Beer self-service vending device and control system thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a beer self-service selling device and a control system thereof, and relates to the field of beer self-service selling. The beer self-service vending device comprises a device body and a beer supply device. The number of the beer supply devices is multiple, the cross section of the equipment main body is circular, and the beer supply devices are annularly arranged on the equipment main body; the beer supply device comprises a storage module, a conveying module and a beer faucet; the storage module is arranged on the side wall of the equipment main body, the beer faucet is arranged on the side wall of the equipment main body, and the conveying module is connected between the storage module and the beer faucet and is used for conveying beer in the storage module to the beer faucet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of beer self-service vending technology, specifically to a beer self-service vending device and its control system. Background Technology

[0002] With the diversification of beer consumption scenarios, self-service beer vending is gradually being applied in restaurants, leisure and entertainment venues, and public activity spaces. Self-service vending avoids waiting time with human service; users can obtain the beer they need simply by operating the equipment, improving efficiency and satisfying personalized taste preferences. In recent years, some venues have begun experimenting with self-service beer vending machines to provide users with a more convenient way to get their beer.

[0003] However, most current vending machines are designed with a single beer dispenser, a structure that presents certain limitations in practical use. When multiple users are simultaneously taking beer, they must wait in turn, preventing simultaneous operation and easily causing queues and congestion, thus reducing the efficiency of the equipment. Furthermore, a single dispenser typically corresponds to only one flavor of beer, failing to meet users' needs for diverse choices on a single device. Therefore, existing self-service beer vending machines still have room for improvement in terms of multi-user capacity and the availability of multiple flavors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to embodiments of the present invention, a self-service beer vending device and its control system are provided to address the problems mentioned in the background section.

[0005] In a first aspect of the invention, a self-service beer vending device is provided.

[0006] The self-service beer vending machine includes: a main body and beer dispensing devices; the number of beer dispensing devices is multiple, the cross-section of the main body is circular, and the beer dispensing devices are arranged in a ring on the main body; The beer supply device includes a storage module, a conveying module, and a beer tap; The beer tap is installed on the side wall of the main body of the equipment, and the conveying module is connected between the storage module and the beer tap to convey the beer in the storage module to the beer tap.

[0007] Preferably, the storage module includes at least two storage tanks containing beer; The storage tank is equipped with a connector, which includes an air inlet pipe and an air outlet pipe. The air inlet pipe is connected to the conveying module, and the air outlet pipe is connected to the beer tap through the conveying module.

[0008] Preferably, the delivery module includes a high-pressure gas tank, a gas supply pipeline, and a delivery pipeline; The gas supply pipeline is connected to the high-pressure gas tank, and the end of the gas supply pipeline away from the high-pressure gas tank is connected to the storage module through a connecting pipeline, for supplying one or a mixture of two gases, namely carbon dioxide and nitrogen, into the storage module. The delivery pipeline is connected to the storage module, and the other end of the delivery pipeline away from the storage module is connected to the beer tap.

[0009] Preferably, the delivery pipeline includes a first pipeline, a three-way valve, and a second pipeline; the first pipeline is connected to the beer tap, the end of the first pipeline away from the beer tap is connected to the three-way valve, and the three-way valve is also connected to the second pipeline.

[0010] Preferably, the beer tap includes a tap body, a handle, a valve core, and a spring; The faucet body is connected to the delivery pipeline. The faucet body has a blocking slope and a spring seat inside. A spout is connected to the faucet body. The valve core is slidably installed inside the faucet body. The valve core has a boss that matches the blocking slope. The spring is sleeved on the valve core. One end of the spring contacts the spring seat, and the other end of the spring contacts the boss. The valve core has a first transmission groove. The handle is rotatably installed on the faucet body, and one end of the handle extends into the first transmission groove.

