Cold beverage machine having infrared sensing function

Abstract

A cold beverage machine having an infrared sensing function. The cold beverage machine comprises a discharging apparatus, a sensing apparatus, a refrigeration and stirring assembly, and a driving member, which are mounted on a machine body, wherein the discharging apparatus is provided with a grip, the sensing apparatus is arranged opposite the grip, the sensing apparatus is electrically connected to the driving member, the sensing apparatus is used for identifying a usage state of the grip so as to adjust a running state of the driving member, and the driving member is used for adjusting the stirring speed of the refrigeration and stirring assembly. The coordinated operation of the sensing apparatus, the driving member, and the refrigeration and stirring assembly ensures that a system activates a corresponding operating mode only when discharging is actually required, thereby solving the problem of ice cream or smoothies deteriorating in taste due to long-time stirring in traditional cold beverage machines where a stirring system is often in a continuous running state even when there is no demand for discharging.

Description

A cold drink machine with infrared sensors Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cold drink machine technology, specifically a cold drink machine with infrared sensing. Background Technology

[0002] Ice cream or smoothie makers achieve efficient heat exchange between the ice cream or smoothie ingredients and the freezing cylinder through continuous agitation, ensuring that the ice cream or smoothie quickly and stably reaches the required low temperature during the preparation process. However, ice cream makers cannot adjust the agitation speed and frequency according to the current operating conditions, resulting in the ice cream or smoothie being in a state of continuous operation.

[0003] Prolonged stirring causes the moisture in the ingredients of ice cream or smoothies to gradually crystallize into small ice crystals. This not only affects the smooth texture of the ice cream or smoothie but may also make its overall texture coarse, reducing the consumer's eating experience. Secondly, the continuous stirring required during the production process of a beverage maker can accelerate the aging and wear of the motor's internal components due to prolonged operation, thus shortening the motor's lifespan.

[0004] Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, this invention proposes a cold drink machine with infrared sensing. The coordinated operation of the sensing device, drive components, and refrigeration and stirring components ensures that the system will only activate the corresponding working mode when there is a genuine need to dispense beverages. This solves the problem in traditional cold drink machines where the stirring system is constantly running even when there is no need to dispense beverages, leading to a deterioration in the taste of ice cream or smoothies due to prolonged stirring.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A cold drink machine with infrared sensing includes a dispensing device, a sensing device, a refrigeration and stirring assembly, and a driving component installed on the machine body. The dispensing device is provided with a handle. The sensing device is disposed opposite to the handle and is electrically connected to the driving component. The sensing device is used to identify the usage state of the handle in order to adjust the operating state of the driving component. The driving component is used to adjust the stirring speed of the refrigeration and stirring assembly.

[0008] The sensing component includes an infrared generator and an infrared receiver. The infrared receiver is electrically connected to the driving component. The infrared generator is used to emit red light onto the grip, and the infrared receiver is used to receive the red light reflected by the grip.

[0009] The infrared generator and the infrared receiver are located on opposite sides of the grip, forming a triangular structure with the grip.

[0010] The refrigeration stirring assembly includes a propeller and a freezing cylinder. The propeller is rotatably installed inside the freezing cylinder, and the length direction of the propeller is consistent with the length direction of the freezing cylinder. The output end of the drive unit is fixedly connected to the propeller.

[0011] The discharge device further includes a discharge plate for sealing the freezing cylinder. The discharge plate has a first discharge port that is connected to the interior of the freezing cylinder. The bottom of the handle has a transmission component and a sealing element. The transmission component connects the handle and the sealing element, and the sealing element is used to open or close the first discharge port.

[0012] The transmission assembly includes a first transmission component and a second transmission component. The first hinge point of the handle is rotatably mounted on the top of the discharge plate at the first discharge port. The second hinge point of the handle is rotatably connected to the top of the first transmission component. The bottom of the first transmission component is connected to the top of the rear side of the second transmission component. The bottom of the second transmission component is fixedly connected to the sealing component.

[0013] In the initial state, the line connecting the first hinge point and the second hinge point is horizontal.

[0014] The transmission assembly also includes a return torsion spring, which comprises a winding portion and a transmission portion from top to bottom. The winding portion is wound around the first hinge point of the grip, and the transmission portion is fixedly connected to the front side of the second transmission member.

[0015] The refrigeration stirring assembly also includes a cooling pipe, which is arranged around the outside of the freezing cylinder.

[0016] The technical solution of this utility model can include the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. The coordinated operation of the sensing device, drive components, and refrigeration stirring components ensures that the system will only start the corresponding working mode when there is a real need to dispense material. This solves the problem in traditional beverage machines where the stirring system is often in a continuous running state even when there is no need to dispense material, which causes the ice cream or smoothie to deteriorate in taste due to prolonged stirring.

