A beverage dispensing system and a beverage machine

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of beverage machine technology, specifically to a beverage dispensing system and a beverage machine. It includes a drive component, a lever-type push rod, and a counterweight valve body. The drive component provides linear thrust; the lever-type push rod is pivotally connected to a mounting component in the middle, with its lower end pushed by the drive component and its upper end having a locking opening; the counterweight valve body includes a sealing end and a valve stem portion. The sealing end has a cross-sectional area larger than the outlet of the container, while the valve stem portion has a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet. The valve stem portion has a radial flange and a hollow flow channel, and a guide hole on its side wall; the locking opening is fitted onto the valve stem portion and confined below the flange, and a seal is installed on the top of the valve stem. The sealing end and the outlet have two mating positions: in the first position, the sealing end presses against the outlet, the guide hole is located below the outlet, and the seal is interference-sealed; in the second position, the valve stem portion is raised, the sealing end disengages, the guide hole rises into the container, and the liquid flows out. This utility model, through its lever and counterweight valve body structure, utilizes gravity for dispensing, eliminating the need for pumps and pipes, and solving problems such as complex structure and difficulty in cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beverage machine technology, specifically to a beverage dispensing system and a beverage machine. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, commercial beverage machines, milk tea machines, coffee machines, and other beverage equipment mostly rely on pumping systems for liquid dispensing, especially peristaltic pumps combined with hoses. This method uses the pump body to squeeze the hose to create negative pressure, drawing the liquid from the container and then transporting it to the outlet through a series of pipes.

[0003] This structure has several significant drawbacks: First, the numerous hoses and connectors make the structure complex, inconvenient to disassemble and clean, and beverage residue after long-term use can easily breed bacteria, posing a food safety hazard; second, the discharge volume of a peristaltic pump is usually roughly controlled by the pump's operating time, which is greatly affected by factors such as voltage fluctuations, pump tube aging, and changes in liquid viscosity, making it difficult to guarantee discharge accuracy and easily leading to inconsistent beverage portions in each cup, affecting product quality and consumer experience; third, the pump body and piping system are expensive and prone to wear, resulting in a relatively high failure rate and high maintenance costs.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of dispensing system and beverage machine that is simple in structure, requires no complicated pipelines, is easy to clean and disinfect, and can achieve quantitative dispensing, in order to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model addresses the technical problems existing in the prior art by providing a beverage dispensing system and beverage machine. Through a purely mechanical lever and counterweight valve body structure, it utilizes gravity to achieve dispensing, fundamentally eliminating the need for pumps and pipes, thereby solving a series of problems such as complex structure and difficulty in cleaning at the source.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: A beverage dispensing system includes: a drive component, a lever-type push rod, and a counterweight valve body; Drive components, used to provide linear thrust; The lever-type push rod includes a central pivot, a lower drive unit, and an upper actuator; the central pivot is rotatably connected to a mounting member; the lower drive unit is pushed by the drive member; the upper actuator is provided with an engagement opening; The counterweight valve body comprises, from top to bottom, a sealing end and a valve stem portion; the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing end is larger than that of the material barrel outlet, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve stem portion is smaller than that of the material barrel outlet; the valve stem portion is provided with a radial flange; the valve stem portion has a hollow flow channel running from top to bottom, with its bottom end forming a water outlet; the side wall of the valve stem portion is provided with a guide hole communicating with the hollow flow channel; the engaging opening is sleeved on the valve stem portion and axially limited below the radial flange; a sealing element is sleeved on the top of the valve stem portion, above the guide hole; The fitting relationship between the sealing end and the outlet of the material barrel is as follows: First position: The sealing end is pressed against the outlet of the material barrel, and the guide hole is located below the outlet of the material barrel. At this time, the sealing element is press-fitted with the inner wall or end face of the outlet of the material barrel to achieve a seal. Second position: The valve stem is raised, the guide hole rises into the inside of the material tank, the sealing end is separated from the outlet of the material tank, and the liquid flows out from the outlet through the guide hole and the hollow flow channel in sequence.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0008] Furthermore, the sealing element is an O-ring made of food-grade silicone, and its inner diameter is interference-fitted with the outer diameter of the valve stem.

[0009] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the valve stem is clearance-fitted with the outlet of the material barrel.

[0010] This utility model also provides a beverage machine, including the above-described dispensing system, and the beverage machine further includes a casing, wherein the mounting component is a mounting groove provided on the casing.

[0011] Furthermore, the driving component is a push rod motor, which is installed inside the housing. The output end of the push rod motor is connected to a push head, and the lower driving part contacts the end of the push head.

