Automatic beverage filling machine capable of stopping when cup is full

Abstract

The utility model relates to an automatic beverage filling machine capable of stopping when a cup is full, which comprises a container for storing beverage and a pipeline for filling the beverage into the cup placed on a beverage receiving table from the container, and the tail end of the pipeline is provided with a beverage outlet arranged on the beverage receiving table; the device further comprises a controller, an electromagnetic valve arranged on the pipeline and an ultrasonic measurement module capable of detecting whether a hand extends to a cup opening of the cup or not. The controller is used for receiving signals, which are measured by the ultrasonic measurement module, of whether a cup is arranged on the beverage receiving table, the height of the liquid level in the cup and whether a hand extends to the mouth of the cup, and controlling the electromagnetic valve. According to the utility model, when a hand extends to the cup mouth of the cup which is receiving hot drinks, the electronic valve is immediately controlled to be switched off when the ultrasonic measurement module detects that the hand extends to the cup mouth, so that the hot drinks are prevented from getting out of the drink mouth to scald the hand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beverage machines, and in particular to an automatic beverage dispensing machine that stops dispensing when the cup is full. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid dispensers generally include water dispensers, coffee machines, juicers, etc. They typically heat or cool water, coffee, juice, carbonated liquids, etc., stored in the machine's storage container before providing them to users for drinking.

[0003] Utility model patent authorization announcement number CN204813404U discloses an automatic water dispenser, including a dispenser body. Temperature sensors and flow valves are installed in the cold water pipe and hot water pipe of the dispenser body, respectively. A temperature input device is installed outside the dispenser body, and a control device is installed inside the dispenser body. The temperature input device and temperature sensors are connected to the control device, which is connected to the flow valve and controls the opening size of the flow valve. An ultrasonic probe is installed at the water outlet of the dispenser body. This water dispenser effectively solves the problem of inappropriate water temperature control caused by manual control of the hot and cold water ratio in ordinary water dispensers, providing a better user experience. Furthermore, by recommending a drinking water temperature based on room temperature, it provides a healthier and more suitable drinking water temperature. Simultaneously, the water dispenser has an automatic water refill function and a timed water boiling function, providing users with a convenient, fast, and economical drinking experience. This novel water dispenser combines with the current concept of intelligent electrical appliances, meeting the design requirements of novelty and practicality, and has great market potential.

[0004] This type of water dispenser recommends a drinking water temperature based on room temperature. However, some users prefer to have hot water supplied by the dispenser, especially if the drinking water has been boiled in the dispenser. In this case, if you accidentally touch the spout of the cup while the hot water is still flowing out, you will burn your hand. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic beverage dispensing machine that stops dispensing when the cup is full, ensuring that the hand is not burned by the hot liquid once a hand is detected entering the cup.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is: an automatic beverage dispensing machine that stops when the cup is full, including a container for storing liquid, a pipe for dispensing liquid from the container into a cup placed on a cup base, and a liquid outlet set on the cup base at the end of the pipe; it also includes a controller, a solenoid valve set on the pipe, and an ultrasonic measuring module capable of detecting whether a hand is extended towards the cup opening; the controller receives signals from the ultrasonic measuring module measuring whether there is a cup on the cup base, the liquid level in the cup, and whether a hand is extended towards the cup opening, and controls the solenoid valve accordingly.

[0007] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic beverage dispensing machine that stops when the cup is full: the ultrasonic measurement module is mounted on a circuit board, including an ultrasonic chip with an ultrasonic transceiver soldered to the lower side of the circuit board, and a controller soldered to the upper side of the circuit board that processes the output signal of the ultrasonic chip to generate signals indicating whether there is a cup on the liquid stage, the liquid level in the cup, and whether a hand is reaching towards the rim of the cup.

[0008] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic beverage dispensing machine that stops when the cup is full: an ultrasonic guiding and scattering device is provided outside the ultrasonic chip, the ultrasonic guiding and scattering device has a chip receiving space for accommodating the ultrasonic chip soldered on the circuit board, and an ultrasonic transceiver port corresponding to the ultrasonic transceiver oscillator on the ultrasonic chip is provided at the top of the chip receiving space.

[0009] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic beverage dispensing machine that stops when the cup is full: the ultrasonic transceiver is funnel-shaped, and the wall of the ultrasonic transceiver is arc-shaped.