[0018] 2. This system, through the coordinated operation of an infrared generator and infrared receiver, can accurately determine whether the beverage dispenser needs to perform a dispensing operation and adjust the operating status of the drive components and refrigeration stirring assembly accordingly. This real-time response mechanism ensures that ice cream or smoothies are dispensed at the optimal time, preserving their original flavor and texture while avoiding unnecessary energy waste. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a cold drink machine according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 1;

[0021] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a cold drink machine according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the transmission assembly and grip according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] The components include: 1. Body; 2. Discharge device; 21. Handle; 22. Discharge tray; 23. Transmission assembly; 24. Seal; 241. Second sealing block; 242. Elastic protrusion; 243. Hook; 25. First transmission component; 26. Second transmission component; 261. Sealing groove; 262. First sealing block; 27. Return torsion spring; 3. Sensing device; 31. Infrared generator; 32. Infrared receiver; 4. Refrigeration and stirring assembly; 41. Propeller; 42. Freezing cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "middle", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0026] 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "assembly," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] [Revised according to Article 91, 18.02.2025] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention of a cold drink machine with infrared sensing, in conjunction with Figures 1 to 4.

[0029] A cold drink machine with infrared sensing includes a dispensing device 2, a sensing device 3, a refrigeration and stirring assembly 4, and a driving component installed on the machine body 1. The dispensing device 2 is provided with a handle 21. The sensing device 3 is disposed opposite to the handle 21 and is electrically connected to the driving component. The sensing device 3 is used to identify the usage state of the handle 21 in order to adjust the operating state of the driving component. The driving component is used to adjust the stirring speed of the refrigeration and stirring assembly 4.

[0030] The operation of an infrared-sensor-equipped cold drink machine according to this solution is as follows: When the operator naturally holds or gently swings the handle 21 downwards, the sensor 3 captures the instantaneous movement and identifies it as a dispensing request. Subsequently, the sensor 3 adjusts the operating state of the drive component and enhances the stirring speed of the refrigeration stirring assembly 4 to ensure that the ice cream or smoothie is dispensed evenly and delicately in the optimal state, preserving the original smooth texture of the ice cream or smoothie, thereby ensuring that every bite of ice cream or smoothie achieves the best flavor and texture.

[0031] When the staff releases the handle 21, the sensing component recognizes that the handle 21 is in the initial state and adjusts the operation of the drive component to reduce the stirring speed of the cooling stirring component 4. This prevents the ice cream or smoothie from changing its texture or forming ice crystals due to over-stirring and over-cooling, thus further ensuring the taste and flavor of the ice cream or smoothie.

[0032] In this invention, the coordinated operation of the sensing device 3, the driving component, and the refrigeration and stirring assembly 4 ensures that the system will only start the corresponding working mode when there is a real need to dispense material. This solves the problem in traditional beverage machines where the stirring system is often in a continuous running state even when there is no need to dispense material, which causes the ice cream or smoothie to deteriorate in taste due to prolonged stirring.

[0033] The sensing component includes an infrared generator 31 and an infrared receiver 32. The infrared receiver 32 is electrically connected to the driving component. The infrared generator 31 is used to emit red light onto the grip 21, and the infrared receiver 32 is used to receive the red light reflected by the grip 21.

[0034] The infrared generator 31 emits red light precisely. If the operator grips the handle 21 or swings the handle 21 downwards, the red light cannot reach the handle 21 and is reflected, so the infrared receiver 32 does not receive the red light reflected by the handle 21. Subsequently, the sensing device 3 adjusts the operating state of the drive component according to the signal, thereby enhancing the stirring speed of the cooling stirring assembly 4.

[0035] If the operator releases the handle 21, and the handle 21 is in its initial state, the infrared generator 31 emits infrared light onto the handle 21. The handle 21 reflects the light, allowing the infrared receiver 32 to receive the reflected red light. At this time, the infrared receiver 32 can adjust the operating state of the drive component based on this signal, thereby reducing the stirring speed of the cooling stirring assembly 4 and reducing the cooling power.

[0036] Therefore, by cooperating with the infrared generator 31 and the infrared receiver 32, it is possible to accurately determine whether the current beverage dispenser needs to perform a dispensing operation, and adjust the operating status of the drive components and the refrigeration stirring assembly 4 accordingly. This instant response mechanism ensures that ice cream or smoothies are dispensed at the optimal time, preserving their original flavor and texture while avoiding unnecessary energy waste.

