Beverage capsule storage and delivery unit and intelligent brewing machine

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of beverage capsule storage and conveying unit and intelligent extraction machine, and the beverage capsule storage and conveying unit includes capsule storage rack, capsule receiving cup, guide and acting element;The guide has guide slope and resting surface, and the beverage capsule at the lowermost has the first state of resting on the resting surface and the second state of sliding from the guide slope into the capsule receiving cup;The acting element can act on the beverage capsule at the lowermost and make it change from the first state to the second state, and the capsule receiving cup can also mechanically move in the left-right direction, and the acting element triggers the beverage capsule at the lowermost to switch to the second state during mechanical movement, the entire capsule sliding process is controlled mechanically, without additional capsule storage structure driven by electronic source, with the characteristics of high reliability and long service life, and mechanical failures (such as wear, deformation, etc.) are usually progressive, which is usually more intuitive and easy to find, and convenient to maintain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an automatic beverage vending machine, and more particularly to a beverage capsule storage and conveying unit and an intelligent beverage extraction machine. Background Technology

[0002] A beverage capsule-based extraction machine is an extraction device that uses high-pressure, rapid heating of water to extract the corresponding juice from the contents of a container. It is suitable for processing containers (capsules) containing ingredients, which, upon interaction with a liquid such as hot, pressurized water introduced into the capsule, produce a beverage or edible juice. The capsule is a frustum-shaped ring, which can be filled with ingredients such as coffee powder, tea leaves, or the like, and is sealed by a foil-shaped tear-off cap welded or pressed onto the annular edge extending radially from the sidewall of the ring.

[0003] To enable automated vending of beverage capsule-based extraction machines, Chinese utility model patent No. 202011559450.6 (authorization announcement No. CN114680616B) discloses a "Capsule Conveying Structure for Intelligent Beverage Extraction Machine." This capsule conveying structure uses a first solenoid valve to drive a blocking column to retract, causing the lowest beverage capsule to fall downwards and through the drop outlet of the capsule receiving slot. Then, the first solenoid valve drives the blocking column to quickly extend outwards to block the next lowest beverage capsule, ensuring that only one capsule falls at a time. Next, a second solenoid valve pulls a positioning block to retract, and the beverage capsule falls through a storage hole between two guide plates. Under gravity, it slides down into the concave cavity of the capsule receiving cup. The newly fallen beverage capsule, driven by a belt drive structure, moves the capsule receiving cup to the extraction position for extraction. After extraction, the belt drive structure moves the capsule receiving cup to the unpacking position to complete the unpacking process.

[0004] However, the aforementioned beverage extractor has a complex structure, requiring a solenoid valve to drive the extension and retraction of the blocking column and positioning block to control the lowermost beverage capsule to fall and slide into the capsule receiving cup. The solenoid valve is susceptible to electromagnetic interference and is prone to corrosion in humid environments, leading to decreased reliability. Furthermore, the solenoid valve has a limited lifespan and may experience coil burnout or electronic component damage during prolonged use, requiring periodic replacement.

[0005] In addition, due to the slow cold extraction rate and the long extraction time required, smart beverage extraction machines based on beverage capsules need to make drinks on demand. They usually use hot water extraction to speed up the beverage preparation process. Therefore, existing smart beverage extraction machines based on beverage capsules can only sell hot drinks and cannot automatically sell iced drinks.

[0006] In summary, the existing beverage capsule storage and conveying units and extraction machines still need further improvement. Utility Model Content

[0007] The first technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a beverage capsule storage and conveying unit with a simpler, more reliable structure and a longer service life than the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0008] The second technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an intelligent beverage extraction machine that incorporates the above-mentioned beverage capsule storage and conveying unit and can make iced drinks, in light of the current state of the prior art.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a beverage capsule storage and conveying unit, including...

[0010] A capsule storage rack has multiple capsule receiving slots spaced apart on its end face. Each capsule receiving slot can hold multiple beverage capsules that can slide up and down along the capsule receiving slot from top to bottom, and the bottom has a drop outlet for the beverage capsules to fall out.

