Beverage output device

Abstract

The application provides a beverage output device, comprising: a bearing table for bearing a container; a beverage output port arranged above the bearing table and used for outputting a beverage, the beverage output port comprising a first beverage output port and a second beverage output port; a first sensing assembly arranged above the bearing table, the first sensing assembly comprising a first signal emitter and a first signal receiver, and along a horizontal direction, the first signal receiver and the first signal emitter are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the bearing table and are used for sensing at least the container on the bearing table; and a second sensing assembly arranged above the bearing table and along a horizontal direction, the second sensing assembly is arranged close to the second beverage output port relative to the first sensing assembly, and a sensing result of the second sensing assembly is used for determining whether a front-rear distance between the container and a rear part of the bearing table is less than or equal to a preset distance, so as to determine whether a front-rear distance between the container and the second beverage output port meets a beverage output requirement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of beverage dispensing equipment technology, specifically to a beverage dispensing device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, in order to meet users' needs for different types of beverages, multiple beverage outlets are usually set on the beverage dispensing device. However, this places higher demands on the position recognition of the container on the platform, otherwise it may easily lead to problems such as beverages falling off course and splashing. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the above problems, the main technical problem to be solved by this application is how to improve the problems of beverage splashing and deviation.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted in this application is conceived as follows:

[0005] A beverage dispensing device is provided, the beverage dispensing device comprising:

[0006] A support platform is used to support containers;

[0007] A beverage outlet is located above the support platform and is used to dispense beverages. The beverage outlet includes a first beverage outlet and a second beverage outlet.

[0008] A first sensing component is disposed above the support platform. The first sensing component includes a first signal transmitter and a first signal receiver, and is arranged in a horizontal direction. The first signal receiver and the first signal transmitter are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the support platform, and are used to sense containers on the support platform.

[0009] The second sensing component is disposed above the support platform and along the horizontal direction. The second sensing component is positioned close to the second beverage outlet relative to the first sensing component. The sensing result of the second sensing component is used to determine whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform is less than or equal to a preset distance, so as to determine whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the second beverage outlet meets the beverage output requirements.

[0010] The beneficial effects of the implementation method of this application, which differs from the prior art, are as follows: by sensing the container on the support platform through the first sensing component, and further sensing the container through the second sensing component which is closer to the second beverage outlet, it is determined whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform is less than or equal to a preset distance, thereby determining whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the second beverage outlet meets the beverage output requirements of the second beverage outlet. This can reduce or avoid the phenomenon of beverages falling on the support platform, hitting the opening edge of the container, or splashing outwards when beverages are output from the second beverage outlet, thereby reducing or avoiding beverage waste, dirt on the beverage output device and its surrounding area, and helping to improve the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the beverage dispensing device of this application;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the beverage dispensing device provided in this application;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the beverage dispensing device provided in this application;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path structure of an embodiment of the third sensing component in the beverage output device of this application;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path structure of an embodiment of the fourth sensing component in the beverage output device of this application;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of part of the structure of the beverage dispensing device of the third embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the beverage dispensing device of the fourth embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the beverage output device of the fifth embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all structures. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, 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, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, 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 mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0024] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0025] This application provides a beverage dispensing device, such as... Figures 1 to 2 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the beverage dispensing device of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the beverage dispensing device provided in this application. The beverage dispensing device (not shown) of this embodiment includes a support platform 10, a beverage dispensing port 20, a first sensing component 40, and a second sensing component 60. The support platform 10 is used to hold containers (not shown). The beverage dispensing port 20 is located above the support platform 10 and is used to dispense beverages. The beverage dispensing port 20 includes a first beverage dispensing port and a second beverage dispensing port. The first sensing component 40 is located above the support platform 10. The first sensing component 40 includes a first signal transmitter 41 and a first signal receiver 42. Horizontally, the first signal receiver 42 and the first signal transmitter 41 are respectively located on opposite sides of the support platform 10, at least for sensing containers on the support platform 10. The second sensing component 60 is located above the support platform 10. Horizontally, the second sensing component 60 is positioned closer to the second beverage dispensing port than the first sensing component 40. The sensing results of the second sensing component 60 are used to determine whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 is less than or equal to a preset distance, so as to determine whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the second beverage outlet meets the beverage output requirements.

[0026] Beverage dispensing equipment may include, but is not limited to, water dispensers, water purifiers, beverage machines, ice makers, or integrated water dispenser-ice maker and refrigerator. The support platform 10 is positioned opposite the beverage outlet 20. When a container is placed on the support platform 10, its opening faces the beverage outlet 20. The container is used to receive beverages dispensed from the first beverage outlet and / or the second beverage outlet. The first and second beverage outlets may be arranged horizontally to dispense beverages of different forms into the container.

[0027] The first sensing component 40 is used at least to sense whether a container is placed on the support platform 10. The first sensing component 40 includes a first signal transmitter 41 and a first signal receiver 42 respectively disposed on opposite sides of the support platform 10 and arranged opposite each other in the horizontal direction. The first signal transmitter 41 is used to emit a sensing signal, and the first signal receiver 42 is used to receive the sensing signal emitted by the first signal transmitter 41. If the first signal receiver 42 cannot receive the sensing signal or can receive the sensing signal, but the signal strength of the received sensing signal is less than the strength threshold, it indicates that the signal transmission path between the first signal transmitter 41 and the first signal receiver 42 is blocked, and a container is placed on the support platform 10; if the first signal receiver 42 can receive the sensing signal, and the signal strength of the sensing signal is greater than or equal to the strength threshold, it indicates that the signal transmission path between the first signal transmitter 41 and the first signal receiver 42 is not blocked, and there is no container on the support platform 10.

[0028] Along the Z-direction, the second beverage outlet is positioned relative to the first beverage outlet near the rear of the support platform. During beverage reception, the container may be placed close to the front of the support platform 10, causing the beverage from the second beverage outlet to fall onto the support platform 10, hit the edge of the container opening, or splash outwards. In this embodiment, the second sensing component 60 senses the container to determine whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 is less than or equal to a preset distance, thereby determining whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the second beverage outlet meets the beverage output requirements. This reduces the probability of the above phenomena occurring or eliminates them altogether.

[0029] Since the front-to-back distance between the rear of the support platform 10 and the second beverage outlet is fixed, by determining whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 is less than or equal to a preset distance, it is possible to determine whether the front-to-back distance between the center line of the container along the vertical direction Y and the center line of the second beverage outlet along the vertical direction Y meets the beverage output requirements, or to determine whether the absolute value of the difference between the distance between the center line of the container along the vertical direction Y and the rear of the support platform 10 and the distance between the center line of the second beverage outlet along the vertical direction Y and the rear of the support platform 10 meets the beverage output requirements.

[0030] If the second sensing component 60 fails to receive a sensing signal or the signal strength of the received sensing signal is less than the strength threshold, it indicates that the signal transmission path of the second sensing component 60 is blocked by the container. This means that the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 is less than or equal to a preset distance, i.e., the front-to-back distance between the container and the second beverage outlet meets the requirements for the second beverage outlet to output beverages. The container is within the falling range of the beverages output by the second beverage outlet, and the second beverage outlet can output beverages at this time. If the second sensing component 60 receives a sensing signal with a signal strength greater than or equal to the strength threshold, it means that the signal transmission path of the second sensing component 60 is not blocked by the container. This means that the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 is greater than the preset distance, i.e., the front-to-back distance between the container and the second beverage outlet does not meet the requirements for the second beverage outlet to output beverages. The container is outside the falling range of the beverages output by the second beverage outlet. If the second beverage outlet outputs beverages at this time, the output beverages may not fall into the container, and therefore the second beverage outlet cannot output beverages.

[0031] When the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 is greater than a preset distance, the container can be moved toward the second sensing component 60 so that the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 is less than or equal to the preset distance.

