Automatic Beverage Making Equipment and Automatic Tapioca Pearl Extrusion Machine

Abstract

To provide an automatic beverage production apparatus which is designed to add a predetermined amount of tapioca pearl to a beverage cup.SOLUTION: An automatic beverage production apparatus includes an automatic tapioca pearl extruder, a weight sensor module, and a microcontroller, and an automatic tapioca pearl extruder includes a motor, a motor shaft, a main housing and a conical casing, wherein one end of the motor shaft is rotatably connected to the motor, and the other end thereof is connected to an extrusion block. The main housing includes a storage space where the extrusion block is arranged. The conical casing covers the bottom part of the main housing, and includes a plurality of through holes. The beverage cup is put on the weight sensor module, and the microcontroller is electrically connected to the motor and the weight sensor module. The tapioca pearl is arranged in the storage space between the extrusion block and the conical casing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic beverage making machine and an automatic tapioca pearl extruder, and more particularly to a machine with a motor and a conical casing. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, beverage store revenues have grown rapidly, making it an industry that cannot be ignored. This growth is due to the expansion of bubble tea and coffee shops, as well as the introduction of innovative beverage flavors. Furthermore, the entry of e-commerce delivery services into the market has further fueled the growth of the beverage industry. Against this backdrop, beverage store operators have begun to use automated equipment in the production of handcrafted beverages to improve production quality, ensure product consistency, and reduce labor costs. This automation is crucial to the industry's continued growth and success. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, fully automating the production of beverages containing additives, such as tapioca milk tea, which contains the right amount of tapioca pearls, presents challenges. If the tapioca pearls remain in one place for too long, they tend to stick together and form dense clumps. This results in an uneven distribution within the drinking cup, compromising the texture and flavor of the pearls when consumed. Furthermore, traditional manual methods for scooping the tapioca pearls often make it difficult to precisely control the amount, affecting the quality and taste of the beverage.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to remedy these problems by distributing the tapioca pearls evenly within the drinking cup and precisely controlling the amount of pearls used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an automatic beverage making device that can distribute tapioca pearls evenly within a beverage cup and accurately control the amount of tapioca pearls used.

[0006] The automatic beverage making device of the present invention is designed to add an appropriate amount of tapioca pearls to a beverage cup. The device includes an automatic tapioca pearl extrusion mechanism, a weight sensor module, and a microcontroller. The automatic tapioca pearl extrusion mechanism includes a motor, a motor shaft, a main housing, and a conical casing. One end of the motor shaft is rotatably connected to the motor, and the other end is connected to an extrusion block. The main housing includes a storage space in which the extrusion block is disposed, and the cross-sectional shape of the extrusion block corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the storage space. The conical casing covers the bottom of the main housing and includes a plurality of through-holes. Furthermore, the beverage cup is placed in the weight sensor module, and the microcontroller is electrically connected to both the motor and the weight sensor module. The tapioca pearls are disposed in the storage space between the extrusion block and the conical casing.

[0007] In this beverage production device, the cross-sectional area of ​​each through-hole in the conical casing gradually decreases from the inner wall to the outer wall. The through-holes are located near the tip of the conical casing. The motor is a linear stepping motor, and the main housing is made of a transparent material.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic tapioca pearl extrusion mechanism that ensures even distribution of tapioca pearls within a drinking cup. The automatic tapioca pearl extrusion mechanism includes a motor, a motor shaft, an extrusion block, a main housing, and a conical casing. One end of the motor shaft is rotatably connected to the motor and the other end is connected to the extrusion block. The main housing includes a storage space in which the extrusion block is located, and the conical casing covers the bottom of the main housing and has multiple through-holes. The cross-sectional shape of the extrusion block corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the storage space. In this extrusion mechanism, the openings of each through-hole gradually become smaller from the inner wall to the outer wall. The multiple through-holes are located near the tip of the conical casing. The motor is a linear stepper motor, and the main housing is made of a transparent material.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a decorative panel designed for assembly with a switch unit having multiple buttons. The panel has pre-holes for each button and maintains a seamless, flat surface. Like the outlet version, the panel's edges include a frame that surrounds the switch unit, has no parting lines or locking points, and includes a reinforcing structure that contacts the top surface of the switch unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The present invention provides the advantage of ensuring even distribution of tapioca pearls within a drinking cup and precisely controlling the amount of pearls required for each drink, improving efficiency and consistency in beverage preparation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an automatic beverage production device 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 1B] A perspective view of an automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12 is shown. [Figure 1C] 1 shows a cross-sectional view and a partial enlarged view of an automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12. [Figure 2A] and [Figure 2B] 1 shows perspective views of a motor 121, a motor shaft 122, and an extrusion block 123 from different angles. [Figure 3A] 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the extrusion of tapioca pearls 7 through an extrusion block 123. [Figure 3B] 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the extrusion of tapioca pearls 7 through an extrusion block 123. [Figure 3C] A diagram showing an automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12' suitable for horizontal configuration is shown. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing the relative positions of an automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12, a drinking cup 8, and a weight sensor module 13 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Referring to Figures 1A to 1C, Figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of an automatic beverage production apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 1B shows a perspective view of an automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12, and Figure 1C shows a cross-sectional view and a partially enlarged view of the same machine. The automatic beverage production apparatus 10 is designed to dispense an appropriate amount of tapioca pearls 7 into a beverage cup 8 (see Figure 4 for initial reference). The apparatus includes an automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12, a weight sensor module 13, and a microcontroller 14. The automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12 includes a motor 121, a motor shaft 122, an extrusion block 123, a main housing 124, and a conical casing 125. The motor 121 is located at the top of the main housing 124, and the conical casing 125 covers the bottom of the main housing 124.