[0011] A capsule receiving cup is located below the capsule storage rack and can move back and forth along a preset trajectory;

[0012] Its characteristic is that it further includes:

[0013] A guide corresponding to the drop outlet is provided below the capsule storage rack. The guide has a guide slope that guides the beverage capsule from the drop outlet to the capsule receiving cup, and a resting surface above the guide slope for the annular edge of the beverage capsule to rest. The lowest beverage capsule has a first state of resting on the resting surface and a second state of sliding down the guide slope into the capsule receiving cup.

[0014] An actuator is provided that can act on the bottommost beverage capsule and switch it from a first state to a second state. The capsule receiving cup can also move mechanically in the left and right directions. During the mechanical movement, the capsule receiving cup triggers the actuator to switch the bottommost beverage capsule to the second state.

[0015] To enable the actuating member to switch the bottommost beverage capsule to the second state, preferably, the actuating member has a pushing part for pushing the bottommost beverage capsule and a triggering part that triggers the pushing action of the pushing part in conjunction with the capsule receiving cup; the guide member is correspondingly provided with a first extension hole for the pushing part to extend and push the beverage capsule, and when the pushing part extends from the first extension hole, it can push the bottommost beverage capsule and disengage it from the resting surface; it also includes a resetting member for resetting the pushing part. When the capsule receiving cup acts on the triggering part, the pushing part extends from the first extension hole and pushes the bottommost beverage capsule, causing the bottommost beverage capsule to disengage from the resting surface and slide down the guide slope to the capsule receiving cup, that is, changing from the first state of resting on the resting surface to the second state of sliding down the guide slope; after the resetting member resets the pushing part, the next beverage capsule located at the bottommost position can rest on the resting surface, that is, the first state.

[0016] Preferably, the actuating element is rotatably connected to a rotating shaft, which is connected to a capsule storage rack. The trigger is located below the rotating shaft, and the pushing element is located above the rotating shaft. Thus, the actuating element acts like a lever, optimizing force transmission and improving its stability. Preferably, the distance between the trigger and the rotating shaft is smaller than the distance between the pushing element and the rotating shaft. This amplifies the movement distance and speed of the pushing element's extension motion, which is converted from the movement of the actuating element when the capsule receiving cup rotates. This allows the actuating element to convert a smaller change in motion into the distance required for the pushing element to extend, and also enables the pushing element to extend more quickly and push the lowest beverage capsule.

[0017] As a type of resetting component, preferably, the resetting component is located above the rotating shaft. The resetting component is a spring, with its two ends respectively abutting against the actuating component and the guiding component, so that the pushing part always has a tendency to reset. The spring acts on the actuating component above the rotating shaft, that is, on the same side as the pushing part. When the pushing part extends, the spring is compressed, and its elastic force acts on the actuating component, so that the pushing part always has a tendency to reset, and resets the pushing part when the actuating component loses the force of the capsule receiving cup.

[0018] To prevent the upper capsules from sliding down when the bottom capsule slides down, preferably, the actuating member also has a blocking part located above the pushing part. The guide member has a corresponding second extension hole for the blocking part to extend. When the actuating member triggers the pushing action, the blocking part extends synchronously to block the next bottom capsule. The blocking part extends and retracts synchronously with the pushing part. When the pushing part pushes the bottom capsule down, the blocking part extends to block the next bottom capsule, preventing it from sliding down and ensuring that only one capsule falls at a time. When the pushing part resets, the blocking part also resets, allowing the upper capsule to fall under gravity, and the next bottom capsule falls to the first state where it rests on the resting surface.