[0032] By placing the first signal receiver 42 and the first signal transmitter 41 of the first sensing component 40 on opposite sides of the support platform 10, the first sensing component 40 can sense whether a container is placed on the support platform 10. Simultaneously, by placing the second sensing component 60 relative to the first sensing component 40 close to the second beverage outlet, the sensing result of the second sensing component 60 determines whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 is less than or equal to a preset distance. This determines whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the second beverage outlet meets the distance required for beverage output from the second beverage outlet. Based on the sensing result of the second sensing component 60, the position of the container can be adjusted so that the container is within the falling range of the beverage output from the second beverage outlet. This ensures that the beverage output from the second beverage outlet falls accurately into the container, reducing or preventing beverages from falling onto the support platform 10, hitting the edge of the container opening, or splashing outwards. This reduces or prevents beverage waste and soiling of the beverage output device and its surrounding area, thus improving the user experience.

[0033] The sensing result of the first sensing component 40 can directly drive the prompting component to issue a warning, or be processed by the processor to generate corresponding control commands.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first sensing component 40 is positioned close to the first beverage outlet relative to the second sensing component 60. The sensing result of the first sensing component 40 is used at least to determine whether the horizontal distance between the container and the first beverage outlet meets the beverage dispensing requirements.

[0035] The horizontal distance between the container and the first beverage outlet can be the horizontal distance between the center line of the container along the vertical direction Y and the center line of the first beverage outlet along the vertical direction Y; or it can be the absolute value of the difference between the distance between the center line of the container along the vertical direction Y and the back wall and the distance between the center line of the first beverage outlet along the vertical direction Y and the back wall.

[0036] The first sensing component 40 is positioned close to the first beverage outlet relative to the second sensing component 60. It can not only sense whether a container is on the support platform 10, but also whether the horizontal distance between the container and the first beverage outlet is less than or equal to a preset distance. If the first signal receiver 42 receives the sensing signal, and the signal strength is greater than or equal to a strength threshold, it indicates that a container is placed on the support platform 10, and the horizontal distance between the container and the first beverage outlet is less than or equal to the preset distance. This horizontal distance satisfies the requirement for the first beverage outlet to dispense beverages, and the container is within the drop range of the beverage dispensed by the first beverage outlet. In this case, the first beverage outlet can dispense beverages.

[0037] In some embodiments, the beverage output device further includes a processor (not shown). The processor is connected to a first sensing component 40, a second sensing component 60, and a beverage output port 20. The processor is at least configured to generate a first beverage output command based on the sensing result of the first sensing component 40, and to generate a second beverage output command based on the sensing result of the second sensing component 60. The first beverage output port outputs a first beverage in response to the first beverage output command, and the second beverage output port outputs a second beverage in response to the second beverage output command. The first beverage and the second beverage are at least partially different.

[0038] The processor is the core control unit of the beverage output device. The processor can be a microcontroller (MCU), a programmable logic controller (PLC), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), but is not limited to these.

[0039] The first sensing component 40 and the second sensing component 60 both include infrared photocells or ultrasonic sensing components, but are not limited to these.

[0040] The second beverage can be a beverage with a different form than the first beverage. The first beverage includes beverages with high fluidity, such as water, juice, milk, coffee, cola, and soy milk; the second beverage includes beverages with a fixed shape, elastic beverages, and beverages with low fluidity, such as ice cubes, crushed ice, red beans, mung beans, peanuts, coconut jelly, taro balls, milk jelly, fruit jelly, herbal jelly, fruit puree, taro puree, ice cream, puffed snacks, baked goods, and the tapioca pearls in bubble tea.

[0041] When the first sensing component 40 senses that a container is placed on the support platform 10, the side of the container near the rear of the support platform 10 may be located between the first beverage outlet and the second beverage outlet, causing the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 to be greater than a preset distance. If the second beverage outlet outputs the second beverage at this time, it may cause the second beverage to fall on the support platform 10, hit the edge of the container opening, or fall outward and splash. Therefore, by sensing the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 through the second sensing component 60, and by generating a second beverage output command based on the sensing result of the second sensing component 60 through the processor, the second beverage outlet can be controlled to output the second beverage, thereby avoiding the above phenomenon.

[0042] If the signal transmission path of the second sensing component 60 is blocked, preventing it from receiving the sensing signal, it indicates that the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 is less than or equal to a preset distance. The container is within the landing range of the beverage output from the second beverage outlet. In this case, the processor can generate a second beverage output command, and the second beverage output outlet responds to the command by outputting the second beverage. If the second sensing component 60 determines that the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 is greater than the preset distance, it indicates that the container is not within the landing range of the beverage output from the second beverage outlet. In this case, the processor cannot generate a second beverage output command and triggers an alarm to adjust the container's position based on the alarm signal.

[0043] In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing device further includes a prompting component (not shown). The prompting component is connected to the processor and is used to output prompting information indicating whether the container is within the falling range of the beverage dispensed from the first beverage dispensing port and / or the second beverage dispensing port. For example, when the user triggers the first beverage dispensing command and / or the second beverage dispensing command, if neither the first sensing component 40 nor the second sensing component 60 can detect the container (cannot receive a sensing signal or the signal strength of the received sensing signal is less than the strength threshold), the prompting component outputs a prompting information indicating that there is no container on the support platform 10; if the first sensing component 40 can detect the container (can receive a sensing signal with a signal strength greater than or equal to the strength threshold), but the second sensing component 60 cannot detect the container, the prompting component outputs a prompting information indicating that the container is deviating from the second beverage dispensing port, to remind the user to place the container on the support platform 10 or adjust the position of the container.

[0044] In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing device includes a housing 50. The housing 50 has a bottom wall (not shown), a top wall (not shown) disposed opposite to the bottom wall, two side walls (not shown) disposed on opposite sides of the support platform 10, and a back wall (not shown). The back wall connects the bottom wall, the back wall, and the two side walls, and the support platform 10 is located above the bottom wall.

[0045] The two side walls are positioned opposite each other along the left-right direction X on both sides of the support platform 10. A first signal transmitter 41 and a first signal receiver 42 are respectively disposed on the two side walls, allowing them to be arranged along the left-right direction X. The bottom and top walls are arranged parallel to the vertical direction Y. A beverage outlet 20 is located on the top wall, and the support platform 10 is situated above the bottom wall, so that the beverage outlet 20 and the support platform 10 are arranged along the vertical direction Y.

[0046] The second sensing component 60 includes a second signal transmitter 61 and a second signal receiver 62. The first signal transmitter 41 and the second signal transmitter 61 are disposed on one side wall along the front-rear direction Z, with the second signal transmitter 61 positioned closer to the second beverage outlet than the first signal transmitter 41. The second signal receiver 62 and the first signal receiver 42 are disposed on the other side wall along the front-rear direction Z, with the second signal receiver 62 positioned closer to the second beverage outlet than the first signal receiver 42.

[0047] The line connecting the second signal transmitter 61 and the second signal receiver 62 can intersect the center line of the second beverage outlet along the vertical Y direction. Alternatively, the projection of the second beverage outlet on the support platform 10 can be located within the projection of the signal transmission path of the second sensing component 60 on the support platform 10, or the projection of the second beverage outlet on the support platform 10 can be located away from the back wall. Considering that the container has a certain thickness, it is desirable to detect that the container's position is close to the back wall relative to the second beverage outlet to prevent the beverage from hitting the opening edge of the container or splashing outwards. The second sensing component 60 can also determine whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 is less than or equal to a preset distance by whether the second signal receiver 62 can receive the sensing signal and the strength of the sensing signal. After the first sensing component 40 senses that a container is placed on the carrier platform 10, if the second signal receiver 62 cannot receive the sensing signal or the signal strength of the received sensing signal is less than the strength threshold, it is determined that the signal transmission path of the second sensing component 60 is blocked by the container, and the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the carrier platform 10 is less than or equal to a preset distance; if the second signal receiver 62 can receive the sensing signal, and the signal strength of the sensing signal is greater than or equal to the strength threshold, it is determined that the signal transmission path of the second sensing component 60 is not blocked by the container, and the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the carrier platform 10 is greater than the preset distance.