[0010] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic beverage dispensing machine that stops when the cup is full: the ultrasonic guiding and scattering device covers the ultrasonic chip on the circuit board, and a fixing screw hole is provided on the contact surface with the circuit board.

[0011] Furthermore, the aforementioned automatic beverage dispensing machine that stops when the cup is full also includes an ultrasonic transceiver chamber, which is connected to the ultrasonic transceiver port.

[0012] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic beverage dispensing machine that stops when the cup is full: the ultrasonic transceiver cavity is shaped like a morning glory, and a circular interface for installing the ultrasonic transceiver cavity is provided on the ultrasonic transceiver cavity and the ultrasonic transceiver port. When the ultrasonic transceiver cavity is installed into the circular interface, an annular washer is also provided.

[0013] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic beverage dispensing machine that stops when the cup is full: an annular protrusion is also provided on the outer side of the end of the ultrasonic transceiver cavity to facilitate the installation of the ultrasonic measurement module.

[0014] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic beverage dispensing machine that stops when the cup is full: when the ultrasonic measuring module is installed, the ultrasonic outlet of the ultrasonic transceiver cavity is set 10-80mm outside the liquid outlet.

[0015] Furthermore, the aforementioned automatic beverage dispensing machine that stops when the cup is full also includes a heating device controlled by a controller, which heats the hot beverage container that is in communication with the container, and a hot beverage pipe connecting the hot beverage container to the liquid outlet, wherein a hot beverage solenoid valve controlled by the controller is installed on the hot beverage pipe; and a main solenoid valve controlled by the controller is also installed at the liquid outlet.

[0016] In this invention, when a hand reaches towards the mouth of a cup that is holding a hot drink, the ultrasonic measuring module immediately controls the electronic valve to disconnect when it detects the hand reaching towards the mouth of the cup, preventing the hot drink from coming out of the liquid outlet and burning the hand.

[0017] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Appendix Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the liquid machine controller of this utility model;

[0019] Appendix Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid handling mechanism of this utility model;

[0020] Appendix Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram (a) of the liquid machine cup detection of this utility model;

[0021] Appendix Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram (II) of the liquid machine cup detection of this utility model;

[0022] Appendix Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the ultrasonic measurement module of this utility model;

[0023] Appendix Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the ultrasonic measurement module of this utility model;

[0024] Appendix Figure 7 This is a structural diagram (I) of the ultrasonic guiding and scattering device in the ultrasonic measurement module of this utility model embodiment;

[0025] Appendix Figure 8 This is a structural diagram (II) of the ultrasonic guiding and scattering device in the ultrasonic measurement module of this utility model embodiment;

[0026] Appendix Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view (a) of the ultrasonic guiding and scattering device in the ultrasonic measurement module of this utility model embodiment;

[0027] Appendix Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view (II) of the ultrasonic guiding and scattering device in the ultrasonic measurement module of this utility model embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] This embodiment is a beverage machine, such as... Figure 1 、 2As shown in Figure 3, this is a beverage machine that automatically dispenses beverages into a cup. It includes a beverage storage container 1 and a pipe that dispenses the beverage from container 1 into a cup 3 placed on a cup base 2. In this embodiment, container 1 can hold various beverages, such as juice, cola, or ordinary drinking water. Container 1 is also called the main container. Purchased drinking water, juice, or other beverages, including powdered beverage granules, can be placed in this main container. Especially for powdered beverages, the granules are placed in the main container beforehand, and then drinking water is poured in, allowing them to fully dissolve and form the beverage, which is then stored in the main container. In practice, a refrigeration device can also be installed in container 1. Under the control of a controller, the beverage in the container, i.e., the main container, is cooled. The pipe between container 1 and liquid outlet 4 can also be called a cold drink pipe. A vertical solenoid valve, also called a cold drink solenoid valve, is installed on the cold drink pipe and is controlled by the controller. When the user wants a cold drink, the solenoid valve is closed, and the cold drink is dispensed from liquid outlet 4 into cup 3. Since the container contains beverages, liquid outlet 4 here is the beverage outlet. If the container contains drinking water, this liquid outlet would be the water outlet. Additionally, in this embodiment, to ensure users can enjoy hot drinks, a hot beverage container is placed next to the main container. This hot beverage container has a much smaller volume than the main container. Often, a rubber tube connects the main container and the hot beverage container. Due to the difference in liquid levels, the liquid level in the main container is generally much higher than that in the hot beverage container. Therefore, the beverage in the main container automatically flows into the hot beverage container. At this time, a heating device controlled by a controller is installed at the bottom or on the inner wall of the hot beverage container to heat the beverage and create a hot drink. Another solenoid valve, referred to here as a hot beverage solenoid valve for distinction, is installed between the hot beverage container and the beverage outlet; it is also controlled by the controller. In practice, the beverage machine in this embodiment is an intelligent beverage machine with a processor. The input system also includes an operation panel set on the beverage machine. Users can operate the beverage machine using the operation panel. These operations are memorized, and some parameters can be set in advance when operating from the operation panel, such as when to heat the beverage in the hot beverage container, and under what circumstances to open which solenoid valve. In many cases, when both the cold beverage pipe and the hot beverage pipe are connected to the liquid outlet 4, a master solenoid valve is also set. All of these are controlled by the controller. In many cases, the opening and closing degree of the solenoid valve can also be controlled by the controller according to the requirements input from the operation panel. For example, the controller controls the hot beverage solenoid valve to open slightly and controls the solenoid valve (cold beverage solenoid valve) to open more, so that a warm beverage will flow out of the liquid outlet 4. Of course, if a higher temperature is desired, the hot beverage solenoid valve can be opened more and the cold beverage solenoid valve can be closed slightly.Often, a temperature sensor is installed in both containers, including the main container and the hot beverage container. The output of the temperature sensor is connected to the controller, which controls the heating device to heat or the cooling device to cool based on the output temperature of the two temperature sensors, and maintains the temperature in the two containers according to the input from the control panel.