[0019] To allow multiple beverage capsules to be placed sequentially from top to bottom in the capsule receiving slot, preferably, the front and rear sides of the capsule receiving slot are provided with grooves for the insertion of the annular edges of the beverage capsules. The bottom of the grooves extends downward to the guide, so that the annular edge of the bottommost beverage capsule can be partially inserted into the groove. In this way, the grooves can limit the bottommost beverage capsule, preventing it from flipping and falling directly. Its annular edge is only partially inserted into the groove, while the remaining portion protrudes, allowing the pushing part to push the exposed portion outward from the resting surface and, under gravity, fall along the guide slope into the capsule receiving cup. The front and rear sides of the guide are provided with sidewalls below the grooves, and the upper part of the sidewalls has a baffle to block the annular edge of the beverage capsule. This baffle blocks the outer side of the annular edge of the beverage capsule, allowing the capsule to slide down the guide slope without flipping. The baffle is only located on the upper part of the sidewall to prevent it from interfering with the capsule falling into the capsule receiving cup.

[0020] To ensure that the beverage capsule falls into the capsule receiving cup, preferably, the guide is also provided with a blocking surface located below the guide slope. After the beverage capsule sliding down the guide slope hits the blocking surface, it flips over due to its own inertia and falls into the capsule receiving cup.

[0021] To enable the capsule receiving cup to move mechanically in the left-right direction, preferably, a conveying mechanism is also included. The conveying mechanism includes a slide rail that provides a preset moving trajectory for the capsule receiving cup, a slider slidably connected to the slide rail, a mounting base connected to the slider, and a first driving member that drives the slider to move back and forth along the slide rail. The capsule receiving cup is movably mounted on the mounting base.

[0022] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is as follows: an intelligent beverage extraction machine, including a cabinet, wherein the cabinet is provided with a beverage capsule storage and conveying unit for storing and conveying beverage capsules, an automatic extraction unit for extracting beverage capsules, and a capsule removal device for removing the extracted beverage capsules, characterized in that: the beverage capsule storage and conveying unit adopts the aforementioned beverage capsule storage and conveying unit, the automatic extraction unit is located at the end of a preset path for the capsule receiving cup to move, the side of the automatic extraction unit has an opening for the capsule receiving cup to enter, the capsule receiving cup containing beverage capsules enters the automatic extraction unit through the opening for extraction, and the extracted beverage flows from the beverage outlet at the bottom of the capsule receiving cup to a beverage cup at the front of the cabinet; the cabinet is also provided with an ice making unit and an ice conveying unit for conveying ice cubes to the beverage cup.

[0023] As a specific structure of the ice-making unit and the ice-transporting unit, preferably, the ice-making unit includes an ice storage chamber for storing ice cubes, the ice storage chamber having an ice outlet for ice cubes to fall out, and the ice-transporting unit includes an ice cube receiving cup for receiving ice cubes. The ice cube receiving cup is disposed adjacent to the capsule receiving cup and can move back and forth along a preset trajectory. The ice cube receiving cup has a first position located below the ice outlet and a second position for forward conveying ice cubes, and can switch between the first position and the second position by rotation. The ice cube receiving cup includes a cup body and a switch that can open and close the lower opening of the cup body. When the switch opens the lower opening of the cup body, ice cubes can fall from the ice cube receiving cup into the beverage cup.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0025] 1. The beverage capsule storage and conveying unit triggers the action of the actuator through the mechanical movement (rotation, movement, or swing) of the capsule receiving cup, causing the beverage capsule at the bottom to change from the first state of resting on the resting surface to the second state of sliding down the guide slope, and finally slide down into the capsule receiving cup. The entire capsule sliding process is mechanically controlled, without the need for an additional capsule storage structure driven by an electronic source. It has the characteristics of high reliability and long service life. Moreover, mechanical failures (such as wear, deformation, etc.) are often gradual and are usually more intuitive and easy to detect, which facilitates maintenance.

