An automatic beverage preparation aid and a method of preparing a beverage

Abstract

The application discloses a modular automatic beverage preparation auxiliary device, comprising a liquid dispensing module, a manual module and a control device, the control device is arranged on the liquid dispensing module and / or the manual module, configured to receive user instructions or order information, and control the cup conveying and stirring device of the liquid dispensing module according to the user instructions or order information, convey the cup to the position below the liquid preparation station, start the fluid pump, distribute the quantitative liquid into the cup through the dispensing port, convey the cup to the stirring station for stirring, and then convey the cup to the waiting position for taking out, so as to perform subsequent operations on the manual module. The application also discloses a modular automatic beverage preparation auxiliary method. The modular automatic auxiliary device and the automatic auxiliary method can realize centralized automatic configuration of liquid preparation, integrate various processes of manual configuration, thereby efficiently and high-quality preparing beverages, and reduce the land occupation and labor cost.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 2022101591592, filed on February 22, 2022, entitled Modular Automatic Auxiliary Equipment and Method for Freshly Made Beverages. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of on-site beverage preparation equipment, and more specifically, to improved automated auxiliary equipment for on-site beverage preparation. This invention also relates to automated auxiliary methods for on-site beverage preparation. Background Technology

[0003] With the improvement of living standards, the demand for and level of beverage consumption are also constantly rising, making freshly made beverage shops one of the fastest-growing industries. Freshly made beverage shops can be seen everywhere, and you can often see long queues.

[0004] Current beverage shops offer a wide variety of drinks to meet the needs of diverse consumers. However, this variety also hinders automation, with almost all preparation done manually. Manual preparation suffers from low efficiency, high error rates, and inconsistent flavor profiles. Furthermore, the open environment of manual preparation can lead to food hygiene issues. Even with automated beverage preparation machines, the types of drinks they can prepare are limited, and they are typically bulky, all-in-one machines. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to alleviate or at least solve the above-mentioned problems by providing an improved modular automated auxiliary device and method for freshly made beverages.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, an automated auxiliary device for freshly prepared beverages is provided, comprising: The liquid distribution system includes multiple sets of pumping devices, discharge nozzles, and distribution pipelines connecting the pumping devices and the discharge nozzles. Each type of liquid corresponds to a set of pumping devices, discharge nozzles, and distribution pipelines to avoid cross-contamination of odors and pipeline contamination. The mixing cup conveying device defines a conveying path and multiple stations along that path. It receives mixing cups and conveys them along the conveying path from the starting station to the ending station. Between the starting and ending stations, there is also a dispensing station corresponding to the dispensing nozzle for each type of liquid. The control device receives user commands, determines the required liquid type, controls the transmission power mechanism of the conveying device to sequentially deliver the mixing cup to the outlet of each required liquid, and controls the pumping device to start, dispensing an appropriate amount of liquid through the outlet until all required liquids have been dispensed. The automated auxiliary equipment also includes a mixing cup device. The conveying path includes a mixing cup station corresponding to the mixing cup device. The mixing cup, having completed the required liquid distribution, is conveyed to the mixing cup station. A control device controls a stirring power mechanism to perform stirring. This stirring power mechanism is a magnetic stirring power mechanism, which includes a rotatable active magnet. The active magnet is driven to rotate by the stirring power mechanism. The rotation of the active magnet drives the driven magnet on the received mixing cup to rotate, thus performing stirring. From the starting station to the station before the stirring station, the driven magnet on the mixing cup and the active magnet of the stirring power mechanism maintain a distance greater than a certain threshold to reduce the magnetic attraction between them. After reaching the stirring position, the mixing cup height decreases to a distance where the distance between the active magnet and the driven magnet reaches a range where the rotation of the active magnet can drive the rotation of the driven magnet.

[0007] Optionally, the automated auxiliary equipment includes a refrigerator with refrigeration function for the preservation of various liquids. The refrigerator also includes an ice dispensing device, which includes a hopper, an ice outlet, an auger, and a drive motor. The conveying path also includes an ice adding station located before the stirring station. After receiving an ice adding command, the control device conveys the mixing cup to below the ice outlet, controls the drive motor to start, drives the auger, and pushes the ice out of the hopper. The ice is then distributed through the ice outlet, completing the ice adding step.