[0013] 2A and 2B, one end of the motor shaft 122 is rotatably connected to the motor 121, and the other end is connected to the extrusion block 123. Returning to FIG. 1C, the main housing 124 is provided with a receiving space 124S in which the extrusion block 123 is disposed. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the extrusion block 123 corresponds to the shape of the receiving space 124S. Specifically, the periphery of the extrusion block 123 is nearly in contact with the inner wall of the main housing 124, effectively dividing the receiving space 124S into two compartments.

[0014] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing how the extrusion block 123 compresses the tapioca pearls 7. The tapioca pearls 7 to be dispensed are placed in the receiving space 124S of the main housing 124. Specifically, the pearls 7 are located between the extrusion block 123 and the conical casing 125.

[0015] The motor 121, a key component of the automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12, is exemplified by a linear stepper motor. Specifically, the motor 121 converts digital pulses into mechanical shaft rotations, precisely controlling the position and speed of the motor shaft 122. This precise control facilitates the vertical movement of the extrusion block 123 within the storage space 124S. As a result, the extrusion block 123 exerts downward pressure on the tapioca pearls 7 waiting for distribution, pushing them toward the conical casing 125 at the bottom. When the motor 121 is configured as a linear stepper motor, there is no rotational motion of the motor shaft 122 and the extrusion block 123. This design advantage allows all power to be concentrated in the linear motion of the motor shaft 122 and the extrusion block 123, rather than wasting energy on rotating the motor shaft 122, thereby improving efficiency. Referring again to FIG. 1C, the conical casing 125 is equipped with six through-holes 125C. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​each through-hole 125C gradually decreases from the inner wall to the outer wall, forming a small conical hole. This configuration allows the tapioca pearls 7 waiting for distribution to smoothly pass through the through-holes 125C. This design does not impede the flow of pearls within the automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12 and prevents the motor 121 from stalling due to pearl blockage.

[0016] 3B, if the tapioca pearls 7 awaiting dispensing form dense clumps, these clumps will break down into individual pearls as they pass through the through-holes 125C. This design significantly helps ensure an even distribution of the tapioca pearls 7 within the drinking cup 8, improving the overall texture and flavor of the beverage. In this embodiment, there are six through-holes 125C. However, in other embodiments, the number of through-holes 125C may be more or less than six to facilitate an even distribution of the pearls within the drinking cup 8.

[0017] Furthermore, although this embodiment uses tapioca pearls 7 made from cassava starch, the automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12 is not limited to commercially available tapioca pearls. In fact, the machine can be used with any edible granular material, broadening its range of application.

[0018] Also, see Figure 3C, which shows an automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12' suitable for horizontal placement. The difference between the automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12 and the automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12' lies in the orientation of the conical casing 125'. In the automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12', the conical casing 125' is offset to one side of the body, so that the through-hole 125C' is also located on the side of the body. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the storage space 124S' of the automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12' gradually decreases from the end near the motor 121 to the end near the conical casing 125'. This design allows the automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12' to successfully extrude tapioca pearls 7 even in a horizontal placement.