[0026] 2. An ice-making unit and an ice-transfer unit are added to the intelligent beverage extractor. The ice-making unit can make and store ice cubes, and the ice-transfer unit can transport ice cubes from the ice storage compartment to the beverage cup. It can transport ice cubes to the beverage cup before or after the beverage capsule is delivered and extracted, thereby realizing the production and automatic vending of iced drinks. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the intelligent beverage extractor (conveying beverage capsules) in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the beverage capsule storage and conveying unit in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the capsule storage rack in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the capsule storage rack in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the guide component in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the functional component in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the beverage capsule storage and conveying unit in this embodiment of the present invention (the beverage capsule at the bottom is placed on the resting surface);

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the beverage capsule storage and conveying unit in this embodiment of the present invention (acting part, triggering and pushing part);

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the beverage capsule storage and conveying unit in this embodiment of the present invention (the beverage capsule at the bottom slides down the guide slope);

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the beverage capsule storage and conveying unit in this embodiment of the present invention (push part reset);

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure (extraction) of the intelligent beverage extractor in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the intelligent beverage extractor (with ice) in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the intelligent beverage extractor (ice delivery) in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the intelligent beverage extractor in an embodiment of the present invention (ice cubes falling into the beverage cup);

[0041] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the intelligent beverage extractor in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0043] like Figure 1-15 The image shown is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, the intelligent beverage extractor of this embodiment includes a cabinet 7. The cabinet 7 houses a beverage capsule storage and conveying unit for storing and conveying beverage capsules 2, an automatic extraction unit 71 for extracting the beverage capsules 2, a capsule removal device for removing the extracted beverage capsules 2, an ice-making unit for making ice, and an ice conveying unit for conveying ice cubes to beverage cups 8. The front end of the cabinet 7 also has a cup holder 72 for placing the beverage cups 8. In use, the beverage capsule storage and conveying unit conveys the beverage capsules 2 to the automatic extraction unit 71, and the extracted beverage flows into the beverage cup 8, completing the beverage preparation and automatic vending. When cold drinks are needed, before conveying the beverage capsules 2, the ice conveying unit conveys ice cubes made by the ice-making unit to the beverage cup 8, thus achieving automatic vending of cold drinks.

[0045] The structure of each unit will be described below.

[0046] See Figure 2-6 The beverage capsule storage and conveying unit of this embodiment includes a capsule storage rack 1, a capsule receiving cup 3, a conveying mechanism 5, a guide 4, and an actuating element 6. Two capsule storage racks 1 are provided, located on either side of the conveying mechanism 5. Each capsule storage rack 1 has four spaced capsule receiving slots 11 on its end face. Each capsule receiving slot 11 can hold multiple beverage capsules 2 that can slide up and down along the slot 11. The bottom of each capsule receiving slot 11 has a drop outlet 12 for the beverage capsules 2 to fall out, and the front and rear sides of each capsule receiving slot 11 have sliding grooves 13 for the annular edges of the beverage capsules 2 to be inserted. The capsule receiving cup 3 is located below the capsule storage rack 1 and can move back and forth along a preset trajectory. The capsule receiving cup 3 can also move mechanically in the left and right directions. The guide 4 is correspondingly provided with the drop outlet 12. The guide 4 has a guide slope 41 that guides the beverage capsule 2 from the drop outlet 12 to the capsule receiving cup 3, and a resting surface 42 located above the guide slope 41 for the annular edge of the beverage capsule 2 to rest. The lowermost beverage capsule 2 has a first state of resting on the resting surface 42 (see Figure 7 And the second state, from the guide ramp 41 down into the capsule receiving cup 3 (see...) Figure 8-9The actuator 6 is triggered by the mechanical movement of the capsule receiving cup 3, causing the bottom beverage capsule 2 to switch from the first state to the second state. The capsule receiving cup 3 has an outwardly protruding actuating part 33, which acts on the actuator 6 to trigger the actuator 6 to switch the bottom beverage capsule 2 to the second state. This beverage capsule storage and conveying unit triggers the action of the actuator 6 by the mechanical movement of the capsule receiving cup 3, causing the bottom beverage capsule 2 to change from the first state of resting on the resting surface 42 to the second state of sliding down the guide slope 41 into the capsule receiving cup 3. The entire sliding process of the beverage capsule 2 is mechanically controlled, without the need for an additional capsule storage structure with an electronic drive source. It has the characteristics of high reliability and long service life. Moreover, because it is implemented by mechanical control, any mechanical failures (such as wear, deformation, etc.) are usually gradual and easy to spot, making maintenance convenient.

