A water tank structure for an automatic beverage vending machine

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of beverage vending machine technology, specifically a water tank structure for an automatic beverage vending machine. It includes a cabinet containing a water tank, a cup-dispensing module, an ice-making module, an ice-dispensing module, a syrup-dispensing module, a hot water-dispensing module, a cup-sealing module, a turntable transmission module, and an ice-weighing module. The water tank includes a tank body installed at the bottom of the cabinet. An opening is provided at the top of the tank body, and a lid is threaded onto the top of the opening. This utility model, by setting up a first and a second water level monitoring rod, allows for monitoring of the water level within the tank body. This enables timely intelligent warnings when the water level is too high or too low, preventing problems such as water shortage shutdowns and overflows during operation. This meets the high-efficiency operation requirements of tea beverage consumption scenarios and improves the practicality of this utility model.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beverage vending machine technology, specifically a water tank structure for an automatic beverage vending machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the booming development of the tea beverage market, freshly made tea beverages, as the core growth driver, have become the first choice for young consumers due to their "freshness, customization, and scenario-based" characteristics. Among them, lemon tea, with its refreshing taste and healthy product image, is favored by consumers of all ages, leading to an increasing demand for freshly made tea beverages such as lemon tea. At the same time, consumers are also placing higher demands on the convenience and efficiency of purchasing; they not only pursue the quality of the beverages, but also value the convenience and efficiency of purchasing. The current mainstream vending machines still have obvious shortcomings in their functional design - their water tank systems generally lack dynamic monitoring and intelligent early warning mechanisms for water levels, which leads to problems such as water shortage shutdowns and overflow failures during operation, making it difficult to meet the efficient operation requirements of freshly made tea beverage consumption scenarios. In view of this, in order to overcome the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model proposes a water tank structure for an automatic beverage vending machine, which solves the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model proposes a water tank structure for an automatic beverage vending machine. By setting up a first water level monitoring rod and a second water level monitoring rod, this utility model enables the monitoring of the water level inside the water tank. This allows for timely intelligent warnings when the water level inside the tank is too high or too low, preventing problems such as water shortage shutdowns and overflows during equipment operation. This meets the high-efficiency operation requirements of tea beverage consumption scenarios and improves the practicality of this utility model.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows: The water tank structure of the automatic beverage vending machine of this utility model includes a tank body, and the tank body is provided with a water tank, a cup dropping module, an ice making module, an ice dispensing module, a syrup dispensing module, a hot water dispensing module, a cup sealing module, a turntable transmission module, and an ice weighing module; the water tank includes a water tank body; the water tank body is installed at the bottom of the tank body; the upper end of the water tank body has a tank opening; the upper end of the tank opening is threaded with a tank cover; the upper end of the water tank body is equipped with a water inlet and a water outlet; a water inlet pipe is installed in the water inlet; the end of the water inlet pipe away from the water tank body is connected to a water pump inside the tank body; a water outlet pipe is installed in the water outlet; the end of the water outlet pipe away from the water tank body is connected to a water pump inside the tank body; a water level monitoring unit is installed inside the water tank body; the water level monitoring unit is used to monitor the water level height inside the water tank body.

[0005] Preferably, the water level monitoring unit includes a first water level monitoring rod and a second water level monitoring rod; the first water level monitoring rod and the second water level monitoring rod are distributed on both sides of the tank opening; one end of the first water level monitoring rod and the second water level monitoring rod are fixedly connected to the upper wall of the water tank body; an electrode sensor is installed on the end of the first water level monitoring rod and the second water level monitoring rod away from the water tank body.

[0006] Preferably, the axial length of the outlet pipe is greater than the axial length of the inlet pipe; and the axial length of the first water level monitoring rod is greater than the axial length of the second water level monitoring rod.

[0007] Preferably, the surface of the box cover is provided with ventilation holes.

[0008] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model, by setting up a No. 1 water level monitoring rod and a No. 2 water level monitoring rod, enables the monitoring rods to monitor the water level inside the water tank. This allows for timely intelligent early warning when the water level inside the tank is too high or too low, preventing problems such as water shortage shutdowns and overflows during equipment operation. This meets the high-efficiency operation requirements of tea beverage consumption scenarios and improves the practicality of this utility model.