[0012] Furthermore, a waterproof sleeve is fitted over the outside of the ejector head. The outer ring of the waterproof sleeve has an annular groove, and the chassis has a matching mounting hole. The waterproof sleeve is fixed in the mounting hole by snapping into the groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the push rod motor is equipped with a limit sensor.

[0014] Furthermore, the beverage machine also includes a water receiving tray located below the water outlet, and a weighing sensor is installed inside the water receiving tray.

[0015] Furthermore, an electronic control board is installed on the chassis, wherein the electronic control board is electrically connected to the weighing sensor, the push rod motor and the limit sensor respectively.

[0016] Furthermore, the outer surface of the chassis is provided with a unique QR code that identifies the machine; The electronic control board is also equipped with an Internet of Things (IoT) communication module for establishing a communication connection with the server; The server is configured to: provide a control interface to the user terminal after scanning the QR code; receive control commands from the user terminal through the control interface; and forward the commands to the electronic control board. The electronic control board is further configured to control the push rod motor to operate according to the received control command.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. This embodiment replaces the complex piping and pump system of traditional beverage machines by using a drive unit, lever-type push rod, and counterweight valve body. This structure has a low failure rate, direct feedback, and rapid response. Furthermore, the counterweight valve body is easy to disassemble and clean, fundamentally solving hygiene concerns. The unique design of the counterweight valve body utilizes its own gravity to achieve a seal, and by switching between two positions, it achieves reliable sealing and a smooth dispensing process.

[0018] 2. In this embodiment, a push rod motor is used as a linear power source, which can convert the electrical control signal into a precise linear displacement. The push head pushes the lever-type push rod, thereby realizing the automated control of the material discharge process.

[0019] 3. In this embodiment, each beverage machine is uniquely identified by a QR code. Users can scan the code using a mobile phone or other terminal to access the control interface from the server and remotely issue dispensing commands. The electronic control board communicates with the server via an IoT module, receives and executes commands, thus meeting the remote management needs of commercial equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the beverage machine on the side as described in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall and partial structure of the beverage machine described in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the material bucket structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the push rod motor described in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the material bucket installation structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0021] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1. Push rod motor; 11. Limit sensor; 12. Push head; 13. Waterproof sleeve. 2. Lever-type push rod, 21. Central pivot, 211. Protrusion, 22. Lower drive section, 23. Upper actuator section, 231. Engaging opening. 3. Counterweight valve body; 31. Sealing end; 32. Valve stem; 321. Guide hole; 322. Hollow flow channel; 33. Sealing element. 4. Chassis; 41. Mounting holes; 42. Mounting slots; 43. QR code. 5. Water tray; 51. Weighing sensor; 6. Material bucket. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] In the description of this application, the term "for example" is used to mean "used as an example, illustration, or description." Any embodiment described as "for example" in this application is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to implement and use the present invention. Details are set forth in the following description for purposes of explanation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be implemented without using these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes will not be described in detail to avoid obscuring the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and features disclosed in this application.

[0025] Example A beverage dispensing system, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, it includes: a drive unit, a lever-type push rod 2, and a counterweight valve body 3; Drive components, used to provide linear thrust; The lever-type push rod 2 includes a central pivot 21, a lower drive part 22, and an upper execution part 23; the central pivot 21 is rotatably connected to a mounting member; the lower drive part 22 is pushed by the drive member; the upper execution part 23 is provided with an engagement opening 231; The counterweight valve body 3 includes, from top to bottom, a sealing end 31 and a valve stem portion 32; the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing end 31 is larger than that of the material barrel 6 outlet, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve stem portion 32 is smaller than that of the material barrel 6 outlet; the valve stem portion 32 is provided with a radial flange; the valve stem portion 32 has a hollow flow channel 322 that runs from top to bottom, with its bottom end forming a water outlet; the side wall of the valve stem portion 32 is provided with a guide hole 321 that communicates with the hollow flow channel 322; the engaging opening 231 is sleeved on the valve stem portion 32 and axially limited below the radial flange; a sealing element 33 is sleeved on the top of the valve stem portion 32, above the guide hole 321; The fitting relationship between the sealing end 31 and the outlet of the material barrel 6 is as follows: First position: The sealing end 31 is pressed against the outlet of the material barrel 6, and the guide hole 321 is located below the outlet of the material barrel 6. At this time, the sealing element 33 is press-fitted with the inner wall or end face of the outlet of the material barrel 6 to achieve sealing. Second position: Valve stem 32 is raised, guide hole 321 rises into the inside of material tank 6, sealing end 31 is separated from the outlet of material tank 6, and liquid flows out from the outlet through guide hole 321 and hollow flow channel 322 in sequence.

