Cold beverage machine discharge device having locking trigger structure, and cold beverage machine

Abstract

A cold beverage machine discharge device having a locking trigger structure, and a cold beverage machine. The cold beverage machine discharge device comprises a housing and a discharge tray. The housing is provided with a first discharge port. The discharge tray is provided with a second discharge port. The discharge tray is mounted onto the housing by means of a snap structure. The housing is provided with a micro switch at the top of the first discharge port. The snap structure is used for detachably locking the discharge tray and the housing. The first discharge port is communicated with the second discharge port. The second discharge port is used for discharging ice cream or smoothie. The cold beverage machine comprises the discharge device having a locking trigger structure.

Description

A beverage dispenser with a locking trigger structure and a beverage dispenser. Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cold drink machine technology, specifically a cold drink machine dispensing device and a cold drink machine with a locking trigger structure. Background Technology

[0002] Cold drink machines, generally including ice cream machines or smoothie machines, are used to make ice cream or smoothies. Traditional cold drink machines, in their design, often focus on dispensing efficiency and taste control, neglecting comprehensive safety considerations. This results in many models lacking effective technical means to detect the locking status of the dispensing tray. When changing the dispensing tray, staff often have to rely on subjective judgment or experience to confirm its locking status. This method is not only inefficient but also sometimes prone to error.

[0003] Due to the lack or inadequacy of the dispensing tray locking status detection, if staff initiate the dispensing operation without confirming the locking status, there is a high risk of accidental leakage of ice cream or smoothies. Leaking ice cream or smoothies not only waste raw materials but may also contaminate the internal structure of the beverage machine, affecting the quality of subsequent products.

[0004] Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, this invention proposes a beverage dispenser dispensing device and a beverage dispenser with a locking trigger structure. After the dispensing tray is installed, a microswitch can detect in real time whether the dispensing tray is correctly and securely locked to the machine casing. When the microswitch detects that the dispensing tray is in the locked state, it connects the circuit, allowing the beverage dispenser to perform the dispensing operation normally. This avoids accidental leakage or equipment damage caused by improper locking, greatly improving operational safety and solving the problems of low efficiency and high error rate associated with traditional methods where operators rely on experience to judge the locking status of the dispensing tray.

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

[0007] A beverage dispenser with a locking trigger structure includes a housing and a dispensing tray. The housing has a first dispensing port, and the dispensing tray has a second dispensing port. The dispensing tray is installed on the housing via a snap-fit ​​structure. A micro switch is provided on the top of the first dispensing port of the housing. The snap-fit ​​structure is used to detachably lock the dispensing tray to the housing. The dispensing tray is used to seal the first dispensing port. The micro switch is used to identify whether the dispensing tray is locked and to switch the circuit on and off.

[0008] The first discharge port is connected to the second discharge port, and the second discharge port is used for discharging ice cream or smoothie.

[0009] The housing has an annular groove at the first discharge port, the annular groove is arranged around the first discharge port, and the discharge plate has a ring on the side near the housing, the ring extending movably into the annular groove;

[0010] The snap-fit ​​structure includes a first snap-fit ​​block and a second snap-fit ​​block. A plurality of first snap-fit ​​blocks are arranged around the side wall of the annular groove, and a plurality of second snap-fit ​​blocks are arranged around the side wall of the ring. The first snap-fit ​​blocks and the second snap-fit ​​blocks correspond one-to-one and snap-fit ​​each other.

[0011] The micro switch includes a spring, a first positioning block, a second positioning block, and a sensor. The first positioning block is installed on the side wall of the annular groove, and the second positioning block is installed on the annulus. The first positioning block and the second positioning block correspond one-to-one and are engaged with each other. The annular groove has a positioning hole in the first positioning element. The sensor is installed on the top of the positioning hole in the housing. The mounting end of the spring is installed on the sensor, and the movable end of the spring extends into the positioning hole. The second positioning block moves through the positioning hole and abuts against the spring upward.

[0012] The spring includes an inclined portion and an abutting portion. The inclined portion is inclinedly connected to the sensor and the abutting portion, and the abutting portion is movably inserted through the positioning hole.

[0013] The first positioning block includes a guide part and a positioning part. The guide part and the positioning part are arranged around the positioning hole. One end of the positioning part is connected to the inner wall of the annular groove, and the other end of the positioning part is perpendicularly connected to the guide part. The length direction of the positioning part is consistent with the axial direction of the first discharge port.