[0048] In some embodiments, the second sensing component 60 includes multiple sets of second transceiver components (not shown). Each set of second transceiver components includes a second signal transmitter 61 and a second signal receiver 62. The second signal transmitters 61 and second signal receivers 62 in the same set are arranged along the left-right direction X. The multiple sets of second transceiver components are arranged at intervals along the front-back direction Z.

[0049] Multiple sets of second transceiver components are spaced apart on both side walls along the front-back direction Z, and the second signal transmitter 61 and the second signal receiver 62 in the same set of second transceiver components are respectively located on the side walls of the support platform 10 that are opposite each other along the left-right direction X.

[0050] By setting up multiple sets of second transceiver components arranged at Z-intervals along the front-back direction, on the one hand, multiple areas of the container along the Z-interval can be sensed, thereby determining whether the projected area of ​​the second beverage outlet facing the support platform 10 within the container is greater than or equal to a preset area. This ensures that the second beverage output from the second beverage outlet falls accurately into the container, further reducing or avoiding problems such as beverage waste and dirt accumulation on the beverage output device and its surrounding area, improving sensing accuracy, and reducing the probability of misjudgment. On the other hand, when some of the multiple sets of second transceiver components are damaged, the other second transceiver components can still continue to work normally, avoiding misjudgments caused by the failure of a single second transceiver component. This reduces or avoids problems such as the second beverage outlet failing to output beverages when the front-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 meets the condition, and outputting beverages when the front-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 does not meet the condition, thereby improving the overall fault tolerance of the beverage output device.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second sensing component 60 includes multiple sets of second transceiver components. Each set of second transceiver components includes a second signal transmitter 61 and a second signal receiver 62. The second signal transmitter 61 and the second signal receiver 62 in the same set are arranged along the left-right direction X, and the multiple sets of second transceiver components are arranged at intervals along the vertical direction Y.

[0052] For example, multiple sets of second transceiver components are spaced apart on both sides of the vertical Y direction, and the second signal transmitter 61 and the second signal receiver 62 in the same set of second transceiver components are respectively disposed on the side walls of the support platform 10 opposite each other in the left-right X direction.

[0053] By setting up multiple sets of second transceiver components arranged at Y intervals along the vertical direction, even if some of the second transceiver components are damaged, the other second transceiver components can still continue to work normally. This avoids misjudgments caused by the failure of a single second transceiver component. It can reduce or avoid problems such as the second beverage outlet failing to output beverages when the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 meets the requirements, and outputting beverages when the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform 10 does not meet the requirements. This can improve the overall fault tolerance of the beverage output device.

[0054] In some embodiments, multiple sets of second transceiver components are distributed in a rectangular or circular array on two sidewalls. For example, the second signal transmitters 61 in the multiple sets of second transceiver components are arranged in a rectangular or circular array on one of the two sidewalls, and the second signal receivers 62 are arranged in a rectangular or circular array on the other of the two sidewalls, with the second signal transmitters 61 and the second signal receivers 62 in the same set arranged along the left-right direction X.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first sensing component 40 is also used to sense the beverage outlet 20. The beverage dispensing device also includes a moving component 30. The moving component 30 is connected to the beverage outlet 20 and is used to move the beverage outlet 20.

[0056] The movable component 30 is used to move the beverage outlet 20 up and down in the vertical direction Y, so that the beverage outlet 20 moves away from or closer to the support platform 10 to match the height of the upper edge of the container. The movable component 30 can be a servo motor with a guide rail structure, or it can be a pneumatic drive device, capable of driving the beverage outlet 20 to move up and down. The first beverage outlet and the second beverage outlet can be connected as one unit, and when the movable component 30 moves the beverage outlet 20 in the vertical direction Y, the first beverage outlet and the second beverage outlet move synchronously.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first sensing component 40 includes multiple sets of first transceiver components (not shown in the figure), each set of first transceiver components includes a first signal transmitter 41 and a first signal receiver 42, the first signal transmitter 41 and the first signal receiver 42 in the same set are arranged along the left-right direction X, and the multiple sets of first transceiver components are arranged at intervals along the vertical direction Y.

[0058] Multiple sets of first transceiver components can be divided into two parts along the vertical direction Y. The first transceiver component farther away from the carrier platform 10 (hereinafter referred to as the first part) is used to sense the height of the beverage outlet 20, and the first transceiver component closer to the carrier platform 10 (hereinafter referred to as the second part) is used to sense whether a container is placed on the carrier platform 10 and the height of the container.

[0059] In some embodiments, if none of the first signal receivers 42 in the first part receive a sensing signal, it is determined that the beverage outlet 20 is located at a preset highest position; if there is a first transceiver component in the first part that can receive a sensing signal, it is determined that the height of the lower end face of the beverage outlet 20 is the height corresponding to the first transceiver component in the first part that can receive a sensing signal, or the height between the first transceiver component in the first part that can receive a sensing signal and the first transceiver component that does not receive a sensing signal.

[0060] In some embodiments, if the second part does not receive a sensing signal, it is determined that no container is placed on the carrier platform 10; if the second part has a first transceiver component that can receive a sensing signal, it is determined that a container is placed on the carrier platform 10, and it is determined that the height of the upper edge of the container near the beverage outlet 20 is the height of the first transceiver component that is closest to the beverage outlet 20 among the first transceiver components that can receive a sensing signal, or the height between the first transceiver component that can receive a sensing signal and the first transceiver component that does not receive a sensing signal in the second part.

[0061] By setting up multiple sets of first transceiver components spaced at intervals along the vertical Y direction, on the one hand, the multiple sets of first transceiver components can adapt to containers of different heights, improving the sensing adaptability and versatility of the first sensing component 40 to containers; on the other hand, the multiple sets of first transceiver components can perform step-by-step (gradually changing height) sensing of the beverage outlet 20 and the container along the vertical Y direction, so as to determine the height of which set of first transceiver components or the height between which two sets of first transceiver components the end of the beverage outlet 20 or the container is located at by observing the obstruction of the signal transmission path of the first transceiver components by the beverage outlet 20 or the container, thereby determining the specific height of the beverage outlet 20 or the container, and achieving accurate sensing of the height of the beverage outlet 20 and the container; furthermore, since the height of interfering objects such as user hands, insects, and pets is relatively thin and usually dynamic, step-by-step sensing by multiple sets of first transceiver components can eliminate environmental interference factors by determining the height and duration of obstruction, thereby reducing the probability of misjudgment and improving sensing accuracy.

[0062] When a user's hand, insects, pets, or other interfering objects move above the carrier platform 10, whether they are moving or suspended, multiple sets of first transceiver components can be set up to sense whether the signal transmission path of the first transceiver component closest to the carrier platform 10 is blocked, whether a tiered blockage is formed, and whether the duration of the tiered blockage is greater than or equal to a preset time interval. This determines whether the object above the carrier platform 10 is a container. If the signal transmission path of the first transceiver component closest to the carrier platform 10 is blocked, a tiered blockage is formed, and the duration of the tiered blockage is greater than or equal to the preset time interval, then the object is determined to be a container. If any one of the following conditions is not met, then the object is determined to be an interfering object. This allows the beverage output device to accurately distinguish between containers and interfering objects, reducing misjudgments.

[0063] The preset time interval can be 2s, 3s, 4.5s, 5s, 8s, 10s, 12s, 15s, 18s, 20s, 25s, 30s, 33s, 35s, 40s, 45s, 50s, 55s, 60s, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first sensing component 40 includes N groups of first transceiver components arranged at intervals from top to bottom. Along the vertical direction Y, the beverage outlet 20 has a preset highest position and a preset lowest position. The preset highest position is located above the first group of first transceiver components. The preset lowest position is located above the Nth group of first transceiver components.

[0065] The preset lowest position of the beverage outlet 20 can be located above the first transceiver component of the Nth group, specifically between the first transceiver component of the first group and the first transceiver component of the Nth group. The specific position can be selected according to actual needs.