[0029] In this embodiment, a heat dissipation device is also provided in the beverage machine main unit. Under the control of the controller, the heat dissipation device, in conjunction with the refrigeration device, cools the beverage, making the cooling effect more significant. In this embodiment,

[0030] If the container 1 contains drinking water, hot drinks are replaced with hot water, cold drinks are replaced with ice water, and warm drinks are replaced with warm water, then in practice, a beverage machine is a water dispenser.

[0031] In this embodiment, a cup base 2 is provided below the liquid outlet 4, and the cup 3 rotates on this cup base 2. In practice, there are some inclined grooves on the cup base 2. If the beverage flowing out of the beverage outlet 2 spills onto this platform, it can flow away through these grooves and will not contaminate the platform. In this embodiment, an ultrasonic measurement module is also installed in the beverage machine. The ultrasonic measurement module can detect whether there is a cup 3 on the cup base 2. If there is a cup 3, the controller, after learning from the output of the ultrasonic measurement module, controls the corresponding solenoid valve to open and inject the beverage into the cup 3. As we know, the ultrasonic measurement module can measure whether there are obstacles within a specified range and the distance between the obstacle and the ultrasonic transceiver (generally referring to the transceiver oscillator in the transducer). In this embodiment, the liquid outlet 4 is above the cup base 2, and the ultrasonic measurement module is installed around the beverage outlet, also above the cup base 2. At this time, the ultrasonic measurement module can measure whether there is a cup 3 below the liquid outlet 4. In practice, the data output by the ultrasonic measurement module detects two higher pulses in the horizontal or vertical direction of the beverage receiving platform. These correspond to the relative cup wall of the cup 3. As the measurement continues, the liquid level between the two walls will become higher and higher. When the set height is reached, the controller controls all solenoid valves to close, and the beverage stops flowing out.

[0032] In practice, the internal control methods of the controller can also be programmed for control. For example, one method for controlling the dispensing of warm beverages (water) is as follows:

[0033] The controller is pre-set to specify the required amount of hot drinks (water) and cold drinks.

[0034] When adding water, first heat the beverage and observe the water level at any time. Once the ultrasonic measuring module measures the height of the hot beverage in cup 3, turn off the hot beverage valve.

[0035] Then, the cold drink is added. At this point, the controller opens the solenoid valve, pouring the cold drink into the cup. The controller detects the liquid level in the cup, and when the level is reached, it closes both the main solenoid valve and the cold drink solenoid valve. In this way, these valves only need two states: open and closed, without requiring pre-setting specific opening and closing parameters.