[0008] Optionally, the conveying device is a turntable type, which includes multiple cup receiving stations along the circumference.

[0009] Optionally, the transmission device includes a rotating shaft and two layers of disks mounted on the rotating shaft. A vertical guide rail is provided between the disks corresponding to each cup receiving position. The cup is mounted on the guide rail by a slider to slide up and down along the guide rail. The transmission device also includes a biasing element disposed between the slider and one of the two layers of disks for biasing and holding the cup. The automated auxiliary equipment also includes a pull-down cylinder or cam for pulling down the cup so that the distance between the active magnet and the driven magnet reaches the range where the rotation of the active magnet can drive the rotation of the driven magnet through magnetic force. After the pull-down cylinder or cam releases the cup, the cup is reset to the bias holding position by the biasing element.

[0010] Optionally, the liquid distribution system further includes a self-circulating pipeline in fluid communication with the pumping device and various different flavored liquid containers, for pumping out from the corresponding flavored liquid container by the pumping device and returning to the corresponding liquid container, so as to prevent the flavored liquid from separating after standing for a period of time.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for preparing beverages using the aforementioned automated auxiliary equipment for freshly prepared beverages is provided, comprising the following steps: Receive user instructions and determine the type of liquid required to prepare the beverage; Control the position of the dispensing nozzle as the mixing cup conveyor passes through the dispensing nozzle to dispense the required liquid; When the mixing cup reaches the outlet position of each required liquid, the control and dispensing system dispenses an appropriate amount of the liquid from the outlet into the mixing cup until all required liquids have been added; The mixing cup containing the required liquid is transported to the mixing station, and the mixing device is controlled to perform mixing. The mixing cup and the stirring device are configured to achieve mixing of the mixing cup by magnetic force or mechanical agitation, and the stirring action only takes effect when the mixing cup reaches the stirring position and stirring is required; Multiple liquids are stored at the required temperature, and the liquid level or weight of the dispensed liquids is monitored. When the liquid level or weight is below a threshold, a liquid addition prompt is issued. The container holding a certain liquid is periodically circulated internally to prevent liquid stratification.