[0026] In this embodiment, the lever-type push rod 2 is specifically embodied as an inverted L-shaped metal plate. The central pivot 21 of this metal plate serves as the rotation center, and its two ends extend axially outward with protrusions 211. A groove matching the shape is machined at the corresponding position on the inner wall of the beverage machine housing 4. This groove serves as the mounting component, and the central pivot 21 is directly placed in it through the protrusions 211 and can rotate relative to it. The lower long side of the metal plate serves as the lower driving part 22, which contacts the plane of the push head 12 of the driving component; its upper short side is provided with an O-hole, which is the engaging opening 231. The counterweight valve body 3 is an integrally formed cylindrical structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The wider cylinder at the top serves as the sealing end 31, and the narrower cylinder at the bottom serves as the valve stem portion 32. The valve stem portion 32 has a hollow flow channel 322 that runs from top to bottom, and the bottom end of the hollow flow channel 322 forms the water outlet. At least one guide hole 321 communicating with the hollow flow channel 322 is provided on the side wall of the valve stem portion 32. A radial flange is also machined on the outer wall of the valve stem portion 32. The O-ring is fitted onto the valve stem portion 32 and axially limited below the radial flange. In the initial first position, the entire counterweight valve body 3 falls under its own weight, causing its sealing end 31 to press against the outlet of the material tank 6. At this time, the guide hole 321 on the valve stem 32 is located below the outlet of the material tank 6, and the sealing element 33 sleeved on the top of the valve stem 32 forms an interference fit with the inner wall of the outlet of the material tank 6 to achieve a seal. When the driving component pushes the lower end of the lever, the lever rotates around the central protrusion 211, and the O-hole at its upper end lifts upward, causing the entire counterweight valve body 3 to move upward to the second position: the sealing end 31 disengages from the outlet of the material tank 6, and the guide hole 321 rises to below the liquid level inside the material tank 6. Under the action of gravity, the liquid inside the material tank 6 immediately flows into the hollow flow channel 322 through the guide hole 321 and finally flows out smoothly from the outlet at the bottom.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the sealing element 33 is an O-ring made of food-grade silicone, and its inner diameter is interference-fitted with the outer diameter of the valve stem portion 32.

[0028] It should be noted that this embodiment uses food-grade silicone to ensure food safety in the parts that come into contact with beverages. The interference fit of the O-ring provides reliable and durable sealing performance, preventing liquid from leaking from the outer wall of the valve stem 32.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the valve stem portion 32 is clearance-fitted with the outlet of the material barrel 6.

[0030] It should be noted that the outer diameter of the valve stem portion 32 in this embodiment is designed to form an assembly gap with the inner diameter of the outlet of the material tank 6, so as to ensure that the counterweight valve body 3 can move freely and effectively guide the flow. This gap ensures that most of the liquid will flow down through the hollow flow channel 322 of the valve stem portion 32, and only a very small portion will flow down through the gap.

[0031] This utility model also provides a beverage machine, such as Figure 2-3 As shown, the beverage machine includes the above-mentioned dispensing system and also includes a housing 4. The mounting component is a mounting groove 42 provided on the housing of the housing 4.

[0032] In this embodiment, a mounting groove 42 is machined on the inner wall of the beverage machine housing 4 at the position corresponding to the central pivot 21. The mounting groove 42 is a groove, which serves as the mounting component and is rotatably connected to the central pivot 21.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the driving component is a push rod motor 1, which is installed inside the housing 4. The output end of the push rod motor 1 is connected to a push head 12, and the lower driving part 22 is in contact with the end of the push head 12.

[0034] Specifically, a waterproof sleeve 13 is fitted over the outside of the ejector head 12. The waterproof sleeve 13 has an annular groove on its outer ring. The housing 4 has a matching mounting hole 41. The waterproof sleeve 13 is fixed in the mounting hole 41 by the groove.

[0035] In this embodiment, the push rod motor 1 is fixed to the housing 4 by a mounting plate, and its output end is connected to a push head 12 via a threaded connector. The lower end of the lever-type push rod 2 is in contact with the front hemispherical surface of the push head 12. A waterproof rubber sleeve 13 is also included, which is fitted onto the push head 12, and has an annular groove on its outer circumference. A circular hole 41 is opened on the side wall of the housing 4 as a mounting hole, and the inner edge of the circular hole fits into the groove of the waterproof sleeve 13, thereby achieving a dynamic seal.