[0011] Preferably, it also includes a counterflow assembly, which includes a one-way valve, an air storage chamber, and a pressure air pipe; the air storage chamber is connected to the pressure air pipe and is connected to a connecting pipeline; the one-way valve is disposed on the pressure air pipe, and the pressure air pipe extends into the interior of the faucet body; The beer tap also includes a sealing assembly for sealing the pressure gas pipe. The sealing assembly includes a valve plate, a valve body, a connecting rod, and a drive shaft. The valve body is fixedly mounted on the valve plate, and the valve plate is rotatably mounted inside the tap body. The connecting rod is fixedly connected to the valve plate, and the drive shaft is connected to the connecting rod. A second transmission groove is provided on the valve core. The second transmission groove is strip-shaped, and the drive shaft passes through the second transmission groove and is slidably connected to the second transmission groove.

[0012] Preferably, the handle includes a lever, a grip sleeve, a connecting ball, and a drive head; the grip sleeve is fitted onto the lever, the connecting ball is fixedly connected to the lever, the drive head is fixedly connected to the connecting ball, and the drive head extends into the first transmission groove.

[0013] Preferably, the main body of the device includes a first frame and a second frame; the second frame is located on top of the first frame, and the first frame is provided with an annular receiving edge; The beer dispensing device is located inside the first frame, the beer tap extends from the side wall of the first frame, and the first frame is provided with a first screen. The number of the first screens matches the number of the beer taps and corresponds to the position of the beer taps. The second frame is provided with a second screen and a third screen, and the third screen is set at an angle.

[0014] Preferably, the top of the second frame is flat, and a guardrail is provided on the top of the second frame.

[0015] In a first aspect of the invention, a control system for a self-service beer vending machine is provided, including a controller and a flow meter; The flow meter is used to detect the discharge volume of each flavor of beer and transmit the detected flow data to the controller. The controller adjusts the current unit price of each flavor of beer based on the discharge volume of each flavor.

[0016] One or more technical solutions provided in this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages: This invention provides a self-service beer vending machine and its control system. Users can select any beer dispenser and dispense beer by turning the tap on that dispenser. Before dispensing, the beer is supplied by a storage module, transported to the tap via a conveying module, and then discharged into a container. This continuous conveying and dispensing process avoids interruptions or external contamination, ensuring consistent beer quality throughout the entire process. The device utilizes a circular structure in its main body and a ring arrangement of the beer dispensers to simultaneously supply multiple flavors of beer. The sequential connection between modules seamlessly integrates the storage, conveying, and dispensing processes, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of self-service beer vending.

[0017] It should be understood that the description in the Summary of the Invention is not intended to limit the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to restrict the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the various embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements, wherein: Figure 1 A first-view perspective perspective three-dimensional structural diagram of a beer self-service vending device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2A second-view perspective three-dimensional structural diagram of a beer self-service vending device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A partial structural schematic diagram of a beer self-service vending device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A first-view perspective perspective schematic diagram of the beer dispensing device of a self-service beer vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 A second perspective perspective view of the beer dispensing device of a self-service beer vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 An exploded structural diagram of the beer tap of a self-service beer vending device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the beer tap of a self-service beer vending device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in the first perspective. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the beer tap of a self-service beer vending device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from a second perspective. Figure 9 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the beer tap of a self-service beer vending device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 10 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the enclosed component of a beer self-service vending device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 11 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the tap body of a beer vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 12 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the enclosed component of a beer vending device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1-Equipment body, 11-First frame, 12-Second frame, 13-First screen, 14-Second screen, 15-Third screen, 16-Guardrail, 17-Receiving edge, 2-Beer supply device, 21-Storage module, 211-Storage tank, 212-Connector, 2121-Inlet pipe, 2122-Outlet pipe, 22-Conveying module, 221-High-pressure gas tank, 222-Gas supply pipeline, 223-Conveying pipeline, 2231-First pipeline, 2232-Three-way valve, 2233-Second pipeline, 224-Connecting pipeline, 23-Beer tap 231-Dragon head body, 2311-Sloping surface, 2312-Spring seat, 2313-Spout, 232-Handle, 2321-Lever, 2322-Handle cover, 2323-Connecting ball, 2324-Drive head, 233-Valve core, 2331-Boss, 2332-First transmission groove, 2333-Second transmission groove, 234-Spring, 235-Sealing assembly, 2351-Valve plate, 2352-Valve body, 2353-Connecting rod, 2354-Drive shaft, 3-Reverse flow assembly, 31-One-way valve, 32-Air storage chamber, 33-Pressure air pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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 embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. 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.