[0014] The first snap-fit ​​block includes a first vertical portion and a first horizontal portion that are perpendicular to each other. The end of the first vertical portion away from the first horizontal portion is connected to the inner wall of the annular groove, and the first horizontal portion is flush with the outer surface of the housing.

[0015] The second snap-fit ​​block includes a second vertical part and a second horizontal part that are perpendicular to each other. The end of the second vertical part away from the second horizontal part is connected to the inner wall of the discharge plate, and the first horizontal part is flush with the end of the ring.

[0016] The length directions of both the first vertical section and the second vertical section are consistent with the axial direction of the first discharge port.

[0017] The second horizontal portion has a second inclined sub-portion and a recessed sub-portion on its side near the first horizontal portion, and the two ends of the recessed sub-portion are respectively connected to the two second inclined sub-portions;

[0018] The first horizontal portion has a first inclined sub-portion and a protruding sub-portion on its side near the second horizontal portion, and the two ends of the protruding sub-portion are respectively connected to the two first inclined sub-portions;

[0019] The recessed sub-part engages with the protruding sub-part, and the first inclined sub-part abuts against the second inclined sub-part.

[0020] The second horizontal portion of the second latching block is positioned close to the second vertical portion of the adjacent second latching block;

[0021] The first horizontal portion of the first snap-fit ​​block is positioned close to the first vertical portion of the adjacent first snap-fit ​​block.

[0022] On the other hand, a cold drink machine is equipped with a cold drink machine dispensing device having a locking trigger structure as described in any one of the claims.

[0023] The technical solution of this utility model can include the following beneficial effects:

[0024] 1. After the dispensing tray is installed, the micro switch can detect in real time whether the dispensing tray is correctly and securely locked onto the machine housing. When the micro switch detects that the dispensing tray is in the locked state, it connects the circuit, allowing the beverage machine to perform the dispensing operation normally. This avoids accidental leakage or equipment damage caused by improper locking, greatly improving operational safety and solving the problem of low efficiency and high error rate caused by traditional operators relying on experience to judge the locking status of the dispensing tray.

[0025] 2. The circular ring extends into the annular groove, providing a precise guiding and positioning mechanism for the engagement process between the discharge tray and the housing, ensuring that the discharge tray can be accurately aligned with the first discharge port during installation. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a discharge device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a discharge device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the casing of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the discharge device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 4;

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the casing of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of point B in Figure 7;

[0033] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a spring sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Among them, 1. housing; 11. first discharge port; 12. annular groove; 2. discharge plate; 21. second discharge port; 22. ring; 31. spring piece; 32. first positioning block; 321. guide part; 322. positioning part; 33. second positioning block; 34. sensor; 35. inclined part; 36. abutment part; 37. positioning hole; 41. first locking block; 42. second locking block; 43. first vertical part; 44. first horizontal part; 45. second vertical part; 46. second horizontal part; 47. second inclined sub-part; 48. recessed sub-part; 49. first inclined sub-part; 50. protruding sub-part. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The following description, in conjunction with Figures 1 to 8, describes a beverage dispenser with a locking trigger structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] A beverage dispenser with a locking trigger structure includes a housing 1 and a dispensing tray 2. The housing 1 has a first dispensing port 11, and the dispensing tray 2 has a second dispensing port 21. The dispensing tray 2 is installed on the housing 1 via a snap-fit ​​structure. The housing 1 has a micro switch at the top of the first dispensing port 11. The snap-fit ​​structure is used to detachably lock the dispensing tray 2 to the housing 1. The dispensing tray 2 is used to seal the first dispensing port 11. The micro switch is used to identify whether the dispensing tray 2 is locked and to switch the circuit on and off.

[0042] The first discharge port 11 is connected to the second discharge port 21, and the second discharge port 21 is used for discharging ice cream or smoothie.

[0043] This solution provides a beverage dispenser dispensing device with a locking trigger structure, which is detachably mounted on the housing 1 via a snap-fit ​​mechanism, allowing the dispensing tray 2 to open or seal the first dispensing port 11. When the dispensing tray 2 seals the first dispensing port 11, it prevents the quality of ice cream or smoothies from deteriorating due to external environmental factors (such as temperature fluctuations or dust intrusion) during production or storage. The snap-fit ​​mechanism allows for easy disassembly or installation of the dispensing tray 2, simplifying the cleaning and maintenance process of the beverage dispenser dispensing device.

