatic beverage preparation machine can not only effectively reduce the time and cost required for personnel training, but also significantly save the time required for personnel to handle freshly prepared beverages.

[0010] Other advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are provided to further understand this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of this application and are used to explain this application, and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a simplified perspective view of an automatic beverage mixing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figures 2 to 3 for Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram showing the spatial arrangement of some components in an automatic beverage mixing machine from different perspectives.

[0014] Figures 4 to 7 This is an exploded view of the raw material conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a simplified side view of a current stabilizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the flow stabilizing device in the diagram when the diaphragm deforms.

[0017] Figures 10 to 15 This is a simplified structural diagram of the base of the current stabilizing device of the present invention.

[0018] Symbol explanation:

[0019] 100...Automatic beverage preparation apparatus

[0020] 101...Upper chamber

[0021] 103...lower chamber

[0022] 105...Neck chamber

[0023] 107...Connecting Channel

[0024] 109...Control Panel

[0025] 110... Pump

[0026] 120... damper device

[0027] 130... Flowmeter

[0028] 140... Material output tube

[0029] 150... Duckbill valve

[0030] 160... connecting plate

[0031] 180... Material container

[0032] 182...Outlet connector

[0033] 190... Beverage container

[0034] 400... Material dispensing device

[0035] 402... Material output volume detecting device

[0036] 412...Material inlet

[0037] 414...Material outlet

[0038] 420...damper base

[0039] 421...Material entrance hole

[0040] 423...Material exit hole

[0041] 425... Material buffer chamber

[0042] 427...flow guiding element

[0043] 429...block element

[0044] 430...diaphragm

[0045] 440...Fastening element

[0046] 442... Hollow portion

[0047] 450...Restriction element

[0048] 492...First connector

[0049] 494...Second connector

[0050] 496...Third connector Detailed Implementation

[0051] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or method flows.

[0052] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 . Figure 1 This is a simplified perspective view of an automatic beverage mixing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2 to 3 This is a simplified schematic diagram showing the spatial arrangement of some components in an automatic beverage mixing machine 100 from different perspectives.

[0053] The automatic beverage mixing machine 100 includes an upper receiving cavity 101, a lower receiving cavity 103, a neck receiving cavity 105, one or more connecting channels 107, and a control panel 109.

[0054] To avoid making the diagrams too complex, Figure 1 The exterior outline of the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 is deliberately shown with dashed lines, while the internal components, which will be described in more detail later, are drawn with solid lines. Please note that... Figure 1 The appearance of the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 shown is a simplified schematic diagram for the purpose of illustration and is not limited to the actual shape of the automatic beverage mixing machine 100.

[0055] The upper cavity 101 of the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 can be connected to the neck cavity 105, and can also be connected to the lower cavity 103 through the connecting channel 107. Related wires, signal lines, connectors, and / or material transmission pipes can be arranged inside the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 in various suitable ways.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 also includes multiple pumps 110, multiple flow stabilizers 120, multiple flow meters 130, multiple raw material output pipes 140, multiple duckbill valves 150, and a connecting plate 160.

[0057] The aforementioned multiple pumps 110 can be connected to other components through various suitable material delivery pipelines and connectors, and can be arranged in various suitable spatial configurations within the upper accommodating cavity 101, without being limited by any other configuration. Figures 1 to 3 The spatial configuration shown.

[0058] The aforementioned multiple flow stabilizing devices 120 and multiple flow meters 130 can be connected to other components through various suitable raw material conveying pipelines and connectors, and can be installed in the upper receiving cavity 101 and / or the neck receiving cavity 105 in various suitable spatial configurations, without being limited by... Figures 1 to 3 The spatial configuration shown.

[0059] The aforementioned multiple raw material output pipes 140 can be connected to other components through various suitable raw material delivery pipelines and connectors, and can be arranged in various suitable spatial configurations within the neck receiving cavity 105, without being limited by... Figures 1 to 3 The spatial configuration shown.