[0021] Furthermore, the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0022] In a first aspect of the invention, as Figures 1 to 12 As shown, the self-service beer vending machine includes: a main body 1 and beer dispensing devices 2. There are multiple beer dispensing devices 2. The main body 1 has a circular cross-section, and the beer dispensing devices 2 are arranged in a ring on the main body 1.

[0023] The beer dispensing device 2 is used to dispense beer. In actual use, the user can select the appropriate beer dispensing device 2 around the main body of the equipment 1 to obtain beer. In this embodiment, each beer dispensing device 2 is used to dispense beer of different flavors.

[0024] The beer supply device 2 includes a storage module 21, a conveying module 22, and a beer tap 23.

[0025] The beer tap 23 is installed on the side wall of the main body 1, allowing the user to smoothly dispense beer by operating the tap 23. The conveying module 22 is connected between the storage module 21 and the beer tap 23, and is used to convey the beer in the storage module 21 to the beer tap 23.

[0026] In practical use, the user selects any beer dispensing device 2 and dispenses beer by turning the beer tap 23 of that device. Before dispensing, the beer is supplied by the storage module 21, transported to the beer tap 23 via the conveying module 22, and then discharged into a container from the tap 23. This continuous transmission and dispensing process avoids interruptions or external contamination, ensuring consistent beer quality throughout the entire transmission path. This embodiment utilizes the circular structure of the main body 1 and the annular arrangement of the beer dispensing devices 2 to simultaneously supply multiple flavors of beer. Furthermore, the sequential connection between modules ensures a seamless integration of the beer storage, conveying, and dispensing processes, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of self-service beer vending.

[0027] In this embodiment, the storage module 21 includes at least two storage tanks 211, each used to hold beer. Each storage tank 211 is equipped with a connector 212, which consists of an inlet pipe 2121 and an outlet pipe 2122. The inlet pipe 2121 is connected to the gas supply line 222 of the delivery module 22, used to input high-pressure gas into the storage tank 211; the outlet pipe 2122 is connected to the delivery line 223 of the delivery module 22, and extends to the beer tap 23. The delivery module 22 can selectively control the connection between different storage tanks 211 and the beer tap 23, so that when the beer tap 23 is opened, it can output beer from the corresponding storage tank 211 as needed.

[0028] In this embodiment, the delivery module 22 includes a high-pressure gas tank 221, a gas supply line 222, and a delivery line 223. The high-pressure gas tank 221 stores high-pressure carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. One end of the gas supply line 222 is connected to the high-pressure gas tank 221, and the other end is connected to the inlet pipe 2121 of the storage tank 211 via a connecting pipe 224. When high-pressure gas is released into the storage tank 211, a gas pressure environment higher than atmospheric pressure is formed inside the storage tank 211. One end of the delivery line 223 is connected to the outlet pipe 2122 of the storage tank 211, and the other end is connected to the beer tap 23, forming a liquid discharge transmission channel.

[0029] In actual use, carbon dioxide or nitrogen from the high-pressure gas tank 221 is introduced into the storage tank 211 through the gas supply pipe 222. After entering the storage tank 211, the gas occupies the space above the liquid, applying a stable pressure to the surface of the beer. The discharge pipe 2122 extends directly into the bottom of the storage tank 211. The gas pressure entering the storage tank 211 through the inlet pipe 2121 acts on the liquid surface, creating a unified pressure transmission within the liquid, thereby propelling the beer along the discharge pipe 2122 into the delivery pipe 223. Within the delivery pipe 223, the beer maintains a continuous flow under pressure until it reaches the beer tap 23. The beer tap 23, as a terminal control component, blocks the delivery channel when closed, keeping the beer within the delivery pipe 223. When the user operates the beer tap 23 to open it, the delivery channel is opened, and under the continuous pressure inside the storage tank 211, the beer flows smoothly through the tap outlet and into the user's container.