[0037] The infrared generator 31 and the infrared receiver 32 are located on both sides of the grip 21, and the infrared generator 31, the infrared receiver 32 and the grip 21 form a triangular structure.

[0038] This solution defines the positions of the infrared generator 31 and the infrared receiver 32, ensuring that even when the beverage machine is not in operation, the infrared generator 31 can emit infrared light to the handle 21, and the infrared receiver 32 can receive the infrared light reflected by the handle 21, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the beverage machine.

[0039] Moreover, when the operator holds the handle 21 or tilts the handle 21 downwards to dispense the beverage, the triangular structure design ensures that the infrared receiver 32 cannot receive red light from the infrared generator 31, thereby improving the operational accuracy of the beverage dispenser.

[0040] The refrigeration stirring assembly 4 includes a propeller 41 and a freezing cylinder 42. The propeller 41 is rotatably installed inside the freezing cylinder 42. The length direction of the propeller 41 is consistent with the length direction of the freezing cylinder 42. The output end of the drive unit is fixedly connected to the propeller 41.

[0041] The freezing cylinder 42 has excellent freezing performance, providing a solid foundation for the rapid solidification of ice cream or smoothies. When the propeller 41 churns the cold drink, the contact between its blades and the inner wall of the freezing cylinder 42 causes a heat conduction process between the ice cream or smoothie and the freezing cylinder 42, thereby achieving a cooling effect.

[0042] When the ice cream or smoothie is being dispensed, the drive unit increases the rotation speed of the propeller 41, which not only ensures that the cold drink machine can stably deliver ice cream or smoothie, but also allows the blades to frequently contact the inner wall of the freezing cylinder 42, greatly increasing the heat exchange area between the ice cream or smoothie and the freezing cylinder 42. This significantly accelerates the release of heat inside the ice cream or smoothie, improves the overall cooling efficiency, and allows the ice cream or smoothie to maintain an ideal taste and flavor when dispensed.

[0043] The discharge device 2 further includes a discharge plate 22, which is used to seal the freezing cylinder 42. The discharge plate 22 is provided with a first discharge port, which is connected to the interior of the freezing cylinder 42. The bottom of the handle 21 is provided with a transmission component 23 and a sealing element 24. The transmission component 23 connects the handle 21 and the sealing element 24. The sealing element 24 is used to open or close the first discharge port.

[0044] When the handle 21 is swung downwards, it sequentially drives the transmission assembly 23 and the seal 24, causing the seal 24 to open the first discharge port. At this time, the sensing device 3 senses the current usage state of the handle 21 and adjusts the speed of the drive component in time, so that the propeller 41 can quickly stir the ice cream or smoothie, so that the ice cream or smoothie can maintain a good taste and flavor, and can also be discharged stably.

[0045] When the staff releases the handle 21, the sensor 3 can quickly detect that the handle 21 has returned to its original position and adjust the speed of the drive component accordingly, so that the propeller 41 slowly and intermittently stirs the ice cream or smoothie, reducing the possibility of the ice cream or smoothie deteriorating in taste due to prolonged stirring.

[0046] It is worth noting that the seal 24 is preferably made of food-grade rubber. The seal 24 fits tightly against the first discharge port, ensuring that the ice cream or smoothie ingredients are completely sealed inside the freezing cylinder 42 when no discharge is being made, thus preventing leakage or spoilage of the ice cream or smoothie due to poor sealing.

[0047] The transmission assembly 23 includes a first transmission member 25 and a second transmission member 26. The first hinge point of the handle 21 is rotatably mounted on the top of the discharge plate 22 at the first discharge port. The second hinge point of the handle 21 is rotatably connected to the top of the first transmission member 25. The bottom of the first transmission member 25 is connected to the top of the rear side of the second transmission member 26. The bottom of the second transmission member 26 is fixedly connected to the sealing member 24.

[0048] In the initial state, the line connecting the first hinge point and the second hinge point is horizontal.

[0049] In this design, the line direction connecting the first hinge point and the second hinge point of the handle 21 is defined, which can effectively ensure that when the handle 21 is swung outward, the handle 21 can sequentially drive the first transmission component 25 and the second transmission component 26 to move, so that the bottom of the second transmission component 26 drives the sealing component 24 to move, so that the sealing component 24 can open the first discharge port, allowing ice cream or shaved ice to be squeezed from the freezing cylinder 42 into the first discharge port, thus completing the discharge of ice cream or shaved ice.

[0050] Swing the handle 21 inward, and the handle 21 will sequentially drive the first transmission component 25, the second transmission component 26 and the sealing component 24 to move, so that the sealing component 24 seals the first outlet, thereby stopping the dispensing of ice cream or smoothie.