[0066] In some embodiments, the preset lowest position of the beverage outlet 20 is related to the first The first transceiver component in the group is set to be flush. The group is the value corresponding to the quotient obtained by dividing N by 2, or the value corresponding to the quotient rounded up. For example, if the quotient obtained by dividing N by 2 is an integer, then the group is... The group represents the value corresponding to the quotient. If the quotient obtained by dividing N by 2 is a decimal, then the [number]th [group]... The group represents the value corresponding to the quotient rounded up. Specifically, when the first sensing component 40 includes 11 groups of first transceiver components arranged at intervals from top to bottom, the first... This group is also known as the 6th group; when the first sensing component 40 includes 10 groups of first transceiver components arranged at intervals from top to bottom, the 6th group... Group 5 is also known as Group 5.

[0067] In some embodiments, the number of groups of the first transceiver component can be 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, etc., but is not limited thereto. The specific number of groups of the first transceiver component can be selected based on the distance between the end of the beverage outlet 20 closest to the support platform 10 and the support platform 10 when the beverage outlet 20 is located at a preset highest position.

[0068] The preset highest position is the initial position of the beverage outlet 20. In the non-operating state, the beverage outlet 20 is in its initial position. In the operating state, the beverage outlet 20 moves downwards under the action of the moving component 30 to reduce its height. The preset lowest position is the closest position to the support platform 10 that the beverage outlet 20 can reach in the vertical Y direction under the action of the moving component 30. When the beverage outlet 20 is in the preset highest position, the end of the beverage outlet 20 closest to the support platform 10 is located above the first set of first transceiver components, ensuring that the beverage outlet 20 does not obstruct the signal transmission path of any set of first transceiver components. When the beverage outlet 20 is in the preset lowest position, the beverage outlet 20 just manages to obstruct the signal transmission path of the first set of first transceiver components. The signal transmission path of the first transceiver component in the group.

[0069] When the moving component 30 moves the beverage outlet 20 upward to the preset highest position, the signal transmission path of the first group of first transceiver components switches from an obstructed state to an unobstructed state. That is, the first signal receiver 42 of the first group of first transceiver components switches from a state where it cannot receive a sensing signal or receives a sensing signal with a signal strength less than the strength threshold to a state where it can receive a sensing signal and the received sensing signal's signal strength is greater than or equal to the strength threshold. When the moving component 30 moves the beverage outlet 20 downward to the preset lowest position, the first... The signal transmission path of the first transceiver component in the group switches from an unobstructed state to an obstructed state, that is, the first... The first signal receiver 42 of the first transceiver component switches from a state where it receives a sensing signal and the signal strength of the received sensing signal is greater than or equal to a strength threshold, to a state where it does not receive a sensing signal or receives a sensing signal with a signal strength less than the strength threshold. This configuration allows the processor to immediately control the moving component 30 to stop moving or close when the moving component 30 drives the beverage outlet 20 to a preset highest or lowest position, thereby reducing the risk of the moving component 30 becoming stuck.

[0070] In some embodiments, if in the first From group N to the first transceiver component of group N, starting from group N (i.e., the signal transmission path of the first transceiver component of group N is blocked) to group N... If the signal transmission paths of multiple consecutive groups of the first transceiver components are blocked in the direction of the group, it indicates that a container is placed on the carrier platform 10. After the processor determines that a container is placed on the carrier platform 10, the first group to the second group... The first transceiver component in group 1 senses the height of the beverage outlet 20. If the first group to the second... If the signal transmission paths of the first transceiver component in the first group are all blocked, it indicates that the beverage output port 20 has moved down to the preset lowest position. At this time, the processor controls the beverage output port 20 to output the beverage; if the signal transmission paths of the first transceiver component in the first group are all blocked, it means that the beverage output port 20 has moved down to the preset lowest position. In the first transceiver component of the group, the first The signal transmission path of the first transceiver component in the group is not blocked, or from the first... If, from the beginning of the first group to the first transceiver component, the signal transmission path of multiple consecutive groups of first transceiver components is unobstructed, it indicates that the beverage output port 20 has not moved down to the preset lowest position. At this point, further control can be performed based on the type of beverage that the beverage output port 20 needs to output. For example, if the beverage output port 20 needs to output the first beverage, since the first beverage has highly fluid ingredients, it has less impact on the container and is less prone to splashing, the processor can directly control the beverage output port 20 to output the beverage. If the beverage output port 20 needs to output the second beverage, or a mixture of the second and first beverages, these types of beverages may splash or have a greater impact on the container. In this case, the processor controls the moving component 30 to move the beverage output port 20 down in the vertical Y direction until the first... The signal transmission path of the first transceiver component is blocked, causing the beverage outlet 20 to move down to a preset lowest position. When the beverage outlet 20 moves down to the preset lowest position, the processor controls the moving component 30 to stop moving down and controls the beverage outlet 20 to output beverage.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first Groups N through N, specifically the first transceiver component, can remain continuously powered on to continuously sense the status of containers on platform 10. Before the processor determines that a container is placed on platform 10, groups N through N... The first transceiver component of the group can remain off until the processor determines that a container is placed on the carrier platform 10, thus reducing the energy consumption of the beverage dispensing device. Of course, before the processor determines that a container is placed on the carrier platform 10, the first to the second transceiver components... The first transceiver component can also remain continuously powered on to facilitate rapid response and improve beverage output efficiency.

[0072] In some embodiments, if the container is relatively tall, it can form a support for the first... Even if some of the first transceiver components in the first group of the first transceiver components are blocked, the processor can also determine, based on the continuous blocking situation from the Nth group to the first group of the first transceiver components, which group of the first transceiver components the end of the container near the beverage outlet 20 is located at the height corresponding to the first transceiver component or at the height between the two groups of the first transceiver components. Then, it controls the moving component 30 to move the beverage outlet 20 and stop it above the first transceiver component whose signal transmission path is not blocked, so that the beverage outlet 20 can approach the container and stop above the container, avoiding collision between the beverage outlet 20 and the container.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first transceiver component of the Nth group is located at a preset minimum container height.

[0074] For containers with a relatively low height, this embodiment refers to them as preset minimum containers. When the preset minimum container is placed on the support platform 10, the Nth group of first transceiver components can be located at the same horizontal height as the preset minimum container, or the height of the Nth group of first transceiver components can be slightly lower than the height of the preset minimum container, so that the signal transmission path of the Nth group of first transceiver components can be blocked by the preset minimum container, thereby enabling the first sensing component 40 to sense the preset minimum container and reducing or avoiding the phenomenon of the preset minimum container being missed.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the beverage dispensing device provided in this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path structure of an embodiment of the third sensing component in the beverage output device of this application. The beverage output device also includes a third sensing component 70. The third sensing component 70 is disposed above the support platform 10 and is located at the rear of the support platform 10 along the front-to-back direction Z. The third sensing component 70 is connected to the processor and includes at least two sets of third transceiver components (not shown in the figure). Third transceiver components are provided on both sides of the beverage output port 20 along the left-to-right direction X. Wherein, as... Figure 4 As shown, the signal receiving area B1 of each group of third transceiver components at least partially covers its signal transmitting area A1, and the signal transmitting area A1 is arranged parallel to or at an angle to the front-back direction Z along the inner edge d of the beverage outlet 20 in the left-right direction X. The processor is also used to determine whether the container has shifted left or right relative to the beverage outlet 20 based on the sensing results of the third sensing group 70.

[0076] The beverage dispensing device is equipped with a third sensing component 70 located behind the support platform 10 (e.g., the back wall of the housing 50) along the front-back direction Z. The third sensing component 70 includes at least two sets of third transceiver components arranged on both sides of the beverage dispensing port 20 along the left-right direction X. The sensing results of the container on the support platform 10 by these third transceiver components can determine whether the container has shifted left or right, thereby realizing the detection of the left-right shift of the container. The signal transmission area A1 of the third transceiver component is arranged parallel to or at an angle to the front-back direction Z along the left-right direction X near the inner edge d of the beverage dispensing port 20. This allows the sensing signal of the third transceiver component to be transmitted forward. The signal receiving area B1 of each set of third transceiver components at least partially covers its signal transmission area A1, which can increase the probability that the third transceiver component successfully receives the reflected signal of its transmitted sensing signal, thereby improving the sensing accuracy of the container in front.