[0036] In this embodiment, another requirement for the ultrasonic measurement module is to expand its measurement range. Previously, the measurement range was generally limited to the area of ​​the cup 3 placed on the cup base 2. Now, it's slightly expanded to include a portion outside the cup 3 on the liquid platform 2. This way, if a hand enters the space between the liquid outlet 4 and the rim of the cup 3, the ultrasonic measurement module will detect it and immediately close the corresponding valve to prevent burns from hot drinks. Experiments have shown that when the ultrasonic measurement module detects a hand and immediately closes the valve, burns are not a concern. After adjusting the installation angle of the ultrasonic measurement module, experiments have shown that a distance of 3 cm between the center of the ultrasonic outlet 5 and the center of the liquid outlet 4 is sufficient. In practice, the ultrasonic outlet 5 can be positioned between 0.5 and 15 cm around the liquid outlet 4, depending on the requirements. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. Here, a distance of 0.5-15cm can be used to place the ultrasonic measuring module on a ring formed at this distance; in fact, more than one such ultrasonic measuring module can be placed. As long as the vertical installation angle of the module is limited, good results can be achieved. In practice, if the vertical installation is 90°, the left and right tilt range should be limited to 90-180°. Vertical installation here means that the ultrasonic waves are emitted vertically downwards. In this embodiment, when the liquid outlet 4 extends outwards from the beverage machine, it is vertically downwards. At this time, the ultrasonic measuring module is installed on this extension, also emitting downwards. However, if the distance between the module and the liquid outlet 4 exceeds the range of ultrasonic radiation, an inward tilt angle is required, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the ultrasonic measurement module processes the output signal of the ultrasonic chip to form a measurement signal. The measurement signal includes whether there is a cup 3 on the cup base 2, the liquid level in the cup 3, and whether a hand is reaching towards the mouth of the cup 3. The ultrasonic measurement module is connected to the controller.

[0037] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic measurement module is an independent module designed based on an ultrasonic MEMS chip or ultrasonic probe. Detecting whether the cup is in place, the liquid level inside the cup, and whether a hand has been inserted can all be obtained through the processing of the output data from the ultrasonic measurement module; this is a well-known fact in the art. In other words, those skilled in the art can obtain signals regarding whether cup 3 is on the cup base 2, the liquid level in cup 4, and whether a hand has been inserted into the rim of cup 3 by communicating with the ultrasonic measurement module through the processor, thereby controlling these solenoid valves.

[0038] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the ultrasonic measurement module is mounted on a circuit board 100, including an ultrasonic chip 110 with an ultrasonic transceiver soldered to the lower side of the circuit board 100, and a controller soldered to the upper side of the circuit board 100 that processes the output signal of the ultrasonic chip to generate signals indicating whether there is a cup 3 on the liquid stage 2, the liquid level in the cup 3, and whether a hand is reaching towards the mouth of the cup 3. Here, the ultrasonic chip is an externally purchased module; it is a powerful chip with ultrasonic transmitting and receiving transceivers. The chip uses circuitry and algorithms to obtain the distance between various objects within the measurement range and the transceiver. It is generally a rectangular chip, but unlike ordinary chips, it has an ultrasonic transceiver on the back. In this embodiment, since the range of ultrasonic measurement is limited as needed, an ultrasonic guiding and scattering device 300 is provided outside the ultrasonic chip 110. The ultrasonic guiding and scattering device 300 has a chip receiving space 310 for accommodating the ultrasonic chip 110 soldered on the circuit board 100. An ultrasonic transceiver port 311, corresponding to the ultrasonic transceiver oscillator 111 on the ultrasonic chip 110, is provided at the top of the chip receiving space 310. The ultrasonic transceiver port 311 is flared, and the ultrasonic transceiver port wall 312 is arc-shaped. The angle between the arc surface of the ultrasonic transceiver port wall 312 and the ultrasonic chip 110 and the vertical line is -60° to 90°. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The diagram shows two schematic representations of this angle, which is essentially the angle between the tangent of the arc and the perpendicular line. The ultrasonic guiding and scattering device 300 covers the ultrasonic chip 110 on the circuit board 100. A fixing screw hole 321 is provided on the contact surface 320 with the circuit board 100. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic chip 110 and the processing circuit are respectively installed on both sides of the circuit board 100. When installed on a beverage machine, the ultrasonic chip 110 is installed on both sides of the circuit board 100; therefore, the ultrasonic guiding and scattering device 300 is positioned with its bottom against the circuit board 100. For ease of encapsulation, two screws are used for fixing in the fixing screw hole 321. Figure 7 , 8 As shown in 9 and 10.