[0047] The process of the beverage capsule 2 sliding down is triggered by the mechanical movement of the capsule receiving cup 3. This mechanical movement can be the left-right movement, swinging, or rotation of the capsule receiving cup 3. This embodiment uses the left-right rotation of the capsule receiving cup 3 as an example to trigger the action 6. In order to enable the capsule receiving cup 3 to move back and forth along a preset trajectory and to rotate in the left-right direction, the conveying mechanism 5 of this embodiment includes a slide rail 51 that provides a preset movement trajectory for the capsule receiving cup 3, a slider 52 slidably connected to the slide rail 51, a mounting base 53 connected to the slider 52, and a first driving member 54 that drives the slider 52 to move back and forth along the slide rail 51. The capsule receiving cup 3 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 53. The left-right rotation of the capsule receiving cup 3 relative to the mounting base 53 causes the action part 33 to act on the action 6, thereby realizing the above-mentioned triggering action.

[0048] For the specific structure of component 6, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6The actuating member 6 has a pushing part 61 for pushing the bottom beverage capsule 2 and a triggering part 62 that cooperates with the actuating member 33 to trigger the pushing action of the pushing part 61. The guide member 4 is correspondingly provided with a first extension hole 431 for the pushing part 61 to extend and push the beverage capsule 2. When the actuating member 33 acts on the triggering part 62, the pushing part 61 extends from the first extension hole 431 and can push the bottom beverage capsule 2, so that the bottom beverage capsule 2 is removed from the resting surface 42 and switches to the second state. In this embodiment, to ensure that the lowest beverage capsule 2 only slides down when pushed by the pusher 61, the bottom of the chute 13 extends downward to the guide 4, allowing the annular edge of the lowest beverage capsule 2 to partially insert into the chute 13 and be limited. Since only the annular edge of the lowest beverage capsule 2 is partially inserted into the chute 13, the portion not inserted into the chute 13 can be pushed outward and detached from the resting surface 42, sliding down the guide slope 41 under gravity. That is, the first state of resting on the resting surface 42 is transformed into the second state of sliding down the guide slope 41 into the capsule receiving cup 3. In this embodiment, the actuating element 6 is designed with reference to the lever principle. The actuating element 6 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 64, which is connected to the capsule storage rack 1. The trigger 62 is located below the rotating shaft 64, and the pusher 61 is located above the rotating shaft 64. By means of the pusher 33 on the trigger 62, the pusher 61 extends and pushes the lowest beverage capsule 2. In this embodiment, the distance between the trigger part 62 and the rotating shaft 64 is less than the distance between the push part 61 and the rotating shaft 64. That is, the power arm of this structure is less than the resistance arm, which is equivalent to a lever that requires more effort. This has the following advantages: First, it can amplify the distance that the action part 33 can move, so that the action part 33 can be converted into the distance required for the push part 61 to extend with a smaller distance. That is, it can reduce the amplitude of the rotation of the capsule receiving cup 3, making the structure more compact. Second, it can speed up the speed at which the push part 61 is pushed out, making its response more rapid and able to push the bottom beverage capsule 2 more quickly. This embodiment also provides a reset member 63 for resetting the push part 61. The reset member 63 is a spring, which is set above the rotating shaft 64, with its two ends abutting against the action part 6 and the guide part 4 respectively, so that the push part 61 always has a tendency to reset. See Figure 10 The reset member 63 is compressed and accumulates elastic potential energy when the pusher 61 extends. When the actuating member 6 loses its function as the capsule receiving cup 3, the elastic force is released and the pusher 61 is reset.

[0049] Furthermore, when the bottommost beverage capsule 2 is in the second state, the beverage capsules 2 above it may slide down together, causing all the beverage capsules 2 in the same capsule receiving slot 11 to slide down together. To avoid this phenomenon, the actuating member 6 in this embodiment also has a blocking part 65 provided above the pushing part 61. The guide member 4 is correspondingly provided with a second extension hole 432 for the blocking part 65 to extend out. When the actuating member 6 triggers the pushing action, the blocking part 65 extends synchronously to block the next beverage capsule 2 located at the bottom. See Figure 8 This ensures that only one beverage capsule 2 falls out at a time. When the pushing part 61 resets, the blocking part 65 also resets, allowing the upper beverage capsule 2 to fall under the action of gravity, and the next bottommost beverage capsule 2 falls to the first state where it rests on the resting surface 42.