[0030] In this embodiment, the delivery pipeline 223 consists of a first pipeline 2231, a three-way valve 2232, and a second pipeline 2233. One end of the first pipeline 2231 is connected to the beer tap 23, forming the final passage for beer discharge, and the other end is connected to the three-way valve 2232. The three-way valve 2232 has three ports, one of which is connected to the first pipeline 2231, and the other two ports are connected to the second pipeline 2233 respectively, thereby realizing the switching of fluid channels between different pipelines. The second pipeline 2233 is connected to the storage tank 211 and is used to introduce the beer inside the storage tank 211 into the first pipeline 2231 under the control of the three-way valve 2232, and finally deliver it to the beer tap 23.

[0031] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the storage module 21 has three independent storage tanks 211, and two three-way valves 2232 are installed in the corresponding delivery pipeline 223. One port of one three-way valve 2232 is connected to the first pipeline 2231, and the other two ports are connected to one storage tank 211 and the other three-way valve 2232 respectively through the second pipeline 2233. The other three-way valve 2232 is connected to the other two storage tanks 211 through the remaining two ports respectively. Through the above connection method, the two three-way valves 2232 form a hierarchical switching relationship in structure.

[0032] In actual use, before operation, the user controls the opening and closing of two three-way valves 2232 to establish a connection between a target storage tank 211 and the first pipeline 2231. Under the control of the three-way valves 2232, only the selected storage tank 211 is connected to the beer tap 23, while the other storage tanks 211 remain closed. Thus, after the beer tap 23 is opened, beer under high pressure is only transported from the selected storage tank 211 through the second pipeline 2233, the three-way valve 2232, and the first pipeline 2231 to the beer tap 23 and discharged. Through the combined control of the above pipelines and valves, the beer tap 23 can selectively discharge beer from different storage tanks 211, achieving independent output from multiple storage tanks 211, avoiding mixing of different beers in the pipeline, and ensuring the independence of the beer flavor in each storage tank 211 and the accuracy of the output.

[0033] In this embodiment, the beer tap 23 comprises a tap body 231, a handle 232, a valve core 233, and a spring 234. The tap body 231 is connected to the delivery pipe 223, forming a channel for beer to enter the tap. The tap body 231 has an internal blocking ramp 2311 and a spring seat 2312, and an external dispensing nozzle 2313 for final beer discharge. The valve core 233 is slidably mounted inside the tap body 231, and its surface has a boss 2331 that matches the blocking ramp 2311, used to contact the blocking ramp 2311 and achieve a seal when closed. The spring 234 is sleeved on the valve core 233, with one end contacting the spring seat 2312 and the other end contacting the boss 2331, thereby providing continuous elastic force to the valve core 233. The valve core 233 is also provided with a first transmission groove 2332. The handle 232 is mounted on the faucet body 231 in a rotating manner. One end of the handle 232 extends into the first transmission groove 2332. Through cooperation with the transmission groove, the valve core 233 is driven.

[0034] In its normal state, spring 234 applies elastic force to valve core 233, causing the boss 2331 of valve core 233 to press tightly against the blocking slope 2311 of tap body 231, forming a closed structure. When beer is inside delivery line 223 and attempts to flow to tap 23, the liquid pressure further pushes valve core 233, making the boss 2331 contact the blocking slope 2311 even more tightly. In this state, the delivery path is completely closed, preventing beer from being accidentally discharged when tap 23 is not open.