[0077] In some embodiments, the signal transmission area A1 of the third transceiver component is parallel or approximately parallel to the inner edge d of the beverage outlet 20 along the left-right direction X and the front-back direction Z. This allows the sensing signal of the third transceiver component to be transmitted directly in front or approximately in front, making it difficult for containers that are offset (or excessively offset) to be detected by the sensing signal of the third transceiver component, thereby improving the sensing accuracy of the container.

[0078] In some embodiments, the signal receiving area B1 of each group of third transceiver components can cover all or part of its signal transmitting area A1, that is, the signal receiving area B1 covers the reflection path of the sensing signal, so that the signal receiving area B1 can successfully receive the reflected signal of the sensing signal emitted by the third transceiver component, thereby improving the sensing accuracy of the container that is directly in front or nearly directly in front.

[0079] The third sensing component 70 is located above the support platform 10 and in the area between the support platform 10 and the beverage outlet 20 along the vertical Y direction, so that the sensing signal emitted by the third sensing component 70 is not reflected by the support platform 10 and the beverage outlet 20. When a container is placed on the support platform 10, the sensing signal emitted by the third sensing component 70 will be reflected by the container, so that the third sensing component 70 can receive the signal reflected by the container, and the signal strength is greater than or equal to the strength threshold. When there is no container on the support platform 10, the sensing signal emitted by the third sensing component 70 will not be reflected, resulting in the third sensing component 70 being unable to receive the reflected signal or receiving a weak reflected signal (less than the strength threshold, or close to 0), thereby realizing the determination of whether a container is placed on the support platform 10 based on whether the third sensing component 70 can receive the reflected signal and the signal strength of the reflected signal.

[0080] In some embodiments, the position of the container relative to the beverage outlet 20 can be determined by determining whether the number of groups of third transceiver components receiving the reflected signal located on the left and right sides of the beverage outlet 20 along the left-right direction X is equal. If the number of third transceiver components located on the left and right sides of the beverage outlet 20 is equal, it indicates that the container has not shifted left or right relative to the beverage outlet 20; otherwise, it indicates that the container has shifted left or right relative to the beverage outlet 20. Alternatively, if the difference between the number of third transceiver components on the left and the number of third transceiver components on the right exceeds a difference threshold, it indicates that the container has shifted left or right relative to the beverage outlet 20. This difference threshold can be adjusted based on the detection accuracy of the left-right shift and / or the arrangement density of the third transceiver components.

[0081] In some embodiments, at least two sets of third transceiver components are symmetrically arranged along the left-right direction X with the beverage outlet 20 as the center. This embodiment, by symmetrically arranging the third transceiver components with the beverage outlet 20 as the center, can further improve the accuracy of the container's left-right offset.

[0082] The specific number of the third transceiver components can be 2 to 30, for example, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 20, 24, 28, 30, etc., but is not limited to this. The specific number of the third transceiver components can be selected according to the dimensions of the support platform 10 along the left-right direction X. Multiple sets of third transceiver components are symmetrically arranged along the left-right direction X with the beverage outlet 20 as the center. That is, with the beverage outlet 20 as the center, the number of third transceiver components located to the left of the beverage outlet 20 is equal to the number of third transceiver components located to the right of the beverage outlet 20. For example, when the specific number of the third transceiver components is 16, with the beverage outlet 20 as the center, the number of third transceiver components located to the left of the beverage outlet 20 is 8, and the number of third transceiver components located to the right of the beverage outlet 20 is also 8.

[0083] In some embodiments, the third transceiver components on both sides of the beverage outlet 20 may be slightly asymmetrical, and the accuracy of left and right offset detection can be improved by setting the above-mentioned difference threshold and density.

[0084] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each group of third transceiver components includes a third signal transmitter 71 and a third signal receiver 72. The third signal transmitters 71 and third signal receivers 72 in the same group can be arranged along the left-right direction X. In other embodiments, the third signal transmitters 71 and third signal receivers 72 in the same group of third transceiver components can also be arranged along the vertical direction or other inclined directions (not the front-back direction). This application embodiment describes the example of the third signal transmitters 71 and third signal receivers 72 being arranged along the left-right direction X.

[0085] The third signal transmitter 71 is used to emit a sensing signal, and the area covered by its emission field of view constitutes the signal emission area A1. The third signal receiver 72 is used to receive the reflected signal of the sensing signal emitted by the third signal transmitter 71 in the same group, which is reflected back by the container, and the area covered by its receiving field of view constitutes the signal receiving area B1. The receiving field of view of each group of third transceiver components is greater than its transmitting field of view, so that the signal receiving area B1 of each group of third transceiver components at least partially covers its signal transmitting area A1. This allows the third transceiver components to capture all or most of the reflected signals of the transmitted sensing signals reflected by the container, which increases the probability that the third transceiver group can successfully receive the reflected signals of its transmitted sensing signals and avoids the occurrence of receiving blind spots that cause signal loss due to reflections from the container. This improves the sensing accuracy of containers in front. Furthermore, the inner edge d of the signal transmitting area A1 along the left-right direction X near the beverage outlet 20 is parallel or approximately parallel to the front-back direction Z, which allows the sensing signals of the third transceiver components to be transmitted directly or approximately directly in front, making it difficult for containers that are offset to the left or right to be detected by the sensing signals of the third transceiver components, thereby further improving the sensing accuracy of containers.

[0086] In some embodiments, the third sensing component 70 includes an infrared pair or an ultrasonic sensing component, but is not limited thereto.

[0087] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path structure of an embodiment of the fourth sensing component in the beverage output device of this application. The beverage output device also includes a fourth sensing component 80. The fourth sensing component 80 is disposed above the support platform 10 and horizontally on the side of the support platform 10. The fourth sensing component 80 is connected to the processor. The fourth sensing component 80 includes at least one set of fourth transceiver components (not shown) for sensing whether the horizontal distance between the container and the side of the support platform 10 is less than or equal to a preset distance, so as to determine whether the horizontal distance between the container and the beverage output port 20 meets the beverage output requirements. The signal transmission area A2 and the signal reception area B2 of the fourth transceiver component have an overlapping area, and the maximum dimension of the overlapping area in the horizontal direction is a preset distance E.

[0088] The fourth sensing component 80 being located horizontally on the side of the support platform 10 means that the projection of the fourth sensing component 80 on the horizontal plane is located on the side of the support platform 10, which can be the rear, left, or right side. The rear side will be used as an example below. Specifically, the fourth sensing component 80 is located on the back wall and is used to sense whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the back wall is less than or equal to a preset distance.

[0089] The fourth sensing component 80 is located above the support platform 10 and between the support platform 10 and the beverage outlet 20, so that the sensing signal emitted by the fourth sensing component 80 is not reflected by the support platform 10 and the beverage outlet 20. The front-to-back distance between the container and the back wall can be the distance between the side of the container facing the back wall or the distance between the two sides of the container along the left-right direction X and the distance between the container and the back wall along the front-to-back direction Y.

[0090] The fourth sensing component 80 includes at least one set of fourth transceiver components (not shown). The fourth transceiver components are used to transmit sensing signals and receive reflected signals from the container. The area covered by the receiving field of view of the fourth transceiver component constitutes the signal receiving area B2, and the area covered by the transmitting field of view of the fourth transceiver component constitutes the signal transmitting area A2. The receiving field of view angle and the transmitting field of view angle of the fourth transceiver component intersect, so that the signal transmitting area A2 and the signal receiving area B2 have an overlapping area. The overlapping area of ​​the signal transmitting area A2 and the signal receiving area B2 is also the effective sensing area of ​​the fourth transceiver component. Only when the container is located within the overlapping area can the fourth transceiver component receive the reflected signal. The overlapping area covers the projection of the beverage outlet 20 onto the support platform 10. Therefore, the processor can determine whether the container is located within the overlapping area by determining whether the fourth transceiver component can receive the reflected signal, thereby determining whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the back wall is less than or equal to a preset distance E. If the front-to-back distance between the container and the back wall is less than or equal to the preset distance E, it means that the container is within the falling range of the beverage output from the beverage outlet 20; otherwise, it means that the container is outside the falling range of the beverage output from the beverage outlet 20.