[0060] The aforementioned plurality of duckbill valves 150 can be disposed on the connecting plate 160 in various suitable removable manner, and the connecting plate 160 can be disposed below the neck receiving cavity 105 in various suitable removable manner, without being limited to Figures 1 to 3 The spatial configuration is illustrated. Additionally, the input end of each duckbill valve 150 can be connected to the output end of a corresponding material output pipe 140 via various suitable material delivery pipelines and connectors. The output end and connecting plate 160 of each duckbill valve 150 can be exposed outside the neck cavity 105 to facilitate related cleaning procedures by the user.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the lower accommodating cavity 103 of the automatic beverage preparation machine 100 can be used to hold multiple ingredient containers 180. Different ingredient containers 180 can be used to store different liquid ingredients required for preparing freshly made beverages. Each ingredient container 180 has an output connector 182, which can be connected to a corresponding component, such as a corresponding pump 110 or a flow stabilizer 120, through various suitable ingredient delivery pipelines and connectors.

[0062] exist Figures 1 to 3 The number of pumps 110, flow stabilizers 120, flow meters 130, raw material output pipes 140, duckbill valves 150, and connecting discs 160 shown in the illustration is only an exemplary embodiment and not a limitation on the actual implementation of the present invention.

[0063] In the automatic beverage mixing machine 100, a pump 110, a flow stabilizing device 120, a flow meter 130, a raw material output pipe 140, and a duckbill valve 150 are connected in series through a suitable raw material conveying pipeline to form a raw material conveying device. In this embodiment, the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 contains multiple sets of raw material conveying devices, each responsible for conveying liquid raw materials from different raw material containers 180 to the outlet end of the corresponding duckbill valve 150.

[0064] In terms of operation, the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 can also be equipped with suitable refrigeration equipment to extend the shelf life of various liquid ingredients.

[0065] To avoid making the diagrams too complex, Figures 1 to 3 The diagram does not show the control circuits, wires, signal lines, raw material conveying pipelines connecting different components, refrigeration equipment, power supply devices, related parts and frames used to support or fix the aforementioned components, or other structures and devices inside the automatic beverage mixing machine 100.

[0066] During operation, users can operate on the control panel 109 to set one or more production parameters for the desired freshly made beverage, such as beverage item, cup size, beverage volume, sugar level, ice level, and / or quantity, etc.

[0067] Next, the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 will automatically use one or more pumps 110 to extract liquid ingredients from certain ingredient containers 180 according to the parameters set by the user, and transfer the extracted liquid ingredients to the corresponding ingredient output pipes 140 through their respective transmission pipes. With the continuous operation of the individual pumps 110, the liquid ingredients in the ingredient output pipes 140 will be output to the beverage container 190 through the corresponding duckbill valves 150.

[0068] Different liquid ingredients can be mixed together in a specific ratio in a beverage container 190 or simply stirred to create freshly made beverages of various flavors. Operationally, the beverage container 190 can also be designed to support or have a stirring function to improve the speed and uniformity of mixing liquid ingredients.

[0069] The liquid ingredients stored in the aforementioned multiple ingredient containers 180 can be common beverage base ingredients such as water, black tea, and green tea, or liquids with a higher viscosity than water, such as honey, various syrups, soy milk, nut paste, concentrated fruit juice, fruit juice containing fruit pulp fiber, tea liquids containing small particles (e.g., pearls or tapioca pearls), milk-based liquids, edible oils, or other thicker liquid ingredients, etc.

[0070] As mentioned earlier, traditional beverage mixing machines lack a mechanism to accurately measure the amount of liquid ingredients used in the aforementioned types of beverages, which often results in undesirable situations where the amount of liquid in the freshly made beverage does not meet expectations or the taste is off.

[0071] In order to control the liquid volume of the prepared beverage to match the parameters set by the user, the automatic beverage preparation machine 100 continuously monitors the amount of each liquid ingredient during the output process to avoid situations where the liquid volume of the prepared beverage does not meet expectations or the taste deviates due to excessive or insufficient output of certain liquid ingredients.

[0072] From the above Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen from the description, the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 contains multiple sets of raw material conveying devices, each responsible for conveying liquid raw materials from different raw material containers 180 to the outlet end of the corresponding duckbill valve 150. In operation, the aforementioned multiple sets of raw material conveying devices can be designed to have substantially the same components and operating mechanisms.

[0073] The following will be paired Figures 4 to 7 To further explain in detail the operating mechanism of the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 in continuously monitoring the amount of liquid ingredients used during the liquid ingredient output process. Figures 4 to 7 This is an exploded view of the structure of a raw material conveying device 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives.