[0044] After the dispensing tray 2 is installed, the micro switch can detect in real time whether the dispensing tray 2 is correctly and securely locked onto the housing 1. When the micro switch detects that the dispensing tray 2 is in the locked state, it connects the circuit, allowing the beverage machine to perform the dispensing operation normally. This avoids accidental leakage or equipment damage caused by improper locking, greatly improving operational safety and solving the problem of low efficiency and high error rate caused by traditional operators relying on experience to judge the locking status of the dispensing tray 2.

[0045] The housing 1 has an annular groove 12 at the first discharge port 11, the annular groove 12 is arranged around the first discharge port 11, and the discharge plate 2 has a ring 22 on the side near the housing 1, the ring 22 is movably extended into the annular groove 12.

[0046] The snap-fit ​​structure includes a first snap-fit ​​block 41 and a second snap-fit ​​block 42. A plurality of first snap-fit ​​blocks 41 are arranged around the side wall of the annular groove 12, and a plurality of second snap-fit ​​blocks 42 are arranged around the side wall of the circular ring 22. The first snap-fit ​​blocks 41 and the second snap-fit ​​blocks 42 correspond one-to-one and snap-fit ​​each other.

[0047] It is worth noting that the circular ring 22 extends movably into the annular groove 12, providing a precise guiding and positioning mechanism for the engagement process between the discharge disc 2 and the housing 1, ensuring that the discharge disc 2 is accurately aligned with the first discharge port 11 during installation. Simultaneously, the one-to-one correspondence and mutual engagement between the first engaging block 41 and the second engaging block 42 create a strong locking force, effectively preventing the discharge disc 2 from loosening or falling off during use, thereby greatly enhancing the stability and reliability of the connection.

[0048] The micro switch includes a spring 31, a first positioning block 32, a second positioning block 33, and a sensor 34. The first positioning block 32 is installed on the side wall of the annular groove 12, and the second positioning block 33 is installed on the annular ring 22. The first positioning block 32 and the second positioning block 33 correspond one-to-one and are engaged with each other. The annular groove 12 has a positioning hole 37 in the first positioning member. The sensor 34 is installed on the top of the positioning hole 37 in the housing 1. The mounting end of the spring 31 is installed on the sensor 34, and the movable end of the spring 31 extends into the positioning hole 37. The second positioning block 33 moves through the positioning hole 37 and abuts against the spring 31 upward.

[0049] When the first latching block 41 and the second latching block 42 latch together, the first positioning block 32 and the second positioning block 33 also latch together, and the top of the second positioning block 33 abuts against the spring piece 31, causing the spring piece 31 to be subjected to external force. This causes a slight deformation of the spring piece 31, which in turn connects the circuit. Rotating the discharge disc 2 in the opposite direction causes the first positioning block 32 and the second positioning block 33 to separate. At this time, the spring piece 31 is no longer subjected to force from the second positioning block 33, and the sensor recognizes the signal and disconnects the circuit.

[0050] It is worth noting that the spring contact 31 structure has good elasticity and resilience, maintaining stable performance even after repeated use, ensuring that the sensor 34 can disconnect or connect the circuit in a timely manner. At the same time, the presence of the spring contact 31 also plays a certain role in buffering, reducing damage to the equipment caused by improper operation or external impact.

[0051] The spring piece 31 includes an inclined portion 35 and an abutting portion 36. The inclined portion 35 is inclinedly connected to the sensor 34 and the abutting portion 36. The abutting portion 36 is movably inserted through the positioning hole 37.

[0052] When the contact part 36 is subjected to external force, the inclined part 35 can produce a certain elastic deformation, allowing the sensor 34 to more accurately detect the minute deformation of the contact part 36, thereby determining the locking state of the discharge tray 2. When the discharge tray 2 is correctly locked, the second positioning block 33 will push the contact part 36 upward, causing the contact part 36 and the inclined part 35 to deform. The sensor 34 can accurately capture this state change, avoiding the errors that may be caused by traditional subjective judgment methods.

[0053] Automated detection is achieved through the cooperation of the spring 31, the second positioning block 33 and the sensor 34. Staff no longer need to perform tedious manual inspections or rely on experience to make judgments, thus reducing the error rate caused by human factors.

[0054] The first positioning block 32 includes a guide part 321 and a positioning part 322. The guide part 321 and the positioning part 322 are arranged around the positioning hole 37. One end of the positioning part 322 is connected to the inner wall of the annular groove 12, and the other end of the positioning part 322 is perpendicularly connected to the guide part 321. The length direction of the positioning part 322 is consistent with the axial direction of the first discharge port 11.