[0009] This invention features an outlet pipe with an axial length greater than the inlet pipe. This design places the outlet pipe's inlet end near the bottom of the water tank, ensuring the outlet pipe remains in contact with water as the water level in the tank gradually decreases. This prevents the outlet pipe from drawing in air or causing flow interruption due to low water levels, thus ensuring a continuous water supply. Meanwhile, the inlet pipe's inlet end is near the top of the water tank. This allows water to flow quickly into the tank from the top, reducing the impact of the inlet pipe on the bottom of the tank over a long period and extending the tank's lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the box of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the water tank used in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water tank body used in this utility model; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; In the diagram: 1. Tank body; 11. Tank body; 111. Tank opening; 112. Tank cover; 113. Vent hole; 12. Water inlet; 121. Water inlet pipe; 13. Water outlet; 131. Water outlet pipe; 14. No. 1 water level monitoring rod; 15. No. 2 water level monitoring rod; 16. Electrode sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0012] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0013] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the water tank structure of the automatic beverage vending machine of this utility model includes a tank body 1. The tank body 1 contains a water tank, a cup-dispensing module, an ice-making module, an ice-dispensing module, a syrup-dispensing module, a hot water-dispensing module, a cup-sealing module, a turntable transmission module, and an ice-weighing module. The water tank includes a tank body 11. The tank body 11 is installed at the bottom of the tank body 1. An opening 111 is provided at the top of the tank body 11. A cover 112 is threadedly connected to the top of the opening 111. The upper end of the water tank body 11 is equipped with an inlet 12 and an outlet 13; an inlet pipe 121 is installed inside the inlet 12; the end of the inlet pipe 121 away from the water tank body 11 is connected to the inlet pump inside the tank body 1; an outlet pipe 131 is installed inside the outlet 13; the end of the outlet pipe 131 away from the water tank body 11 is connected to the outlet pump inside the tank body 1; a water level monitoring unit is installed inside the water tank body 11; the water level monitoring unit is used to monitor the water level height inside the water tank body 11.

[0014] In one embodiment of this utility model, the water level monitoring unit includes a first water level monitoring rod 14 and a second water level monitoring rod 15; the first water level monitoring rod 14 and the second water level monitoring rod 15 are distributed on both sides of the tank opening 111; one end of the first water level monitoring rod 14 and the second water level monitoring rod 15 is fixedly connected to the upper wall of the water tank body 11; an electrode sensor 16 is installed at the end of the first water level monitoring rod 14 and the second water level monitoring rod 15 away from the water tank body 11.

[0015] In one embodiment of this utility model, the axial length of the outlet pipe 131 is greater than the axial length of the inlet pipe 121; the axial length of the first water level monitoring rod 14 is greater than the axial length of the second water level monitoring rod 15.

[0016] As one embodiment of this utility model, the surface of the box cover 112 is provided with a vent hole 113.

[0017] During operation, the installation of the water tank body 11 involves first removing the back panel of the tank body 1, then inserting the water tank body 11 into the tank body 1 from the rear, so that the water tank body 11 is installed at the bottom of the tank body 1. The user then rotates the tank cover 112 to open the tank opening 111, and pours water into the water tank body 11 through the opening 111. While adding water to the water tank body 11, the user activates the first water level monitoring rod 14 and the second water level monitoring rod 15. As water is continuously added to the water tank body 11, the water level rises. Because the axial length of the first water level monitoring rod 14 is greater than that of the second water level monitoring rod 15, the rising water level line overflows the first water level monitoring rod 14, causing the electrode sensor 16 at the bottom of the first water level monitoring rod 14 to contact the water source first. At this time, the electrode... The electrodes of the sensor 16 are immersed in water. Water acts as a conductor, enabling the electrodes to conduct a circuit and output a conduction signal to the control panel on the housing 1. As the water level rises, the electrode sensor 16 at the lower end of the second water level monitoring rod 15 comes into contact with the water source, causing the electrode sensor 16 on the second water level monitoring rod 15 to conduct a circuit and output a conduction signal to the control panel on the housing 1. When the control panel receives the signals from the two electrode sensors 16, the control panel issues an alarm. At this time, the water level in the water tank body 11 reaches its maximum height. At this time, the user stops supplying water to the water tank body 11. Finally, the water inlet pipe 121 at the upper end of the water tank body 11 is connected to the water inlet pump, and the water outlet pipe 131 is connected to the water outlet pump in the housing 1. After completing the connection between the water outlet pipe 131 and the water inlet pipe 121, the back panel of the housing 1 is installed.

[0018] Before a consumer places an order for a beverage via the control panel on cabinet 1, the ice-making module is operational. The water pump draws water from the water tank 11 through the water outlet pipe 131, simultaneously supplying water to the ice-making module to begin ice making and supplying water to the hot water module to heat the internal water. After the consumer places an order via the control panel on cabinet 1, the cup-dropping module inside cabinet 1 operates, dropping the bottom cup onto the turntable conveyor module. This causes the turntable conveyor module to rotate the cup to the ice dispensing station. At this point, the ice-making module delivers pre-prepared ice cubes to the ice dispensing module. The ice cube weighing module weighs the ice cubes delivered to the ice dispensing module. Once the ice cubes reach the preset weight, the ice-making module stops delivering ice cubes to the ice dispensing station. The ice dispensing module then adds a set amount of ice to the cup. Next, the turntable transmission module rotates the cup to the syrup dispensing station, allowing the syrup dispensing module to accurately inject the set amount of syrup into the cup. Then, the turntable transmission module rotates the cup to the water dispensing station, where lemon slices fall from the water dispensing station into the cup. The water pump then draws water from the water tank 11 through the water outlet pipe 131 and injects it into the cup. If the customer orders a hot drink, the hot water dispensing module injects heated water into the cup. Afterward, the turntable transmission module rotates the cup to the sealing station, where the sealing module is activated to seal the cup. After the lemon tea drink is made, the sealed cup can be directly sent to the serving door through the corresponding dispensing device. At the same time, the serving door opens, and the customer takes away the finished lemon tea drink.

