Storage module, automatic beverage machine and vending control method

Abstract

The application discloses a storage module, an automatic beverage machine and an automatic vending control method, and sets the beverage capsule storage assembly in the storage module as a multi-layer capsule tray and a structure which is sleeved on a tray rotating shaft from bottom to top. A plurality of beverage capsules can be placed in a plurality of capsule placing holes arranged in turn from an inner circle to an outer circle in each layer of the capsule tray, the internal space of the beverage capsule storage assembly is fully utilized, and the number of stored beverage capsules is increased. Moreover, after a user selects a beverage, the automatic beverage machine can automatically take the capsule from the storage module and automatically perform operations such as extraction, cup connection of the extracted liquid and cup sending to a cup taking position, so as to complete automatic preparation and vending of the beverage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automatic beverage machine technology, and more particularly to a storage module, an automatic beverage machine, and an automatic vending control method. Background Technology

[0002] An automatic beverage machine is a device that responds to user orders on-site, instantly completing the storage, transportation, and brewing / extraction of beverage ingredients, ultimately providing the user with a ready-to-drink beverage. Existing automatic beverage machines typically use storage modules for beverage capsules, which are usually composed of multiple vertical capsule storage cylinders or capsule slot locking tracks arranged around the outer wall of a rotatable storage unit. For example, assuming 8-10 vertical capsule storage cylinders are arranged around the outer wall of the rotatable storage unit, each cylinder can hold 8-12 beverage capsules stacked longitudinally, resulting in a maximum capsule capacity of 120. If the automatic beverage machine sells more than 120 beverages per day (generally assuming one beverage capsule can produce one cup), then the storage module needs to be replenished at least once. Therefore, the number of capsules that can be stored in the storage modules of existing automatic beverage machines is limited, and the internal space of the storage unit is not effectively utilized. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a storage module, an automatic beverage machine, and an automatic vending control method, aiming to solve the problems in the prior art where the storage module for storing beverage capsules in an automatic beverage machine is generally composed of multiple vertical capsule storage cylinders or capsule opening locking slides arranged around the outer wall of a rotatable storage device body. The number of capsules stored by the storage module is limited, and the internal space of the storage device body is not effectively utilized.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a storage module, which includes a beverage capsule storage component and a capsule retrieval component;

[0005] The beverage capsule storage assembly includes a storage assembly housing, a tray rotation shaft, a multi-layer capsule tray, and a tray rotation drive unit. One end of the tray rotation shaft is connected to the inner wall of the top of the storage assembly housing, and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the bottom of the storage assembly housing. Multiple capsule trays in the multi-layer capsule tray are sequentially mounted on the tray rotation shaft from bottom to top. The tray rotation drive unit is located on the inner wall of the storage assembly housing, and the first total number of tray rotation drive motors in the tray rotation drive unit is the same as the second total number of capsule trays in the multi-layer capsule tray. Each tray rotation drive motor provides rotational driving force to the aligned capsule tray. Each capsule tray in the multi-layer capsule tray has a notch and multiple capsule placement holes arranged sequentially from the inner ring to the outer ring.

[0006] The capsule retrieval assembly includes a lifting motion unit, a translation motion unit, a suction cup unit, and an image acquisition unit; the lifting motion unit is located on one side of the multi-layer capsule tray; one end of the translation motion unit is connected to the lifting motion unit and can move vertically along the lifting motion unit; the image acquisition unit is located at the end of the translation motion unit away from the lifting motion unit; the top end of the suction cup unit is connected to the translation motion unit and can move horizontally along the translation motion unit.

[0007] The notches on each capsule tray in the multi-layer capsule tray can be aligned from top to bottom to form a clearance channel when all capsule trays are in the preset initial stopping position; the lifting motion unit drives the translation motion unit and the suction cup unit to move along a part of the clearance channel to the position of one of the capsule trays in the multi-layer capsule tray and obtain the beverage capsule from the capsule placement hole.

[0008] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an automatic beverage machine, which includes a cabinet and a storage module disposed within the cabinet as described in the first aspect; further comprising:

[0009] An extraction module, located inside the cabinet, is used to extract beverages from beverage capsules stored in the storage module; the bottom of the extraction module has an extraction outlet for extracting beverages.

[0010] A conveying module is movably disposed between the storage module and the extraction module, for receiving the beverage capsules transported by the storage module and delivering them to the extraction module;

[0011] An ice-making module, arranged side-by-side with the extraction module, is used for producing, storing, and discharging ice blocks; the ice-making module has an ice block outlet for discharging ice blocks.

[0012] A cup-dropping module is used to store and drop beverage containers; the bottom end of the cup-dropping module has a cup-dropping opening for dropping beverage containers.

[0013] A mobile platform module is movably positioned below the extraction module, the ice-making module, and the cup-dropping module; the mobile platform module can move axially below the extraction module, the ice-making module, and the cup-dropping module, and align the beverage container placed on the top of the mobile platform module with one of the extraction outlet, the ice outlet, and the cup-dropping opening.

[0014] A water supply module, comprising a water source, a first water pipe, and a second water pipe; the water source is connected to the ice-making module via the first water pipe; the water source is connected to the extraction module via the second water pipe.

[0015] An electrical control box is located inside the cabinet; the extraction module, the conveying module, the ice-making module, the cup-dropping module, the moving platform module, and the water supply module are all electrically or communicatively connected to the electrical control box.

[0016] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an automatic vending control method for an automatic beverage machine, applied to the automatic beverage machine described in the second aspect, wherein the automatic beverage machine is wirelessly connected to a cloud server, and the automatic vending control method for the automatic beverage machine includes:

[0017] If the control box detects a beverage order instruction generated locally or sent by the cloud server, it sends a capsule retrieval control signal to the capsule retrieval component in the storage module.

[0018] The capsule retrieval component in the storage module retrieves a beverage capsule from one of the capsule placement holes in one of the capsule trays of the beverage capsule storage component and transports it to the conveying module.

[0019] The conveying module receives the beverage capsule falling from the storage module and transports it to the extraction module;

[0020] The cup-dropping module drops the beverage container to the mobile platform module, which then transports the beverage container to the area below the extraction module.

[0021] The extraction module extracts the beverage capsules, and the resulting beverage extract is collected in a beverage container.

[0022] The mobile platform module transports the beverage containers that have completed the beverage extract collection process to the ice-adding position of the ice-making module, and then to the cup-collecting position.

