Cup dispensing device and beverage machine

Abstract

A cup dispensing device (100), comprising: cup holder assemblies (1), cup separating mechanisms (2), a cup receiving mechanism (3), and a reflective sensor (4). The cup holder assemblies (1) are disposed above the cup separating mechanisms (2). A plurality of cup holder assemblies (1) are provided, each cup holder assembly (1) comprises multiple inner holders (10), the multiple inner holders (10) are rotated by means of a motor and a gear, and the multiple inner holders (10) support cups. Each cup separating mechanism (2) comprises multiple wheels (20), the multiple wheels (20) separate cups and support falling cups. The cup receiving mechanism (3) comprises a cup receiving frame (30) and a swing arm structure (31), the cup receiving frame (30) is adapted to the inner holders (10) of the cup holder assemblies (1), and the cup receiving frame (30) receives a cup from an inner holder (10). The reflective sensor (4) is separately connected to the cup separating mechanisms (2) and the cup receiving mechanism (3). Thus, multiple different types of cups can be detected, thereby achieving cup dispensing of multiple types of cups, and improving the cup dispensing efficiency; a same type of cups can also be placed in the two groups of cup holders, thereby meeting large-capacity requirements, and reducing maintenance.

Description

A cup dispensing device and beverage machine

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024226285798, filed on October 29, 2024, entitled "A Cup Dispensing Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of beverage dispensing technology, and more specifically, to a dispensing device and a beverage machine. Background Technology

[0004] Beverage machines typically have a built-in cup dispensing device, configured to receive beverages and dispense them into individual cups. For example, if the beverage machine is a coffee machine, it can dispense coffee using the cup dispensing device and dispense cups into individual cups.

[0005] However, the cup-separating methods in related technologies automatically separate a fixed type of cup, and the cup-separating device cannot detect the cups. It can only use non-transparent cups or separate different types of cups through a robotic arm, resulting in high costs and low efficiency, and failing to meet diverse usage needs. Utility Model Content

[0006] This application provides a cup dispensing device and a beverage machine that can detect various types of cups, dispensing them into different types and improving dispensing efficiency. The two sets of cup containers can also hold the same type of cup, meeting large capacity requirements and reducing maintenance.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a cup-dispensing device, including: a cup container assembly, a cup-dispensing mechanism, a cup-receiving mechanism, and a reflection sensor;

[0008] The cup container assembly covers the top of the cup dispensing mechanism;

[0009] The cup-and-bucket assembly comprises multiple cup-and-bucket components, each cup-and-bucket assembly including multiple inner buckets, the multiple inner buckets rotating via a motor and gears, and the multiple inner buckets supporting the cup;

[0010] The cup-separating mechanism has multiple wheels, which separate the cups and support any falling cups.

[0011] The cup receiving mechanism includes a cup receiving rack and a swing arm structure. The cup receiving rack is adapted to the inner barrel of the cup barrel assembly, and the cup receiving rack supports the cups in the inner barrel.

[0012] The reflection sensor is connected to both the cup-splitting mechanism and the cup-receiving mechanism.

[0013] In the above implementation process, the cup-separating device, composed of a cup container assembly, a cup-separating mechanism, a cup-receiving mechanism, and a reflective sensor, can detect various types of cups and separate them into different types. This eliminates the need for a robotic arm, reduces costs, and improves cup-separating efficiency.

[0014] Optionally, the cup-splitting device further includes a control circuit board, and the cup-splitting mechanism, the cup-receiving mechanism, and the reflection sensor are respectively connected to the control circuit board.

[0015] In the above implementation process, the control circuit board can control the overall cup-dispensing device, so that the various components of the cup-dispensing device can coordinate with each other.

[0016] Optionally, the cup-dispensing device further includes a buffer guide rail, with the control circuit board, the cup-receiving mechanism, and the reflection sensor respectively mounted below the buffer guide rail.

[0017] In the above implementation process, the buffer guide rail can be self-locking, so that the components of the cup-dividing device remain stable during movement, which is beneficial to maintaining the stability of the cup-dividing process.

[0018] Optionally, the swing arm structure is mounted below the buffer guide rail by means of a long axis fixation.

[0019] In the above implementation process, fixing the long axis can reduce the tilt angle of the swing arm structure and keep the swing arm structure stable.

[0020] Optionally, the swing arm structure includes a geared motor, a reduction gear, and a slotted switch, wherein the slotted switch controls the position of the swing arm.

[0021] In the above process, the geared motor and reduction gear can keep the swing arm rotating and oscillating at a stable low speed.