[0055] The rotating discharge plate 2 causes the second positioning block 33 to rotate, so that the second positioning block 33, guided by the guide part 321, abuts against the positioning part 322, so that the second positioning block 33 is located in the positioning hole 37 and presses upward against the abutment part 36. Moreover, the guide part 321 has a good guiding effect, reducing the impact and wear caused by direct hard contact, and effectively extending the service life of the first positioning block 32.

[0056] The first snap-fit ​​block 41 includes a first vertical part 43 and a first horizontal part 44 that are perpendicular to each other. The end of the first vertical part 43 that is away from the first horizontal part 44 is connected to the inner wall of the annular groove 12. The first horizontal part 44 is flush with the outer surface of the housing.

[0057] The second snap-fit ​​block 42 includes a second vertical part 45 and a second horizontal part 46 that are perpendicular to each other. The end of the second vertical part 45 that is away from the second horizontal part 46 is connected to the inner wall of the discharge plate 2. The first horizontal part 44 is flush with the end of the ring 22.

[0058] The length directions of the first vertical part 43 and the second vertical part 45 are both consistent with the axial direction of the first discharge port 11.

[0059] Since both the first locking block 41 and the second locking block 42 are L-shaped, the strength and hardness of the ring 22 and the annular groove 12 can be increased. The first vertical part 43 is firmly connected to the inner wall of the annular groove 12, and the second vertical part 45 is firmly installed on the inner wall of the discharge plate 2, which ensures that the first locking block 41 and the second locking block 42 are not easy to loosen or fall off under force. The first horizontal part 44 is flush with the outer surface of the housing, and the second horizontal part 46 is flush with the end of the ring 22, which further enhances the strength and stability of the connection, making the connection between the housing 1 and the discharge plate 2 more stable and reliable, and able to withstand greater external forces and impacts.

[0060] The L-shaped structure design allows the first locking block 41 and the second locking block 42 to achieve initial fixation not only through the relative positioning of the first vertical portion 43 and the second vertical portion 45, but also through the mutual abutment of the first horizontal portion 44 and the second horizontal portion 46 to form a more stable support surface. This dual effect significantly enhances the overall stability and load-bearing capacity of the connection, reducing the risk of loosening or deformation caused by external forces.

[0061] In addition, rotating the discharge plate 2 in the opposite direction causes the first locking block 41 and the second locking block 42 to move away from each other, thereby enabling the staff to quickly disassemble the discharge plate 2 when maintenance or replacement is needed, shortening maintenance time and improving the overall availability and operating efficiency of the equipment.

[0062] The second horizontal portion 46 of the second latching block 42 is disposed close to the second vertical portion 45 of the adjacent second latching block 42;

[0063] The first horizontal portion 44 of the first latching block 41 is disposed close to the first vertical portion 43 of the adjacent first latching block 41.

[0064] The first locking block 41 and the second locking block 42 are arranged clockwise, which greatly simplifies the assembly process of the discharge tray 2. Rotating the discharge tray 2 counterclockwise separates the first locking block 41 and the second locking block 42, allowing for quick disassembly of the discharge tray 2. Rotating the discharge tray 2 clockwise allows the first locking part to naturally and smoothly engage with the second locking part without additional adjustments or alignment steps, thus significantly improving work efficiency and reducing operation time.

[0065] Example 2:

[0066] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that: the second horizontal portion 46 is provided with a second inclined sub-portion 47 and a recessed sub-portion 48 on the side near the first horizontal portion 44, and the two ends of the recessed sub-portion 48 are respectively connected to the two second inclined sub-portions 47.

[0067] The first horizontal portion 44 is provided with a first inclined sub-portion 49 and a protruding sub-portion 50 on the side near the second horizontal portion 46, and the two ends of the protruding sub-portion 50 are respectively connected to the two first inclined sub-portions 49.

[0068] The recessed sub-part 48 engages with the protruding sub-part 50, and the first inclined sub-part 49 abuts against the second inclined sub-part 47.

[0069] It is worth noting that the precise snap-fit ​​design of the recessed sub-part 48 and the raised sub-part 50 enables the first snap-fit ​​block 41 and the second snap-fit ​​block 42 to form a tighter lock, effectively preventing relative displacement caused by vibration or external force, thereby enhancing the stability and reliability of the overall structure.

