CN216166910U - Liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism, dosing device and beverage machine for beverage machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tapping switch actuating mechanism for a beverage machine, comprising a moving member and driving means for driving the moving member between an actuated position, in which the moving member pushes a tapping switch of the beverage machine for tapping a beverage, and a non-actuated position, in which the moving member releases the tapping switch of the beverage machine for stopping tapping the beverage. The utility model also relates to a dosing device for a beverage machine comprising the above-mentioned outlet switch actuating mechanism and a weight sensor for detecting the total weight of a cup placed on the dosing device and of a beverage contained in the cup, the cup being intended to receive the beverage from the machine, the moving member of the outlet switch actuating mechanism being configured to push the outlet switch of the machine in order to discharge the beverage when said total weight reaches a preset value. The utility model also relates to a beverage machine. According to the utility model, machines are used for replacing manpower, so that the labor cost is reduced, and the accuracy of the cup amount is improved.

Description

Liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism, dosing device and beverage machine for beverage machine

technical field

The utility model relates to the field of beverage machines, in particular to a liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism for beverage machines, a dosing device including the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism, and a beverage comprising the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism or the dosing device machine.

Background technique

At present, the beverage machines used in the market generally discharge the beverage through the operator pressing the cup against the liquid outlet switch in the form of the valve push plate. The operator observes whether the beverage volume meets the cup size requirement. liquid switch, the beverage discharge stops. Due to the complete reliance on manual labor, an employee will repeat this action during the meal peak, resulting in a waste of manpower.

Therefore, it is desirable to develop an actuating mechanism for the liquid outlet switch, which uses machinery instead of manual labor to actuate the liquid outlet switch. In addition, it is also desired to develop a dosing device including the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism for automatically or semi-automatically controlling the beverage discharge volume of the beverage machine. Thereby, the dependence on manpower can be reduced, and the accuracy of cup quantity can be improved.

Utility model content

The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one aspect of the above problems existing in the prior art.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism for a beverage machine, the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism includes a moving part and a driving device, and the driving device is used to drive the moving part Moves between an actuated position, in which the moving member pushes the dispenser switch of the beverage maker to discharge beverage, and a non-actuated position, where the moving member releases the dispenser switch of the beverage maker to stop dispensing beverage .

Preferably, the moving part comprises a first part and a second part directly or indirectly connected to the first end of the first part, the second end of the first part is connected to the driving device, and the second part is used to push the liquid outlet switch of the beverage machine by pushing to actuate the liquid outlet switch.

Preferably, the moving part is a push rod, the push rod includes a first rod part and a second rod part directly or indirectly connected to a first end of the first rod part, the second end of the first rod part is connected to the driving device , the second lever part is used to actuate the liquid outlet switch by pushing the liquid outlet switch of the beverage machine.

Preferably, the second lever portion is transverse to the first lever portion, and the push rod further includes an intermediate connecting lever portion disposed between the first lever portion and the second lever portion, the intermediate connecting lever portion allowing the first lever portion to oppose The second rod part is closer to the main body of the beverage machine.

Preferably, the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism includes a guide provided around the push rod for guiding the push rod.

Preferably, the drive means includes a motor and a lead screw nut mechanism connected to the motor, and the push rod is connected to the lead screw nut mechanism.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a dosing device for a beverage machine, the dosing device comprising the above-mentioned liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism and a weight sensor. The weight sensor is used to detect the total weight of the cup placed on the dosing device and the beverage contained in the cup, the cup for receiving the beverage from the beverage machine. The moving part of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism is configured to push the liquid outlet switch of the beverage machine to discharge the beverage when the total weight reaches a preset value.

Preferably, the dosing device further includes a controller configured to receive a detection signal from the weight sensor and control the driving device of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism in response to the detection signal, the controller including an input unit and a processing module , the input unit is used to receive the operator's operation signal and send the operation signal to the processing module, and the processing module is used to receive the operation signal from the input unit and the detection signal from the weight sensor, and respond to the operation signal and all The detection signal controls the driving device of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism.

Preferably, the input unit includes a touch screen and/or physical buttons.

Preferably, the input unit comprises at least two cup size buttons for controlling the beverage machine to supply beverages to the cups in at least two cup sizes.