[0023] As can be seen, the storage module and automatic beverage machine provided in this embodiment of the invention configure the beverage capsule storage component in the storage module as a multi-layer capsule tray fitted onto the tray rotation shaft from bottom to top. This allows for the placement of multiple beverage capsules using multiple capsule placement holes arranged sequentially from the inner to the outer ring in each capsule tray, fully utilizing the internal space of the beverage capsule storage component and increasing the number of beverage capsules that can be stored. Furthermore, after the user selects a beverage, the automatic beverage machine can automatically retrieve capsules from the storage module and automatically perform operations such as extraction, collecting the extracted liquid into a cup, and delivering the cup to the cup-collecting position, thereby completing the automatic preparation and sale of the beverage. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the storage module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the beverage capsule storage component in the storage module provided in an embodiment of the present invention after removing the storage component housing;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the capsule retrieval component in the storage module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the capsule tray structure in the storage module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic beverage machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic beverage machine after removing the rear cover of the cabinet, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled ice-making module and the rear side wall of the cabinet in the automatic beverage machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the extraction module, water supply module, and ice-making module in an automatic beverage machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mobile platform module in the automatic beverage machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the automatic vending control method for an automatic beverage machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The specific reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0036] 10. Automatic beverage machine; 100. Cabinet; 110. First vent; 120. Second vent; 200. Storage module; 210. Beverage capsule storage assembly; 211. Storage assembly housing; 212. Tray rotation shaft; 213. Multi-layer capsule tray; 2131. Capsule tray; 21311. Alignment notch; 21312. Capsule placement hole; 21313. First gear; 214. Tray rotation drive unit; 2141. Tray rotation drive motor; 2142. Second gear; 220. Capsule assembly; 221, Lifting motion unit; 2211, Motion seat; 2212, Vertical guide rail; 22121, First slider motion guide groove; 22122, First motion groove; 2213, First linear rack assembly; 2214, First slider; 2215, First linear motion drive motor; 222, Translation motion unit; 2221, Horizontal guide rail; 22211, Second slider motion guide groove; 22212, Second motion groove; 2222, Second linear rack assembly; 2223, Second slider; 2 224. Second linear motion drive motor; 223. Suction cup unit; 2231. Suction cup holder; 2232. Suction cup; 224. Image acquisition unit; 300. Extraction module; 400. Conveying module; 500. Ice making module; 510. Ice block outlet; 520. Compressor; 530. Condenser; 540. Thermal expansion valve; 550. Evaporator; 560. Ice storage assembly; 561. Refrigerator; 562. Ice block conduit; 570. Drain pipe; 580. Cooling fan; 590. One-way drain valve; 591. Wastewater tank; 600. Cup dropping module; 610. First cup dropping module; 620. Second cup dropping module; 700. Moving platform module; 710. Transport platform; 720. Guide rail; 730. Weighing component; 800. Heat insulation bracket; 810. Heat insulation cavity; 820. Support platform; 830. First heat insulation board; 840. Second heat insulation board; 900. Water supply module; 910. Water supply source; 920. First water supply pipe; 930. Second water supply pipe; 1000. Lid dropping module; 20. Beverage container. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0039] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0040] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0041] Please see Figures 1-4 This invention provides a storage module 200, which includes a beverage capsule storage component 210 and a capsule retrieval component 220.

[0042] The beverage capsule storage assembly 210 includes a storage assembly housing 211, a tray rotation shaft 212, a multi-layer capsule tray 213, and a tray rotation drive unit 214. One end of the tray rotation shaft 212 is connected to the inner wall of the top of the storage assembly housing 211, and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the bottom of the storage assembly housing 211. Multiple capsule trays 2131 included in the multi-layer capsule tray 213 are sequentially mounted on the tray rotation shaft 212 from bottom to top. The tray rotation drive unit 214 is disposed within the storage assembly housing 211. On the inner wall of the storage component housing 211, and the first total number of tray rotation drive motors 2141 included in the tray rotation drive unit 214 is the same as the second total number of capsule trays 2131 included in the multi-layer capsule tray 213, and each tray rotation drive motor 2141 is used to provide rotational driving force to the aligned capsule tray 2131; each capsule tray in the multi-layer capsule tray 213 is provided with a clearance notch 21311 and a plurality of capsule placement holes 21312 arranged sequentially from the inner ring to the outer ring;

[0043] The capsule retrieval assembly 220 includes a lifting motion unit 221, a translational motion unit 222, a suction cup unit 223, and an image acquisition unit 224. The lifting motion unit 221 is located on one side of the multi-layer capsule tray 213. One end of the translational motion unit 222 is connected to the lifting motion unit 221 and can move vertically along the lifting motion unit 221. The image acquisition unit 224 is located at the end of the translational motion unit 222 away from the lifting motion unit 221. The top end of the suction cup unit 223 is connected to the translational motion unit 222 and can move horizontally along the translational motion unit 222.

[0044] The clearance notches 21311 on each capsule tray 2131 in the multi-layer capsule tray 213 can be aligned from top to bottom to form a clearance channel when all capsule trays 2131 are in the preset initial stopping position; the lifting motion unit 221 drives the translation motion unit 222 and the suction cup unit 223 to move along a part of the clearance channel to the position of one of the capsule trays 2131 in the multi-layer capsule tray 213 and obtain the beverage capsule from the capsule placement hole 21312.

[0045] In this embodiment, when placing beverage capsules, the multi-layer capsule tray 213 is used, taking one layer of the capsule tray 2131 as an example and referring to the specific details. Figure 4 When multiple capsule placement holes 21312 are arranged sequentially from the inner ring to the outer ring, 29 capsule placement holes can be set. If the multi-layer capsule tray 213 includes 11 capsule trays 2131 arranged sequentially from bottom to top, then a maximum of 29*11=319 beverage capsules can be placed. Compared with the storage structure of existing automatic beverage machines that can only hold no more than 150 beverage capsules, the storage capacity of beverage capsules has been greatly improved. Of course, the above... Figure 4 The 29 capsule placement holes on a capsule tray 2131 shown are not intended to limit the number of capsule placement holes on a single capsule tray 2131 to 29. Instead, the number of capsule placement holes can be adjusted according to the size of the storage module 200; for example, a preferred capsule tray 2131 may have 20-35 capsule placement holes. Furthermore, the inner diameter of all the capsule placement holes on the capsule tray 2131 is the same.

[0046] The beverage capsules include at least two sizes: a large capsule and a small capsule. Both large and small capsules have a tapered structure from top to bottom, and their top outer diameters are the same. The difference is that the large capsule is taller than the small capsule. When a large or small capsule is placed on any capsule placement hole on the capsule tray 2131, because the inner diameter of the capsule placement hole is smaller than the outer diameter of the top of both the large and small capsules, the large or small capsule will not fall off the capsule placement hole when placed from above. Furthermore, by providing multiple capsule placement holes with the same inner diameter on a single capsule tray 2131, replenishment of the capsule tray 2131 is not limited to some capsule placement holes only holding large beverage capsules and others only holding small beverage capsules. Instead, each capsule placement hole can hold either large or small beverage capsules, allowing for the placement of different sizes of beverage capsules on the capsule tray. Moreover, for the same layer of the multi-layer capsule tray 2131, there is no need to limit the placement to only one flavor of beverage capsules; different types of beverage capsules can be placed arbitrarily on the capsule tray. Compared to the storage modules in existing automatic beverage machines, where replenishment requires following prescribed channels or positions, this application allows for the placement of beverage capsules arbitrarily when replenishing the storage module, thus improving replenishment efficiency.

[0047] After replenishing the beverage capsules on the multi-layer capsule tray 213, during the actual sales process, when the capsule retrieval component 220 receives the capsule retrieval control signal sent by the control box, the capsule retrieval component 220 in the storage module 200 retrieves the beverage capsule from one of the capsule placement holes 21312 in one of the capsule trays 2131 of the beverage capsule storage component 210, and transports it to the designated location for further processing of the beverage capsule.

[0048] Specifically, the clearance notches 21311 on each capsule tray 2131 in the multi-layer capsule tray 213 are aligned sequentially from top to bottom to form clearance channels when all capsule trays 2131 are in the preset initial stopping position. Please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The clearance notch 21311 is a structure with a cross-section similar to a fan shape. For example, take the 10th capsule tray in the multi-layer capsule tray 213 (that is...) Figure 2Taking one beverage capsule on the 10th layer capsule tray (located from bottom to top) as an example, the clearance notch 21311 of the 10th layer capsule tray is no longer in the preset initial stopping position. Instead, the 10th layer capsule tray rotates away from the preset initial stopping position based on the position of the beverage capsule to be retrieved. Then, the lifting motion unit 221 drives the translation motion unit 222 and the suction cup unit 223 to move up and down along a portion of the clearance channel (corresponding to the portion of the channel formed by the clearance notch of the 11th layer capsule tray and the clearance notch of the 10th layer capsule tray at the preset initial stopping position), until it is above the 10th layer capsule tray, ensuring that the lowest point of the suction cup unit 223 is still above the 10th layer capsule tray. At this point, the translation motion unit 222 controls the horizontal movement position of the suction cup unit 223, so that the suction cup unit 223 reaches above the position of the beverage capsule to be retrieved, and the suction cup unit 223 adsorbs the beverage capsule, thus completing the beverage capsule retrieval operation. It is evident that by providing a clearance notch on each capsule tray of the multi-layer capsule tray, the capsule retrieval operation of the capsule retrieval component 220 can be effectively cleared.