[0012] The automated auxiliary equipment and method for freshly made beverages according to the present invention can realize centralized automatic preparation of liquid and integrate various manual preparation processes, thereby producing freshly made beverages efficiently and with high quality, while reducing space and labor costs. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a front view of a modular on-the-go beverage auxiliary device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the modular on-the-go beverage preparation equipment shown in the image; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The main view of the liquid dispensing module after removing the outer panel; Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of the liquid distribution submodule of the liquid discharging module according to the present invention; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the mixing cup conveying and stirring device of the liquid dispensing module according to the present invention; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Front view of the mixing cup conveyor and stirring device shown; Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The main view of the manual module in the middle; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the handcrafted module shown; Figure 9 This is a front view of a modular automated auxiliary device for freshly made beverages according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A perspective view of the modular automated auxiliary equipment for freshly made beverages shown in the image; Figure 11 yes Figure 9 The main view of the panel with the portion removed from the solid or semi-solid discharge module in the middle; Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the solid or semi-solid material discharging submodule according to the present invention; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The side view shown is of the solid or semi-solid material discharging submodule according to the present invention. Figure 14 It is a perspective view of multiple solid or semi-solid material discharging sub-modules integrated together according to the present invention; Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the conveyor frame according to the present invention; Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The top view of the conveyor shown. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0015] The modular on-the-go beverage auxiliary equipment of the present invention optimizes and refines the on-the-go beverage production process. It integrates all materials that can be distributed by the pumping device in a modular manner, and sets up the entire liquid dispensing device in a modular manner to assist manual on-the-go beverage production. This not only improves the efficiency of liquid dispensing and avoids the instability of liquid composition and hygiene problems that may be caused by manual liquid dispensing, but also makes the automated equipment small in size and flexible in use.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a front view of a modular on-the-go beverage auxiliary device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1The figure shows a perspective view of a modular on-the-go beverage auxiliary equipment. The modular on-the-go beverage auxiliary equipment, generally indicated by reference numeral 1, includes a liquid dispensing module 11 and a manual module 12. The liquid dispensing module 11, with its centralized or integrated cold liquid distribution sub-module and hot (or ambient temperature) liquid distribution sub-module, works in conjunction with a mixing cup conveyor and stirring device to automatically dispense various different liquids for different on-the-go beverages into mixing cups, and to stir the liquids along the conveying path, thus completing the liquid preparation required for on-the-go beverage preparation. The mixing cups containing the prepared liquid output from the liquid dispensing module 11 can be manually used for subsequent addition and preparation of other materials, or can be combined with manual labor and other automated auxiliary equipment to form the finished on-the-go beverage.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The figure shows a front view of the liquid dispensing module without the outer panel. As shown, the liquid dispensing module 11 includes a hot liquid or room temperature liquid dispensing submodule 111, a cold liquid dispensing submodule 111', and a mixing cup conveying and stirring device 112, wherein a mixing cup 113 for dispensing liquid is placed on the mixing cup conveying and stirring device 112.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of the liquid distribution submodule of the liquid dispensing module according to the present invention. The figure illustrates a hot liquid or room temperature liquid distribution submodule 111 as an example. The liquid distribution submodule 111 includes a liquid container 1114, a fluid pump 1111 connected to the liquid container 1114, and a discharge nozzle 1113 connected to the fluid pump 1111. Preferably, the liquid distribution submodule 111 also includes a pulse damper 1112 disposed between the fluid pump 1111 and the discharge nozzle 1113. The inlet pipe of the fluid pump 1111 is connected to the liquid container 1114, and the outlet pipe is connected to the discharge nozzle 1113 via the pulse damper 1112. The pulse damper 1112 buffers the pulse impact of the fluid pump 111, preventing the fluid distributed by the discharge nozzle 1113 from splashing. The liquid container 1114 is shown as an insulated container, but it can also be a regular transparent liquid container.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the mixing cup conveying and stirring device of the liquid dispensing module according to the present invention; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The front view of the mixing cup conveyor and stirring device shown. Figure 5In the attached drawing, the mixing cup conveying and stirring device is generally indicated by reference numeral 112, and the mixing cup 113 is received on the mixing cup conveying and stirring device 112. Specifically, the mixing cup conveying device in the mixing cup conveying and stirring device 112 is a rotary type, and the mixing cup 113 is received at the circumference of the mixing cup conveying device. The mixing cup 113 rotates with the mixing cup conveying device, which determines the mixing cup conveying path. The liquid dispensing station and stirring station on the mixing cup conveying path are determined by the stopping position or indexing position of the mixing cup 113 during the rotation of the rotary table 1121. The mixing cup conveying device includes a rotating shaft (not shown) and a rotary table 1121 mounted on the rotating shaft. The mixing cup 113 is placed on the rotary table 1121 and rotates with the rotary table 1121. The outlet of the liquid distribution submodule 111 or 111' is located above the mixing cup conveying path, corresponding to the liquid distribution station on the mixing cup conveying path. When the mixing cup 113 reaches the liquid distribution station corresponding to the outlet of the liquid distribution submodule of the required liquid, the outlet distributes the required liquid into the mixing cup. Then, the mixing cup 113 is conveyed to the liquid distribution station corresponding to the outlet of the next liquid distribution submodule of the required liquid, and the distribution of that liquid is carried out until the required liquid distribution is completed. On the mixing cup conveying path, and downstream of all outlets, a stirring station is also provided, and a stirring device 1122 is provided corresponding to the stirring station. In this invention, the stirring device 1122 preferably adopts magnetic stirring. The rotating shaft of the stirring device 1122 includes an active magnet, which is driven to rotate by a stirring power mechanism. A driven magnet is included at the bottom of the mixing cup 113. When the active magnet rotates, it can drive the driven magnet provided on the mixing cup 113 in the stirring position to rotate, so as to stir the liquid in the mixing cup 113. The magnetic stirring device of the present invention has a simple structure, and no precise mechanical matching is required between the active magnet and the driven magnet.