[0091] Here, "container located within overlapping area" means that the container is completely located within the overlapping area, or that part of the container is located within the overlapping area. Since the front-to-back distance between the back wall and the beverage outlet 20 is fixed, by determining whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the back wall is less than or equal to a preset distance E, it is possible to determine whether the front-to-back distance between the center line of the container along the vertical direction Y and the center line of the beverage outlet 20 along the vertical direction Y meets the beverage output requirements, or whether the absolute value of the difference between the distance between the center line of the container along the vertical direction Y and the back wall and the distance between the center line of the beverage outlet 20 along the vertical direction Y and the back wall meets the beverage output requirements.

[0092] The overlapping area has a farthest end and a nearest end along the front-back direction Z. The farthest end is the intersection point of the signal transmitting area A2 and the signal receiving area B2 along the front-back direction Z, which is furthest from the fourth transceiver component. The nearest end is the intersection point of the signal transmitting area A2 and the signal receiving area B2 along the front-back direction Z, which is closest to the fourth transceiver component. When the container is located in the overlapping area between the farthest end and the nearest end, the container can reflect the sensing signal emitted by the fourth transceiver component back to the fourth transceiver component. The farthest end is the farthest position that the fourth transceiver component can sense along the front-back direction Z. The maximum size of the overlapping area along the front-back direction Z can be the sum of the distance between the center of symmetry of the fourth signal transmitter 81 and the fourth signal receiver 82 along the left-right direction X and the nearest end, and the distance between the farthest end and the nearest end. That is, along the front-back direction Z, the distance between the center of symmetry of the fourth signal transmitter 81 and the fourth signal receiver 82 along the left-right direction X and the farthest end is a preset distance E.

[0093] When part of the container is located within the overlapping area, the sensing signal emitted by the fourth transceiver component can pass through the container and be reflected back to the fourth transceiver component, thereby determining that the front-to-back distance between the container and the back wall is less than or equal to a preset distance E. When the container is located at the farthest end of the overlapping area along the front-to-back direction Z, away from the fourth transceiver component, the sensing signal emitted by the fourth transceiver component cannot reach the farthest end of the overlapping area away from the fourth transceiver component. Therefore, the emitted sensing signal cannot be reflected back by the container, and the fourth transceiver component cannot receive the signal, or the received signal strength is low (e.g., less than the strength threshold, or close to 0), thereby determining that the front-to-back distance between the container and the back wall is greater than the preset distance E.

[0094] Along the vertical direction Z, the projection of the beverage outlet 20 onto the support platform 10 on the side closest to the back wall or the center of the projection can be slightly larger than the maximum horizontal dimension of the overlapping area of ​​the signal transmitting area A2 and the signal receiving area B2. That is, the projection of the beverage outlet 20 onto the support platform 10 is located in the overlapping area away from the back wall, so that when the horizontal distance between the container and the side of the support platform 10 is less than or equal to the preset distance E, the projection of the beverage outlet 20 onto the support platform 10 is located inside the container. In other words, the horizontal distance between the container and the side of the support platform 10 is within the falling range that meets the requirements of the beverage outlet 20 to output beverage, so that the beverage output from the beverage outlet 20 can fall accurately into the container.

[0095] This embodiment can determine whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the back wall is within the falling range that meets the requirements of the beverage outlet 20 for dispensing beverages. This allows the user to adjust the position of the container based on the sensing results, ensuring that the beverages dispensed from the beverage outlet 20 can fall accurately into the container. This reduces or avoids the phenomenon of beverages falling onto the support platform 10, hitting the edge of the container opening, or splashing outwards, thus improving the user experience.

[0096] In some embodiments, the fourth sensing component 80 can determine whether the horizontal distance between the container and the second beverage outlet meets the beverage dispensing requirements.

[0097] In some embodiments, the fourth sensing component 80 includes an infrared pair or an ultrasonic sensing component, but is not limited thereto.

[0098] In some embodiments, the signal transmitter includes an infrared transmitter and the signal receiver includes an infrared receiver; or the signal transmitter includes an ultrasonic transmitter and the signal receiver includes an ultrasonic receiver.

[0099] Infrared emitters are used to emit infrared light signals of specific wavelengths. Their core structure may include a light-emitting diode chip and a corresponding optical lens. Infrared receivers convert the light signal into an electrical signal using a photodiode or phototransistor, and are usually equipped with filters to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, thereby improving sensing accuracy. Infrared technology enables non-contact signal transmission, avoiding the wear and tear problems of traditional mechanical contact parts and significantly improving the long-term reliability of the equipment.

[0100] An ultrasonic transmitter tube emits ultrasonic signals at a specific frequency. Its core structure may include a piezoelectric ceramic resonator and a corresponding acoustic lens. The ultrasonic receiver tube converts the acoustic signal into an electrical signal using a piezoelectric sensor. It is typically equipped with an acoustic filter to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, thereby increasing detection accuracy. Ultrasonic technology enables non-contact signal transmission, avoiding the wear and tear problems of traditional mechanical contact parts and significantly improving the long-term reliability of the equipment.

[0101] In some embodiments, either the fourth sensing component or the second sensing component may be configured, or both may be configured simultaneously to achieve redundant sensing.

[0102] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the beverage dispensing device also includes a weight sensing component 90. The weight sensing component 90 is disposed on the support platform 10 and connected to the processor. The processor is also used to sense the container and / or the beverage inside the container based on the sensing results of the weight sensing component 90.

[0103] The weight sensing component 90 may include one or more weight sensors. The weight sensors are disposed between the bottom wall and the support platform 10, and the top of the weight sensors can directly contact the support platform 10.

[0104] In some embodiments, the weight sensing component 90 includes a weight sensor, which may be disposed between the center of the support platform 10 in the left-right direction X and the bottom wall. The weight sensor can be used to sense whether there is a container on the support platform 10, the weight of the container, and the weight of the beverage inside the container.

[0105] Specifically, when no container is placed on the support platform 10, the processor obtains the sensing result of the weight sensing component 90 as m1. If the processor obtains the sensing result of the weight sensing component 90 as m2 in real time or within a preset time period, and m2-m1≥10g, then the processor determines that a container is placed on the support platform 10 based on the weight sensing component 90, and determines the weight of the container as m2-m1. After controlling the beverage output port 20 to output beverage, that is, during the process of the beverage output port 20 filling the container with beverage, the sensing result of the weight sensing component 90 is m3, and the total weight of the container and the beverage inside is determined to be m3 based on the sensing result of the weight sensing component 90. Among them, the weight of the beverage inside the container is m3-m2.

[0106] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the beverage dispensing device according to the third embodiment of this application. The weight sensing component 90 may include two weight sensors, namely a first weight sensor 91 and a second weight sensor 92. The sensing results of the first weight sensor 91 and the second weight sensor 92 are used to determine whether the container has shifted relative to the beverage dispensing port 20. The first weight sensor 91 and the second weight sensor 92 are respectively disposed at both ends of the support platform 10 along the left-right direction X with the beverage dispensing port 20 as the center. The sensing results of the first weight sensor 91 and the second weight sensor 92 can also be used to determine whether the container has shifted left or right relative to the beverage dispensing port 20.

[0107] The projection center of the beverage outlet 20 toward the support platform 10 can coincide with the central axis of the support platform 10 in the left-right direction X. One of the first weight sensor 91 and the second weight sensor 92 can be located between one end of the support platform 10 in the left-right direction X and the bottom wall, and the other can be located between the other end of the support platform 10 in the left-right direction X and the bottom wall, used to sense whether the container has shifted left or right relative to the beverage outlet 20. In this embodiment, the first weight sensor 91 is located between the left side of the support platform 10 and the bottom wall, and the second weight sensor 92 is located between the right side of the support platform 10 and the bottom wall. The offset D of the container satisfies:

[0108]

[0109] Where L is the horizontal distance between the first weight sensor 91 and the second weight sensor 92. G1 is the sensing result of the first weight sensor 91, and G2 is the sensing result of the second weight sensor 92. The sign of D indicates the left or right offset direction; the absolute value of D indicates the offset amount.