[0074] To reduce the complexity of the diagram content, in Figures 4 to 7 Only one set of raw material conveying devices 400 is shown as an illustrative example. The components and operating mechanism of the raw material conveying device 400 can be applied to any set of raw material conveying devices in the automatic beverage mixing machine 100.

[0075] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the raw material conveying device 400 includes a pump 110, a discharge quantity detection device 402, a raw material output pipe 140, and a duckbill valve 150. The discharge quantity detection device 402 includes a flow stabilizing device 120 and a flow meter 130.

[0076] Pump 110 includes a raw material input end 412 and a raw material output end 414, and is configured to apply pressure to the liquid raw material received at the raw material input end 412 to push the liquid raw material to the raw material output end 414. Operationally, pump 110 can be implemented using various suitable liquid pump devices capable of pushing liquid forward, such as peristaltic pumps, diaphragm pumps, or rotary diaphragm pumps, etc.

[0077] In this embodiment, the raw material input end 412 of the pump 110 can be connected to a suitable connector and a raw material delivery pipeline (not shown). Figures 4 to 7 The output connector 182 is coupled to a corresponding raw material container 180 and is used to receive liquid raw materials from the corresponding raw material container 180.

[0078] The flow stabilizing device 120 in the discharge quantity detection device 402 is configured to buffer the liquid raw material flowing through the flow stabilizing device 120, and includes a seat 420 with a groove shape, a diaphragm 430, a fixing member 440, and a limiting member 450. The seat 420 includes a raw material inlet 421, a raw material outlet 423, a raw material buffer chamber 425, one or more flow guides 427, and a blocking member 429.

[0079] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the raw material buffer chamber 425 in the base 420 is located between the raw material inlet 421 and the raw material outlet 423, and a guide member 427 is respectively provided on both sides near the raw material inlet 421. In this embodiment, the raw material inlet 421 is coupled to the raw material output end 414 of the pump 110 to receive the liquid raw material from the raw material output end 414 of the pump 110. In other words, the discharge quantity detection device 402 in this embodiment is located after the pump 110. Operationally, the raw material inlet 421 can be directly connected to the raw material output end 414 of the pump 110, or through a first connector 492 or other suitable raw material conveying pipeline (not shown). Figures 4 to 7 (middle) is indirectly connected to the raw material output end 414 of pump 110.

[0080] The blocking member 429 is located within the raw material buffer chamber 425 and is situated on a straight path between the raw material inlet 421 and the raw material outlet 423. The blocking member 429 is configured to prevent the liquid raw material from flowing directly from the raw material inlet 421 to the raw material outlet 423 in a straight line, thereby increasing the resistance of the liquid raw material when flowing within the flow stabilizing device 120.

[0081] The diaphragm 430 is made of an elastic material and covers the raw material buffer chamber 425 of the seat 420.

[0082] The fixing member 440 is located on the diaphragm 430 and has a hollow portion 442. The fixing member 440 is used to press the diaphragm 430 against the raw material buffer chamber 425 of the base 420 to prevent liquid raw material leakage. In operation, the fixing member 440 can be positioned above the raw material buffer chamber 425 of the base 420 using screws, nails, clamping devices, or other suitable fixing elements, so that the diaphragm 430 is clamped between the fixing member 440 and the base 420.

[0083] During operation, the aforementioned pump 110 intermittently pushes the liquid raw material forward, causing the liquid pressure at the raw material input end 412 of the pump 110 to fluctuate periodically. This results in the amount of liquid raw material in the input raw material buffer chamber 425 fluctuating periodically.

[0084] When the volume of liquid material in the raw material buffer chamber 425 exceeds a predetermined amount (i.e., the nominal volume of the raw material buffer chamber 425), the diaphragm 430 deforms and bulges outward, causing a portion of the diaphragm 430 to enter the hollow portion 442 of the fixing member 440. In this case, the amount of liquid material inside the flow stabilizing device 120 will temporarily exceed the nominal volume of the raw material buffer chamber 425. However, shortly afterward, the elastic restoring force of the diaphragm 430 will push the liquid material inside the flow stabilizing device 120 towards the raw material outlet 423, causing the amount of liquid material inside the flow stabilizing device 120 to return to a level close to the nominal volume of the raw material buffer chamber 425.