[0049] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, each capsule tray 2131 in the multi-layer capsule tray 213 is surrounded by a first gear portion 21313.

[0050] In this embodiment, since each capsule tray 2131 in the multi-layer capsule tray 213 is sleeved on the tray rotation shaft 212 (specifically, a tray rotation shaft channel is opened at the center of the capsule tray 213, and a bearing is set on the tray rotation shaft channel, and the tray rotation shaft 212 passes through the bearing of each capsule tray 2131 in the multi-layer capsule tray 213 in sequence), in order to make the capsule tray 2131 rotate when the tray rotation shaft 212 is stationary, a first gear part 21313 can be arranged around the outer edge of each capsule tray 2131, and then another rotatable gear can mesh with it to make the capsule tray 2131 rotate.

[0051] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the tray rotation drive unit 214 includes a second gear 2142 on the rotating shaft of each tray rotation drive motor 2141, and the second gear 2142 on the tray rotation drive motor 2141 meshes with the first gear 21313 on the outer edge of the aligned capsule tray 2131.

[0052] In this embodiment, the tray rotation drive unit 214, which serves as the drive source for the multi-layer capsule tray 213, includes a tray rotation drive motor 2141, each of which has a second gear portion 2142 mounted on its rotation shaft that meshes with a first gear portion 21313 on the outer edge of the aligned capsule tray 2131. This arrangement allows for individual rotation drive of each layer of the multi-layer capsule tray 2131.

[0053] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the lifting motion unit 221 includes a motion seat 2211, a vertical guide rail 2212, a first linear rack and pinion assembly 2213, a first slider 2214, and a first linear motion drive motor 2215; the first sidewall of the vertical guide rail 2212 is fixedly mounted on the motion seat 2211, and the second sidewall and the third sidewall opposite to the second sidewall of the vertical guide rail 2212 are provided with a first slider motion guide groove 22121, and the fourth sidewall opposite to the first sidewall of the vertical guide rail 2212 is provided with a first motion groove 22122; The first linear rack assembly 2213 is disposed within the first motion groove 22122; the first slider 2214 is engaged with the vertical guide rail 2212 and the first slider protrusions (not shown) at both ends of the first slider 2214 are located within the first slider motion guide groove 22121; the first linear motion drive motor 2215 is fixedly disposed on the first slider 2214, and the first transmission gear (not shown) sleeved on the rotating shaft of the first linear motion drive motor 2215 meshes with the first linear rack assembly 2213.

[0054] In this embodiment, the lifting motion unit 221 adopts a linear guide rail. Specifically, a first motion groove 22122 is provided on the fourth side wall opposite to the first side wall on the vertical guide rail 2212, and a first linear rack assembly 2213 is disposed within the first motion groove 22122. With this configuration, the first transmission gear (not shown) sleeved on the rotating shaft of the first linear motion drive motor 2215 meshes with the first linear rack assembly 2213. When the first linear motion drive motor 2215 drives its rotating shaft to rotate, it drives the first transmission gear to move along the first linear rack assembly 2213, thereby driving the first slider 2214 to move upward or downward along the vertical guide rail 2212. Furthermore, because the first slider 2214 is engaged with the first slider movement guide groove 22121 of the vertical guide rail 2212 by the first slider protrusions at both ends, the stability of the first slider 2214's movement is improved. Of course, a limiting structure can also be provided in the first motion groove 22122 on the vertical guide rail 2212 at the top and bottom of the first linear rack assembly 2213 to limit the movement range of the first slider 2214.

[0055] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the translational motion unit 222 includes a horizontal guide rail 2221, a second linear rack assembly 2222, a second slider 2223, and a second linear motion drive motor 2224. One end of the fifth sidewall of the horizontal guide rail 2221 is fixed to the outer wall of the first slider 2214 away from the vertical guide rail. A second slider motion guide groove 22211 is provided on the sixth sidewall and the seventh sidewall opposite to the sixth sidewall of the horizontal guide rail 2221. A second motion groove 2221 is provided on the eighth sidewall of the horizontal guide rail 2221 opposite to the fifth sidewall. 2; The second linear rack assembly 2222 is disposed in the second motion groove 22212; the second slider 2223 is engaged with the horizontal guide rail 2221 and the second slider protrusions 22231 on both ends of the second slider 2223 are located in the second slider motion guide groove 22211; the second linear motion drive motor 2224 is fixedly disposed on the second slider 2223, and the second transmission gear (not shown) sleeved on the rotating shaft of the second linear motion drive motor 2224 meshes with the second linear rack assembly 222.

[0056] In this embodiment, the translational motion unit 222 also adopts a linear guide rail. Specifically, a second motion groove 22212 is provided on the eighth side wall opposite to the fifth side wall on the horizontal guide rail 2221, and the second linear rack assembly 2222 is disposed within the second motion groove 22212. With the above arrangement, the second transmission gear (not shown) sleeved on the rotating shaft of the second linear motion drive motor 2224 meshes with the second linear rack assembly 2222. When the second linear motion drive motor 2224 drives its rotating shaft to rotate, it drives the second transmission gear to move along the second linear rack assembly 2222, thereby driving the second slider 2223 to move horizontally along the horizontal guide rail 2221. Moreover, because the second slider 2223 is engaged with the second slider protrusions 22231 at both ends on the second slider motion guide groove 22211 of the horizontal guide rail 2221, the stability of the movement of the second slider 2223 is improved. Of course, a limiting structure can also be provided in the second motion groove 22212 on the horizontal guide rail 2221 at the left and right ends of the second linear rack assembly 2222 to limit the movement range of the second slider 2223.

[0057] In specific implementation, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the suction cup unit 223 includes a suction cup holder 2231 and a suction cup 2232. The top end of the suction cup holder 2231 is connected and fixed to the second slider 2223, and the bottom end of the suction cup holder 2231 is connected to the suction cup 2232.

[0058] The suction cup 2232 first applies suction force to the capping structure at the top of the beverage capsule to lift it up. Then, the combined motion of the lifting motion unit 221 and the translation motion unit 222 moves the suction cup unit 223 to a designated position above it. After that, the suction cup 2232 stops adsorbing the beverage capsule, allowing it to fall to the designated position for further processing.

[0059] This invention also provides an automatic beverage machine; please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 5-9 The automatic beverage machine 10 includes a cabinet and the storage module 200 described in any of the foregoing embodiments, and further includes:

[0060] An extraction module 300 is installed inside the cabinet 100 and is used to extract beverages using beverage capsules stored in the storage module 200; the bottom of the extraction module 300 has an extraction outlet for extracting beverages.

[0061] A conveying module 400 is movably disposed between the storage module 200 and the extraction module, for receiving the beverage capsules transported by the storage module 200 and delivering them to the extraction module 300.

[0062] An ice-making module 500 is arranged side by side with the extraction module 300 and is used for producing, storing, and dropping ice blocks; the ice-making module 500 has an ice block outlet for dropping ice blocks;

[0063] A cup-dropping module 600 is used to store and drop beverage containers; the bottom end of the cup-dropping module 600 is provided with a cup-dropping opening for dropping beverage containers.

[0064] A mobile platform module 700 is movably disposed below the extraction module 300, the ice-making module 500, and the cup-dropping module 600; the mobile platform module 700 can move axially below the extraction module 300, the ice-making module 500, and the cup-dropping module 600, and align the beverage container 20 placed on the top of the mobile platform module 700 with one of the extraction outlet, the ice outlet, and the cup-dropping opening;

[0065] A water supply module 900 includes a water source 910, a first water pipe 920, and a second water pipe 930; the water source 910 is connected to the ice-making module 500 through the first water pipe 920; and the water source 910 is connected to the extraction module 300 through the second water pipe 930.