[0020] The mixing cup conveying device is not limited to the rotary type described above; it can also be a linear guide rail. The stirring device is not limited to the magnetic stirring device described above; it can also be a stirring device driven by a transmission mechanism.

[0021] The mixing cup conveying device also includes a mixing cup lifting mechanism, which increases the distance between the driven magnet and the active magnet when the mixing cup 113 passes through the stirring station and stirring is not required, so that the interaction between the magnets does not affect the mixing cup conveying. When the mixing cup passes through the stirring station and stirring is required, the mixing cup lifting mechanism reduces the distance between the driven magnet and the active magnet, so that the rotation of the active magnet can drive the rotation of the driven magnet.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The main view of the manual module in the middle; Figure 8 yes Figure 7The diagram shows a perspective view of the manual module 12. The manual module 12 includes a worktable 123; a special material storage tank 121, mounted on the worktable 123, for holding special materials for freshly prepared beverages; and a sealing machine 122 for sealing the finished cups of the prepared beverages. Hot and cold water pipes 127 can also be installed beside the worktable 123, and a smoothie device 125 can be installed above it. The worktable 123 also includes a water tank 128 and a cup-washing device 129 installed beside the water tank. The cups are washed by the cup-washing device 129 after each use to prevent cross-contamination of materials during the next use, thus affecting the taste of the finished product. A refrigerated cabinet 126 can also be installed below the water tank 128 for temporarily storing special materials.

[0023] Further reference Figure 7 and combined Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the modular on-site beverage automatic auxiliary equipment 1 also includes a control device 124 installed on the manual module 12. The control device 124 is configured to receive user instructions or order information, and control the mixing cup conveying and stirring device according to the user instructions or order information. The mixing cup is conveyed to the required liquid preparation station, the fluid pump is started, and a quantitative liquid is distributed into the mixing cup through the pulse damper and the outlet. The mixing cup is then conveyed to the stirring station for stirring, and then conveyed to the waiting position for removal. For example, the control device 124 includes a host computer, a communication device, and a programmable controller. The host computer receives user instructions or order information through the communication device, parses the user instructions or order information, determines the different flavor liquids required by the user instructions or order information, and sends the beverage preparation instructions to the programmable controller through the communication device. The programmable controller controls the mixing cup conveying and stirring device to convey the mixing cup to the required liquid preparation station, starts the fluid pump, distributes a quantitative liquid into the mixing cup through the outlet, conveys the mixing cup to the stirring station for stirring, and then conveys the mixing cup to the waiting position for removal for subsequent operations on the manual module. The control device 124 distributes different types and / or different amounts of liquid by controlling the pumping speed and pumping time of the fluid pump.

[0024] The control device 124 also includes touch screens 1241 and 114. Touch screen 1241 is used to display the working status of the device, and touch screen 114 is used to display various mixing information in the mixing cup.

[0025] The control device 124 is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, and can also be set on the liquid discharge module 11, and the touch screens 1241 and 114 can also be a single touch screen.

[0026] In this embodiment, the configuration of the liquid dispensing module 11 and the manual module 12 is not limited to... Figure 1 and 2The preferred arrangement shown is that the manual module 12 and the liquid discharge module 11 are arranged adjacent to each other or side to side. The manual module 12 and the liquid discharge module 11 can also be arranged separately, or the manual module 12 can be arranged to the right of the liquid discharge module 11.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a front view of a modular automated auxiliary device for freshly made beverages according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The figure shows a perspective view of a modular automated auxiliary device for freshly made beverages. In this embodiment, the same components are labeled using the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, except that the first digit on the left is increased by 1 for distinction.