[0085] The limiting member 450 is located on the fixing member 440 and is configured to limit the degree of deformation of the diaphragm 430. The limiting member 450 can be implemented using a sheet-like, plate-like, or block-like object with suitable rigidity, such as an acrylic sheet, metal plate, metal sheet, or a plastic sheet with sufficient thickness. Operationally, the limiting member 450 can be fixed above the fixing member 440 using adhesive, screws, nails, clamping devices, or other various suitable fixing elements, so that the fixing member 440 and the diaphragm 430 are clamped between the limiting member 450 and the base 420.

[0086] The flow meter 130 in the discharge quantity detection device 402 is coupled to the output end of the flow stabilizing device 120 (i.e., the raw material outlet 423 of the housing 420) and is configured to measure the flow rate of the liquid raw material output by the flow stabilizing device 120. In other words, the flow meter 130 is located downstream of the flow stabilizing device 120. Operationally, the flow meter 130 can be directly connected to the raw material outlet 423 of the housing 420, or through a second connector 494 or other suitable raw material delivery pipeline (not shown). Figures 4 to 7(middle) Indirectly connected to the raw material outlet 423 of the base body 420.

[0087] The raw material output pipe 140 is coupled to the output end of the flow meter 130 to deliver liquid raw materials passing through the flow meter 130. Operationally, the raw material output pipe 140 can be connected to other suitable raw material delivery pipelines (not shown) via a third connector 496. Figures 4 to 7 (middle) is indirectly connected to the output end of the flow meter 130 to increase the flexibility of the position selection of the raw material output pipe 140.

[0088] The duckbill valve 150 is coupled to the output end of the raw material output pipe 140 and is configured to output the liquid raw material from the raw material output pipe 140 to the beverage container 190. Operationally, the duckbill valve 150 can be directly connected to the output end of the raw material output pipe 140, or via the aforementioned connecting disc 160 or other suitable raw material delivery pipelines (not shown). Figures 4 to 7 (middle) is indirectly connected to the output end of the raw material output pipe 140.

[0089] As mentioned earlier, the flow stabilizing device 120 in the discharge quantity detection device 402 buffers the liquid raw material flowing through it through the deformation and elastic recovery force of the diaphragm 430. Therefore, the flow speed variation and liquid pressure variation of the liquid raw material output from the raw material outlet 423 of the flow stabilizing device 120 are significantly lower than those received from the raw material inlet 421 of the flow stabilizing device 120. This architecture helps improve the accuracy of the flow meter 130 in detecting the flow rate of the liquid raw material output from the flow stabilizing device 120, thereby effectively improving the accuracy of the automatic beverage preparation machine 100 in controlling the liquid quantity of freshly made beverages.

[0090] If the aforementioned flow stabilizing device 120 is omitted, the flow rate and hydraulic pressure of the liquid material flowing through the flow meter 130 will vary significantly. This will negatively affect the accuracy of the flow meter 130 in measuring the flow rate of the liquid material, thus reducing the flow detection accuracy of the flow meter 130.

[0091] In some embodiments, the output portion of the duckbill valve 150 may be made of a suitable material with elasticity, and the aforementioned pump 110 may be configured to reverse for a predetermined time length (e.g., 0.3 seconds, 0.5 seconds, 0.8 seconds, 1 second, 1.5 seconds, 2 seconds, etc.) when the raw material conveying device 400 finishes its current raw material output operation, causing the liquid raw material in the raw material conveying device 400 to flow slightly backward, thereby generating back pressure inside the duckbill valve 150, causing the opening of the duckbill valve 150 to form a closed state.

[0092] In this way, after the raw material conveying device 400 finishes its current raw material output operation, the problem of liquid raw material in the raw material conveying device 400 dripping down from the opening of the duckbill valve 150 can be effectively prevented.

[0093] The components and operating mechanisms of other raw material conveying devices in the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 are substantially the same as those of the aforementioned raw material conveying device 400, and will not be described again here for the sake of brevity.

[0094] Please note, Figures 4 to 7 The exploded view shown is only used to illustrate the connection relationships between the components of the raw material conveying device 400, but does not limit the actual spatial arrangement of the components in the raw material conveying device 400. Operationally, the actual placement of individual components within the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 can be adjusted according to the internal space arrangement needs of the automatic beverage mixing machine 100, and the spatial arrangement of components in different raw material conveying devices within the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 may differ.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 . Figure 8 This is a simplified side view of a current stabilizing device 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the flow stabilizing device 120 when the diaphragm 430 deforms.

