Automatic milk selling machine

Abstract

An automatic milk selling machine comprises a cabinet body and a milk supply system in the cabinet body, a heating system capable of heating milk is further arranged in the cabinet body, the milk supply system comprises a fresh milk bag, a first milk pump and a milk taking bin which are sequentially connected, and a first fresh milk pipe is arranged between the fresh milk bag and the first milk pump; a second fresh milk pipe and a third fresh milk pipe are arranged between the first milk pump and the milk taking bin; the heating system comprises a heater arranged in the middle of the second fresh milk pipe or the third fresh milk pipe; the heater comprises a heating cylinder and a heat exchange coil inside the heating cylinder, and the heat exchange coil is communicated with the middle of the second fresh milk pipe or the middle of the third fresh milk pipe. The fresh milk is heated through heat exchange, rapid supply of the hot fresh milk is achieved, residues of the hot milk can be reduced in the mode that the milk pipe is directly heated, and the situation that the milk goes bad due to repeated heating is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automatic vending equipment technology, specifically an automatic milk vending machine. Background Technology

[0002] Vending machines are not limited by time or location, saving manpower and facilitating transactions. However, currently commonly used milk vending machines mostly sell pre-packaged canned milk, making it difficult to simultaneously meet the demand for selling different temperatures and types of dairy products. Patent application CN202120526812.5 discloses an intelligent milk vending machine capable of selling both fresh and hot milk. When a user selects hot milk, the desired milk is transported to a heating tank via a delivery pipe. A heater then heats the tank, warming the milk before it is transported to the milk dispensing area for the consumer. However, in this milk vending machine, fresh milk and hot milk share a single conveying pipe leading to the milk dispensing compartment. When the time interval between selling milk at the two temperatures is short, the milk residue in the conveying pipe and the temperature of the conveying pipe will affect the milk of the next buyer. Moreover, heating milk by heating a heating tank is inefficient, and the remaining milk in the heating tank will be repeatedly heated, affecting its taste and freshness. Furthermore, the single conveying pipe means that this milk vending machine can only sell fresh milk and hot milk, and cannot supply yogurt, thus limiting the types of dairy products sold. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the technical problems of existing milk vending machines, such as low heating efficiency, the use of a single conveying pipeline for both hot and cold milk affecting the quality of milk purchased by the next customer, and the limited availability of dairy products, this invention provides an automatic milk vending machine.

[0004] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0005] An automatic milk vending machine includes a cabinet and an internal milk supply system. The cabinet also includes a heating system for heating milk. The milk supply system includes a fresh milk bag, a first milk pump, and a milk dispensing compartment connected in sequence. A first fresh milk pipe is provided between the fresh milk bag and the first milk pump, and a second fresh milk pipe and a third fresh milk pipe are provided between the first milk pump and the milk dispensing compartment. The heating system includes a heater located in the middle of the second or third fresh milk pipe. The heater includes a heating cylinder and an internal heat exchange coil, and the heat exchange coil is connected to the middle of the second or third fresh milk pipe.

[0006] The first milk pump draws fresh milk from the milk bag into the milk collection chamber. When fresh milk needs to be delivered to the collection chamber, the first milk pump directly delivers the fresh milk through the second or third milk pipe. When hot fresh milk needs to be delivered, the first milk pump delivers the fresh milk through the third or second milk pipe to the heat exchange coil for heating before entering the collection chamber. This heat exchange process heats the fresh milk, enabling a rapid supply of hot fresh milk. Furthermore, directly heating the milk pipes reduces the amount of hot milk residue and prevents spoilage caused by repeated heating.

[0007] Furthermore, the heating system also includes a hot water tank, which is connected to the heating cylinder via a circulating pump. The circulating pump delivers hot water to the heater, and the fresh milk is heated through heat exchange. Through a specially designed pipeline layout, hot fresh milk can be supplied quickly, and the system can quickly switch to cooling mode after the hot milk has been dispensed, effectively preventing the fresh milk in the pipeline from spoiling.

[0008] To prevent heat transfer between the hot water tank and the milk supply system, the cabinet is equipped with a partition that divides the interior space into a normal temperature zone and a low temperature zone. The milk supply system is located in the low temperature zone, and the hot water tank is located in the normal temperature zone.