[0028] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 As can be seen, the modular automated auxiliary equipment for freshly made beverages in the second embodiment is generally indicated by reference numeral 2 in the attached drawing. The modular automated auxiliary equipment for freshly made beverages 2 includes a liquid dispensing module 21, a manual dispensing module 22, and a solid or semi-solid material dispensing module 23. The liquid dispensing module 21, the manual dispensing module 22, and the solid or semi-solid material dispensing module 23 are each implemented as three independent modules.

[0029] The liquid dispensing module 21 and the manual dispensing module 22 are the same as the liquid dispensing module 11 and the manual dispensing module 12 in the first embodiment, and will not be described again here.

[0030] The control device 224 can be installed on the manual module 22 as described in the first embodiment, or it can be installed on the liquid discharging module 11 or the solid or semi-solid material discharging module 23. The solid or semi-solid material discharging module 23 may also include a touch screen 234 for displaying various material information in the finished product cup of the solid or semi-solid material discharging module 23.

[0031] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 The main view of the panel for removing the solid or semi-solid discharge module. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and combined Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown in the figure, the solid or semi-solid material discharging module 23 includes: a cup-dropping device 233, a solid or semi-solid material discharging submodule 231, and a conveyor frame 232. The cup-dropping device 233 is used to hold the finished cups and drop them when it operates. The conveyor frame 232 is used to receive the dropped cups from the cup-dropping device 233 and transport them to the discharge port of the solid or semi-solid material discharging submodule 231. The control device 224 can also, according to user instructions or order information, drop the finished cups required for the freshly prepared beverage from the cup-dropping device into the conveyor frame and transport the finished cups below the discharge port of the discharging submodule containing the required solid or semi-solid materials. For example, the control device 224 includes a host computer, a communication device, and a programmable controller. The host computer receives user instructions or order information via the communication device, parses the user instructions or order information, determines the solid or semi-solid materials required by the user instructions or order information, and sends the beverage configuration instructions to the programmable controller via the communication device. The programmable controller then drops the finished cups required for the freshly made beverage from the cup dropping device 233 into the conveyor rack 232, and transports the finished cups to the outlet of the solid or semi-solid discharge submodule 231 that holds the required solid or semi-solid materials.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the solid or semi-solid material discharging submodule according to the present invention. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The diagram shows a side view of the solid or semi-solid material discharging submodule according to the present invention. The solid or semi-solid material discharging submodule 231 includes a material container 2311, a plunger valve 2312 connected to the material container 2311, and an auger disposed at the bottom of the material container 2311, the auger being connected to a motor 2314. The plunger valve 2312 includes a first branch pipe 2312a, a second branch pipe 2312b, and a plunger 2312c disposed in the first branch pipe 2312a. The plunger 2312c is connected to a cylinder 2313. The lower opening of the first branch pipe 2312a is a discharge port 2312d. The second branch pipe 2312b is connected to the discharge pipe of the material container 2311 via a movable clamp 2315. The auger extends from the discharge pipe of the material container 2311 to the second branch pipe 2312b. When solid or semi-solid materials need to be dispensed, the control device can control the cylinder 2313 to raise the plunger 2312c, so that the discharge port 2312d opens. The control motor 2314 drives the auger to rotate, pushing the material in the material container 2311 through the discharge pipe into the first branch pipe 2312a of the plunger valve 2312, and then sending it out through the discharge port 2312d. After the material is discharged, the control cylinder 2313 is activated to lower the plunger 2312c. During the descent of the plunger 2312c, the material adhering to the inner wall of the first branch pipe 2312a can be scraped off. After the plunger 2312c is lowered into position, the discharge port 2312d is closed.

[0033] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of multiple integrated solid or semi-solid material discharging submodules according to the present invention. As shown, multiple solid or semi-solid material discharging submodules 231 are integrated together via a mounting frame 236. The mounting frame 236 includes a support arm 2361, a support leg 2362, a hinge 2363, a bracket (not shown) opposite the hinge, and a retaining clamp 2364. The support leg 2362 supports the support arm 2361 in place. The support arm 2361 is connected to the hinge 2363. The hinge 2363 and the bracket can be disposed within a housing to provide housing support for the mounting frame 236. A cylinder 2313 is mounted on the support arm 2361, and the retaining clamp 2364 holds the plunger valve 2312 in place to prevent displacement during discharging. When disassembly and cleaning are required, cylinder 2313 lifts the piston of plunger valve 2312, separates the piston from the first branch pipe, releases retaining clamp 2364, and then rotates support arm 2361 around hinge 2363, as shown in the figure, flipping it open from the paper side to the paper side, thereby separating plunger valve 2312 from material container 2311, and the valve body of each plunger valve 2312 and material container 2311 can be removed for cleaning.