Preferably, the dosing device further comprises a liquid container for receiving the spilled beverage.

Preferably, the quantitative device further includes a base, the base defines a accommodating cavity, and the processing module, the liquid contact box and the driving device are accommodated in the accommodating cavity of the base.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a beverage machine, which includes the above-mentioned liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism or a dosing device.

According to the utility model, the liquid outlet switch is actuated by machinery instead of manual labor, thereby reducing labor costs. In addition, by automatically controlling the cup size, the deviation in the process of manually picking up the beverage is reduced, and the accuracy of the cup size is improved.

Description of drawings

The present invention will be described in detail below through exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a dosing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention for use with a beverage machine.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a dosing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the actuating mechanism of the liquid outlet switch of the dosing device shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic view of the dosing device and the beverage machine shown in FIG. 1 , showing that the push rod of the dosing device is in an actuating position to push the liquid outlet switch of the beverage machine.

Fig. 5 is a partial schematic view of the dosing device and the beverage machine shown in Fig. 1, showing that the push rod of the dosing device is in a non-actuated position to release the liquid outlet switch of the beverage machine.

Fig. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the dosing device shown in Fig. 2, showing the structure of the lower portion of the dosing device.

FIG. 7 is a partial schematic view of the input unit of the dosing device shown in FIG. 2 .

8 is a schematic diagram of a dosing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a schematic diagram of a quantitative device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The drawings are schematic only and are not necessarily drawn to scale. They show only those parts which are necessary to clarify the invention, while other parts may be omitted or simply mentioned. That is, in addition to the components shown in the drawings, the present invention may also include other components. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same components in different embodiments.

Detailed ways

The following describes an actuating mechanism for a liquid outlet switch for a beverage machine, a dosing device including the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism, and a beverage machine including the dosing device according to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to give those skilled in the art a more complete understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be implemented without some of these specific details. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. Rather, the invention is contemplated to be practiced with any combination of the following features and elements, whether or not they relate to different embodiments. Accordingly, the following features, embodiments, and advantages are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered elements or limitations of the claims unless explicitly set forth in the claims.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a dosing device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention for use with a beverage machine 200 . The dosing device 100 can be independent of the beverage machine 200 and abut below the beverage outlet 202 (see FIG. 4 ) of the beverage machine 200 , so the dosing device 100 can be applied to the existing beverage machine 200 . It should be noted that the dosing device 100 can also be integrated with the beverage machine 200 .

The quantitative device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 . Figures 1, 4 and 5 show the dosing device 100 for a beverage machine 200 including a liquid outlet switch 201 in the form of a valve push plate, but it should be understood that the dosing device 100 can also be used in any device including a device suitable for mechanical actuation And turn on the beverage machine with the liquid outlet switch.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the quantitative device 100 includes a liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 , a weight sensor 2 and a controller 3 . As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 , the liquid discharge switch actuating mechanism 1 is used to actuate the liquid discharge switch 201 of the beverage machine 200 so as to discharge the beverage. The weight sensor 2 is used to detect the total weight of the cup 300 placed on the dosing device 100 and the beverage contained in the cup 300 , and the cup 300 is used to receive the beverage from the beverage machine 200 . The controller 3 is used for receiving the detection signal from the weight sensor 2 and controlling the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 in response to the detection signal.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 includes a push rod 11 and a driving device 12 . The drive means 12 are used to drive the push rod 11 to move between an actuated position and a non-actuated position. As shown in FIG. 4 , in the actuated position, the push rod 11 pushes the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage maker 200 in order to discharge the beverage, eg into a cup 300 placed under the beverage outlet 202 of the beverage maker 200 . As shown in FIG. 5 , in the non-actuated position, the push rod 11 releases the liquid discharge switch 201 of the beverage machine 200 , ie, the push rod 11 no longer pushes the liquid discharge switch 201 of the beverage machine 200 to stop discharging the beverage.

The push rod 11 of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 may comprise a first rod part and a second rod part connected to a first end of the first rod part, the second end of the first rod part is connected to the driving device 12, and the second rod part is connected to the driving device 12. The second lever portion is used to actuate the liquid outlet switch 201 by pushing the lower surface of the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200, and the second lever portion is transverse to the first lever portion so as to allow the push rod 11 to communicate with the liquid outlet switch 201. The larger contact area contacts, so that the liquid outlet switch 201 can be actuated more reliably.