[0036] It solves the sealing problem between the output shaft of the push rod motor 1 and the mounting hole 41 of the housing 4. The design of the waterproof sleeve 13 and its annular groove effectively prevents condensate inside the housing 4 or a small amount of liquid flowing out from the gap between the valve stem part 32 and the outlet of the material bucket 6 from seeping into the housing 4, protecting the internal electrical components and improving the reliability and service life of the whole machine.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the push rod motor 1 is provided with a limit sensor 11.

[0038] It should be noted that the limit sensor 11 provides the electrical control system with physical position feedback of the motor. This sensor can be used to calibrate the initial (origin) and end positions of the push rod motor 1, ensuring that the starting point of each push rod action is consistent. This provides key position information for achieving repeatable and accurate control of the output, and also prevents the motor from overshooting and damaging the mechanism.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, the beverage machine also includes a water receiving tray 5, which is located below the water outlet, and a weighing sensor 51 is provided inside the water receiving tray 5.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, an electronic control board is installed on the chassis 4, wherein the electronic control board is electrically connected to the weighing sensor 51, the push rod motor 1, and the limit sensor 11, respectively.

[0041] In this embodiment, an electronic control board is installed inside the chassis 4. It is connected to the signal output terminal of the weighing sensor 51, the power input terminal of the push rod motor 1, and the signal terminal of the limit sensor 11 via wiring harnesses. As the physical carrier of the electronic control logic, the electronic control board receives the weight signal from the weighing sensor 51 and the position signal from the limit sensor 11, processes and makes logical judgments, and outputs control commands to drive the push rod motor 1 to work, thereby realizing the automatic operation of the material discharge process.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the outer surface of the chassis 4 is provided with a unique QR code 43 that identifies the machine; The electronic control board is also equipped with an Internet of Things (IoT) communication module for establishing a communication connection with the server; The server is configured to: scan the QR code 43, provide a control interface to the user terminal; receive control commands from the user terminal through the control interface, and forward the commands to the electronic control board; The electronic control board is further configured to control the push rod motor 1 to work according to the received control command.

[0043] In this embodiment, a QR code 43 is affixed to the front of the chassis 4. A Wi-Fi IoT communication module is integrated into the control board. After the user scans the QR code 43 with their mobile phone, the phone is redirected to a control page provided by a cloud server. After the user selects the beverage and portion size, the control command is sent to the cloud server, which then forwards the command to the machine's control board. The control board parses the command and activates the corresponding push rod motor 1 to perform the dispensing operation. This adds IoT functionality to the beverage machine. Its technical advantage lies in achieving remote control and intelligent management. Each device is uniquely identified by the QR code 43, allowing users to scan the code with their mobile phones or other terminals to access the control interface from the server and remotely issue dispensing commands. The control board communicates with the server via the IoT module, receiving and executing commands. This meets the remote management needs of commercial equipment.

[0044] The overall working process of this utility model is as follows: The entire operation of this beverage machine begins with an IoT command from the user. The user scans the QR code 43 on the machine using a mobile device. After the server identifies the unique device, it pushes a control interface to the user. After the user selects the desired beverage and portion size on the interface and confirms, the control command is forwarded by the server to the electronic control board of the beverage machine.

[0045] After receiving the discharge command, the electronic control board starts the corresponding push rod motor 1. The output shaft of the push rod motor 1 extends and pushes the lower drive part 22 of the lever-type push rod 2. The lever-type push rod 2 rotates around its central pivot 21, and its upper actuator 23 is lifted upward accordingly. Since the engagement opening 231 of the actuator is fitted on the valve stem part 32 of the counterweight valve body 3 and is limited to below the radial flange, the upward movement of the lever overcomes the weight of the valve body and the liquid pressure, lifting the entire counterweight valve body 3 upward.

[0046] The counterweight valve body 3 moves upward, causing its top sealing end 31 to disengage from the outlet of the material tank 6, switching from the first position to the second position. Simultaneously, the guide hole 321 on the side wall of the valve stem 32 rises below the liquid level inside the material tank 6. Under the influence of gravity, the liquid inside the material tank 6 immediately flows through the guide hole 321 into the hollow flow channel 322 of the valve stem 32, and flows out from the outlet at the bottom of the hollow flow channel 322, falling into the water receiving tray 5 below.

