3D printing mechanism of self-service ice cream vending machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a 3D printing mechanism of a self-service ice cream vending machine, which comprises a partition plate, a printing assembly and a moving assembly, the moving assembly is arranged on one side of the partition plate, a bracket is arranged on the moving assembly, the bracket is of a rectangular frame structure, and the bracket is used for placing a container for containing ice cream. The bracket can move along the moving assembly, the 3D printing assembly is arranged at one end of the moving assembly, the 3D printing assembly is arranged corresponding to the upper portion of the bracket, the 3D printing assembly is used for conducting pattern 3D printing treatment on ice cream in a container, and the jacking assembly is correspondingly arranged below the 3D printing assembly. And the jacking assembly is used for jacking the container in the bracket, so that the 3D printing assembly can conveniently print and subsequently transfer the container to a meal delivery area. The utility model provides a 3D printing mechanism of a self-service ice cream vending machine. The 3D printing mechanism achieves 3D printing and meal delivery of self-service vending ice cream.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice cream vending machine technology, and in particular to a 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of 3D printing technology, food-grade 3D printing equipment has also been introduced into some existing food manufacturing processes. For example, in cake manufacturing, edible pigments are used to 3D print patterns, or edible materials are used to print 3D structures.

[0003] Existing ice cream vending machines are mainly semi-self-service, where ice cream is first added to the machine's hopper, and then manually dispensed from the spout by hand. The ice cream designs are relatively limited and lack appeal to some customers. Combining 3D printing with these machines allows for the creation of 3D-printed designs on the ice cream, attracting customer interest and increasing their desire to purchase. Therefore, a 3D printing mechanism is needed to address the challenges of self-service ice cream vending machines. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine, enabling the 3D printing and dispensing of self-service ice cream.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the 3D printing mechanism of the self-service ice cream vending machine disclosed in this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine includes a partition, a printing component, and a moving component. The moving component is disposed on one side of the partition and has a bracket with a rectangular frame structure. The bracket is used to hold a container for holding ice cream and can move along the moving component. The 3D printing component is disposed at one end of the moving component and is positioned above the bracket. The 3D printing component is used to 3D print patterns on the ice cream in the container. A lifting component is disposed below the 3D printing component to lift the container in the bracket, facilitating printing by the 3D printing component and subsequent transfer to the serving area.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment, the moving component includes a motor, a lead screw, and a guide rail. The bracket is slidably connected to the guide rail via a moving block. The motor is fixed to one end of the guide rail. The lead screw is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor and is arranged parallel to the guide rail. The moving block is threadedly connected to the lead screw.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, the lifting assembly includes an electric push rod and a support plate. The electric push rod is fixed to the surface of the partition, and the lifting assembly is oriented towards the 3D printing assembly. The support plate is fixed to one end of the output rod of the electric push rod, and the support plate can pass through the middle of the bracket.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the edge of the tray is provided with an upwardly curved baffle, which is adapted to the bottom of the container.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the 3D printing component includes a print head, a Y-axis linear module, and an X-axis linear module. The print head is disposed on the Y-axis linear module, the Y-axis linear module is disposed on the X-axis linear module, the print head can move along the Y-axis linear module, and the Y-axis linear module can move along the X-axis linear module.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the 3D printed component is provided with a tray below it, and the tray is provided with a clearance area corresponding to the lifting component, and the tray forms a U-shaped structure.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the 3D printed component is provided with an isolation chamber above the food serving area, the bottom of the isolation chamber is provided with an opening corresponding to the lifting component, and an infrared photoelectric sensor is provided inside the isolation chamber.

[0013] The beneficial effects of the 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine disclosed in this utility model are as follows: A moving component moves a container filled with ice cream to the area below the 3D printing component. A lifting component first lifts the container from the support, and then the 3D printing component prints a pattern onto the ice cream inside the container. After printing is complete, the lifting component continues to rise, transferring the container to the serving area for easy customer access. This structure avoids customer contact with the container and ice cream inside the vending machine, preventing contamination. Furthermore, the 3D printing process allows for pattern creation before serving, increasing customer interest and adding to the overall enjoyment. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the 3D printing mechanism of a self-service ice cream vending machine according to this utility model.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the 3D printing component structure of a 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine according to this utility model.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the moving component structure of the 3D printing mechanism of a self-service ice cream vending machine according to this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will be further described and illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings:

[0018] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine includes a partition 10, a printing component 20, and a moving component 30. The moving component 30 is located on one side of the partition 10 and has a bracket 31 on it. The bracket 31 has a rectangular frame structure and is used to hold a container for ice cream. The bracket 31 can move along the moving component 30. The 3D printing component 20 is located at one end of the moving component 30 and is positioned above the bracket 31. The 3D printing component 20 is used to 3D print patterns on the ice cream in the container. A lifting component 40 is located below the 3D printing component 20 and is used to lift the container in the bracket 31 to facilitate printing by the 3D printing component 20 and subsequent transfer to the serving area.

[0019] The container filled with ice cream is moved by the moving component 30 to a position below the 3D printing component 20. The lifting component 40 then lifts the container from the bracket 31. The 3D printing component 20 then 3D prints a design onto the ice cream inside the container. After printing, the lifting component 40 continues to raise the container, transferring it to the serving area for easy customer access. This structure prevents customers from coming into contact with the container and ice cream inside the vending machine, avoiding contamination. Furthermore, the 3D printing process allows for custom designs to be added before serving, increasing customer interest and making the process more engaging.