[0035] When beer needs to be dispensed, the user moves the handle 232, causing it to rotate relative to the first transmission groove 2332. This rotation, in turn, moves the valve core 233 axially within the tap body 231. As the valve core 233 moves, the boss 2331 gradually moves away from the blocking slope 2311. During this process, the spring 234 is compressed, disrupting the original sealing contact and creating a flow gap between the boss 2331 and the blocking slope 2311. Under the pressure provided by the storage module 21, the beer flows through this gap past the blocking slope 2311 and continues to flow along the interior of the tap body 231 towards the spout 2313, finally being dispensed from the beer tap 23.

[0036] In this embodiment, since the beer tap 23 dispenses beer of different flavors, to prevent the beer remaining in the tap body 231 and the first pipe 2231 from mixing with other flavors, the self-service beer vending device also includes a counterflow assembly 3. The counterflow assembly 3 includes a one-way valve 31, a gas storage chamber 32, and a pressure gas pipe 33. The gas storage chamber 32 is connected to the pressure gas pipe 33, and the gas storage chamber 32 is connected to the connecting pipe 224. The one-way valve 31 is disposed on the pressure gas pipe 33, and the pressure gas pipe 33 extends into the interior of the tap body 231.

[0037] like Figure 8 , Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the beer tap 23 also includes a sealing assembly 235 for sealing the pressure gas pipe 33. The sealing assembly 235 includes a valve plate 2351, a valve body 2352, a connecting rod 2353, and a drive shaft 2354. The valve body 2352 is fixedly mounted on the valve plate 2351, and the valve plate 2351 is rotatably mounted inside the tap body 231. The connecting rod 2353 is fixedly connected to the valve plate 2351, and the drive shaft 2354 is connected to the connecting rod 2353. A second transmission groove 2333 is provided on the valve core 233. The second transmission groove 2333 is strip-shaped, and the drive shaft 2354 passes through the second transmission groove 2333 and is slidably connected to the second transmission groove 2333.

[0038] When the user flips the handle 232 to take beer, the valve core 233 moves towards the first pipe 2231. During this process, the second transmission groove 2333 drives the connecting rod 2353 to move via the transmission shaft 2354. The connecting rod 2353 drives the valve plate 2351 to flip, and the valve plate 2351 in turn pushes the valve body 2352 to close the pressure gas pipe 33. At this time, the gas in the connecting pipe 224 is introduced into the gas storage chamber 32 and temporarily stored. As gas continues to enter, the gas pressure in the gas storage chamber 32 gradually increases.

[0039] When the user finishes using the beer, the handle 232 is no longer under force, and the spring 234 drives the valve core 233 to reset, causing the boss 2331 of the valve core 233 to fit tightly against the blocking inclined surface 2311 inside the tap body 231, thus closing the beer tap 23. During this reset process, the second transmission groove 2333 drives the valve plate 2351 to flip again, causing the valve body 2352 to release the seal on the pressure pipe 33, and the high-pressure gas in the gas storage chamber 32 enters the tap body 231 through the pressure pipe 33. With the help of this air pressure, the beer remaining in the tap body 231 and the first pipe 2231 is effectively blown back into the corresponding storage tank 211, thereby preventing the residual beer from mixing with other flavored beers and ensuring the purity of the beer flavor.

[0040] It should be noted that the gas storage chamber 32 is connected to a high-pressure gas source via a connecting pipe 224. When the valve body 2352 closes the pressure gas pipe 33, the high-pressure gas is temporarily stored in the gas storage chamber 32. The gas pressure in the gas storage chamber 32 acts on the inside of the beer tap 23 via the pressure gas pipe 33, forming a pressure difference relative to the beer in the first pipe 2231. In the prior art, beer is usually maintained at a certain pressure in the storage tank 211 and the delivery pipe 223 to ensure fluidity and bubble control, but this pressure is far lower than the instantaneous high pressure that the gas storage chamber 32 can provide. By reasonably designing the volume of the gas storage chamber 32 and the pressure of the stored high-pressure gas, its output pressure can be made greater than the static pressure and flow pressure of the beer in the delivery pipe 223 and the tap body 231, thus overcoming the beer's own pressure and pushing the residual beer in the tap body 231 and the first pipe 2231 back to the corresponding storage tank 211.