[0009] To meet the tastes and needs of different consumers, the milk supply system also includes yogurt packs and a second milk pump connected to them via yogurt tubes, enabling the simultaneous sale of three types of dairy products: yogurt, fresh milk, and hot fresh milk. Moreover, each type of dairy product—yogurt, fresh milk, and hot fresh milk—is equipped with its own independent milk tubes to ensure that the different dairy products do not interfere with each other.

[0010] Preferably, the cabinet is equipped with a drawer for housing the heater, the first milk pump, and the second milk pump; and a baffle is provided between the second milk pump and the heater. Placing the heater, the first milk pump, and the second milk pump together in the drawer facilitates cleaning and maintenance. Furthermore, placing the heater and the first milk pump together in the drawer reduces the distance between them, further ensuring rapid heating of the fresh milk. Separating the second milk pump from the heater prevents the heat from the heater from affecting the yogurt inside the yogurt tube.

[0011] In one preferred embodiment, the cabinet includes a main cabinet with an openable door on the front side; a support box is located on the rear side of the door, and the drawer can be inserted into the rear of the support box. When the door is opened, the drawer can rotate away from the interior of the cabinet along with the support box, allowing the drawer to be retrieved. Simultaneously, the drawer and the support box are connected by a quick-release buckle; disassembly is achieved by simply pressing the buckle to remove the entire drawer, facilitating cleaning and maintenance of the first and second milk pumps and various milk tubing inside the drawer.

[0012] Furthermore, the milk dispensing chamber has an opening on the front side, and a cup holder is slidably installed inside it. The cup holder is equipped with a weighing sensor to ensure the accuracy of the milk dispensing volume and reduce product waste.

[0013] More preferably, the low-temperature zone is also equipped with an air-cooling system that can control its internal temperature, ensuring that dairy products are stored and sold in a suitable temperature environment, effectively extending the shelf life of dairy products and guaranteeing product quality.

[0014] To facilitate the storage of fresh milk and yogurt packets, the cabinet is also equipped with a packet rack. The rack has at least two V-shaped slots for storing fresh milk and yogurt packets respectively, and the bottom of each V-shaped slot is angled. This angled design ensures smooth flow of the dairy products within the packets, reducing residue.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the cabinet walls are filled with insulation material, which can effectively reduce heat exchange between the cabinet interior and the external environment, reduce energy consumption, and maintain a stable internal temperature.

[0016] Preferably, both the first and second milk pumps are peristaltic pumps.

[0017] The cabinet is equipped with a milk dispensing port, which has a sliding door that can be opened and closed. This ensures that the milk dispensing port is protected when milk is not being dispensed, preventing dust and debris from falling in.

[0018] Through the above design, the beneficial effects of this automatic milk vending machine are as follows:

[0019] (1) Diversified product sales: It can sell three types of dairy products at the same time: yogurt, fresh milk and hot fresh milk, to meet the tastes and needs of different consumers and expand the consumer base and market share.

[0020] (2) Precise preservation and temperature control: The coordinated operation of the air-cooling system and the heating system, as well as high-quality insulation materials, ensure that different types of dairy products are stored and sold in a suitable temperature environment, effectively extending the shelf life of dairy products and ensuring product quality.

[0021] (3) Precise Measurement and Hygienic Filling: The use of weighing measurement and peristaltic pump filling ensures the accuracy of milk volume and reduces product waste. The fully detachable drawer facilitates regular cleaning of the first milk pump, the second milk pump, and the connected milk tubing, ensuring food hygiene and safety and providing consumers with healthy and safe dairy products.

[0022] (4) The milk is heated by heat exchange, which enables a rapid supply of hot milk. Furthermore, the direct heating of the milk tubes reduces the residue of hot milk and avoids spoilage caused by repeated heating. Attached Figure Description

[0023] In the attached diagram:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a front view of an automatic milk vending machine according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic milk vending machine according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the internal structure of an automatic milk vending machine according to this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the milk supply system in the embodiment;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the inside of the milk collection chamber in the embodiment;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the drawer in the embodiment;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the milk bag rack in the embodiment;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the warehouse door in the embodiment;

[0032] The components represented by the various reference numerals in the diagram are:

[0033] 1. Cabinet body; 11. Main cabinet; 12. Cabinet door; 13. Observation window; 14. Milk dispensing port; 15. Storage door; 151. Door panel; 152. Slide rail; 153. Drive unit; 2. Milk supply system; 21. Milk dispensing compartment; 22. Cup holder; 23. Drawer; 24. First milk pump; 25. Second milk pump; 26. Support box; 27. Milk bag rack; 3. Heating system; 31. Heater; 32. Hot water tank; 4. Air cooling system; 5. Straw box; 6. Payment system; 61. Touch screen; 62. Card reader; 7. Advertising screen. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Example

[0035] Combination Figures 1 to 4 This embodiment provides an automatic milk vending machine, including a cabinet 1 and a milk supply system 2 inside it. The milk supply system 2 includes a fresh milk bag, a first milk pump 24 and a milk dispensing chamber 21 connected in sequence. A first fresh milk pipe is provided between the fresh milk bag and the first milk pump, and a second fresh milk pipe and a third fresh milk pipe are provided between the first milk pump 24 and the milk dispensing chamber 21.

[0036] To meet the tastes and needs of different consumers, the milk supply system 2 also includes yogurt packs and a second milk pump 25 connected to them via yogurt tubes, which can sell three types of dairy products at the same time: yogurt, fresh milk, and hot fresh milk. Moreover, yogurt, fresh milk, and hot fresh milk are all equipped with independent milk tubes to ensure that different dairy products do not affect each other.

[0037] Preferably, both the first milk pump 24 and the second milk pump 25 are peristaltic pumps.

[0038] See Figure 7 To facilitate the storage of fresh milk and yogurt packets, the cabinet 1 is also equipped with a milk packet rack 27. The milk packet rack 27 has at least two V-shaped grooves that can hold fresh milk packets and yogurt packets respectively, and the bottom of the V-shaped grooves is inclined. The inclined V-shaped grooves can ensure the smooth flow of dairy products in the milk packets and reduce residue.

[0039] A stainless steel rack is provided below the milk bag rack 27 to store spare milk bags for easy replacement.

[0040] See Figure 5 Furthermore, the milk dispensing chamber 21 has an opening on its front side, and a cup holder 22 is slidably mounted inside it. The cup holder 22 is equipped with a weighing sensor to ensure the accuracy of the milk dispensing volume and reduce product waste. The rear side of the milk dispensing chamber 21 is equipped with a drive mechanism that can drive the cup holder 22 to move laterally.

[0041] The milk dispensing chamber 21 is provided with a filling port, a cup drop port, and a lid drop port along the transverse moving path of the cup holder 22. There are at least three filling ports, each corresponding to one of the two fresh milk tubes and one of the yogurt tubes, which facilitates the filling of different dairy products without affecting each other. A cup dropper and a lid dropper are also provided on the upper side of the milk dispensing chamber 21 at the positions corresponding to the cup drop port and the lid drop port.

[0042] See Figure 8 The cabinet 1 includes a main cabinet 11, with an openable cabinet door 12 hinged to its front side. The hinge of the cabinet door 12 is made of stainless steel, which has good rust resistance and durability. When closed, it is sealed by a magnetic sealing strip. The cabinet door 12 has an observation window 13 and a milk dispensing port 14 corresponding to the milk dispensing compartment 21. The milk dispensing port 14 has a sliding door 15 that can be opened and closed vertically. This ensures that the milk dispensing port 14 is protected when milk is not being dispensed, preventing dust and debris from falling in. The observation window 13 is made of transparent acrylic material, allowing consumers to easily view the milk inside.

[0043] The door 15 includes two slide rails 152 arranged side by side on the inner side of the cabinet door 12, and a door panel 151 between the two slide rails 152. A drive unit 153 capable of driving the door panel 151 to slide up and down is connected below the door panel 151.

[0044] The cabinet 1 is also equipped with a heating system 3 that can heat milk. The heating system 3 includes a heater 31 located in the middle of the second or third fresh milk pipe. The heater 31 includes a heating cylinder and a heat exchange coil inside it, and the heat exchange coil is connected to the middle of the second or third fresh milk pipe.

[0045] Furthermore, the heating system 3 also includes a hot water tank 32, which is connected to the heating cylinder via a circulating pump. The circulating pump delivers hot water to the heater 31, and the fresh milk is heated through heat exchange. Through a specially designed pipeline layout, hot fresh milk can be supplied quickly, and the system can quickly switch to cooling mode after the hot milk is dispensed, effectively preventing the fresh milk in the pipeline from spoiling.