[0066] An electrical control box (not shown) is located inside the cabinet 100; the extraction module 300, the conveying module 400, the ice-making module 500, the cup-dropping module 600, the mobile platform module 700, and the water supply module 900 are all electrically or communicatively connected to the electrical control box.

[0067] In this embodiment, the cabinet 100 is a hollow cavity structure that houses the control unit (correspondingly located within the electrical control box), storage module 200, extraction module 300, conveying module 400, ice-making module 500, cup-dropping module 600, and mobile platform module 700. The extraction module 300 may additionally include a brewing component for heating drinking water, enabling the extraction module 300 to extract the beverage capsules using hot water. The control unit can be a CPU, MCU, or other control device with computing capabilities. The control unit is electrically or communicatively connected to the storage module 200, extraction module 300, conveying module 400, brewing component, ice-making module 500, cup-dropping module 600, and mobile platform module 700, and can send control commands to each module or receive status information from each module to control the operation of each module within the cabinet 100.

[0068] The cabinet 100 can be configured as a rectangular prism, with one side serving as a door. A hinge is provided on one side of the door, connecting it to the rest of the cabinet 100, allowing the door to open from the cabinet 100. A retrieval opening with a retrieval door is also provided on the cabinet 100. When the cabinet door is closed, the retrieval opening and door are closer to the ice-making module 500. When the automatic beverage machine 10 is not operating, or when a complete beverage production cycle is not finished, the retrieval opening is closed by the retrieval door. When the automatic beverage machine 10 completes a full beverage production cycle and needs to provide a user with a prepared hot or cold beverage, the retrieval door will slide open to one side, releasing the closure of the retrieval opening, allowing the user to retrieve the prepared beverage from inside the cabinet 100.

[0069] When the cabinet door is opened, the various modules inside the cabinet 100 are visible, allowing maintenance personnel to repair and maintain the automatic beverage machine 10, as well as replenish beverage capsules in the storage unit 200. During daily operation, the cabinet door can be locked with a latch to prevent damage to the internal modules by other personnel.

[0070] A touchscreen can be installed on the side of the cabinet door facing the user for ordering (this touchscreen can also be electrically connected to the control unit, which can receive the beverage order information received by the touchscreen and control other modules to process the beverages accordingly). A camera can also be installed on the touchscreen for facial recognition payment and other operations. Ventilation vents can be installed on other ends of the cabinet 100 that do not have doors, and these vents can be connected to exhaust fans to ventilate the interior of the cabinet 100, ensuring heat dissipation during operation and maintaining the storage quality of the beverage capsules.

[0071] The automatic beverage machine employs the storage module 200 described in any of the aforementioned embodiments. When the obtained beverage capsules are transported above the conveying module 400, the conveying module 400 is pre-positioned at the capsule's landing position. After the beverage capsule falls from the storage module 200, it is caught by the conveying module 400 and transported to the extraction module 300. Since the beverage capsules include at least large and small sizes, two sets of conveying modules 400 can be configured to transport different sizes of beverage capsules. When transporting large beverage capsules (the first size), one conveying module 400 pre-positions below the storage module 200 to receive the falling capsules of the first size. When transporting small beverage capsules (the second size), the other conveying module 400 pre-positions below the storage module 200 to receive the falling capsules of the second size. This configuration allows for the supply of beverage capsules of different sizes.

[0072] If the user orders a hot beverage, when the beverage capsule is transported to the extraction module 300, it will be moved by the conveyor module 400 to a position below the extraction outlet of the extraction module 300. The extraction module 300 will then perform the extraction operation on the beverage capsule. During the extraction process, the extraction outlet in the extraction module 300 will puncture the sealing membrane in the opening of the beverage capsule and extend into the capsule. The brewing component will pump out pre-heated water and deliver it into the beverage capsule. Specifically, hot water will spray from the extraction outlet and enter the beverage capsule. The hot water will soak and extract the beverage ingredients within the capsule.

[0073] Before the extraction operation, the cup-dropping module 600 will perform a cup-dropping operation. Specifically, the cup-dropping module 600 includes a first cup-dropping module 610 and a second cup-dropping module 620. The first cup-dropping module 610 is used to store and drop small-capacity beverage containers, and the second cup-dropping module 620 is used to store and drop large-capacity beverage containers. The dropping of small-capacity beverage containers is determined by whether the user selects a small or large cup beverage when ordering. The first cup-dropping module 610 stores a certain number of small-capacity beverage containers, and the second cup-dropping module 620 stores a certain number of large-capacity beverage containers. Both small-capacity and large-capacity beverage containers can be beverage cups or other containers capable of holding beverages. During the cup-dropping operation, either the first cup-dropping module 610 or the second cup-dropping module 620 will separate one of the multiple overlapping beverage containers and drop it. At this point, the mobile platform module 700 has moved below the cup-dropping module 600. After the beverage container falls from the cup-dropping module 600, it will land on the mobile platform module 700.

[0074] If the user selects a hot beverage when placing an order, the mobile platform module 700 will pass through the ice-making module 500 during the process of transmitting the beverage container 20 to the pickup door. At this time, the ice-making module 500 will not produce ice cubes and add them to the beverage container 20.

[0075] If the user orders a cold beverage (with a small or large amount of ice), before extraction and after pouring, the mobile platform module 700 first transports the beverage container 20 to a location below the ice-making module 500. At this point, the ice-making module 500 produces ice and adds it to the beverage container 20. The ice-making module 500 uses its internal refrigeration structure to convert drinking water into ice, which is then released from the ice outlet 510. When the beverage container 20 on the mobile platform module 700 is aligned with the ice outlet 510, the control unit opens the ice outlet 510, allowing a certain amount of ice to fall from the ice-making module 500 into the empty beverage container 20. The control unit then closes the ice outlet 510 to prevent excessive ice from falling into the beverage container 20 and causing over-diluting of the beverage. After the ice-making module 500 completes the ice-dropping operation, the moving platform module 700 moves the beverage container 20 below the extraction module 300, aligning it with the beverage capsule already stored in the extraction module 300, ready to receive the beverage. During the extraction process, hot water enters the beverage capsule, immersing the beverage ingredients and generating the beverage, which then flows out from the filter at the bottom of the storage chamber at the bottom of the beverage capsule, completing the liquid output process. The hot beverage flowing from the beverage capsule falls into the beverage container 20 located below the extraction module 300. Since the beverage container 20 is pre-filled with ice, the hot beverage is cooled by the ice upon entering, thus becoming a cold beverage. The ice-making module 500 pre-adds ice to the beverage container 20 before it is filled with hot beverage, effectively preventing splashing when ice falls into the hot beverage. Furthermore, gradually adding more ice to the hot beverage also facilitates rapid cooling. Among them, the falling rate of ice blocks per unit mass or per unit quantity at the ice block outlet 510 is constant. The amount of ice is precisely controlled by the opening time of the ice block outlet 510, and then the opening time is precisely adjusted in conjunction with the weighing module to achieve a stable ice quantity in the formula.

[0076] Once the extraction module 300 completes its liquid dispensing process, no more beverage flows continuously from the beverage capsule. At this point, the conveyor module 400 will move the extracted beverage capsule out of the extraction module 300. After the beverage capsule is removed from the extraction module 300, the conveyor module 400 can also drop and discard the beverage capsule, causing it to fall into a waste collection device. The waste collection device can specifically be a receiving device located below the extraction module 300 and the conveyor module 400, which can receive discarded beverage capsules and residual beverage dripping from the extraction module 300. Subsequently, the mobile platform module 700 can supply cold or hot beverages contained in the beverage container 20 to the user through the dispensing port. Through the control unit's operation of the mobile platform module 700, the extraction module 300, the ice-making module 500, and the cup-dropping module 600 are effectively linked, resulting in a highly reliable and automated overall beverage production process that efficiently and automatically provides cold beverages to users while preventing beverage splashing.