[0022] Optionally, the swing arm structure further includes a swing arm and a limiting post. The swing arm is connected to the reduction gear, the reduction motor is driven by the reduction gear, and the slotted switch and the limiting post are configured to control the position of the swing arm.

[0023] Optionally, the cup-dividing mechanism is fixedly installed above the buffer guide rail.

[0024] In the above implementation process, the cup-dispensing mechanism is fixedly installed above the buffer guide rail, which facilitates adjustment for different types of cups.

[0025] Optionally, the cup-dispensing device further includes a housing, which includes a shell and an outer panel, and the inner wall of the shell includes a reinforcing beam adapted to the buffer guide rail.

[0026] In the above implementation process, the reinforcing beam on the inner wall of the shell facilitates the pulling out of the cup container assembly to add the cup and perform maintenance.

[0027] Optionally, the buffer rail is fixedly installed on the inner side of the outer panel.

[0028] In the above implementation process, installing the buffer rail on the inside of the outer panel is more aesthetically pleasing.

[0029] Optionally, the buffer rail has buffer damping and self-locking functions.

[0030] In the above implementation process, impacts are avoided when pushing or pulling the outer panel, and it can automatically close and lock itself when it is close to closing.

[0031] Optionally, the cup holder is a spring-loaded cup holder.

[0032] In the above process, the spring-loaded cup holder makes it easy to fix and pick up the cup.

[0033] Optionally, the cup holder has a notch.

[0034] Optionally, the swing arm structure is a linear guide rail structure.

[0035] Optionally, the number of cup-and-bucket assemblies is two.

[0036] Optionally, the number of inner tubs is five.

[0037] Optionally, the number of wheels is six.

[0038] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a beverage machine, including the cup dispensing device described in any of the foregoing embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structural composition of the cup-dividing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the cup and barrel assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the cup-dividing mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the swing arm structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the cup holder provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Icons: 100-Cup dispensing device; 1-Cup and barrel assembly; 10-Inner barrel; 2-Cup dispensing mechanism; 20-Wheel; 3-Cup receiving mechanism; 30-Cup receiving rack; 301-Notch; 31-Swing arm structure; 311-Swing arm; 312-Gear motor; 313-Gear reduction gear; 4-Reflection sensor; 5-Control circuit board; 6-Buffer guide rail; 7-Outer shell; 70-Shell; 71-Outer panel. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, in the description of this application, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0048] Currently, the relevant technology for separating cups automatically separates a fixed type of cup. It cannot detect cups and can only use non-transparent cups, or separate different types of cups through a robotic arm. This results in high costs and low efficiency, and cannot meet various usage needs, causing inconvenience for cup separation.

[0049] To address the problems in the prior art described above, this application provides a cup dispensing device and a beverage machine.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] This application provides a beverage machine, which includes a cup dispensing device 100. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the beverage machine also includes other structures such as a material storage device, a dispensing device, and a refrigeration device to achieve various functions; these will not be elaborated upon in this embodiment.

[0053] An embodiment of this application provides a cup-splitting device 100, as shown in FIG1. ​​The cup-splitting device 100 includes a cup container assembly 1, a cup-splitting mechanism 2, a cup-receiving mechanism 3, and a reflection sensor 4.

[0054] The cup container assembly 1 covers the cup dispensing mechanism 2;

[0055] There are multiple cup bucket assemblies 1, and each cup bucket assembly 1 includes multiple inner buckets 10. The multiple inner buckets 10 rotate via a motor and gears, and the multiple inner buckets 10 support the cup.

[0056] The cup-separating mechanism 2 has multiple wheels 20, which separate the cups and support any falling cups.

[0057] The cup receiving mechanism 3 includes a cup receiving rack 30 and a swing arm structure 31. The cup receiving rack 30 is adapted to the inner barrel 10 of the cup barrel assembly 1, and the cup receiving rack 30 supports the cups in the inner barrel 10.

[0058] The reflection sensor 4 is connected to the cup-splitting mechanism 2 and the cup-receiving mechanism 3 respectively.

[0059] In the above implementation process, the cup-splitting device 100 is composed of the cup container assembly 1, the cup-splitting mechanism 2, the cup-receiving mechanism 3, and the reflection sensor 4. It can detect many different types of cups and realize the separation of multiple types of cups. There is no need to use a robotic arm, which can reduce costs and improve the efficiency of cup separation.

[0060] Figure 2 shows the cup container assembly 1. This embodiment of the application has two cup container assemblies 1. The two cup container assemblies 1 can hold different types of cups or the same type of cups. Each cup container assembly 1 has 5 inner containers 10. After the cups in a single inner container 10 are used up, they automatically rotate to the next inner container 10.