[0041] In this embodiment, the handle 232 includes a lever 2321, a grip sleeve 2322, a connecting ball 2323, and a drive head 2324. The grip sleeve 2322 is fitted onto the lever 2321, the connecting ball 2323 is fixedly connected to the lever 2321, and the drive head 2324 is fixedly connected to the connecting ball 2323. The drive head 2324 extends into the first transmission groove 2332.

[0042] The faucet body 231 has a receiving space for accommodating the connecting ball 2323, which is movably connected to the receiving space. During use, the handle sleeve 2322 is turned to drive the lever 2321 to move, the connecting ball 2323 moves relative to the faucet body 231, and the drive head 2324 will move the valve core 233 through the first transmission groove 2332.

[0043] In this embodiment, the main body 1 of the device includes a first frame 11 and a second frame 12 located on top of it. The first frame 11 is provided with an annular receiving edge 17 for receiving liquid dripping from the beer tap 23, so as to prevent the liquid from splashing onto the ground or soiling the user's clothes.

[0044] The beer dispensing device 2 is installed inside the first frame 11, and the beer taps 23 extend from the side wall of the first frame 11 for easy dispensing by the user. The first frame 11 is equipped with a number of first screens 13 corresponding to the number of beer taps 23, with each first screen 13 corresponding to a specific beer tap 23. The first screens 13 can display the types of beer dispensed by the corresponding beer tap 23, or display a payment QR code for user selection and payment.

[0045] The front of the second frame 12 is provided with a second screen 14 and a third screen 15 arranged at an angle. The second screen 14 is used to display a beer price list, while the third screen 15 is used to play promotional videos, dynamic animations and other visual information, thereby enhancing the user's consumption experience and the atmosphere of the scene.

[0046] Furthermore, the top of the second frame 12 is a flat structure, and a guardrail 16 is provided around the perimeter of this flat surface. The top surface of the second frame 12 can be used as a small stage for interactive or performance activities, and the guardrail 16 provides effective protection for performers, preventing the risk of falls.

[0047] In a second aspect of the invention, a control system for a self-service beer vending machine is also provided, wherein the flow meter is used to detect the discharge volume of each flavor of beer and transmit the detected flow data to a controller. The controller adjusts the current unit price of each flavor of beer based on the discharge volume of each flavor.

[0048] Furthermore, the control system of the self-service beer vending machine includes a controller, flow meters installed on the discharge pipes 2122 of each storage tank 211, and a payment module. Each storage tank 211's discharge pipe 2122 is equipped with an independent flow meter to detect the amount of beer discharged through the discharge pipe 2122 and transmit the detected flow data to the controller. Based on the real-time sales volume information of each storage tank 211, the controller dynamically calculates the current unit price of the corresponding flavor of beer according to preset price adjustment rules, enabling the price to increase as the sales volume increases.

[0049] Furthermore, the controller is electrically connected to a flow meter installed on the discharge pipe 2122 of each storage tank 211 to acquire real-time data on the instantaneous flow rate and cumulative sales volume of each storage tank 211. The controller calculates the current price of each beer flavor according to preset price control rules. Specifically, the controller first reads the cumulative sales volume of the corresponding storage tank 211, and then calculates the real-time unit price of that beer flavor based on a preset price curve or tiered price table. The real-time unit price increases appropriately as sales volume increases.

[0050] After calculation, the controller sends real-time price information to the corresponding displays: the first screen 13, corresponding to each beer tap 23, displays the real-time price and payment information of the beer supplied by that tap, allowing users to obtain price information before operating the tap; the second screen 14 on the second frame 12 displays a price list for all beer flavors, providing a centralized display of prices for each flavor, allowing users to quickly browse and compare the current prices of different flavors. The controller also links the price information with the payment module, automatically calculating the amount due when the user completes payment, ensuring that the actual payment amount matches the price displayed on each screen.