[0077] The water supply module 900 is used to provide cold water for both the extraction module 300 and the ice-making module 500. Specifically, the water source 910 can be a fixed-capacity drinking water source such as bottled water, or an external direct drinking water source. The first water supply pipe 920 directly delivers drinking water to the ice-making module 500, allowing it to directly produce edible ice. The second water supply pipe 930 delivers drinking water to the brewing component in the extraction module 300, whereby the brewing component heats the drinking water, enabling the extraction module 300 to extract the beverage capsules using the hot water. A first water pump can be connected to the first water supply pipe 920, which draws drinking water from the water source 910 into the ice-making module 500; a second water pump can be connected to the second water supply pipe 930, which draws drinking water from the water source 910 into the brewing component of the extraction module 300.

[0078] In one embodiment, such as Figures 5-9 As shown, the automatic beverage machine 10 also includes a lid-dropping module 1000 disposed on the outer wall of the left side wall of the cabinet 100, or on the outer wall of the right side wall, or disposed inside the cabinet 100; the lid-dropping module 1000 is used to store beverage lids, and the bottom end of the lid-dropping module is provided with a lid-dropping opening (not shown) for dropping beverage lids.

[0079] In this embodiment, the lid-dropping module 1000 is externally mounted on the outer wall of the left or right side of the cabinet 100. This allows users purchasing beverages to manually drop the lid when removing an uncapped beverage container from the dispensing slot by pressing the lid-dropping control button on the lid-dropping module 1000. Specifically, the lid-dropping module 1000 includes a first lid-dropping module and a second lid-dropping module, both of which are equipped with lid-dropping control buttons. The lid dropped from the first lid-dropping module is compatible with the opening of a small-capacity beverage container dropped from the first cup-dropping module 610, and the lid dropped from the second lid-dropping module is compatible with the opening of a large-capacity beverage container dropped from the second cup-dropping module 620.

[0080] In one embodiment, such as Figures 5-9 As shown, the ice-making module 500 includes a compressor 520, a condenser 530, a thermal expansion valve 540, an evaporator 550, and an ice storage assembly 560. One end of the compressor 520 is connected to one end of the condenser 530, and the other end of the compressor 520 is connected to one end of the evaporator 550. The other end of the condenser 530 is connected to one end of the thermal expansion valve 540. The other end of the thermal expansion valve 540 is connected to the other end of the evaporator 550. The evaporator 550 is connected to the ice storage assembly 560 and a water source. 50 is used to cool the water source, generate ice, and transfer it to the ice storage assembly 560; a heat insulation bracket 800 is fixedly installed inside the cabinet 100; the heat insulation bracket 800 and the inner side wall of the cabinet 100 surround each other to form a heat insulation cavity 810; the heat insulation cavity 810 is connected to the outside of the cabinet 100; the compressor 520 and the condenser 530 are both installed inside the heat insulation cavity 810; the thermal expansion valve 540, the evaporator 550 and the ice storage assembly 560 are all installed outside the heat insulation cavity 810 and inside the cabinet 100.

[0081] In this embodiment, the evaporator 550, compressor 520, condenser 530, and thermostatic expansion valve 540 are connected by pipes, and gaseous or liquid refrigerant is transferred between them via pipes. In a complete refrigeration process, low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the compressor 520 through the inlet end, is compressed, and converted into high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, releasing heat in the process. Subsequently, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 520 through the outlet end, enters the condenser 530 through the inlet end for condensation, and becomes high-pressure liquid refrigerant, releasing heat again. Finally, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is discharged from the condenser 530 through the liquid outlet end and flows into the thermostatic expansion valve 540 through the liquid inlet end, where it undergoes thermal expansion. The throttling effect of the expansion valve 540 transforms the refrigerant into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant, which absorbs heat. The refrigerant then flows out of the thermal expansion valve 540 through its outlet and into the evaporator 550. In the evaporator 550, the low-pressure liquid refrigerant undergoes indirect heat exchange with the drinking water drawn into the evaporator 550. The low-pressure liquid refrigerant evaporates into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which absorbs heat from the environment, causing the temperature of the drinking water to drop and gradually turn into ice. The ice then flows into the ice storage assembly 560 with the water, while the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant returns to the compressor 520, completing the refrigeration cycle.

[0082] Specifically, the evaporator 550 draws water into its interior and cools it with refrigerant, gradually converting drinking water into ice. The ice then flows with the water into the ice storage assembly 560 for storage. The ice outlet 510 is located on the side wall of the ice storage assembly 560. During the ice production process, the compressor 520 and condenser 530 generate a large amount of heat, causing the ambient temperature to rise. Therefore, a heat insulation bracket 800 and a heat insulation cavity 810 formed by the heat insulation bracket 800 and the internal side wall of the cabinet 100 are needed to prevent the heat generated by the compressor 520 and condenser 530 from melting the produced ice. The heat insulation bracket 800 is a rigid structure fixed inside the cabinet 100. It can be multiple flat plate-like structures that, together with the internal side wall of the cabinet 100, form the heat insulation cavity 810. The heat insulation bracket 800 divides the internal space of the cabinet 100 into two parts: one part is a heat dissipation cavity connected to the outside of the cabinet 100, and the other part is the remaining internal space of the cabinet 100 after removing the heat dissipation cavity. The heat dissipation bracket is made entirely of heat insulation material, and the compressor 520 and condenser 530, which emit a large amount of heat, are located in the heat dissipation cavity. Since the heat dissipation cavity is connected to the outside of the cabinet 100, it is equivalent to the external environment of the cabinet 100. Therefore, the heat emitted by the compressor 520 and condenser 530 can be dissipated to the outside of the cabinet 100 in a timely manner, ensuring the normal operation of the compressor 520 and condenser 530. At the same time, the heat is blocked by the heat insulation bracket 800 to prevent heat from entering the internal environment of the cabinet 100, thereby preventing negative impacts on the ice storage function of the ice storage component 560 and the refrigeration function of the thermal expansion valve 540 and evaporator 550, ensuring the normal production and storage of ice.

[0083] In one embodiment, such as Figures 5-9 As shown, the heat insulation bracket 800 includes a support platform 820, a first heat insulation plate 830, and a second heat insulation plate 840; the support platform 820 is horizontally disposed inside the cabinet 100; the first heat insulation plate 830 and the second heat insulation plate 840 are both vertically connected to the top of the support platform 820; the first end of the first heat insulation plate 830 is connected to the first end of the second heat insulation plate 840, and the first heat insulation plate 830 and the second heat insulation plate 840 are perpendicular to each other; the second end of the first heat insulation plate 830 is connected to the inner rear side wall of the cabinet 100; the second end of the second heat insulation plate 840 is connected to an inner side wall of the cabinet 100 adjacent to the inner rear side wall; the tops of the first heat insulation plate 830 and the tops of the second heat insulation plate 840 are both vertically connected to the inner top surface of the cabinet 100; the heat insulation cavity 810 is formed by the support platform 820, the first heat insulation plate 830, the second heat insulation plate 840, and the cabinet 100.