[0061] Of course, in other embodiments, the number of cup-and-bucket assemblies 1 can also be three, four, or five, etc., and the number of inner buckets 10 in each cup-and-bucket assembly 1 can also be two, three, or four, etc.

[0062] Figure 3 shows the cup-separating mechanism 2. The cup-separating mechanism 2 can realize the rotation of the inner barrel 10, and at the same time, the six wheels 20 rotate to realize the separation and dropping of cups. The cup barrel assembly 1 and the cup position are sensed by the slotted switch, micro switch and sensor.

[0063] Of course, in other embodiments, the number of wheels 20 can also be two, three, or four, etc.

[0064] Optionally, the cup-dispensing device also includes a control circuit board 5, and the cup-dispensing mechanism 2, the cup-receiving mechanism 3, and the reflection sensor 4 are respectively connected to the control circuit board 5.

[0065] In the above implementation process, the control circuit board 5 can control the overall cup dispensing device 100, so that the various components of the cup dispensing device 100 can coordinate with each other.

[0066] The control circuit board 5 is configured to control the cup dispensing mechanism 2 and the swing arm structure 31. Optionally, it can be connected to a coffee machine for overall control.

[0067] Optionally, the cup dispensing device 100 also includes a buffer rail 6, with the control circuit board 5, the cup receiving mechanism 3, and the reflection sensor 4 respectively mounted below the buffer rail 6.

[0068] In the above implementation process, the buffer guide rail 6 can be self-locking, so that the components of the cup-dividing device 100 remain stable during movement, which is beneficial to maintaining the stability of the cup-dividing process.

[0069] Reflection sensor 4 is configured to detect whether the cup has been received.

[0070] Optionally, the swing arm structure 31 is mounted below the buffer guide rail 6 by means of a long shaft fixation.

[0071] In the above implementation process, fixing the long axis can reduce the tilt angle of the swing arm structure 31, so that the swing arm structure 31 remains stable.

[0072] Optionally, the swing arm structure 31 includes a reduction motor 312, a reduction gear 313, and a slotted switch, with the slotted switch and limit post controlling the position of the swing arm.

[0073] Optionally, the swing arm structure also includes a swing arm 311 and a limit post. The swing arm 311 is connected to the reduction gear 313, the reduction motor 312 is connected to the reduction gear 313 for transmission, and the slotted switch and the limit post control the position of the swing arm 311.

[0074] In the above implementation process, the geared motor 312 and the reduction gear 313 can keep the swing arm 311 rotating and swinging at a stable low speed.

[0075] Figure 4 shows the swing arm structure 31. In this embodiment of the application, the swing arm structure 31 uses a reduction motor 312 and a reduction gear 313 to keep the swing arm 311 rotating and swinging at a stable low speed. The position of the swing arm 311 is controlled by a slotted switch and a limit post to make it reach the correct cup receiving position.

[0076] Optionally, the swing arm structure 31 in this embodiment can be a linear guide rail structure.

[0077] By setting it to a linear guide rail structure, a reciprocating cup-receiving operation can be achieved.

[0078] Optionally, the cup-separating mechanism 2 is fixedly installed above the buffer guide rail 6.

[0079] In the above implementation process, the cup separating mechanism 2 is fixedly installed above the buffer guide rail 6, which can support different types of cups, support fallen cups, and separate cups.

[0080] Optionally, the cup-dispensing device 100 also includes a housing 7, which includes a housing 70 and an outer panel 71. The inner wall of the housing 70 includes a reinforcing beam adapted to the buffer guide rail 6.

[0081] In the above implementation process, the reinforcing beam (not shown in the figure) on the inner wall of the housing 70 facilitates the pulling out of the cup container assembly 1 to add a cup and perform maintenance.

[0082] Optionally, the buffer rail 6 is fixedly installed on the inside of the outer panel 71.

[0083] In the above implementation process, it is more aesthetically pleasing to install the buffer rail 6 on the inside of the outer panel 71.

[0084] Optionally, the buffer rail 6 has buffer damping and self-locking functions.

[0085] In the above implementation process, impacts are avoided when pushing or pulling the outer panel 71, and it will automatically close when it is close.

[0086] In this embodiment, the buffer rail 6 is specifically a damping buffer rail, which makes it convenient to pull out the cup container assembly 1 for adding cups and maintenance. When the outer shell 7 is close to closing, the damping rail closes the outer shell 7 automatically. At the same time, the damping slowly closes the outer shell 7, so there will be no impact.

[0087] Optionally, the cup holder 30 is a spring-loaded cup holder.

[0088] In the above implementation process, the spring-loaded cup holder makes it convenient to fix and pick up cups.