[0046] The first milk pump 24 draws fresh milk from the milk bag into the milk collection chamber 21. When fresh milk needs to be delivered to the milk collection chamber 21, the first milk pump 24 directly delivers the fresh milk through the second or third fresh milk pipe into the milk collection chamber 21. When hot fresh milk needs to be delivered, the first milk pump 24 delivers the fresh milk through the third or second fresh milk pipe to the heat exchange coil for heating, and then enters the milk collection chamber 21. The heat exchange heats the fresh milk, enabling a rapid supply of hot fresh milk. Moreover, directly heating the milk pipes reduces the amount of hot milk residue and avoids spoilage caused by repeated heating.

[0047] To prevent heat transfer between the hot water tank 32 and the milk supply system 2, a partition is provided inside the cabinet 1. The partition divides the interior space of the cabinet 1 into a normal temperature zone and a low temperature zone. The milk supply system 2 is located in the low temperature zone, and the hot water tank 32 is located in the normal temperature zone.

[0048] See Figure 6 Preferably, the cabinet 1 is provided with a drawer 23 for housing the heater 31, the first milk pump 24, and the second milk pump 25; and a baffle is provided between the second milk pump 25 and the heater 31. The heater 31, the first milk pump 24, and the second milk pump 25 are all housed together in the drawer 23 for easy cleaning and maintenance. Furthermore, placing the heater 31 and the first milk pump 24 together in the drawer 23 reduces the distance between them, further ensuring rapid heating of the fresh milk. Separating the second milk pump 25 from the heater 31 prevents the heat from the heater 31 from affecting the yogurt in the yogurt tube.

[0049] In one preferred embodiment, a support box 26 is provided on the rear side of the cabinet door 12, and the drawer 23 can be inserted into the rear side of the support box 26. When the cabinet door 12 is opened, the drawer 23 can rotate away from the interior of the cabinet body 1 along with the support box 26, so that the drawer 23 can be taken out. At the same time, the drawer 23 and the support box 26 are connected by a quick-release buckle. When disassembling, simply press the buckle to remove the drawer 23 as a whole, which facilitates the cleaning and maintenance of the first milk pump 24, the second milk pump 25 and various milk tubes inside the drawer 23.

[0050] More preferably, the low-temperature zone is further equipped with an air-cooling system 4 capable of controlling its internal temperature, ensuring that dairy products are stored and sold in a suitable temperature environment, effectively extending the shelf life of dairy products and guaranteeing product quality. The air-cooling system 4 includes a high-efficiency air-cooled refrigeration unit, installed inside the lower side of the cabinet 1, which uses circulating cold air to stably control the temperature within the low-temperature zone between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius, ensuring that yogurt and fresh milk are in optimal preservation condition. The evaporator and condenser of the air-cooling system 4 are made of high-quality copper tubes and aluminum fins, possessing excellent heat exchange performance. The compressor of the air-cooled refrigeration unit is installed in a separate compartment at the bottom of the cabinet 1 to reduce the impact of noise and vibration on the interior of the cabinet 1.

[0051] As a preferred embodiment, the interior of the cabinet wall of the cabinet 1 is filled with thermal insulation material, which can effectively reduce the heat exchange between the interior of the cabinet 1 and the external environment, reduce energy consumption, and maintain a stable internal temperature.

[0052] Preferably, the cabinet 1 is also provided with a straw box 5, which is located in the room temperature zone, and the straws are placed independently for easy access.

[0053] For example, the cabinet 1 is also equipped with a canopy and lighting to adapt to different weather and times.

[0054] The automatic milk vending machine also includes a control system and a payment system 6. The control system can control the milk supply system 2 and the heating system 3 according to the information transmitted by the payment system 6 to complete the supply of different types of dairy products.

[0055] The payment system 6 includes a touch screen 61 mounted on the cabinet door 12 and a card reader 62 below it. The touch screen 61 combines an operating interface with multiple payment methods, providing consumers with a convenient and fast shopping experience, improving transaction efficiency, and adapting to modern consumption habits.

[0056] The automated milk vending machine also includes an Internet of Things (IoT) module to enable operational data management and remote status monitoring of the machine. The IoT module can transmit the machine's sales data (including sales time, product type, and quantity) and operational status (such as temperature data and equipment malfunction information) to a remote server in real time. Operations managers can view this information anytime, anywhere via computers or mobile devices, facilitating timely replenishment, equipment maintenance, data analysis, and market decision-making.