[0039] In this embodiment, to ensure that the effective range of the ultrasonic measuring device is limited to the beverage receiving platform, the cup, and a slightly farther area beyond the outer edge of the cup, an ultrasonic transceiver cavity 200 is also included. The ultrasonic transceiver cavity 200 is connected to the ultrasonic transceiver port 311. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic transceiver cavity 200 is morning glory-shaped, i.e., a long trumpet shape. A circular interface 313 for mounting the ultrasonic transceiver cavity 200 is provided on the ultrasonic transceiver cavity 200 and the ultrasonic transceiver port 311. When the ultrasonic transceiver cavity 200 is mounted onto the circular interface 313, an annular washer 330 is also provided. Figure 6 As shown.

[0040] In this embodiment, an annular protrusion 210 is provided on the outer side of the end of the ultrasonic transceiver cavity 200 to facilitate the installation of the ultrasonic measurement module.

Claims

1. A cup fill stop automatic beverage machine comprising a container (1) for storing a liquid, a duct for pouring the liquid from the container (1) into a cup (3) placed on a cup seat (2), the end of the duct being a liquid outlet (4) arranged above said cup seat (2); characterized in that: It also includes a controller, a solenoid valve installed on the pipe, and an ultrasonic measuring module that can detect whether a hand is reaching towards the mouth of the cup (3). The controller receives signals from the ultrasonic measuring module that measure whether there is a cup (3) on the cup base (2), the liquid level in the cup (3), and whether a hand is reaching towards the mouth of the cup (3) to control the solenoid valve.

2. The cup fill stop automatic infusion beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic measurement module is mounted on a circuit board (100) and includes an ultrasonic chip (110) with an ultrasonic transceiver soldered on the underside of the circuit board (100). The ultrasonic measurement module processes the output signal of the ultrasonic chip to form a measurement signal. The measurement signal includes whether there is a cup (3) on the cup base (2), the liquid level in the cup (3), and whether a hand is reaching towards the mouth of the cup (3). The ultrasonic measurement module is connected to the controller.

3. The cup fill stop automatic infusion beverage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: An ultrasonic guiding and scattering device (300) is provided outside the ultrasonic chip (110). The ultrasonic guiding and scattering device (300) has a chip receiving space (310) for accommodating the ultrasonic chip soldered on the circuit board (100). An ultrasonic transceiver port (311) corresponding to the ultrasonic transceiver transducer (111) on the ultrasonic chip (110) is provided on the top of the chip receiving space (310).

4. The cup fill stop automatic infusion beverage machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ultrasonic transceiver port (311) is shaped like a trumpet, and the wall (312) of the ultrasonic transceiver port is arc-shaped.

5. The automatic beverage dispensing machine that stops when the cup is full according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ultrasonic guided scattering device (300) covers the ultrasonic chip (110) on the circuit board (100), and a fixing screw hole (321) is provided on the contact surface (320) with the circuit board (100).

6. The cup fill stop automatic infusion beverage machine according to claim 4, wherein: It also includes an ultrasonic transceiver cavity (200), which is connected to the ultrasonic transceiver port (311).

7. The cup fill stop automatic infusion beverage machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ultrasonic transceiver cavity (200) is shaped like a morning glory. A circular interface (313) for installing the ultrasonic transceiver cavity (200) is provided on the ultrasonic transceiver cavity (200) and the ultrasonic transceiver port (311). When the ultrasonic transceiver cavity (200) is installed on the circular interface (313), an annular washer (330) is also provided.

8. The cup fill stop automatic infusion beverage machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: An annular protrusion (210) is provided on the outer side of the end of the ultrasonic transceiver cavity (200) to facilitate the installation of the ultrasonic measurement module.

9. The cup fill stop automatic infusion beverage machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: When installing the ultrasonic measurement module, the ultrasonic outlet (5) of the ultrasonic transceiver cavity (200) of at least one ultrasonic measurement module is set around the liquid outlet (4) at a distance of 5-150mm. When installed vertically at 90°, the left and right tilt range on both sides is limited to 90-180°.

10. The cup fill stop automatic infusion beverage machine according to claim 2, wherein: It also includes a heating device controlled by a controller, which heats a hot beverage container that communicates with the container (1), and a hot beverage pipe that connects the hot beverage container to the liquid outlet (4), on which a hot beverage solenoid valve controlled by the controller is installed; and a main solenoid valve controlled by the controller is also installed at the liquid outlet (4).

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