[0096] like Figure 8 As shown, when the components of the current stabilizing device 120 (i.e., the aforementioned base 420, diaphragm 430, fixing member 440, and limiting member 450) are assembled together, the fixing member 440 presses the diaphragm 430 onto the base 420, while the limiting member 450 is located above the fixing member 440.

[0097] As previously stated, the limiting element 450 is implemented using a sheet-like, plate-like, or block-like object with suitable rigidity. Therefore, as... Figure 9 As shown, when the diaphragm 430 deforms and bulges outward, a portion of the diaphragm 430 enters the hollow portion 442, but does not exceed the limiting member 450. In other words, the limiting member 450 restricts the degree of deformation of the diaphragm 430 within a predetermined range, preventing the diaphragm 430 from expanding outward without restriction. Therefore, the limiting member 450 effectively prevents the diaphragm 430 from rupturing or detaching due to excessive liquid pressure in the raw material buffer chamber 425.

[0098] Please refer to Figures 10 to 15 The diagram shown is a simplified structural schematic of the base 420 of the current stabilizing device 120 of the present invention, according to different embodiments.

[0099] Figure 10 The aforementioned Figures 4 to 7 A simplified bottom view of the seat 420 in the embodiment. Figures 11 to 15 These are simplified bottom views of four other different embodiments of the base 420. Figures 10 to 15 In the diagram, the dashed line is used to indicate the possible flow direction of the liquid raw material in the raw material buffer chamber 425 of the flow stabilizing device 120.

[0100] exist Figure 10 In this embodiment, the blocking member 429 is a V-shaped wall element that protrudes upward from the bottom of the base 420, and the two wings of the V-shaped wall element face the side facing the raw material inlet 421 (i.e., Figure 10 (Extending to the left). As mentioned above, the blocking member 429 can prevent the liquid raw material from flowing directly from the raw material inlet 421 to the raw material outlet 423 in a straight line, thereby increasing the resistance of the liquid raw material during flow, so that the flow rate of the liquid raw material output from the raw material outlet 423 is relatively slow.

[0101] exist Figure 11 In the embodiment, the positions of the two guide members 427 are... Figure 10 The embodiment is the same, except that the blocking member 429 is an I-shaped wall element that protrudes upward from the bottom of the seat 420, and the longitudinal axis of the I-shaped wall element is substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid raw material when it enters the raw material inlet 421.

[0102] exist Figure 12 In the embodiment, the positions of the two guide members 427 are... Figure 10 The embodiment is the same, except that the blocking member 429 is a V-shaped wall-like element that protrudes upward from the bottom of the seat 420, but the two wings of the V-shaped wall-like element face the side facing the raw material outlet 423 (that is, Figure 12 (Extends to the right of)

[0103] exist Figure 13 In one embodiment, two guide members 427 are provided in the raw material buffer cavity 425 of the seat 420, but the positions of these two guide members 427 are different from those of the other two. Figure 10 The embodiments differ. In this embodiment, the two guide members 427 in the seat 420 are respectively disposed on both sides near the raw material outlet 423. In addition, the blocking member 429 in this embodiment is a V-shaped wall-like element that protrudes upward from the bottom of the seat 420, and the two wings of the V-shaped wall-like element face the side facing the raw material outlet 423 (that is, Figure 13 (Extends to the right of)

[0104] exist Figure 14In the embodiment, the positions of the two guide members 427 are... Figure 13 The embodiment is the same, except that the blocking member 429 is an I-shaped wall-like element that protrudes upward from the bottom of the seat 420, and the longitudinal axis of the I-shaped wall-like element is substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid raw material when it enters the raw material inlet 421.

[0105] exist Figure 15 In the embodiment, the positions of the two guide members 427 are... Figure 13 The embodiment is the same, except that the blocking member 429 is a V-shaped wall-like element that protrudes upward from the bottom of the seat 420, but the two wings of the V-shaped wall-like element face the side facing the raw material inlet 421 (that is, Figure 15 (Extends to the left of)

[0106] exist Figures 10 to 12 In this embodiment, after the liquid raw material passes through the raw material inlet 421, it first passes through the guide members 427 near both sides of the raw material inlet 421, and then proceeds towards the blocking member 429. Figures 13 to 15 In this embodiment, after the liquid raw material passes through the raw material inlet 421, it will first be blocked by the blocking member 429, and then pass through the guide members 427 near both sides of the raw material outlet 423.