[0051] During the beer dispensing process, the user operates the handle 232 of the selected beer tap 23, causing the valve core 233 to move under the action of the spring 234, forming a flow channel between the boss 2331 and the blocking slope 2311. Under the pressure provided by the delivery module 22, the beer in the storage tank 211 flows along the discharge pipe 2122, the delivery pipe 223, and the interior of the tap body 231 to the spout 2313, thus completing the beer dispensing. During the dispensing process, the flow meter continuously monitors the instantaneous flow rate and cumulative sales volume of the beer. The controller adjusts the price based on the detection data and displays the real-time price on the first screen 13.

[0052] When the user stops operating handle 232, valve core 233 resets under the action of spring 234, causing boss 2331 to re-fit with blocking inclined surface 2311, and beer tap 23 closes. At this time, counterflow component 3 is activated, and high-pressure gas in gas storage chamber 32 enters tap body 231 and first pipeline 2231 through pressure gas pipe 33, blowing residual beer back into the corresponding storage tank 211 to prevent mixing of different flavored beers. Through real-time processing of flow meter data and dynamic price adjustment by the controller, the control system realizes the functions of on-demand beer dispensing, sales volume monitoring, dynamic price control, and residual liquid return, ensuring the independence, reliability, and intelligent management of multi-flavored beer self-service vending.

[0053] It should be noted that although the backflow component 3 can blow the beer remaining in the tap body 231 and the first pipeline 2231 back to the corresponding storage tank 211, to prevent beer from flowing back into the pipeline or tap body 231 when not in use, an existing electrically controlled valve can be installed at the discharge pipe 2122 of the storage tank 211 to close the discharge pipe 2122 when not discharging, preventing beer backflow. Simultaneously, when switching between different flavors of beer, to ensure that the flavors do not mix, the control system can switch the three-way valve 2232 within a set delay time after the user has finished dispensing, thereby connecting the selected beer tap 23 to the target storage tank 211, achieving selective discharge of different flavors of beer. This structure ensures the safety of residual liquid backflow while achieving independent discharge control of multiple flavors of beer.

[0054] The beer taps 23 are designed to selectively dispense different flavors of beer, aiming to improve the efficiency of the vending machine when multiple people are simultaneously taking beer. By monitoring the sales volume of each storage tank 211, the control system can decide to remove a particular flavor of beer from the shelves based on sales volume and replace it with the more popular beer tap 23. This allows multiple taps to dispense high-selling beers simultaneously, thus avoiding long queues and improving the overall efficiency and response speed of the self-service beer vending machine.

[0055] Although the embodiments described in this application primarily focus on a beer vending machine, the structure and control system of the device are equally applicable to the vending of juice, carbonated beverages, and other liquid drinks. Therefore, the multi-flavor dispensing, flow monitoring, dynamic pricing, and residual liquid recirculation technologies described in this application are not limited to beer applications; all beverages that can be dispensed using the aforementioned structures and methods are included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0056] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A self-service beer vending machine, characterized in that, include: The equipment body (1) and the beer supply device (2); there are multiple beer supply devices (2), the cross-section of the equipment body (1) is circular, and the beer supply devices (2) are arranged in a ring on the equipment body (1); The beer supply device (2) includes a storage module (21), a conveying module (22), and a beer tap (23). The beer tap (23) is installed on the side wall of the main body (1) of the equipment. The conveying module (22) is connected between the storage module (21) and the beer tap (23) to convey the beer in the storage module (21) to the beer tap (23).

2. The beer vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage module (21) includes at least two storage tanks (211) containing beer; The storage tank (211) is provided with a connector (212), which includes an air inlet pipe (2121) and an outlet pipe (2122). The air inlet pipe (2121) is connected to the conveying module (22), and the outlet pipe (2122) is connected to the beer tap (23) through the conveying module (22).