[0050] See Figure 5 and Figure 9 The guide member 4 also has a blocking surface 44 located below the guide slope 41. After the beverage capsule 2 slides down the guide slope 41 and hits the blocking surface 44, it flips over due to its own inertia and falls into the capsule receiving cup 3. The front and rear sides of the guide member 4 also have side walls 45 below the slide groove 13. The upper part of the side wall 45 has a baffle 46 that blocks the annular edge of the beverage capsule 2. The baffle 46 blocks the outer side of the annular edge of the beverage capsule 2, so that the beverage capsule 2 can slide down the guide slope without flipping over. The baffle 46 is only provided on the upper part of the side wall 45. This is to avoid the baffle 46 interfering with the beverage capsule 2 flipping over and entering the capsule receiving cup 3. That is to say, the beverage capsule 2 will only flip over and enter the capsule receiving cup 3 after hitting the blocking surface 44.

[0051] The automatic extraction unit 71 is located at the end of the preset path along which the capsule receiving cup 3 moves. The side of the automatic extraction unit 71 has an opening 711 for the capsule receiving cup 3 to enter. (See figure) Figure 11 The capsule receiving cup 3 containing the beverage capsule 2 enters the automatic extraction unit 71 through the opening 711 for extraction, and the extracted beverage flows from the beverage outlet 32 ​​at the bottom of the capsule receiving cup 3 to the beverage cup 8.

[0052] The ice-making unit includes an ice-making structure and an ice storage chamber 74 for storing ice cubes. The ice storage chamber 74 has an ice outlet 741 for ice cubes to fall out. The ice conveying unit includes an ice cube receiving cup 75 for receiving ice cubes. The ice cube receiving cup 75 is also mounted on the mounting base 53 and shares a conveying mechanism 5 with the capsule receiving cup 3, thereby reducing the number of internal components of the smart beverage machine and making the structure more compact. To prevent the slide rail 51 from interfering with the ice cubes falling from the ice outlet 741 into the ice cube receiving cup 75, the ice outlet 741 and the slide rail 51 are staggered in this embodiment. The mounting base 53 is rotatably connected to the slider 52, so that the mounting base 53 has a first position where the ice cube receiving cup 75 is below the ice outlet 741 (see figure). Figure 12 ), the ice cup 75 is located at the front and forward to deliver the ice to the second position (see Figure 13 ), and the capsule receiving cup 3 is located at the front and in the third position that conveys the beverage capsule 2 forward (see Figure 1 The ice cube holder 75 is switched between a first position, a second position, and a third position by rotating the mounting base 53. To facilitate the falling of ice cubes from the ice cube holder 75 into the beverage cup 8, the ice cube holder 75 includes a cup body 751 and a switch 752 that can open and close the lower opening of the cup body 751. When the switch 752 opens the lower opening of the cup body 751, ice cubes can fall from the ice cube holder 75 into the beverage cup 8. Specifically, the switch 752 is slidably mounted on the mounting base 53. A first baffle 753 is located below the switch 752, and a second baffle 73 is located near the beverage cup 8. The first baffle 753 blocks the second baffle 73, causing the switch 752 to slide relative to the cup body 751 and the mounting base 53, thereby opening the lower opening of the cup body 751. It also includes a reset structure that resets the switch 752 to close the lower opening of the cup body 751. The reset structure can be an elastic element such as a coil spring or tension spring that makes the switch 752 always have a reset tendency. When the first baffle 753 below the switch 752 loses the function of the second baffle 73, the switch 752 can be reset under the action of the reset element 63.

[0053] In summary, the process of making iced drinks using the intelligent beverage extractor in this embodiment is as follows:

[0054] a. See Figure 12 The mounting base 53 rotates to the first position where the ice receiving cup 75 is located below the ice drop outlet 741, and the ice blocks fall from the ice storage chamber 74 into the ice receiving cup 75.