[0107] As mentioned above Figure 10 The blocking element 429 in the embodiment functions similarly. Figures 11 to 15 The blocking element 429 in the embodiment can also prevent the liquid raw material from flowing directly from the raw material inlet 421 to the raw material outlet 423 in a straight line, and increase the resistance of the liquid raw material during flow, thereby achieving the purpose of making the flow rate of the liquid raw material output from the raw material outlet 423 relatively slow.

[0108] Please note the above Figures 4 to 7 The component structure and connection method of the raw material conveying device 400 are only an exemplary embodiment and are not limited to the actual implementation of the raw material conveying device 400.

[0109] For example, in some embodiments, the aforementioned discharge quantity detection device 402 can be placed upstream of the pump 110. Specifically, the raw material inlet 421 of the flow stabilizing device 120 can be coupled to the output connector 182 on a corresponding raw material container 180 via a suitable connector and raw material delivery pipeline (not shown in the figure) to receive liquid raw material from the corresponding raw material container 180. On the other hand, the raw material input end 412 of the pump 110 can be coupled to the output end of the flow meter 130 to receive liquid raw material passing through the flow meter 130. Operationally, the raw material input end 412 of the pump 110 can be directly connected to the output end of the flow meter 130, or indirectly connected to the output end of the flow meter 130 via a suitable connector or raw material delivery pipeline (not shown in the figure).

[0110] For example, in some embodiments, the blocking member 429 in the aforementioned seat 420 can be replaced with a C-shaped wall element that protrudes upward from the bottom of the seat 420, and the opening of the C-shaped wall element can face the raw material inlet 421 or the raw material outlet 423. Alternatively, the blocking member 429 can be designed with other shapes that can prevent liquid raw materials from flowing directly from the raw material inlet 421 to the raw material outlet 423 in a straight line.

[0111] For example, in some embodiments, the number of guide members 427 and / or blocking members 429 in the aforementioned seat 420 may be increased.

[0112] For example, in some embodiments, the guide member 427 in the aforementioned seat 420 may be omitted.

[0113] For example, in some embodiments, the aforementioned fastener 440 and restrictor 450 can be integrated into a single device by means of integral molding, 3D printing or other suitable means.

[0114] For example, in some embodiments, the aforementioned duckbill valve 150 may be replaced with other types of check valves.

[0115] As can be seen from the foregoing description, by using the aforementioned flow stabilizing device 120 to buffer the flowing liquid raw materials, the accuracy of the flow meter 130 in detecting the flow of the liquid raw materials output by the flow stabilizing device 120 can be greatly improved, thereby effectively improving the accuracy of the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 in controlling the liquid volume of freshly made beverages.

[0116] Even if the liquid ingredients used by the automatic beverage mixing machine 100 are liquids with a higher viscosity coefficient than water, such as honey, various syrups, soy milk, nut paste, concentrated fruit juice, fruit juice containing fruit pulp fiber, tea liquids containing small particles (e.g., pearls or tapioca pearls), milk-based liquids, edible oils, or other thicker liquid ingredients, the aforementioned dispensing quantity detection device 402 can accurately measure the amount of the corresponding liquid ingredient used.

[0117] Therefore, the aforementioned automatic beverage mixing machine 100 can accurately control the output of various liquid raw materials, thus maintaining the consistency of the flavor of freshly made beverages.

[0118] Furthermore, the aforementioned automatic beverage mixing machine 100 can automatically extract and convey liquid ingredients from multiple sets of ingredient containers 180 according to parameters set by the user, and output the extracted liquid ingredients to beverage containers 190 through corresponding duckbill valves 150, thereby realizing the function of automatically mixing freshly made beverages. Therefore, using the aforementioned automatic beverage mixing machine 100 to mix various freshly made beverages can not only effectively reduce the time and cost required for personnel training, but also significantly save the time required for personnel intervention in mixing freshly made beverages.

[0119] Certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific elements, and those skilled in the art may use different names to refer to the same element. This specification and claims do not distinguish elements by differences in name, but rather by differences in function. The term "comprising" in the specification and claims is an open-ended term and should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to". Furthermore, the term "coupled" herein includes any direct and indirect connection means. Therefore, if the text describes a first element coupled to a second element, it means that the first element can be directly connected to the second element through electrical connection or signal connection methods such as wireless transmission or optical transmission, or indirectly electrically or signal-connected to the second element through other elements or connection means.