[0084] In this embodiment, the support platform 820 is a horizontally arranged plate structure. The evaporator 550, compressor 520, condenser 530, thermal expansion valve 540, and ice storage assembly 560 are all fixedly mounted on the top of the support platform 820. The first heat insulation plate 830 and the second heat insulation plate 840 are both perpendicular to the top of the support platform 820, and the first heat insulation plate 830 and the second heat insulation plate 840 are also perpendicularly connected to each other. Furthermore, the support platform 820, the first heat insulation plate 830, and the second heat insulation plate 840 can be combined with the corner of the cabinet 100 to form a closed cavity, namely the heat insulation cavity 810. The inner rear sidewall of the cabinet 100 that encloses the heat insulation cavity 810 is the rear sidewall of the cabinet 100. This inner rear sidewall faces the cabinet door directly to facilitate heat dissipation from the rear of the cabinet 100. An inner sidewall adjacent to the inner rear sidewall is also perpendicular to it, and this inner sidewall is also perpendicular to the sidewall where the cabinet door is located. Furthermore, the internal space of the heat insulation cavity 810 can be approximated as a cuboid. The top surface of the cuboid is the inner top surface of the cabinet 100, the bottom surface is the support platform 820, and the four sides of the cuboid are the first heat insulation plate 830, the second heat insulation plate 840, the inner rear sidewall of the cabinet 100, and the inner sidewall adjacent to the inner rear sidewall of the cabinet 100. Specifically, the evaporator 550, compressor 520, condenser 530, thermal expansion valve 540, and ice storage assembly 560 can be fixedly installed on the top end face of the support platform 820 using bolts or other fixing connection structures. Alternatively, one or more of the evaporator 550, thermal expansion valve 540, and ice storage assembly 560 can be selectively installed on either the side wall of the first insulation plate 830 or the side wall of the second insulation plate 840 using bolts or other fixing connection structures. Alternatively, one or more of the compressor 520 and condenser 530 can be installed on either the side wall of the first insulation plate 830, the side wall of the second insulation plate 840, the inner rear side wall of the cabinet 100, or any end face of an inner side wall of the cabinet 100 adjacent to the inner rear side wall. Both the first insulation plate 830 and the second insulation plate 840 can be manufactured using metal sheets wrapped with insulating materials such as foam to achieve good insulation performance. The side wall of the cabinet 100 that encloses the heat insulation cavity 810 can also have ventilation openings and other heat dissipation structures to connect the outside of the cabinet 100 with the inside of the heat insulation cavity 810, so as to achieve good heat dissipation.

[0085] In one embodiment, such as Figures 5-9 As shown, a first ventilation opening 110 is provided on the side wall of the cabinet 100; the first ventilation opening 110 is directly opposite the evaporator 550 and is connected to the heat insulation cavity 810.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first vent 110 can be a single, large-area vent, or multiple first vents 110 arranged in a grid pattern. Each first vent 110 can be located on the rear side wall of the cabinet 100 or on a side wall adjacent to the rear side wall, and the first vent 110 directly connects the outside of the cabinet 100 with the inside of the heat insulation cavity 810. Simultaneously, the first vent 110 is directly opposite the evaporator 550 to quickly expel the heat generated by the evaporator 550 during operation from the heat insulation cavity 810. The first vent 110 can be located on the rear side wall of the cabinet 100 to prevent the expelled hot air from affecting the surrounding ambient temperature.

[0087] In one embodiment, such as Figures 5-9 As shown, a second ventilation opening 120 is provided on the side wall of the cabinet 100; the second ventilation opening 120 is directly opposite to the condenser 530 and is connected to the heat insulation cavity 810; the ice-making module 500 also includes a cooling fan 580; the cooling fan 580 is disposed between the second ventilation opening 120 and the condenser 530, and the two sides of the cooling fan 580 are directly opposite to the condenser 530 and the second ventilation opening 120, respectively.

[0088] In this embodiment, the second vent 120 can be a single, large-area vent, or multiple second vents 120 arranged in a grid pattern. Each second vent 120 can be located on the rear side wall of the cabinet 100 or on a side wall adjacent to the rear side wall, and the second vent 120 directly connects the outside of the cabinet 100 with the inside of the heat insulation cavity 810. Simultaneously, the second vent 120 is directly opposite the condenser 530 to quickly expel the heat generated by the evaporator 550 during operation from the outside of the heat insulation cavity 810. Since the condenser 530 generates a large amount of heat, a cooling fan 580 can be installed to further accelerate heat dissipation. Specifically, a heat dissipation plate parallel to the side wall of the cabinet 100 where the second vent 120 is located can be installed inside the heat insulation cavity 810. This heat dissipation plate has a mounting groove, in which the cooling fan 580 is installed, directly opposite the condenser 530. The cooling fan 580 exhausts air from inside the insulation cavity 810 to the outside of the cabinet 100, thus quickly dissipating the heat generated by the condenser 530 outside the insulation cavity 810. The second vent 120 can be located on the rear wall of the cabinet 100 to prevent the exhaust heat from affecting the surrounding ambient temperature.

[0089] In one embodiment, such as Figures 5-9As shown, the ice storage assembly 560 is connected to the top of the evaporator 550; the ice storage assembly 560 includes a refrigerator 561 and an ice block conduit 562; the ice block outlet 510 is opened on the side wall of the refrigerator 561; the ice block conduit 562 is arranged vertically and connected to the outside of the refrigerator 561; the top of the ice block conduit 562 is connected to the ice block outlet 510; the bottom of the ice block conduit 562 is directly opposite to the top of the mobile platform module 700.

[0090] In this embodiment, the refrigerator 561 is a storage structure with a hollow cavity, and the interior of the refrigerator 561 can hold a certain amount of ice. The ice block conduit 562 is a hollow tubular structure of a certain length, fixedly arranged in the vertical direction. The top end of the ice block conduit 562 is connected to the ice block outlet 510 opened on the side wall of the refrigerator 561, and the bottom end of the ice block conduit 562 is directly opposite the top end of the mobile platform module 700. Therefore, when the ice block outlet 510 is opened, ice blocks can enter the interior of the ice block conduit 562 through the ice block outlet 510 and fall into the beverage container 20 below along the ice block conduit 562. The ice block conduit 562 is made of food-grade stainless steel, and the inner and outer surfaces are coated with Teflon, making the surface smooth and preventing water droplets from adhering, effectively preventing small ice blocks from adhering to the side wall and making condensation less likely.

[0091] In one embodiment, such as Figures 5-9 As shown, the ice storage assembly 560 also includes a drain pipe 570; the ice making module 500 also includes a one-way drain valve 590 and a wastewater tank 591; the two ends of the drain pipe 570 are respectively connected to the inside of the ice storage unit 561 and one end of the one-way drain valve 590; the other end of the one-way drain valve 590 is connected to the wastewater tank 591; the one-way drain valve 590 is used to discharge the wastewater after cleaning the ice making module 500 into the wastewater tank 591.

[0092] In this embodiment, the drain pipe 570 is connected to the interior of the refrigerator 561. When maintenance personnel clean the interior of the refrigerator 561, the wastewater generated during cleaning can be discharged through the drain pipe 570. A one-way drain valve 590 is connected to the drain pipe 570, ensuring that wastewater can only flow through the drain pipe 570 in the direction from the refrigerator 561 to the wastewater tank 591, and is received by the wastewater tank 591. This effectively discharges the wastewater from the refrigerator 561 and prevents backflow.

[0093] In one embodiment, such as Figures 5-9 As shown, the mobile platform module 700 includes a transport platform 710, a guide rail 720, and a weighing component 730; the transport platform 710 is movably connected to the top of the guide rail 720 and can move along the axial direction of the guide rail 720; the weighing component 730 is fixedly disposed below the guide rail 720 and located below the ice-making module 500; the weighing component 730 is used to weigh the beverage container 20 placed on the top of the transport platform 710.