[0110] Before placing the container on the support platform 10, it is necessary to ensure that D = 0 to avoid misjudgment. When placing the container on the support platform 10, if D = 0, it means that the container is not offset to the left or right relative to the beverage outlet 20; if D is a positive value, it means that the container is offset to the right, and the absolute value of D represents the amount of offset to the right. If D is a negative value, it means that the container is offset to the left, and the absolute value of D represents the amount of offset to the left.

[0111] By placing the first weight sensor 91 and the second weight sensor 92 on the left and right sides of the support platform 10 centered on the beverage outlet 20 along the left-right direction X, it is possible to sense whether the container is offset to the left or right relative to the beverage outlet 20, the amount of offset and the direction of offset, so as to adjust the position of the container so that the beverage output from the beverage outlet 20 can fall accurately into the container. This can reduce or avoid the phenomenon of beverage falling on the support platform 10, hitting the edge of the container opening or splashing outward, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0112] In other embodiments, the weight sensing component 90 may also include two or more weight sensors, which can use a method similar to the principle described above to achieve weight sensing and / or container offset detection.

[0113] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7This is a partial structural diagram of the beverage dispensing device according to the fourth embodiment of this application. The weight sensing component 90 includes three weight sensors: a third weight sensor 93, a fourth weight sensor 94, and a fifth weight sensor 95. The third weight sensor 93 and the fourth weight sensor 94 are respectively located at opposite ends of the support platform 10 along the left-right direction X, centered on the beverage dispensing port 20. Specifically, the third weight sensor 93 is located between the left side and the bottom wall of the support platform 10, and the fourth weight sensor 94 is located between the right side and the bottom wall of the support platform 10. The fifth weight sensor 95 is located on the axis of symmetry between the third weight sensor 93 and the fourth weight sensor 94, and is positioned closer to the rear of the support platform 10 relative to the third and fourth weight sensors 93 and 94. The projection center of the beverage dispensing port 20 onto the support platform 10 is located on the vertical line connecting the center of symmetry of the third weight sensor 93 and the fourth weight sensor 94 and the fifth weight sensor 95. The lines connecting any pair of the third weight sensor 93, the fourth weight sensor 94, and the fifth weight sensor 95 form isosceles triangles.

[0114] The offset D of the container in the left-right direction X relative to the beverage outlet 20 x1 satisfy:

[0115]

[0116] Where L1 is the horizontal distance between the third weight sensor 93 and the fourth weight sensor 94, G3 is the sensing result of the third weight sensor 93, G4 is the sensing result of the fourth weight sensor 94, G5 is the sensing result of the fifth weight sensor 95, and G... a The sum of the sensing results from the third weight sensor 93, the fourth weight sensor 94, and the fifth weight sensor 95, i.e., G a =G3 + G4 + G5. D x1 The sign of D indicates the left or right offset direction of the container. x1 The absolute value represents the left and right offset.

[0117] The offset D of the container along the front-to-back direction Z relative to the beverage outlet 20 z1 satisfy:

[0118]

[0119] Where L2 is the vertical distance between the line connecting the third weight sensor 93 and the fourth weight sensor 94 and the fifth weight sensor 95, and D1 is the vertical distance between the projection center of the beverage outlet 20 on the support platform 10 and the center of symmetry of the third weight sensor 93 and the fourth weight sensor 94. z1 The sign of D indicates the direction of the container's forward or backward offset. z1The absolute value of G represents the offset. a For a description of G5, please refer to the above embodiments.

[0120] Before placing the container on the support platform 10, it is necessary to ensure that D x1 =D z1 =0, to avoid misjudgment. When placing the container on the support platform 10, if D x1 =D z1 =0, which means the container has no left or right offset or front or back offset relative to the beverage outlet 20. If D x1 A positive value indicates that the container has shifted to the right, D. x1 The absolute value of D represents the amount of offset to the right of the container; if D x1 A negative value indicates that the container has shifted to the left, D. x1 The absolute value of D represents the amount of offset to the left of the container. z1 A positive value indicates that the container has shifted backward, D z1 The absolute value of D represents the amount of backward offset of the container; if D z1 A negative value indicates that the container has shifted forward, D z1 The absolute value of the value represents the amount of forward offset of the container.

[0121] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a partial structural diagram of the beverage dispensing device according to the fifth embodiment of this application. The weight sensing component includes four weight sensors: a sixth weight sensor 96, a seventh weight sensor 97, an eighth weight sensor 98, and a ninth weight sensor 99. The sixth weight sensor 96 and the ninth weight sensor 99 are located at one end of the support platform 10 along the left-right direction X, centered on the beverage dispensing port 20, and are arranged along the front-back direction Z. The seventh weight sensor 97 and the eighth weight sensor 98 are located at the other end of the support platform 10 along the left-right direction X, centered on the beverage dispensing port 20, and are arranged along the front-back direction Z.

[0122] The horizontal distance between the sixth weight sensor 96 and the seventh weight sensor 97 is equal to the horizontal distance between the eighth weight sensor 98 and the ninth weight sensor 99. The intersection of the line connecting the sixth weight sensor 96 and the eighth weight sensor 98 with the line connecting the seventh weight sensor 97 and the ninth weight sensor 99 is located at the projection center of the beverage outlet 20 onto the support platform 10.

[0123] The offset D of the container in the left-right direction X relative to the beverage outlet 20 x2 satisfy:

[0124]

[0125] Where L3 is the horizontal distance between the sixth weight sensor 96 and the seventh weight sensor 97, G6 is the sensing result of the sixth weight sensor 96, G7 is the sensing result of the seventh weight sensor 97, G8 is the sensing result of the eighth weight sensor 98, G9 is the sensing result of the ninth weight sensor 99, and G... b G is the sum of the sensing results from the sixth weight sensor 96, the seventh weight sensor 97, the eighth weight sensor 98, and the ninth weight sensor 99. b =G6+G7+G8+G9. D x2 The sign of D indicates the left or right offset direction of the container. x2 The absolute value represents the left and right offset.

[0126] The offset D of the container along the front-to-back direction Z relative to the beverage outlet 20 z2 satisfy:

[0127]

[0128] Where L4 is the horizontal distance between the seventh weight sensor 97 and the eighth weight sensor 98, and D2 is the vertical distance between the projection center of the beverage outlet 20 on the support platform 10 and the center of symmetry of the sixth weight sensor 96 and the seventh weight sensor 97. z2 The sign of D indicates the direction of the container's forward or backward offset. z2 The absolute value represents the offset. Regarding G6, G7, G8, G9, and G... b Please refer to the above embodiments for related descriptions.

[0129] Before placing the container on the support platform 10, it is necessary to ensure that D x2 =D z2 =0, to avoid misjudgment. When placing the container on the support platform 10, if D x2 =D z2 =0, which means the container has no left or right offset or front or back offset relative to the beverage outlet 20. If D x2 A positive value indicates that the container has shifted to the right, D. x2 The absolute value of D represents the amount of offset to the right of the container; if D x2 A negative value indicates that the container has shifted to the left, D. x2 The absolute value of D represents the amount of offset to the left of the container. z2 A positive value indicates that the container has shifted forward, D z2The absolute value of D represents the amount of forward offset of the container; if D z2 A negative value indicates that the container has shifted backward, D z2 The absolute value of the value represents the amount of backward offset of the container.

[0130] It should be noted that if there is already a beverage in the container, the weight of the container is the sum of the weight of the container itself and the weight of the beverage that was already in the container before the beverage was dispensed. The weight of the beverage in the container is the weight of the added beverage.

[0131] In some embodiments, an ultrasonic detector may also be used to implement other sensing components besides the weight sensing component 90. The ultrasonic detector can sense the container height, beverage outlet height, beverage height inside the container, container left and right offset, horizontal distance, etc.