The push rod 11 may further comprise an intermediate connecting rod portion disposed between the first rod portion and the second rod portion, the intermediate connecting rod portion allowing the first rod portion to be closer to the body portion of the beverage maker relative to the second rod portion, thereby Provide enough space for the cup 300.

The preferred embodiments of the push rod 11 of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the push rod 11 of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 includes a vertical rod portion 111 and a horizontal rod portion 112 connected to the top end of the vertical rod portion 111 . The bottom end of the vertical rod portion 111 is connected to the driving device 12 . The horizontal rod portion 112 is used to push the liquid discharge switch 201 via the lower surface of the liquid discharge switch 201 of the beverage machine 200 to open the beverage valve and thereby discharge the beverage into the cup 300 . By providing the horizontal rod portion 112 , the contact area between the push rod 11 and the liquid discharge switch 201 is increased, so that the liquid discharge switch 201 can be actuated more securely.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 , the push rod 11 may further include an inclined rod portion 113 disposed between the vertical rod portion 111 and the horizontal rod portion 112 , the inclined rod portion 113 being away from the vertical rod portion 111 The beverage machine 200 extends obliquely upward. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the vertical rod portion 111 of the push rod 11 can be as close to the beverage machine 200 as possible, and the horizontal rod portion 112 can still act on the liquid outlet switch 201 . This provides enough space for the cup 300 to be placed.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 may further include a guide member 13 arranged around the push rod 1 for guiding the push rod 1 , so that when the push rod 1 is in the actuated position and the non-actuated position The push rod 1 is guided when moving up and down between, so as to ensure that the horizontal rod portion 112 of the push rod 1 can be reliably engaged with the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the driving device 12 includes a motor 121 and a lead screw nut mechanism 122 connected to the motor 121 . The bottom end of the vertical rod portion 111 of the push rod 1 is connected to the nut slider 1221 of the lead screw nut mechanism 122 . When the motor 121 rotates, the motor shaft drives the lead screw 1222 of the lead screw nut mechanism 122 to rotate, and the lead screw 1222 drives the nut slider 1221 to move up and down, thereby driving the push rod 1 to move up and down. It should be understood that any suitable drive means may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the controller 3 of the quantitative device 100 includes an input unit 31 and a processing module 32 . The input unit 31 is used for receiving an operator's operation signal and sending the operation signal to the processing module 32 . The processing module 32 is configured to receive the operation signal from the input unit 31 and the detection signal from the weight sensor 2 , and control the driving device 12 of the liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 in response to the operation signal and the detection signal.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the input unit 31 includes a start-stop button 311 , a large-cup button 312 and a small-cup button 313 . The start-stop button 311 is used to control the start and stop of the drive device 12 . The tumbler button 312 is used to control the dosing device 100 to supply the cup 300 with a tumbler amount of beverage. The small cup button 313 is used to control the dosing device 100 to supply the cup 300 with a small cup quantity of beverage. Here, the large cup size and the small cup size refer to the holding capacity of two types of beverage cups commonly used in restaurants at present. Obviously, it should be understood that more buttons with different cup sizes can also be provided, so as to have more choices of cup sizes. The above buttons may be physical buttons or virtual buttons (or called icons) on the touch screen. For example, instead of having a number of different cup size buttons, multiple cup sizes can also be selected by using a single cup size icon on the touch screen, the single cup size icon including the different cup sizes. The input unit 31 may include a touch screen or physical buttons or both.