[0034] Each fixed frame 236 can install multiple solid or semi-solid material discharging sub-modules 231. In this embodiment, each fixed frame 236 can install a maximum of 5 solid or semi-solid material discharging sub-modules 231, but this number is not limited to this.

[0035] The structural design of the solid or semi-solid material discharge submodule 231 and the fixing frame 236 allows the solid or semi-solid material discharge submodule 231 containing different materials to be integrated together, reducing the overall volume and facilitating disassembly and assembly.

[0036] In this invention, the term "solid or semi-solid material" refers to solids such as food particles, powders, and pellets, and semi-solid materials such as solid-liquid mixtures, wet powders, and porridge-like substances, such as meat, red bean paste, taro balls, black glutinous rice, grapefruit pieces, and mango pieces. The structural design of the solid or semi-solid material discharging submodule 231 according to this invention also helps to maintain the material properties of the solid or semi-solid materials without damage.

[0037] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the conveyor frame according to the present invention; Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The top view of the conveyor shown. Figure 15 and Figure 16The conveyor frame, generally indicated by reference numeral 232, illustrates the conveyor frame 232 that receives finished cups falling from the cup dropping device 233. The conveyor frame 232 includes an X-rail 2322, a Y-rail 2321, and a finished cup clamp 2323. The X-rail 2322 is fixed, and the Y-rail 2321 is mounted on the X-rail 2322 and can slide along it. The finished cup clamp 2323 includes two clamping arms, the opening size of which can be adjusted to receive finished cups 2331 of different volumes, holding the finished cups 2331. The finished cup clamp 2323 is connected to the Y-rail 2321, enabling the finished cups to move along both the X and Y directions. Thus, the conveyor frame 232 can deliver the finished cups 2331 held thereon to the discharge port 2312d of the plunger valve 2312 of the corresponding solid or semi-solid material discharge submodule 231.

[0038] The control device 224 can, according to user instructions, use a programmable controller to drop the finished cups 2331 required for the freshly made beverage from the cup holder of the cup dropping device 233 into the conveyor frame, and transport the finished cups 2331 to below the discharge port 2312d of the plunger valve 2312 of the solid or semi-solid material discharge submodule 231 which contains the required solid or semi-solid material. The cylinder 2313 of the plunger valve 2312 is activated to raise the plunger 2312a, opening the discharge port 2312d. The control motor 2314 drives the auger to deliver the material. Then, the cylinder 2313 of the plunger valve 2312 is activated, the plunger 2312a of the plunger valve 2312 is lowered, and the discharge port 2312d is closed.

[0039] The finished cup clamp 2323 is connected to the conveyor frame 232 via a weighing device (not shown in the figure). The weighing device is used to weigh the weight of the solid or semi-solid material dispensed into the finished cup 2331 and feeds back the weighed information to the control device 224. The control device 224 can further control the dispensing amount of solid or semi-solid material based on the feedback. Therefore, the solid or semi-solid material dispensing module 23 according to the present invention can dispense solid or semi-solid material more accurately.

[0040] Further reference Figure 15 and 16 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the conveyor frame includes two parallel X-rails 2321. These two parallel X-rails 2321 enable the Y-rail, which holds the finished cup clamp 2323 and the finished cup 2331, to run more smoothly. This invention is not limited to two parallel X-rails 2321; one X-rail 2321 is also feasible, and it may even exclude the Y-rail and use only one X-rail. This invention may also include a Z-rail perpendicular to both the X-rail 2321 and the Y-rail, thereby allowing the finished cup clamp and the finished cup on it to move in three directions, reaching any point in the three-dimensional space defined by the X-rail, Y-rail, and Z-rail.