[0070] The mutual contact between the first inclined sub-part 49 and the second inclined sub-part 47 not only increases the contact area, but also guides and disperses the stress generated during the snap-fit ​​process through the design of the inclined angle, effectively reducing the phenomenon of local stress concentration and extending the service life of the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0071] When the protruding part 50 is fully embedded in the recessed part 48, the presence of the inclined part creates a wedge-like locking effect. This self-locking mechanism allows the snap-fit ​​structure to generate greater resistance when subjected to reverse tension, further enhancing the stability of the connection.

[0072] Preferably, a cold drink machine is equipped with a cold drink machine dispensing device having a locking trigger structure as described in any one of the claims.

[0073] 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 dispenser dispensing device with a locking trigger structure, characterized in that, The device includes a housing and a discharge tray; the housing has a first discharge port, and the discharge tray has a second discharge port. The discharge tray is installed on the housing via a snap-fit ​​structure. The housing has a micro switch at the top of the first discharge port. The snap-fit ​​structure is used to detachably lock the discharge tray to the housing. The discharge tray is used to seal the first discharge port. The micro switch is used to identify whether the discharge tray is locked and to switch the circuit on and off. The first discharge port is connected to the second discharge port, and the second discharge port is used for discharging ice cream or smoothie.

2. The beverage dispensing device with a locking trigger structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has an annular groove at the first discharge port, the annular groove is arranged around the first discharge port, and the discharge plate has a ring on the side near the housing, the ring extending movably into the annular groove; The snap-fit ​​structure includes a first snap-fit ​​block and a second snap-fit ​​block. A plurality of first snap-fit ​​blocks are arranged around the side wall of the annular groove, and a plurality of second snap-fit ​​blocks are arranged around the side wall of the ring. The first snap-fit ​​blocks and the second snap-fit ​​blocks correspond one-to-one and snap-fit ​​each other.

3. The beverage dispensing device with a locking trigger structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The micro switch includes a spring, a first positioning block, a second positioning block, and a sensor. The first positioning block is installed on the side wall of the annular groove, and the second positioning block is installed on the annulus. The first positioning block and the second positioning block correspond one-to-one and are engaged with each other. The annular groove has a positioning hole in the first positioning element. The sensor is installed on the top of the positioning hole in the housing. The mounting end of the spring is installed on the sensor, and the movable end of the spring extends into the positioning hole. The second positioning block moves through the positioning hole and abuts against the spring upward.

4. A beverage dispenser dispensing device with a locking trigger structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spring includes an inclined portion and an abutting portion. The inclined portion is inclinedly connected to the sensor and the abutting portion, and the abutting portion is movably inserted through the positioning hole.

5. A beverage dispenser dispensing device with a locking trigger structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first positioning block includes a guide part and a positioning part. The guide part and the positioning part are arranged around the positioning hole. One end of the positioning part is connected to the inner wall of the annular groove, and the other end of the positioning part is perpendicularly connected to the guide part. The length direction of the positioning part is consistent with the axial direction of the first discharge port.

6. A beverage dispenser dispensing device with a locking trigger structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first snap-fit ​​block includes a first vertical portion and a first horizontal portion that are perpendicular to each other. The end of the first vertical portion away from the first horizontal portion is connected to the inner wall of the annular groove, and the first horizontal portion is flush with the outer surface of the housing. The second snap-fit ​​block includes a second vertical part and a second horizontal part that are perpendicular to each other. The end of the second vertical part away from the second horizontal part is connected to the inner wall of the discharge plate, and the first horizontal part is flush with the end of the ring. The length directions of both the first vertical section and the second vertical section are consistent with the axial direction of the first discharge port.

7. A beverage dispenser dispensing device with a locking trigger structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second horizontal portion has a second inclined sub-portion and a recessed sub-portion on its side near the first horizontal portion, and the two ends of the recessed sub-portion are respectively connected to the two second inclined sub-portions; The first horizontal portion has a first inclined sub-portion and a protruding sub-portion on its side near the second horizontal portion, and the two ends of the protruding sub-portion are respectively connected to the two first inclined sub-portions; The recessed sub-part engages with the protruding sub-part, and the first inclined sub-part abuts against the second inclined sub-part.

8. A beverage dispenser with a locking trigger structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second horizontal portion of the second latching block is positioned close to the second vertical portion of the adjacent second latching block; The first horizontal portion of the first snap-fit ​​block is positioned close to the first vertical portion of the adjacent first snap-fit ​​block.

9. A cold drink machine, characterized in that: The beverage dispenser is equipped with a cold drink machine dispensing device having a locking trigger structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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