[0094] In this embodiment, the mobile platform module 700 specifically includes a transport platform 710 for supporting the beverage container 20, a guide rail 720 for providing a movement track for the transport platform 710, and a weighing component 730 for weighing the beverage container 20 as a whole. Specifically, the guide rail 720 needs to be arranged along four preset points: directly below the extraction outlet, directly below the ice cube outlet 510, directly below the first cup opening of the first cup-dropping module, and directly below the first cup opening of the second cup-dropping module, so that the transport platform 710 can move along the guide rail 720 at the top of the guide rail 720. The weighing component 730 can be any type of weighing sensor, and there can be only one of them. It is fixedly installed below the guide rail 720 and below the ice-making module 500. When the beverage container 20 moves to the ice-adding position, the weighing component 730 senses the weight change of the beverage container 20 during the process of the ice-making module 500 making ice and dropping it into the beverage container 20. In conjunction with the opening time of the ice outlet of the ice-making module 500, the amount of ice can be precisely controlled. Furthermore, according to the final amount of ice, the corresponding water volume can be finely adjusted during beverage extraction (reducing excess water and supplementing insufficient water) to ensure a stable output and quality of each capsule beverage. Specifically, if the ice cubes are weighed, the weighing component 730 and the ice-making module 500 cooperate with each other. When the weighing component 730 senses that the ice cubes have reached the preset formula weight, the ice-making module 500 closes the ice cube outlet 510.

[0095] This invention also provides an automatic vending control method for an automatic beverage machine, applicable to any of the automatic beverage machines described in the foregoing embodiments, further comprising a wireless communication connection between the automatic beverage machine and a cloud server, and the automatic vending control method for the automatic beverage machine includes:

[0096] S110. If the electrical control box detects a beverage order instruction generated locally or sent by the cloud server, it sends a capsule retrieval control signal to the capsule retrieval component in the storage module.

[0097] S120, The capsule retrieval component in the storage module retrieves a beverage capsule from one of the capsule placement holes in one of the capsule trays of the beverage capsule storage component and transports it to the conveying module;

[0098] S130, The conveying module receives the beverage capsule falling from the storage module and transports it to the extraction module;

[0099] S140, the cup-dropping module drops the beverage container to the mobile platform module, and the mobile platform module transports the beverage container to the bottom of the extraction module;

[0100] S150, The extraction module extracts the beverage capsules, and the resulting beverage extract is collected by the beverage container.

[0101] S160, the mobile platform module transports the beverage container that has completed the beverage extract cupping process to the ice-adding position of the ice-making module and then to the cup-taking position.

[0102] In this embodiment, a user can establish a communication connection with the cloud server using a user terminal (such as a smartphone) to remotely place an order at the nearest automatic beverage machine (generally, users are required to pick up their drinks as soon as possible after placing the order to avoid affecting the processing of the next drink). Alternatively, the user can place the order on-site at the automatic beverage machine (i.e., on the touchscreen of the automatic beverage machine) to obtain the beverage order information. This beverage order information can be considered as a beverage order instruction. The specific operation process of the automatic beverage machine receiving this beverage order instruction is as follows:

[0103] 1) The electrical control box sends a capsule retrieval control signal to the capsule retrieval component in the storage module;

[0104] 2) The capsule retrieval component in the storage module retrieves the beverage capsule from the corresponding capsule placement hole in the corresponding layer of the capsule tray of the beverage capsule storage component based on the target beverage capsule position corresponding to the capsule retrieval control signal, and transports it to the conveying module;

[0105] 3) The conveying module receives the beverage capsules falling from the storage module and transports them to the extraction module;

[0106] 4) The cup-dropping module drops the beverage container to the moving platform module, which then transports the beverage container to the bottom of the extraction module;

[0107] 5) The extraction module extracts the beverage capsules, and the resulting beverage extract is collected in a beverage container.

[0108] 6) The mobile platform module transports the beverage containers that have completed the beverage extract collection process to the ice-adding position of the ice-making module, and then to the cup-collecting position.

[0109] It's important to note that when the user selects a hot beverage, in step 4), the cup-dropping module lowers the beverage container to the moving platform module, which then transports it directly to the extraction module, rather than first transporting it to the ice-adding area of ​​the ice-making module for ice addition before moving it to the extraction module. When the user selects a cold beverage, in step 4), the cup-dropping module lowers the beverage container to the moving platform module, which then transports it to the ice-adding area of ​​the ice-making module for ice addition before moving it to the extraction module. Subsequent steps 5) and 6) are then executed. As can be seen, this process enables the automatic processing of beverage capsules after the user places an order.

[0110] In one embodiment, the method further includes the following step before step S110:

[0111] If the control box detects a beverage capsule inventory command, it controls the image acquisition device on the capsule retrieval component in the storage module to perform an inventory of the beverage capsules placed in each capsule tray of the multi-layer capsule tray of the beverage capsule storage group based on image recognition, and obtains a set of current placement information of the beverage capsules; wherein, the set of current placement information includes multiple current placement information, and each current placement information corresponds to the placement information of one beverage capsule.

[0112] In this embodiment, after the operator of the automatic beverage machine opens the cabinet door and replenishes the beverage capsules, the beverage capsules in the beverage capsule storage group can be inventoried using image recognition through the image acquisition device on the capsule retrieval component in the storage module.

[0113] Taking the inventory of one layer of capsule trays in the beverage capsule storage group as an example, the clearance notches on the capsule trays can be aligned sequentially from top to bottom to form clearance channels when all capsule trays are in the preset initial stopping position. At this time, the lifting motion unit drives the translation motion unit and the suction cup unit to move along a part of the clearance channel to the top of the capsule tray layer. Then, the image acquisition device on the capsule retrieval component captures an image of the capsule tray layer from a top-down angle, obtaining the image of the tray layer. Then, the key information such as the image of the tray layer, the current image acquisition time, the layer number of the capsule tray layer, and the unique machine code of the automatic beverage machine can be sent to the cloud server. The image recognition model (such as a multi-target detection model) in the cloud server performs multi-target recognition on the image of the tray layer, thereby obtaining the beverage capsule type (such as Americano, latte, etc.), beverage capsule model (i.e., large or small beverage capsule), and beverage capsule placement position corresponding to the capping information of each beverage capsule. After obtaining the beverage capsule distribution information of the capsule tray layer, the beverage capsule distribution information of other capsule tray layers is obtained by referring to the above process. After the inventory of beverage capsules on the multi-layer capsule tray is completed, the placement information of all beverage capsules in the automatic beverage machine can be obtained and a current placement information set can be formed. This placement information can be stored in the storage unit of the control box or sent to a cloud server for storage. Subsequently, when executing the automatic vending control method in steps S110-S160, the placement information of all beverage capsules in the automatic beverage machine needs to be updated (i.e., the placement information of that beverage capsule is deleted) for each beverage capsule sold.

[0114] By updating the placement information of all beverage capsules in the automatic beverage machine, the sales volume of various types of capsule beverages can be statistically analyzed. For example, by counting the sales volume of various types of capsule beverages from the automatic beverage machine within a calendar month, user beverage type purchase preference data can be obtained. This beverage type purchase preference data can then be used as a reference for operations staff to replenish beverage capsules.

[0115] As can be seen, the storage module and automatic beverage machine provided in this embodiment of the invention configure the beverage capsule storage component in the storage module as a multi-layer capsule tray fitted onto the tray rotation shaft from bottom to top. This allows for the placement of multiple beverage capsules using multiple capsule placement holes arranged sequentially from the inner to the outer ring in each capsule tray, fully utilizing the internal space of the beverage capsule storage component and increasing the number of beverage capsules that can be stored. Furthermore, after the user selects a beverage, the automatic beverage machine can automatically retrieve capsules from the storage module and automatically perform operations such as extraction, collecting the extracted liquid into a cup, and delivering the cup to the cup-collecting position, thereby completing the automatic preparation and sale of the beverage.