In the fully automatic working mode, when the operator places the cup 300 on the dosing device 100, the weight sensor 2 detects the weight of the cup 300, and sends the detection signal to the processing module 32 of the controller 3, and the processing module 32 detects the detection signal. The signal is analyzed and processed, and the motor 121 of the driving device 12 is actuated to rotate in the forward direction. The motor 121 drives the push rod 11 to move upward through the screw nut mechanism 122, and the horizontal rod portion 112 of the push rod 11 pushes the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200. to open the beverage valve and thereby discharge the beverage into the cup 300 . The weight sensor 2 detects the total weight of the cup 300 and the beverage in the cup 300, and sends the detection signal to the processing module 32 of the controller 3. The processing module 32 analyzes the detection signal to obtain the amount of beverage in the cup 300 and judges the cup. Whether the amount of beverage in 300 reaches the preset value, when the processing module 32 determines that the amount of beverage in the cup 300 reaches the preset value, the processing module 32 activates the motor 121 of the drive device 12 to rotate in the reverse direction, and the motor 121 passes through the screw nut mechanism 122 drives the push rod 11 to move downward, and the horizontal rod portion 112 of the push rod 11 releases the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200, so the beverage valve is closed and the beverage discharge stops. At this time, the operator can remove the cup 300 containing the beverage from the dosing device 100 . In the fully automatic working mode, the operator only needs to place the cup 300 on the dosing device 100 and remove the cup 300 containing the beverage from the dosing device 100, thus significantly reducing the operator's workload.

The dosing device 100 also allows working in a semi-automatic mode. In the semi-automatic working mode, the operator places the cup 300 on the dosing device 100 , and then actuates the start-stop button 311 of the input unit 31 to actuate the motor 121 of the driving device 12 to rotate in the forward direction, and the motor 121 is driven via the lead screw nut mechanism 122 The push rod 11 moves upward, and the horizontal rod portion 112 of the push rod 11 pushes the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200 to open the beverage valve and thereby discharge the beverage into the cup 300 . The weight sensor 2 detects the total weight of the cup 300 and the beverage in the cup 300, and sends the detection signal to the processing module 32 of the controller 3. The processing module 32 analyzes the detection signal to obtain the amount of beverage in the cup 300 and judges the cup. Whether the amount of beverage in 300 reaches the preset value, when the processing module 32 determines that the amount of beverage in the cup 300 reaches the preset value, the processing module 32 activates the motor 121 of the drive device 12 to rotate in the reverse direction, and the motor 121 passes through the screw nut mechanism 122 drives the push rod 11 to move downward, and the horizontal rod portion 112 of the push rod 11 releases the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200, so the beverage valve is closed and the beverage discharge stops. At this time, the operator can remove the cup 300 containing the beverage from the dosing device 100 . In the semi-automatic operating mode, the controller 3 actuates the drive means 12 in response to an operator's operation on the input unit 31, which avoids the risk of unintentional touching of the weight sensor 2 resulting in the expelling of the beverage.

In addition, the start-stop button 311 also allows the operator to control the drive device 12 to stop working at any time in order to manually control the amount of beverage discharged into the cup 300 .

In a preferred embodiment, the quantitative device 100 also has a calibration function. The push rod 11 moves upward under the action of the motor 121 of the driving device 12. When it contacts the liquid outlet switch 201 of the beverage machine 200, the push rod 11 is resisted for its upward movement, and the current of the motor 121 increases. When the current is detected When the value is increased to a certain value, the controller 3 determines that the push rod 11 is raised to the right position based on the information. At this time, the position of the push rod 11 is used as the reference position for the push rod 11 to be raised to the position. This allows application of the dosing device 100 to existing beverage machines 200 of different heights.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the dosing device 100 includes a base 4 . The liquid outlet switch actuating mechanism 1 , the weight sensor 2 and the controller 3 are fixed to the base 4 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the dosing device 100 further includes a liquid contact box 5 for receiving the spilled beverage. The liquid receiving box 5 is detachably installed in the opening 41 formed on the top surface of the base 4 . The dosing device 100 may further include a lower liquid grill 6 covering the liquid contact box 5 to guide the spilled beverage into the liquid contact box 5 and prevent it from contacting the inside of the liquid contact box 5 . It is also possible to provide a handle 7 fixed to the liquid container 5 . When the beverage in the liquid contact box 5 needs to be emptied, the handle 7 can be lifted to remove the liquid contact box 5 from the dosing device 100, and the beverage in it can be poured out.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the base 4 defines an accommodating cavity, and the processing module 32 , the liquid contact box 5 and the driving device 12 are accommodated in the accommodating cavity of the base 4 . Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6 , the accommodating cavity for accommodating the liquid contact box 5 is isolated from the accommodating cavity for accommodating the processing module 32 and the driving device 12 , thereby preventing the processing module 32 or the driving device 12 from being unable to be caused by beverages. normal work.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the front side of the base 4 is arranged to be inclined toward the rear (ie, toward the beverage machine 200 ), and the input unit 31 is arranged on the inclined front side. The inclined front side provides a large space for the setting of the input unit 31 and facilitates the operator to operate the input unit 31 .