[0019] As the beverage is continuously processed, the water level in the water tank 11 continuously decreases, causing the electrode sensor 16 at the lower end of the second water level monitoring rod 15 to first separate from the water source. At this time, the electrode sensor 16 at the lower end of the second water level monitoring rod 15 no longer sends a conduction signal to the control panel. When the water level in the tank drops below the first water level monitoring rod 14, the electrode sensor 16 of the first water level monitoring rod 14 no longer contacts the water source, that is, the electrode sensor 16 of the first water level monitoring rod 14 no longer sends a conduction signal to the control panel. At this time, the control panel does not... Then, the control panel receives the conduction signals transmitted by the two electrode sensors 16. At this time, the warning light on the control panel flashes continuously, and the buzzer in the tank 1 emits an intermittent alarm sound. The surface of the tank cover 112 is provided with a vent 113, which is intended to maintain the pressure balance inside the water tank body 11. For example, when the water tank drains water or the internal water temperature drops, the space inside the water tank increases and the air pressure decreases, forming a negative pressure. At this time, the vent 113 automatically draws in outside air to replenish the air pressure inside the water tank, avoiding the problem of the side wall of the water tank body 11 collapsing inward due to negative pressure.

[0020] This utility model, by setting up a first water level monitoring rod 14 and a second water level monitoring rod 15, enables the first water level monitoring rod 14 and the second water level monitoring rod 15 to monitor the water level in the water tank body 11. This allows for timely intelligent early warning when the water level in the water tank body 11 is too high or too low, preventing problems such as water shortage shutdown and overflow during equipment operation. This meets the high-efficiency operation requirements in tea consumption scenarios and improves the practicality of this utility model.

[0021] This invention, by setting the axial length of the outlet pipe 131 to be greater than the axial length of the inlet pipe 121, ensures that the inlet end of the outlet pipe 131 is close to the bottom of the water tank body 11. As the water level in the water tank body 11 gradually decreases, the outlet pipe 131 can always contact the water, preventing the outlet pipe 131 from sucking in air or interrupting the flow due to low water level, thus ensuring a continuous water supply to the user. Meanwhile, the inlet end of the inlet pipe 121 is close to the top of the water tank body 11, allowing the water flow from the top of the inlet pipe 121 to quickly enter the water tank through the shorter extension length of the inlet pipe 121. This reduces the impact of the water flow from the inlet pipe 121 on the bottom of the water tank body 11 over a long period of time, thereby improving the service life of the water tank body 11.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the appendix. Figure 1 The orientations or positional relationships shown are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used to distinguish the description and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A water tank structure for an automatic beverage vending machine, comprising a housing (1), wherein the housing (1) is provided with a water tank, a cup-dispensing module, an ice-making module, an ice-dispensing module, a syrup-dispensing module, a hot water-dispensing module, a cup-sealing module, a turntable conveying module, and an ice-weighing module; characterized in that: The water tank includes a tank body (11); the tank body (11) is installed at the bottom of the tank body (1); the upper end of the tank body (11) has a tank opening (111); the upper end of the tank opening (111) is threaded with a tank cover (112); the upper end of the tank body (11) is equipped with a water inlet (12) and a water outlet (13); a water inlet pipe (121) is installed in the water inlet (12); the end of the water inlet pipe (121) away from the tank body (11) is connected to the water pump in the tank body (1); a water outlet pipe (131) is installed in the water outlet (13); the end of the water outlet pipe (131) away from the tank body (11) is connected to the water pump in the tank body (1); a water level monitoring unit is installed in the tank body (11); the water level monitoring unit is used to monitor the water level in the tank body (11).

2. The water tank structure of an automatic beverage vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water level monitoring unit includes a No. 1 water level monitoring rod (14) and a No. 2 water level monitoring rod (15); the No. 1 water level monitoring rod (14) and the No. 2 water level monitoring rod (15) are distributed on both sides of the tank opening (111); one end of the No. 1 water level monitoring rod (14) and the No. 2 water level monitoring rod (15) is fixedly connected to the upper wall of the water tank body (11); an electrode sensor (16) is installed at the end of the No. 1 water level monitoring rod (14) and the No. 2 water level monitoring rod (15) away from the water tank body (11).

3. The water tank structure of an automatic beverage vending machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The axial length of the outlet pipe (131) is greater than the axial length of the inlet pipe (121); the axial length of the first water level monitoring rod (14) is greater than the axial length of the second water level monitoring rod (15).

4. The water tank structure of an automatic beverage vending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The box cover (112) has ventilation holes (113) on its surface.

Images