[0055] b. See also Figure 13 The mounting base 53 rotates to the second position where the ice cube receiving cup 75 is located on the front side, and the ice cube is conveyed forward;

[0056] c. See also Figure 14 When the ice cube receiving cup 75 is conveyed to the beverage cup 8, the switch 752 opens the lower opening of the cup body 751, and the ice cube falls into the beverage cup 8 from the lower opening of the cup body 751.

[0057] d. The slider 52 slides backward and resets at the switch 752;

[0058] e. The mounting base 53 rotates to the third position where the capsule receiving cup 3 is located on the front side, and the capsule receiving cup 3 is transferred to the outlet 12 of one of the capsule receiving slots 11, see... Figure 1 and Figure 7 ;

[0059] f. See also Figure 8When the capsule receiving cup 3 rotates, the action part 33 acts on the trigger part 62, and the trigger push part 61 extends to push the bottom beverage capsule 2. The bottom beverage capsule 2 is dislodged from the resting surface 42. At the same time, the blocking part 65 extends to block the next bottom beverage capsule 2 to prevent it from sliding down, so that only one beverage capsule 2 slides down and falls out at a time.

[0060] g. See also Figure 9 The beverage capsule 2 at the bottom slides down the guide slope and flips into the capsule receiving cup 3 after hitting the blocking surface 44;

[0061] h, see Figure 10 The capsule receiving cup 3 rotates back to the center, the action part 6 resets, the upper beverage capsule 2 falls, and the next bottom beverage capsule 2 falls to the first state where it is placed on the resting surface 42.

[0062] i. See Figure 11 The capsule receiving cup 3 conveys the beverage capsule 2 forward and enters the automatic extraction unit 71 through the opening 711 for extraction. The extracted beverage flows from the beverage outlet 32 ​​at the bottom of the capsule receiving cup 3 to the beverage cup 8.

[0063] The process of making hot drinks with the intelligent beverage extractor in this embodiment is as follows: omit the above processes a to d, and only process e to i is executed to obtain hot drinks.

[0064] It should be noted that in the description of this embodiment, the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "upper," and "lower," etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are merely for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not 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 limitations on this utility model. The terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. A beverage capsule storage and conveying unit, comprising: A capsule storage rack (1) is provided with a plurality of capsule receiving slots (11) spaced apart front and back on the end face of the capsule storage rack (1). Each capsule receiving slot (11) can hold a plurality of beverage capsules (2) that can slide up and down along the capsule receiving slot (11) from top to bottom, and has a drop outlet (12) at the bottom for the beverage capsules (2) to fall out. The capsule receiving cup (3) is located below the capsule storage rack (1) and can move back and forth along a preset trajectory; characterized in that It also includes: A guide (4) corresponding to the drop outlet (12) is provided below the capsule storage rack (1). The guide (4) has a guide slope (41) for guiding the beverage capsule (2) from the drop outlet (12) to the capsule receiving cup (3), and a resting surface (42) above the guide slope (41) for resting the annular edge of the beverage capsule (2). The lowermost beverage capsule (2) has a first state of resting on the resting surface (42) and a second state of sliding down from the guide slope (41) into the capsule receiving cup (3). The action (6) can act on the bottom beverage capsule (2) and change it from the first state to the second state. The capsule receiving cup (3) can also move mechanically in the left and right directions. During the mechanical movement, the capsule receiving cup (3) triggers the action (6) to switch the bottom beverage capsule (2) to the second state.

2. The beverage capsule storage and delivery unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuating member (6) has a pushing part (61) for pushing the bottom beverage capsule (2) and a triggering part (62) that triggers the pushing action of the pushing part (61) in conjunction with the capsule receiving cup (3); the guide member (4) is provided with a first extension hole (431) for the pushing part (61) to extend and push the beverage capsule (2), and when the pushing part (61) extends from the first extension hole (431), it can push the bottom beverage capsule (2) and disengage it from the resting surface; it also includes a resetting member (63) for resetting the pushing part (61).