[0019] See Figures 1B and 4. Figure 4 shows the relative positions of the automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12, the drinking cup 8, and the weight sensor module 13. In this embodiment, each through-hole 125C is strategically positioned near the tip of the conical casing 125. This unique design prevents the extruded tapioca pearls 7 from falling out of the drinking cup 8 or sticking to the rim of the cup, ensuring that the pearls are accurately placed in the drinking cup 8.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the main housing 124 is made of a transparent material, such as acrylic or polycarbonate (PC). This transparent design not only allows the user to easily observe the process of dispensing the tapioca pearls 7 into the drinking cup 8, but also enhances the visual appeal of the device and improves user operability. Referring back to FIGS. 1A and 4 , a microcontroller 14 is electrically connected to the motor 121 and weight sensor module 13 of the automatic tapioca pearl extruder 12. In this embodiment, the microcontroller 14 is electrically connected to both the motor 121 and the weight sensor module 13. The primary function of the microcontroller 14 is to accurately control the operation of the motor 121 based on the weight of the drinking cup 8 detected by the weight sensor module 13. Specifically, once the drinking cup 8 is placed on the weight sensor module 13, the module begins to play a key role in dispensing the appropriate amount of tapioca pearls 7 into the cup 8. The module continuously monitors the weight change of the drinking cup 8 and generates corresponding weight data. The microcontroller 14 receives and processes this weight data from the weight sensor module 13 and controls the operation of the motor 121 to precisely extrude the tapioca pearls 7 into the drinking cup 8. Thus, compared to the conventional manual scooping method, the automatic beverage maker 10 of the present invention provides a more efficient and accurate way to precisely insert the tapioca pearls 7 into the drinking cup 8. This innovative approach not only improves the efficiency of preparing handcrafted beverages, but also ensures the quality and taste of each beverage.

[0021] Additionally, each of the four sides of the decorative panel 21 includes a frame 21F, which surrounds the outlet 22. The top surface of the decorative panel 21 and each of the frames 21F have a matte texture design. It should be noted that maintaining the same matte texture on all sides is difficult because as the density of the matte material increases, the particles become larger, which can cause damage to the particles during release, resulting in a phenomenon known as "drag marks." Therefore, many prototypes are required to maintain the same matte pattern on all five sides.

[0022] Furthermore, for the structural features of the automatic beverage production apparatus 10 in this embodiment, reference may be made to published documents such as Patent No. TWI737553 entitled "Intelligent Energy-Saving Automatic Beverage Preparation Apparatus and Intelligent Automatic Beverage Dispensing Method." This description primarily discloses the technical features and components relevant to the present case, and for a more detailed structure of the automatic beverage production apparatus 10, reference may be made to the detailed and extensive disclosure in Patent No. TWI737553.

[0023] In summary, the automatic beverage brewing machine 10 of the present invention can distribute tapioca pearls evenly within a drinking cup and precisely control the amount of tapioca pearls required for a handcrafted beverage.

[0024] The above description is merely illustrative and not limiting. Any other equivalent modifications or variations that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be included in the scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0025] 7. Tapioca Pearls 8 drinking cups 10 automatic beverage making equipment 12, 12' Automatic Tapioca Pearl Extruder 13 Weight Sensor Module 14 Microcontrollers 121 Motor 122 motor shaft 123 Extrusion Block 124 Main Housing 124S, 124S' storage space 125, 125' conical casing 125C, 125C' through hole 21 Decorative Panel 21F Frame 22 Outlet

Claims

1. 1. An automatic beverage maker for adding a measured amount of tapioca pearls to a beverage cup, the automatic beverage maker comprising: A motor and a motor shaft having one end connected to the motor; a pusher block connected to the other end of the motor shaft; a main housing having an accommodation space in which the extrusion block is disposed, the cross-sectional shape of the extrusion block corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the accommodation space; a conical casing covering the bottom of the main housing and having a plurality of through holes; a weight sensor module on which the drinking cup is placed; a microcontroller electrically connected to the motor and the weight sensor module; Including, The automatic beverage making device is characterized in that the tapioca pearls are disposed between the extrusion block and the conical casing.

2. 2. The automatic beverage brewing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the through holes in the conical casing gradually decreases from the inner wall toward the outer wall of the conical casing.

3. 2. The automatic beverage brewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of through holes are disposed near the tip of the conical casing.

4. 2. The automatic beverage brewing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the motor is a linear stepping motor.

5. 2. The automatic beverage brewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the main housing is made of a transparent material.

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