[0041] Return to reference Figure 11 The figure also shows that the solid or semi-solid material discharge module 23 further includes a marking device 234 and a labeling device 235. The control device 224 controls the marking device 234 to print the label and controls the labeling device 235 to affix the label to the finished cup 2331.

[0042] The labeling device 235 includes a vacuum suction cup, a solenoid valve, and a vacuum suction cup drive mechanism. After the labeling device 234 prints the label, the control device 224 controls the solenoid valve to open, and the vacuum suction cup picks up the label. The adhesive side of the label is on the back of the vacuum suction cup. The vacuum suction cup drive mechanism moves the picked-up label to the body of the finished product cup 2331 that dispenses solid or semi-solid materials. The solenoid valve closes, the vacuum suction cup stops airflow and releases the label, and the label sticks to the body of the finished product cup 2331.

[0043] Return to reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown in the figure, in the modular automatic auxiliary equipment 2 for freshly made beverages according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the manual module 22 is located in the middle, and the liquid dispensing module 21 and the solid or semi-solid material dispensing module 23 are located on both sides of the manual module 22. The mixing cup after liquid preparation and the finished cup after material addition are output towards the operating table 223. The operator pours the liquid material in the mixing cup into the finished cup containing solid or semi-solid material, adds the required special materials, and then takes it to the sealing machine 222 to seal it, thus completing the production of freshly made beverages.

[0044] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The second embodiment shown is a preferred embodiment. The layout of the manual module 22 in the middle allows the operator to make fresh beverages very conveniently and quickly. However, the present invention is not limited to this layout. Placing the liquid dispensing module 21 and the manual module 22 adjacent to each other is a second-best option. Each of the liquid dispensing module 21, the manual module 22, and the solid or semi-solid material dispensing module 23 can be used independently or placed in different positions.

[0045] The control device according to the present invention is not limited to the host computer and programmable controller described in this embodiment, but can be implemented in other hardware, such as a PCB including chips.

[0046] Based on the above description of embodiments of the modular on-the-go beverage automatic auxiliary equipment of the present invention, an automatic auxiliary method for modular on-the-go beverage production is also disclosed, comprising the following steps: Different flavored liquids are integrated and set up in a modular manner; Different solid or semi-solid materials are integrated and configured in a modular manner; All manual operations are integrated and set up on the control panel; Receive user instructions or order information, and determine the different flavored liquids required to configure the beverage flavor; Control the position of the dispensing nozzle as the mixing cup conveys the liquids of different flavors to be dispensed; When the mixing cup reaches the outlet position of each desired flavor of liquid, the control and dispensing system dispenses an appropriate amount of the flavor of liquid from the outlet to the mixing cup until all flavors of liquid have been added, and then the mixing cup is output. Control the outlet position of the finished cup as it passes through the discharging module that dispenses different solid or semi-solid materials as required; When the finished cup reaches the discharge port of the discharge module for each solid or semi-solid material, the discharge port is opened to distribute an appropriate amount of the solid or semi-solid material into the finished cup through the discharge port until all solid or semi-solid materials have been added, and then the finished cup is output. On the workbench, pour the liquid from the mixing cup into the finished product cup to mix the liquid and solid or semi-solid materials.

[0047] The modular automatic auxiliary equipment and automatic auxiliary method according to the present invention can realize centralized automatic configuration of liquid and / or solid or semi-solid material distribution, and integrate various manual configuration processes, thereby efficiently and effectively producing freshly made beverages, and reducing space and labor costs.

[0048] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in this application is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application.