[0120] The use of "and / or" in this specification includes any combination of one or more of the listed items. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified in this specification, any singular term also includes the meaning of the plural form.

[0121] The term "element" as used in the specification and claims includes the concepts of component, layer, or region.

[0122] The dimensions and relative sizes of some elements in the accompanying drawings may be enlarged, or the shapes of some elements may be simplified, in order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments. Therefore, unless specifically indicated by the applicant, the shapes, dimensions, relative sizes, and relative positions of the elements in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of this invention. Furthermore, this invention can be embodied in many different forms, and the interpretation of this invention should not be limited to the embodiments presented in this specification.

[0123] For ease of explanation, the specification may use descriptions relating to relative spatial positions to describe the function of a component in the accompanying drawings or its relative spatial relationship with other components. Examples include "above," "above," "below," "below," "higher than," "lower than," "upward," "downward," etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that these descriptions relating to relative spatial positions include not only the orientation of the described component in the drawings but also various orientations during use, operation, or assembly. For example, if the drawings are inverted, a component originally described as "above" will become "below." Therefore, the use of "above" in the specification implies both "below" and "above." Similarly, the term "upward" implies both "upward" and "downward."

[0124] In the specification and claims, if the first element is described as being located on, above, connected to, joined to, coupled to, or connected to the second element, it indicates that the first element may be directly located on, directly connected to, directly joined to, or directly coupled to the second element, or that other elements exist between the first and second elements. Conversely, if the first element is described as being directly located on, directly connected to, directly joined to, directly coupled to, or directly connected to the second element, it indicates that no other elements exist between the first and second elements.

[0125] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims of the present invention shall fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A raw material conveying device (400) for use in an automatic beverage mixing machine (100), characterized in that, Include: A flow stabilizing device (120) is configured to buffer the liquid raw material flowing through the flow stabilizing device (120); A flow meter (130), coupled to the flow stabilizing device (120), is configured to measure the flow rate of the liquid raw material output by the flow stabilizing device (120); and Raw material output pipe (140); The current stabilizing device (120) includes: The base (420) includes a raw material inlet (421), a raw material outlet (423), and a raw material buffer chamber (425) located between the raw material inlet (421) and the raw material outlet (423). The raw material inlet (421) is used to conduct the received liquid raw material to the raw material buffer chamber (425), the raw material buffer chamber (425) is used to temporarily store the liquid raw material flowing into the raw material buffer chamber (425), and the raw material outlet (423) is used to convey the liquid raw material flowing through the raw material buffer chamber (425) toward the flow meter (130). A diaphragm (430) covers the raw material buffer chamber (425); A fastener (440) is located on the diaphragm (430) and has a hollow portion (442); and The blocking member (429) is located inside the raw material buffer chamber (425) and on the straight path between the raw material inlet (421) and the raw material outlet (423), and is configured to prevent liquid raw material from flowing directly from the raw material inlet (421) to the raw material outlet (423) in a straight line. When the volume of liquid raw material in the raw material buffer chamber (425) exceeds a predetermined amount, the diaphragm (430) will deform and bulge outward, so that part of the diaphragm (430) enters the hollow part (442) of the fixing member (440).

2. The raw material conveying device (400) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The current stabilizing device (120) further includes: A limiting member (450), located on the fixing member (440), is configured to limit the degree of deformation of the diaphragm (430).

3. The raw material conveying device (400) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the diaphragm (430) deforms and bulges outward, a portion of the diaphragm (430) will enter the hollow portion (442), but will not exceed the limiting member (450).

4. The raw material conveying device (400) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The raw material inlet (421) of the flow stabilizing device (120) is used to receive liquid raw material from the pump (110), while the raw material outlet pipe (140) is used to transport liquid raw material through the flow meter (130).

5. The raw material conveying device (400) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The raw material inlet (421) of the flow stabilizing device (120) is used to receive liquid raw material from the raw material container (180), while the raw material outlet pipe (140) is used to deliver liquid raw material from the pump (110).

6. The raw material conveying device (400) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A duckbill valve (150) is coupled to the raw material output pipe (140) and configured to output the liquid raw material transmitted from the raw material output pipe (140).

7. The raw material conveying device (400) as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The output section of the duckbill valve (150) is elastic.

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