3. A beverage capsule storage and delivery unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The actuating element (6) is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft (64), which is connected to the capsule storage rack (1). The trigger part (62) is located below the rotating shaft (64), and the pushing part (61) is located above the rotating shaft (64). The distance between the trigger part (62) and the rotating shaft (64) is less than the distance between the pushing part (61) and the rotating shaft (64).

4. A beverage capsule storage and delivery unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The reset member (63) is located above the rotating shaft (64). The reset member (63) is a spring, and the two ends of the spring abut against the action member (6) and the guide member (4) respectively, so that the pushing part (61) always has a tendency to reset.

5. The beverage capsule storage and delivery unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The actuating member (6) also has a blocking part (65) located above the pushing part (61). The guide member (4) is provided with a second protrusion hole (432) for the blocking part (65) to extend. When the actuating member (6) triggers the pushing action, the blocking part (65) extends synchronously to block the next beverage capsule (2) located at the bottom.

6. The beverage capsule storage and delivery unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The capsule receiving groove (11) is provided with a sliding groove (13) on the front and rear sides for inserting the annular edge of the beverage capsule (2). The bottom of the sliding groove (13) extends downward to the guide (4) so ​​that the annular edge of the lowermost beverage capsule (2) can be partially inserted into the sliding groove (13). The guide (4) is provided with a side wall (45) on the front and rear sides below the sliding groove (13). The upper part of the side wall (45) has a baffle (46) to block the annular edge of the beverage capsule (2).

7. The beverage capsule storage and conveying unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide (4) is also provided with a blocking surface (44) located below the guide slope (41). The beverage capsule (2) sliding down the guide slope (41) hits the blocking surface (44) and flips under its own inertia and falls into the capsule receiving cup (3).

8. The beverage capsule storage and delivery unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a conveying mechanism (5), which includes a slide rail (51) that provides a preset moving trajectory for the capsule receiving cup (3), a slider (52) slidably connected to the slide rail (51), a mounting base (53) connected to the slider (52), and a first driving member (54) that drives the slider (52) to move back and forth along the slide rail (51). The capsule receiving cup (3) is movably mounted on the mounting base (53).

9. A smart beverage extraction machine, comprising a cabinet (7), wherein the cabinet (7) is provided with a beverage capsule storage and conveying unit for storing and conveying beverage capsules (2), an automatic extraction unit (71) for extracting beverage capsules (2), and a capsule removal device for removing the extracted beverage capsules (2), characterized in that: The beverage capsule storage and conveying unit adopts the beverage capsule storage and conveying unit as described in any one of claims 1-8. The automatic extraction unit (71) is located at the end of the preset path of the capsule receiving cup (3). The side of the automatic extraction unit (71) has an opening (711) for the capsule receiving cup (3) to enter. The capsule receiving cup (3) containing the beverage capsule (2) enters the automatic extraction unit (71) through the opening (711) for extraction. The extracted beverage flows from the beverage outlet (32) at the bottom of the capsule receiving cup (3) to the beverage cup (8) at the front of the cabinet (7). The cabinet (7) is also equipped with an ice-making unit and an ice conveying unit for conveying ice cubes to the beverage cup (8).

10. The intelligent beverage extractor according to claim 9, characterized in that: The ice-making unit includes an ice storage chamber (74) for storing ice cubes. The ice storage chamber (74) has an ice drop outlet (741) for ice cubes to fall out. The ice conveying unit includes an ice cube receiving cup (75) for receiving ice cubes. The ice cube receiving cup (75) is located adjacent to the capsule receiving cup (3) and can move back and forth along a preset trajectory. The ice cube receiving cup (75) has a first position located below the ice drop outlet (741) and a second position for conveying ice cubes forward. It can switch between the first position and the second position by rotation. The ice cube receiving cup (75) includes a cup body (751) and a switch (752) that can open and close the lower opening of the cup body (751). When the switch (752) opens the lower opening of the cup body (751), ice cubes can fall from the ice cube receiving cup (75) into the beverage cup (8).

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