[0051] The cascaded design of the first transmission component 25 and the second transmission component 26 forms a stable transmission chain. This design not only enhances the stability of the transmission, but also makes the movement of the seal 24 more smooth and precise during the opening and closing process.

[0052] The transmission assembly 23 also includes a reset torsion spring 27, which includes a winding part and a transmission part from top to bottom. The winding part is wound around the first hinge point of the grip 21, and the transmission part is fixedly connected to the front side of the second transmission member 26.

[0053] When the handle 21 is swung outward, its rear end tilts upward, causing the first transmission component 25 to move upward, which in turn drives the rear side of the second transmission component 26 to move upward. Simultaneously, the return torsion spring 27 deforms under the action of the handle 21, causing the transmission part to drive the front side of the second transmission component 26 to move upward. At this time, both the front and rear sides of the second transmission component 26 are subjected to an upward force, causing the second transmission component 26 to drive the sealing component 24 upward together, ensuring that the sealing component 24 opens the second discharge port.

[0054] When the operator releases the handle 21 and the handle 21 returns to its original position, the reset torsion spring 27 resets, and the first transmission component 25 moves downward under the action of the handle 21, causing the second transmission component 26 to move downward under the action of the reset torsion spring 27 and the first transmission component 25, thereby driving the seal 24 to move downward and close the second discharge port.

[0055] The refrigeration and stirring assembly 4 also includes a cooling pipe, which is arranged around the outside of the freezing cylinder 42. When the propeller 41 inside the freezing cylinder 42 stirs the ice cream or smoothie ingredients, the cooling pipe works simultaneously, rapidly carrying away heat from the outer wall of the freezing cylinder 42 through heat conduction, thereby accelerating the cooling and solidification process of the ice cream or smoothie ingredients. This combined internal and external refrigeration method significantly improves the overall refrigeration efficiency and shortens the production cycle of ice cream or smoothies.

[0056] Furthermore, the cooling pipes are arranged around the outside of the freezing cylinder 42, ensuring that all parts of the freezing cylinder 42 receive a uniform cooling effect. This design avoids differences in the texture of ice cream or smoothies caused by uneven temperature distribution inside the freezing cylinder 42, ensuring the consistency of the quality and taste of the finished ice cream or smoothie.

[0057] The technical principles of this utility model have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of this utility model without any inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A beverage cooler with infrared sensing, characterized in that, The device includes a discharge device, a sensing device, a refrigeration and stirring assembly, and a drive unit, all installed on the machine body. The discharge device has a handle, and the sensing device is positioned opposite the handle. The sensing device is electrically connected to the drive unit. The sensing device is used to identify the usage status of the handle in order to adjust the operating status of the drive unit. The drive unit is used to adjust the stirring speed of the refrigeration and stirring assembly.

2. A cold drink machine with infrared sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing component includes an infrared generator and an infrared receiver. The infrared receiver is electrically connected to the driving component. The infrared generator is used to emit red light onto the grip, and the infrared receiver is used to receive the red light reflected by the grip.

3. A cold drink machine with infrared sensing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The infrared generator and the infrared receiver are located on opposite sides of the grip, forming a triangular structure with the grip.

4. A cold drink machine with infrared sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration stirring assembly includes a propeller and a freezing cylinder. The propeller is rotatably installed inside the freezing cylinder, and the length direction of the propeller is consistent with the length direction of the freezing cylinder. The output end of the drive unit is fixedly connected to the propeller.

5. A cold drink machine with infrared sensing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The discharge device further includes a discharge plate for sealing the freezing cylinder. The discharge plate has a first discharge port that is connected to the interior of the freezing cylinder. The bottom of the handle has a transmission component and a sealing element. The transmission component connects the handle and the sealing element, and the sealing element is used to open or close the first discharge port.

6. A cold drink machine with infrared sensing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes a first transmission component and a second transmission component. The first hinge point of the handle is rotatably mounted on the top of the discharge plate at the first discharge port. The second hinge point of the handle is rotatably connected to the top of the first transmission component. The bottom of the first transmission component is connected to the top of the rear side of the second transmission component. The bottom of the second transmission component is fixedly connected to the sealing component. In the initial state, the line connecting the first hinge point and the second hinge point is horizontal.

7. A cold drink machine with infrared sensing according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission assembly also includes a return torsion spring, which comprises a winding portion and a transmission portion from top to bottom. The winding portion is wound around the first hinge point of the grip, and the transmission portion is fixedly connected to the front side of the second transmission member.

8. A cold drink machine with infrared sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration stirring assembly also includes a cooling pipe, which is arranged around the outside of the freezing cylinder.

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