[0047] The weighing sensor 51 at the bottom of the water receiving pan 5 monitors the weight change of the liquid in the water receiving pan 5 in real time and transmits the weight data to the electronic control board. The electronic control board compares the real-time weight with the target weight set by the user. When the real-time weight is close to the target weight, the electronic control board controls the push rod motor 1 to decelerate; when the real-time weight reaches the target weight, the electronic control board immediately cuts off the power to the push rod motor 1.

[0048] After the push rod motor 1 is de-energized, its output shaft retracts, the lever-type push rod 2 rotates in the opposite direction, and the counterweight valve body 3 descends under its own gravity. Its sealing end 31 then presses against the outlet of the material bucket 6 again, returning to the first sealing position, thus ending the discharge process. Simultaneously, the control board feeds back the information of this completed discharge to the server via the IoT module, thereby completing a full automated discharge cycle.

[0049] In summary, this embodiment utilizes a lever mechanism to convert the linear thrust of the motor into a force that lifts the counterweight valve body 3, using gravity as the discharge power, and employs a weighing sensor 51 as a feedback element to form a closed-loop control system, thereby achieving control of the discharge amount.

[0050] While embodiments or examples of this disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the methods, systems, and devices described above are merely exemplary embodiments or examples, and the scope of this utility model is not limited by these embodiments or examples, but only by the granted claims and their equivalents. Various elements in the embodiments or examples may be omitted or replaced by their equivalents. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in a different order than that described in this disclosure. Further, various elements in the embodiments or examples may be combined in various ways. Importantly, as technology evolves, many elements described herein can be replaced by equivalents that appear after this disclosure.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing system, characterized in that, include: Drive components, lever-type push rod, and counterweight valve body; Drive components, used to provide linear thrust; The lever-type push rod includes a central pivot, a lower drive unit, and an upper actuator; the central pivot is rotatably connected to a mounting member; the lower drive unit is pushed by the drive member; the upper actuator is provided with an engagement opening; The counterweight valve body comprises, from top to bottom, a sealing end and a valve stem portion; the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing end is larger than that of the material barrel outlet, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve stem portion is smaller than that of the material barrel outlet; the valve stem portion is provided with a radial flange; the valve stem portion has a hollow flow channel running from top to bottom, with its bottom end forming a water outlet; the side wall of the valve stem portion is provided with a guide hole communicating with the hollow flow channel; the engaging opening is sleeved on the valve stem portion and axially limited below the radial flange; a sealing element is sleeved on the top of the valve stem portion, above the guide hole; The fitting relationship between the sealing end and the outlet of the material barrel is as follows: First position: The sealing end is pressed against the outlet of the material barrel, and the guide hole is located below the outlet of the material barrel. At this time, the sealing element is press-fitted with the inner wall or end face of the outlet of the material barrel to achieve a seal. Second position: The valve stem is raised, the guide hole rises into the inside of the material tank, the sealing end is separated from the outlet of the material tank, and the liquid flows out from the outlet through the guide hole and the hollow flow channel in sequence.

2. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing element is an O-ring made of food-grade silicone, and its inner diameter is interference-fitted with the outer diameter of the valve stem.

3. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the valve stem is clearance-fitted with the outlet of the material barrel.

4. A beverage machine, comprising the dispensing system as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The beverage machine also includes a casing, and the mounting component is a mounting groove provided on the casing.

5. The beverage machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The driving component is a push rod motor, which is installed inside the chassis. The output end of the push rod motor is connected to a push head, and the lower driving part contacts the end of the push head.

6. The beverage machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, A waterproof sleeve is fitted over the outside of the ejector head. The outer ring of the waterproof sleeve has an annular groove. The chassis has a matching mounting hole. The waterproof sleeve is fixed in the mounting hole by snapping it into the groove.

7. The beverage machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The push rod motor is equipped with a limit sensor.

8. The beverage machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The beverage machine also includes a water receiving tray, which is located below the water outlet, and a weighing sensor is installed inside the water receiving tray.

9. The beverage machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, An electronic control board is installed on the chassis, wherein the electronic control board is electrically connected to the weighing sensor, the push rod motor and the limit sensor respectively.

10. The beverage machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The outer surface of the chassis is equipped with a unique QR code that identifies the machine; The electronic control board is also equipped with an Internet of Things (IoT) communication module for establishing a communication connection with the server; The server is configured to: provide a control interface to the user terminal after scanning the QR code; receive control commands from the user terminal through the control interface; and forward the commands to the electronic control board. The electronic control board is further configured to control the push rod motor to operate according to the received control command.

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