[0020] Please refer to Figure 3 The moving component 30 includes a motor 32, a lead screw 33, and a guide rail 34. The bracket 31 is slidably connected to the guide rail 34 via a moving block 35. The motor 32 is fixed to one end of the guide rail 34. The lead screw 33 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor 32 and is arranged parallel to the guide rail 34. The moving block 35 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 33.

[0021] The motor 32 drives the lead screw 33 to rotate, while the moving block 35 is restricted by the guide rail 34 and cannot rotate. This converts the rotational motion of the lead screw 33 into linear motion, which drives the moving block 35 to move linearly along the guide rail 34. This ensures that the moving block will not flip over during the movement, thus preventing the container from tipping over or the ice cream from spilling.

[0022] The lifting assembly 40 includes an electric push rod 41 and a support plate 42. The electric push rod 41 is fixed to the surface of the partition 10 and the lifting assembly 40 is positioned facing the 3D printing assembly 20. The support plate 42 is fixed to one end of the output rod of the electric push rod 41 and can pass through the middle of the bracket 31. The support plate 42 contacts the bottom of the container, thereby lifting it. Since the bracket 31 has a rectangular frame structure, the electric push rod 41 and the support plate 42 can pass smoothly through the bracket 31 to continue lifting upward. An upward-curving baffle is provided on the edge of the support plate 42. The baffle is adapted to the bottom of the container and can limit the container to prevent it from shifting during the upward movement.

[0023] The 3D printing component 20 includes a print head 21, a Y-axis linear module 22, and an X-axis linear module 23. The print head 21 is mounted on the Y-axis linear module 22, and the Y-axis linear module 22 is mounted on the X-axis linear module 23. The print head 21 can move along the Y-axis linear module 22, and the Y-axis linear module 22 can move along the X-axis linear module 23. The Y-axis linear module 22 and the X-axis linear module 23 can drive the print head 21 to draw patterns on the Y-axis and X-axis.

[0024] A tray 24 is provided below the 3D printing component 20. The tray 24 has a clearance area corresponding to the lifting component 40. The tray 24 forms a U-shaped structure to avoid obstructing the container when it is lifted for serving. The tray 24 can also collect the ink and other substances that drip from the print head 21 during its movement, preventing them from dripping onto the surfaces of other components below.

[0025] An isolation chamber 25 is provided above the 3D printed component 20 corresponding to the food serving area. An opening is provided at the bottom of the isolation chamber 25 corresponding to the lifting component 40, and an infrared photoelectric sensor 26 is provided inside the isolation chamber 25.

[0026] The 3D-printed ice cream is isolated using the isolation chamber 25, while the infrared photoelectric sensor 26 detects the food being served and promptly reminds the customer to pick it up.

[0027] This invention provides a 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine. A moving component moves a container filled with ice cream to a position below the 3D printing component. A lifting component first lifts the container from a support, and then the 3D printing component prints a pattern onto the ice cream inside. After printing, the lifting component continues to rise, transferring the container to the serving area for easy customer access. This structure avoids customer contact with the container and ice cream inside the vending machine, preventing contamination. Furthermore, the 3D printing can be customized before serving, increasing customer interest and adding to the fun.

[0028] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the essence and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model.

Claims

1. A 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine, characterized in that, The device includes a partition, a 3D printing component, and a moving component. The moving component is located on one side of the partition and has a bracket with a rectangular frame structure. The bracket is used to hold a container for ice cream and can move along the moving component. The 3D printing component is located at one end of the moving component and is positioned above the bracket. The 3D printing component is used to 3D print patterns on the ice cream in the container. A lifting component is located below the 3D printing component to lift the container in the bracket, facilitating the printing process and subsequent transfer to the serving area.

2. The 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The moving component includes a motor, a lead screw, and a guide rail. The bracket is slidably connected to the guide rail via a moving block. The motor is fixed to one end of the guide rail. The lead screw is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor and is arranged parallel to the guide rail. The moving block is threadedly connected to the lead screw.

3. The 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting assembly includes an electric push rod and a support plate. The electric push rod is fixed to the surface of the partition and the lifting assembly is oriented towards the 3D printing assembly. The support plate is fixed to one end of the output rod of the electric push rod and can pass through the middle of the bracket.

4. The 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The pallet has an upward-curving baffle at its edge, which is adapted to fit the bottom of the container.

5. The 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The 3D printing component includes a print head, a Y-axis linear module, and an X-axis linear module. The print head is mounted on the Y-axis linear module, and the Y-axis linear module is mounted on the X-axis linear module. The print head can move along the Y-axis linear module, and the Y-axis linear module can move along the X-axis linear module.

6. The 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The 3D printing component is provided with a tray below it, and the tray has a clearance area corresponding to the lifting component. The tray forms a U-shaped structure.

7. The 3D printing mechanism for a self-service ice cream vending machine as described in claim 6, characterized in that, An isolation chamber is provided above the 3D printed component corresponding to the food serving area. An opening is provided at the bottom of the isolation chamber corresponding to the lifting component. An infrared photoelectric sensor is provided inside the isolation chamber.

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