3. The beer vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The delivery module (22) includes a high-pressure gas tank (221), a gas supply pipeline (222), and a delivery pipeline (223). The gas supply pipeline (222) is connected to the high-pressure gas tank (221), and the end of the gas supply pipeline (222) away from the high-pressure gas tank (221) is connected to the storage module (21) through the connecting pipeline (224) for supplying one or a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen into the storage module (21); The delivery pipeline (223) is connected to the storage module (21), and the other end of the delivery pipeline (223) away from the storage module (21) is connected to the beer tap (23).

4. The beer vending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The delivery pipeline (223) includes a first pipeline (2231), a three-way valve (2232), and a second pipeline (2233); the first pipeline (2231) is connected to the beer tap (23), and the end of the first pipeline (2231) away from the beer tap (23) is connected to the three-way valve (2232), and the three-way valve (2232) is also connected to the second pipeline (2233).

5. The beer vending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The beer tap (23) includes a tap body (231), a handle (232), a valve core (233), and a spring (234). The faucet body (231) is connected to the delivery pipeline (223). The faucet body (231) is provided with a blocking inclined surface (2311) and a spring seat (2312). The faucet body (231) is connected to a spout (2313). The valve core (233) is slidably installed inside the faucet body (231). The valve core (233) is provided with a boss (2331) that matches the blocking inclined surface (2311). The spring (234) is sleeved on the valve core (233). One end of the spring (234) contacts the spring seat (2312), and the other end of the spring (234) contacts the boss (2331). The valve core (233) is provided with a first transmission groove (2332). The handle (232) is rotatably installed on the faucet body (231). One end of the handle (232) extends into the first transmission groove (2332).

6. The beer vending machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a counterflow assembly (3), which includes a one-way valve (31), an air storage chamber (32), and a pressure air pipe (33); the air storage chamber (32) is connected to the pressure air pipe (33), the air storage chamber (32) is connected to the connecting pipe (224), the one-way valve (31) is disposed on the pressure air pipe (33), and the pressure air pipe (33) extends into the interior of the faucet body (231); The beer tap (23) also includes a sealing assembly (235) for sealing the pressure pipe (33). The sealing assembly (235) includes a valve plate (2351), a valve body (2352), a connecting rod (2353), and a drive shaft (2354). The valve body (2352) is fixedly installed on the valve plate (2351). The valve plate (2351) is rotatably installed inside the tap body (231). The connecting rod (2353) is fixedly connected to the valve plate (2351). The drive shaft (2354) is connected to the connecting rod (2353). A second transmission groove (2333) is provided on the valve core (233). The second transmission groove (2333) is strip-shaped. The drive shaft (2354) passes through the second transmission groove (2333) and is slidably connected to the second transmission groove (2333).

7. The beer vending machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The handle (232) includes a lever (2321), a grip sleeve (2322), a connecting ball (2323), and a drive head (2324); the grip sleeve (2322) is fitted onto the lever (2321), the connecting ball (2323) is fixedly connected to the lever (2321), the drive head (2324) is fixedly connected to the connecting ball (2323), and the drive head (2324) extends into the first transmission groove (2332).

8. The beer vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the device (1) includes a first frame (11) and a second frame (12); the second frame (12) is located on top of the first frame (11), and the first frame (11) is provided with an annular receiving edge (17). The beer supply device (2) is located inside the first frame (11), the beer tap (23) extends from the side wall of the first frame (11), and the first frame (11) is provided with a first screen (13). The number of the first screens (13) matches the number of the beer taps (23) and corresponds to the position of the beer taps (23). The second frame (12) is provided with a second screen (14) and a third screen (15), and the third screen (15) is tilted.

9. The beer vending machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The top of the second frame (12) is flat, and a guardrail (16) is provided on the top of the second frame (12).

10. A control system for a self-service beer vending machine, characterized in that, The system is used to control the beer vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, including a controller and a flow meter; The flow meter is used to detect the discharge volume of each flavor of beer and transmit the detected flow data to the controller; the controller adjusts the current unit price of each flavor of beer according to the discharge volume of each flavor of beer.

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