[0057] The cabinet door 12 is also equipped with an advertising screen 7, which uses an LED display screen or an LCD display screen to play videos, pictures and other advertising content. It is used to display the brand image of dairy products, promotional information, etc., to increase the commercial publicity function and enhance the commercial value of the equipment.

[0058] In actual use, operators first place various milk packets, paper cups, straws, cup lids, and other materials in the corresponding areas inside cabinet 1, ensuring that all systems of the equipment are operating normally. Consumers approach the automatic milk vending machine, select the desired milk product through the viewing window 13, and then operate on the touchscreen 61, selecting the milk type, setting the dispensing volume, and choosing a payment method to complete the payment. Based on the consumer's selection, the automatic milk vending machine, under the control of the control unit, activates the corresponding cooling, heating, or ambient temperature supply mode, using a peristaltic pump for precise filling. Consumers can then enjoy their milk. Simultaneously, during operation, the IoT module continuously transmits operational data and equipment status information to a remote server, allowing operations management personnel to monitor and manage the machine at any time, ensuring normal equipment operation and efficient business operations.

[0059] This utility model of an automatic milk vending machine can simultaneously sell three types of dairy products: yogurt, fresh milk, and hot fresh milk, satisfying the tastes and needs of different consumers and expanding the consumer base and market share. The coordinated operation of the air-cooling system 4 and the heating system 3, along with high-quality insulation materials, ensures that different types of dairy products are stored and sold in a suitable temperature environment, effectively extending the shelf life of dairy products and guaranteeing product quality. The use of weighing and peristaltic pump filling ensures the accuracy of milk dispensing and reduces product waste. The fully detachable drawer 23 facilitates regular cleaning of the first milk pump 24, the second milk pump 25, and the connected milk tubing, ensuring food hygiene and safety and providing consumers with healthy and safe dairy products.

Claims

1. An automatic milk vending machine, comprising a cabinet (1) and a milk supply system (2) inside the cabinet (1), wherein the cabinet (1) is further provided with a heating system (3) capable of heating milk, characterized in that: The milk supply system (2) includes a fresh milk bag, a first milk pump (24) and a milk collection chamber (21) connected in sequence. A first fresh milk pipe is provided between the fresh milk bag and the first milk pump, and a second fresh milk pipe and a third fresh milk pipe are provided between the first milk pump (24) and the milk collection chamber (21). The heating system (3) includes a heater (31) located in the middle of the second or third fresh milk pipe; The heater (31) includes a heating cylinder and a heat exchange coil inside it, and the heat exchange coil is connected to the middle of the second or third fresh milk pipe.

2. An automatic milk vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating system (3) also includes a hot water tank (32), which is connected to the heating cylinder via a circulation pump.

3. An automatic milk vending machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cabinet (1) is also equipped with a partition, which divides the interior space of the cabinet (1) into a normal temperature zone and a low temperature zone. The milk supply system (2) is located in the low temperature zone, and the hot water tank (32) is located in the normal temperature zone.

4. An automatic milk vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The milk supply system (2) also includes a yogurt pack and a second milk pump (25) connected to it via a yogurt tube.

5. An automatic milk vending machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cabinet (1) is equipped with a drawer (23) that can hold a heater (31), a first milk pump (24) and a second milk pump (25); Furthermore, a baffle is provided between the second milk pump (25) and the heater (31).

6. An automatic milk vending machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cabinet (1) includes a main cabinet (11) with an openable cabinet door (12) on its front side; The cabinet door (12) is provided with a support box (26) on the rear side, and the drawer (23) can be inserted from the rear side of the support box (26).

7. An automatic milk vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The milk collection chamber (21) has an opening on the front side, and a cup holder (22) is provided inside it for horizontal sliding. A weighing sensor is provided on the cup holder (22).

8. An automatic milk vending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The low-temperature zone is also equipped with an air-cooling system (4) that can control its internal temperature.

9. An automatic milk vending machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cabinet (1) is also equipped with a milk bag rack (27), which has at least two V-shaped grooves that can store fresh milk bags and yogurt bags respectively, and the bottom of the V-shaped grooves is inclined.

10. An automatic milk vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior of the cabinet wall (1) is filled with thermal insulation material.

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