[0089] Figure 5 shows a cup holder 30, which is a spring-loaded cup holder configured to hold cups for easy retrieval.

[0090] Optionally, the cup holder 30 has a notch 301, which makes it easy to remove the cup from the cup holder 30.

[0091] This application embodiment uses two cup container assemblies 1, which can hold different types of cups or more cups of the same type. It can detect both transparent and non-transparent cups, has strong compatibility, and uses a swing arm structure 31 to rotate to different positions to receive cups, which is low in cost.

[0092] In summary, embodiments of this application provide a cup-dispensing device 100 and a beverage machine. The cup-dispensing device 100 includes a cup container assembly 1, a cup-dispensing mechanism 2, a cup-receiving mechanism 3, and a reflective sensor 4. The cup container assembly 1 covers the cup-dispensing mechanism 2. There are multiple cup container assemblies 1, each including multiple inner containers 10. The multiple inner containers 10 rotate via a motor and gears, and support cups. The cup-dispensing mechanism 2 has multiple wheels 20, which separate cups and support dropped cups. The cup-receiving mechanism 3 includes a cup holder 30 and a swing arm structure 31. The cup holder 30 is adapted to the inner containers 10 of the cup container assembly 1 and supports cups in the inner containers 10. The reflective sensor 4 is connected to both the cup-dispensing mechanism 2 and the cup-receiving mechanism 3. This cup-dispensing device 100 can detect various types of cups, enabling the dispensing of multiple types of cups without the need for a robotic arm, thus reducing costs and improving dispensing efficiency. The beverage machine includes a cup dispensing device 100, which has all the functions and benefits of the cup dispensing device 100.

[0093] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus can also be implemented in other ways. The apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatus, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this application. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions configured to perform a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than those marked in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0094] In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated together to form an independent part, or each module can exist independently, or two or more modules can be integrated to form an independent part.

[0095] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0096] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0097] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0098] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element. Industrial applicability

[0099] In summary, this application provides a cup dispensing device and beverage machine that can detect various types of cups and dispense them without the need for a robotic arm, thereby reducing costs and improving dispensing efficiency.

Claims

1. A cup-dispensing device, characterized in that, The cup-dispensing device includes: Cup container assembly, cup dispensing mechanism, cup receiving mechanism, and reflection sensor; The cup container assembly covers the top of the cup dispensing mechanism; The cup-and-bucket assembly comprises multiple cup-and-bucket components, each cup-and-bucket assembly including multiple inner buckets, the multiple inner buckets rotating via a motor and gears, and the multiple inner buckets supporting the cup; The cup-separating mechanism has multiple wheels, which separate the cups and support any falling cups. The cup receiving mechanism includes a cup receiving rack and a swing arm structure. The cup receiving rack is adapted to the inner barrel of the cup barrel assembly, and the cup receiving rack supports the cups in the inner barrel. The reflection sensor is connected to both the cup-splitting mechanism and the cup-receiving mechanism.

2. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cup-splitting device also includes a control circuit board, and the cup-splitting mechanism, the cup-receiving mechanism, and the reflection sensor are respectively connected to the control circuit board.

3. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cup-dispensing device also includes a buffer guide rail, and the control circuit board, the cup-receiving mechanism, and the reflection sensor are respectively installed below the buffer guide rail.

4. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The swing arm structure is mounted below the buffer guide rail by means of a long shaft fixation.

5. The cup-dividing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The swing arm structure includes a geared motor, a reduction gear, and a slotted switch, the slotted switch controlling the position of the swing arm.

6. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The swing arm structure also includes a swing arm and a limiting post. The swing arm is connected to the reduction gear, the reduction motor is driven by the reduction gear, and the slotted switch and the limiting post are configured to control the position of the swing arm.

7. The cup-dividing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cup-dividing mechanism is fixedly installed above the buffer guide rail.

8. The cup-dividing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cup-dispensing device also includes a housing, which comprises a shell and an outer panel, and the inner wall of the shell includes a reinforcing beam adapted to the buffer guide rail.

9. The cup-dividing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The buffer rail is fixedly installed on the inside of the outer panel.

10. The cup-dispensing device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The buffer rail has buffer damping and self-locking functions.

11. The cup-dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The cup holder is a spring-loaded cup holder.

12. The cup-dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The cup holder has a notch.

13. The cup-dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The swing arm structure is a linear guide rail structure.

14. The cup-dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The number of cup-and-bucket assemblies is two.

15. The cup-dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The number of inner tubs is five.

16. The cup-dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The number of wheels is six.

17. A beverage machine, characterized in that, Includes the cup-dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-16.

Images