[0116] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A memory module, comprising: include: Beverage capsule storage component and capsule retrieval component; The beverage capsule storage assembly includes a storage assembly housing, a tray rotation shaft, a multi-layer capsule tray, and a tray rotation drive unit. One end of the tray rotation shaft is connected to the inner wall of the top of the storage assembly housing, and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the bottom of the storage assembly housing. Multiple capsule trays in the multi-layer capsule tray are sequentially mounted on the tray rotation shaft from bottom to top. The tray rotation drive unit is located on the inner wall of the storage assembly housing, and the first total number of tray rotation drive motors in the tray rotation drive unit is the same as the second total number of capsule trays in the multi-layer capsule tray. Each tray rotation drive motor provides rotational driving force to the aligned capsule tray. Each capsule tray in the multi-layer capsule tray has a notch and multiple capsule placement holes arranged sequentially from the inner ring to the outer ring. The capsule retrieval assembly includes a lifting motion unit, a translation motion unit, a suction cup unit, and an image acquisition unit; the lifting motion unit is located on one side of the multi-layer capsule tray; one end of the translation motion unit is connected to the lifting motion unit and can move vertically along the lifting motion unit; the image acquisition unit is located at the end of the translation motion unit away from the lifting motion unit; the top end of the suction cup unit is connected to the translation motion unit and can move horizontally along the translation motion unit. The notches on each capsule tray in the multi-layer capsule tray can be aligned from top to bottom to form a clearance channel when all capsule trays are in the preset initial stopping position; the lifting motion unit drives the translation motion unit and the suction cup unit to move along a part of the clearance channel to the position of one of the capsule trays in the multi-layer capsule tray and obtain the beverage capsule from the capsule placement hole.

2. The storage module of claim 1, wherein, Each of the multi-layer capsule trays has a first gear section surrounding its outer edge.

3. The storage module of claim 2, wherein, The tray rotation drive unit includes a second gear portion sleeved on the rotating shaft of each tray rotation drive motor, and the second gear portion on the tray rotation drive motor meshes with the first gear portion on the outer edge of the aligned capsule tray.

4. The storage module of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The lifting motion unit includes a motion seat, a vertical guide rail, a first linear rack assembly, a first slider, and a first linear motion drive motor. The first sidewall of the vertical guide rail is fixedly mounted on the motion seat. A first slider motion guide groove is provided on the second sidewall and the third sidewall opposite to the second sidewall of the vertical guide rail. A first motion groove is provided on the fourth sidewall opposite to the first sidewall of the vertical guide rail. The first linear rack assembly is disposed within the first motion groove. The first slider is engaged with the vertical guide rail, and the first slider protrusions at both ends of the first slider are located within the first slider motion guide groove. The first linear motion drive motor is fixedly mounted on the first slider, and a first transmission gear sleeved on the rotating shaft of the first linear motion drive motor meshes with the first linear rack assembly.

5. The storage module of claim 4, wherein, The translational motion unit includes a horizontal guide rail, a second linear rack assembly, a second slider, and a second linear motion drive motor. One end of the fifth sidewall of the horizontal guide rail is fixed to the outer wall of the first slider away from the vertical guide rail. A second slider motion guide groove is provided on the sixth sidewall and the seventh sidewall opposite to the sixth sidewall of the horizontal guide rail. A second motion groove is provided on the eighth sidewall opposite to the fifth sidewall of the horizontal guide rail. The second linear rack assembly is disposed in the second motion groove. The second slider is engaged with the horizontal guide rail, and the second slider protrusions at both ends of the second slider are located in the second slider motion guide groove. The second linear motion drive motor is fixedly disposed on the second slider, and the second transmission gear sleeved on the rotating shaft of the second linear motion drive motor meshes with the second linear rack assembly.

6. An automatic beverage machine, characterized in that, Includes a cabinet, and a storage module disposed within the cabinet as described in any one of claims 1-5; further includes: An extraction module, located inside the cabinet, is used to extract beverages from beverage capsules stored in the storage module; the bottom of the extraction module has an extraction outlet for extracting beverages. A conveying module is movably disposed between the storage module and the extraction module, for receiving the beverage capsules transported by the storage module and delivering them to the extraction module; An ice-making module, arranged side-by-side with the extraction module, is used for producing, storing, and discharging ice blocks; the ice-making module has an ice block outlet for discharging ice blocks. A cup-dropping module is used to store and drop beverage containers; the bottom end of the cup-dropping module has a cup-dropping opening for dropping beverage containers. A mobile platform module is movably positioned below the extraction module, the ice-making module, and the cup-dropping module; the mobile platform module can move axially below the extraction module, the ice-making module, and the cup-dropping module, and align the beverage container placed on the top of the mobile platform module with one of the extraction outlet, the ice outlet, and the cup-dropping opening. A water supply module, comprising a water source, a first water pipe, and a second water pipe; the water source is connected to the ice-making module via the first water pipe; the water source is connected to the extraction module via the second water pipe. An electrical control box is located inside the cabinet; the extraction module, the conveying module, the ice-making module, the cup-dropping module, the moving platform module, and the water supply module are all electrically or communicatively connected to the electrical control box.

7. The automatic beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a lid-dropping module disposed on the outer wall of the left side wall of the cabinet, or on the outer wall of the right side wall, or disposed inside the cabinet; the lid-dropping module is used to store beverage lids, and the bottom end of the lid-dropping module has a lid-dropping opening for dropping beverage lids.

8. The automatic beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ice-making module includes a compressor, a condenser, a thermal expansion valve, an evaporator, and an ice storage assembly; one end of the compressor is connected to one end of the condenser, and the other end of the compressor is connected to one end of the evaporator; the other end of the condenser is connected to one end of the thermal expansion valve; the other end of the thermal expansion valve is connected to the other end of the evaporator. The evaporator is connected to the ice storage assembly and the water source, and is used to cool the water source, generate ice, and transfer it to the interior of the ice storage assembly; a heat insulation bracket is fixedly installed inside the cabinet; the heat insulation bracket and the internal side wall of the cabinet form a heat insulation cavity; the heat insulation cavity is connected to the outside of the cabinet; the compressor and the condenser are both located inside the heat insulation cavity; the thermal expansion valve, the evaporator, and the ice storage assembly are all located outside the heat insulation cavity and inside the cabinet; The ice storage assembly is connected to the top of the evaporator; the ice storage assembly includes a refrigerator and an ice block conduit; the ice block outlet is located on the side wall of the refrigerator; the ice block conduit is arranged vertically and connected to the outside of the refrigerator; the top of the ice block conduit is connected to the ice block outlet; the bottom of the ice block conduit is directly opposite the top of the mobile platform module.

9. The automatic beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mobile platform module includes a transport platform, a guide rail, and a weighing component; the transport platform is movably connected to the top of the guide rail and can move along the axial direction of the guide rail; the weighing component is fixedly disposed below the guide rail and located below the ice-making module; the weighing component is used to weigh the beverage container placed on the top of the transport platform.

10. An automatic vending control method for an automatic beverage machine, applied to the automatic beverage machine as described in any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that, The automatic beverage machine is wirelessly connected to a cloud server, and the automatic vending control method of the automatic beverage machine includes: If the control box detects a beverage order instruction generated locally or sent by the cloud server, it sends a capsule retrieval control signal to the capsule retrieval component in the storage module. The capsule retrieval component in the storage module retrieves a beverage capsule from one of the capsule placement holes in one of the capsule trays of the beverage capsule storage component and transports it to the conveying module. The conveying module receives the beverage capsule falling from the storage module and transports it to the extraction module; The cup-dropping module drops the beverage container to the mobile platform module, which then transports the beverage container to the area below the extraction module. The extraction module extracts the beverage capsules, and the resulting beverage extract is collected in a beverage container. The mobile platform module transports the beverage container, after the beverage extract has been collected, to the ice-adding position via the ice-making module, and then to the cup-collecting position.

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