[0132] In some embodiments, infrared tubes can be used to implement other sensing components besides the weight sensing component 90, for sensing of container height, beverage output height, container left and right offset, horizontal distance, etc., and liquid level sensing can be achieved through liquid level sensing components (ultrasonic detectors or time-of-flight detectors, etc.).

[0133] In some embodiments, an ultrasonic detector may also be used to implement the other sensing components mentioned above besides the weight sensing component 90. The ultrasonic detector can sense the container height, beverage outlet height, beverage height inside the container, lateral offset of the container, horizontal distance, etc., and the weight sensing component 90 can sense the weight of the container and the beverage inside the container.

[0134] In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing device includes a second sensing component 60, a third sensing component 70, a first sensing component 40, a fourth sensing component 80, and a liquid level sensing component. First, at least one of the third sensing component 70, the first sensing component 40, and the liquid level sensing component can sense whether a container is placed on the support platform 10. After determining that a container is placed on the support platform 10, the third sensing component 70 senses whether the container has shifted left or right relative to the beverage dispensing port 20, while one of the second sensing component 60 and the fourth sensing component 80 senses whether the container has shifted forward or backward relative to the second beverage dispensing port. After confirming that the container has not shifted left or right relative to the beverage outlet 20, and has not shifted forward or backward relative to the second beverage outlet, the height of the container and the height of the beverage outlet 20 are determined by the first sensing component 40. Based on these heights, the moving component 30 is controlled to move the beverage outlet 20 vertically in the Y direction to a suitable height for dispensing the beverage. After the beverage outlet 20 reaches the suitable height, the beverage outlet 20 is controlled to dispense the beverage (for example, first controlling the second beverage outlet to dispense the second beverage, and then controlling the first beverage outlet to dispense the first beverage). During the dispensing process of the beverage outlet 20, the height of the beverage in the container can be sensed by the liquid level sensing component. Combining the sensing result of the container height, the dispensing height of the beverage is controlled, which not only enables the beverage outlet 20 to dispense beverage at a preset height, but also prevents the beverage from overflowing. The liquid level sensing component can be an ultrasonic detector or a time-of-flight detector; the first sensing component 40, the second sensing component 60, the third sensing component 70, and the fourth sensing component 80 can be infrared sensing components.

[0135] In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing device further includes a weight sensing component 90. The weight sensing component 90 can also sense whether a container is placed on the support platform 10. After determining that a container is placed on the support platform 10, the weight sensing component 90, together with the third sensing component 70, can sense whether the container has shifted left or right relative to the beverage dispensing port 20. The sensing results of the weight sensing component 90 and the third sensing component 70 can be compared to reduce or avoid sensing errors related to left-right shifting. The weight sensing component 90 can also, together with one of the second sensing component 60 and the fourth sensing component 80, sense whether the container has shifted forward or backward relative to the second beverage dispensing port to reduce sensing errors related to forward or backward shifting. Alternatively, the second sensing component 60 and the fourth sensing component 80 can be omitted, and the weight sensing component 90 can independently sense whether the container has shifted forward or backward relative to the second beverage dispensing port. The weight sensing component 90 can also sense the weight of the beverage inside the container during the dispensing process from the beverage dispensing port 20 to control the dispensing weight of the beverage. Meanwhile, during the process of dispensing beverage from the beverage outlet 20, it can also respond to whether the sensing result of the weight sensing component 90 changes within a preset time interval to determine whether the beverage in the container has overflowed. For example, if the sensing result of the weight sensing component 90 changes within the preset time interval, it means that the beverage has not overflowed; otherwise, it means that the beverage has overflowed.

[0136] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing device, characterized in that, The beverage dispensing device includes: A support platform is used to support containers; A beverage outlet is located above the support platform and is used to dispense beverages. The beverage outlet includes a first beverage outlet and a second beverage outlet. A first sensing component is disposed above the support platform. The first sensing component includes a first signal transmitter and a first signal receiver, and is arranged in a horizontal direction. The first signal receiver and the first signal transmitter are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the support platform, and are used to sense containers on the support platform. The second sensing component is disposed above the support platform and along the horizontal direction. The second sensing component is positioned close to the second beverage outlet relative to the first sensing component. The sensing result of the second sensing component is used to determine whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the rear of the support platform is less than or equal to a preset distance, so as to determine whether the front-to-back distance between the container and the second beverage outlet meets the beverage output requirements.

2. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sensing component is positioned close to the first beverage outlet relative to the second sensing component, and the sensing result of the first sensing component is used at least to determine whether the horizontal distance between the container and the first beverage outlet meets the beverage output requirements.

3. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The beverage output device further includes: a processor connected to the first sensing component, the second sensing component and the beverage output port, wherein the processor is at least used to generate a first beverage output command based on the sensing result of the first sensing component and to generate a second beverage output command based on the sensing result of the second sensing component; The first beverage output port outputs a first beverage in response to the first beverage output command, and the second beverage output port outputs a second beverage in response to the second beverage output command. The first beverage and the second beverage are at least partially different.

4. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second sensing component includes a second signal transmitter and a second signal receiver. The beverage output device also includes a housing. The housing has a bottom wall, a top wall opposite to the bottom wall, two side walls on opposite sides of the support platform, and a back wall. The back wall connects the bottom wall, the top wall, and the two side walls. The support platform is located above the bottom wall. The first signal transmitter and the second signal transmitter are disposed on one of the side walls, and the second signal receiver and the first signal receiver are disposed on the other side wall.

5. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second sensing component includes multiple sets of second transceiver components. Each set of second transceiver components includes a second signal transmitter and a second signal receiver. The second signal transmitter and the second signal receiver in the same set are arranged in a left-right direction, and the multiple sets of second transceiver components are arranged at intervals in a front-back direction.

6. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The second sensing component includes multiple sets of second transceiver components. Each set of second transceiver components includes a second signal transmitter and a second signal receiver. The second signal transmitter and the second signal receiver in the same set are arranged in a left-right direction, and the multiple sets of second transceiver components are arranged at intervals in a vertical direction.

7. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sensing component includes N sets of first transceiver components arranged at intervals from top to bottom; In the vertical direction, the beverage outlet has a preset highest position and a preset lowest position, with the preset highest position located above the first transceiver component in the first group; The preset lowest position is located above the first transceiver component in the Nth group.

8. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first transceiver component in group N is positioned at a preset minimum container height.

9. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second signal transmitter includes an infrared emitting tube, and the second signal receiver includes an infrared receiving tube.

10. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beverage dispensing device further includes a movable component connected to the beverage dispensing port, the movable component being used to move the beverage dispensing port.

11. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beverage dispensing device also includes: processor; The third sensing component is located above the support platform and at the rear of the support platform in the front-to-back direction. The third sensing component is connected to the processor and includes at least two sets of third transceiver components. The third transceiver components are located on both sides of the beverage outlet in the left-to-right direction. The signal receiving area of ​​each group of the third transceiver components covers at least part of its signal transmitting area, and the signal transmitting area is arranged parallel to or at an angle to the front-back direction along the inner edge of the beverage outlet in the left-right direction; the processor is also used to determine whether the container has shifted left or right relative to the beverage outlet based on the sensing results of the third sensing component.

12. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beverage dispensing device also includes: processor; A fourth sensing component is disposed above the support platform and horizontally disposed on the side of the support platform. The fourth sensing component is connected to the processor and includes at least one set of fourth transceiver components for sensing whether the horizontal distance between the container and the side of the support platform is less than or equal to a preset distance, so as to determine whether the horizontal distance between the container and the beverage outlet meets the beverage output requirements. The signal transmission area and signal reception area of ​​the fourth transceiver component have an overlapping area, and the maximum dimension of the overlapping area along the horizontal direction is the preset distance.

13. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beverage dispensing device also includes: processor; A weight sensing component is disposed on the support platform and connected to the processor. The processor is also used to sense the container and / or the beverage inside the container based on the sensing signal of the weight sensing component.

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