Claims

1. An automatic auxiliary device for freshly prepared beverages, comprising: The liquid distribution system includes multiple sets of pumping devices, discharge nozzles, and distribution pipelines connecting the pumping devices and the discharge nozzles. Each type of liquid corresponds to a set of pumping devices, discharge nozzles, and distribution pipelines to avoid cross-contamination of odors and pipeline contamination. The mixing cup conveying device defines the conveying path and multiple stations on the conveying path, receives mixing cups and conveys them from the starting station to the ending station along the conveying path. Between the starting station and the ending station, there is also a liquid dispensing station corresponding to the dispensing nozzle of each liquid. The control device receives user commands, determines the required liquid type, controls the transmission power mechanism of the conveying device to sequentially deliver the mixing cup to the outlet of each required liquid, and controls the pumping device to start, dispensing an appropriate amount of liquid through the outlet until all required liquids have been dispensed. The automated auxiliary equipment also includes a mixing cup device. The conveying path includes a mixing cup station corresponding to the mixing cup device. The mixing cup, having completed the required liquid distribution, is conveyed to the mixing cup station. A control device controls a stirring power mechanism to perform stirring. This stirring power mechanism is a magnetic stirring power mechanism, which includes a rotatable active magnet. The active magnet is driven to rotate by the stirring power mechanism. The rotation of the active magnet drives the driven magnet on the received mixing cup to rotate, thus performing stirring. From the starting station to the station before the stirring station, the driven magnet on the mixing cup and the active magnet of the stirring power mechanism maintain a distance greater than a certain threshold to reduce the magnetic attraction between them. After reaching the stirring position, the mixing cup height decreases to a distance where the distance between the active magnet and the driven magnet reaches a range where the rotation of the active magnet can drive the rotation of the driven magnet.

2. The automatic auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein, The automated auxiliary equipment includes a refrigerator with refrigeration function for preserving various liquids. The refrigerator also includes an ice dispensing device, which includes a hopper, an ice outlet, an auger, and a drive motor. The conveying path also includes an ice-adding station located before the stirring station. After receiving an ice-adding command, the control device conveys the mixing cup to below the ice outlet, controls the drive motor to start, drives the auger, and pushes the ice out of the hopper. The ice is then distributed through the ice outlet, completing the ice-adding step.

3. The automatic auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein, The conveying device is a turntable type, with multiple cup receiving stations along the circumference.

4. The automatic auxiliary device according to claim 3, wherein, The transmission device includes a rotating shaft and two layers of discs mounted on the rotating shaft. A vertical guide rail is provided between the discs corresponding to each cup receiving position. The cup is mounted on the guide rail by a slider to slide up and down along the guide rail. The transmission device also includes a biasing element disposed between the slider and one of the two layers of discs for biasing and holding the cup. The automated auxiliary equipment also includes a pull-down cylinder or cam for pulling down the cup so that the distance between the active magnet and the driven magnet reaches the range within which the rotation of the active magnet can drive the rotation of the driven magnet through magnetic force. After the pull-down cylinder or cam releases the cup, the cup is reset to the bias holding position by the biasing element.

5. The automatic auxiliary equipment according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The liquid distribution system also includes a self-circulating pipeline in fluid communication with the pumping device and various different flavored liquid containers. This pipeline is used to pump liquids from the corresponding flavored liquid container and return them to the corresponding liquid container to prevent the liquid of that flavor from separating after standing for a period of time.

6. A method for preparing beverages using an automated auxiliary device for preparing beverages according to any one of claims 1-5, comprising the following steps: Receive user instructions and determine the type of liquid required to prepare the beverage; Control the position of the dispensing nozzle as the mixing cup conveyor passes through the dispensing nozzle to dispense the required liquid; When the mixing cup reaches the outlet position of each required liquid, the control and dispensing system dispenses an appropriate amount of the liquid from the outlet into the mixing cup until all required liquids have been added; The mixing cup containing the required liquid is transported to the mixing station, and the mixing device is controlled to perform mixing. The mixing cup and the stirring device are configured to achieve mixing of the mixing cup by magnetic force or mechanical agitation, and the stirring action only takes effect when the mixing cup reaches the stirring position and stirring is required; Multiple liquids are stored at the required temperature, and the liquid level or weight of the dispensed liquids is monitored. When the liquid level or weight is below a threshold, a liquid addition prompt is issued. The container holding a certain liquid is periodically circulated internally to prevent liquid stratification.

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