The second and third embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 . In the following description, the same structure as the first embodiment will not be described in detail.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a dosing device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this second embodiment, the push rod 11 comprises two vertical rod parts 111 which are respectively connected to the same horizontal rod part 112 by extending through an inclined rod part 113 . In addition, in this second embodiment, the opening 41 for inserting and removing the liquid contact box 5 is provided on the front side of the base 4, which allows the structure of the dosing device 100 to be more compact, but compared to that in the first embodiment The opening 41 provided in the top surface of the base 4 in this second embodiment allows a smaller wetted box 5 .

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a dosing device 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the lower liquid grids 6 are arranged on both sides of the weight sensor 2, which allows the structure of the dosing device 100 to be more compact.

In addition, compared with the second and third embodiments, the dosing device 100 of the first embodiment is raised as a whole (the base 4 is thickened), and the distance between the cup 300 and the beverage outlet 202 of the beverage machine 200 is shortened, which reduces the risk of splashing beverages.

Although the present invention is disclosed above with preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model shall be included in the protection scope of the present utility model, so the protection scope of the present utility model shall be limited by the claims. The range shall prevail.

Claims (14)

1. A tapping switch actuating mechanism (1) for a beverage machine (200), characterized in that the tapping switch actuating mechanism (1) comprises a moving member and driving means (12), the driving means (12) being adapted to drive the moving member between an activated position, in which the moving member pushes a tapping switch (201) of the beverage machine (200) for tapping a beverage, and a non-activated position, in which the moving member releases the tapping switch (201) of the beverage machine (200) for stopping the tapping of the beverage.

2. The tapping switch actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the moving member comprises a first part and a second part directly or indirectly connected to a first end of the first part, the second end of the first part being connected to the driving means (12), the second part being adapted to actuate the tapping switch (201) by pushing the tapping switch (201) of the beverage maker (200).

3. The outlet switch actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the moving member is a push rod (11), said push rod (11) comprising a first rod portion and a second rod portion directly or indirectly connected to a first end of the first rod portion, a second end of the first rod portion being connected to the driving means (12), the second rod portion being adapted to actuate the outlet switch (201) by pushing the outlet switch (201) of the beverage maker (200).

4. The tapping switch actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the second lever portion is transverse to the first lever portion, the push rod (11) further comprising an intermediate lever portion arranged between the first lever portion and the second lever portion, the intermediate lever portion allowing the first lever portion to be closer to the body portion of the beverage maker (200) than the second lever portion.

5. A tapping switch actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the tapping switch actuating mechanism (1) comprises a guide (13) arranged around the push rod (11) for guiding the push rod (11).

6. A tapping switch actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the driving means (12) comprises a motor (121) and a lead screw and nut mechanism (122) connected to the motor (121), the push rod (11) being connected to the lead screw and nut mechanism (122).

7. A dosing device (100) for a beverage machine (200), characterized in that the dosing device (100) comprises:

a tapping switch actuating mechanism (1) according to any of the claims 1-6; and

-a weight sensor (2), the weight sensor (2) being adapted to detect a total weight of a cup (300) placed on the dosing means (100) and a beverage contained in the cup (300), the cup (300) being adapted to receive the beverage from the beverage machine (200), the movement of the outlet switch actuating mechanism (1) being adapted to push the outlet switch (201) of the beverage machine (200) to discharge the beverage when said total weight reaches a preset value.

8. The dosing device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the dosing device (100) further comprises a controller (3), the controller (3) being configured to receive a detection signal from the weight sensor (2) and to control the driving device (12) of the tapping switch actuating mechanism (1) in response to the detection signal, the controller (3) comprising an input unit (31) and a processing module (32), the input unit (31) being configured to receive an operation signal of an operator and to send the operation signal to the processing module (32), the processing module (32) being configured to receive the operation signal from the input unit (31) and the detection signal from the weight sensor (2) and to control the driving device (12) of the tapping switch actuating mechanism (1) in response to the operation signal and the detection signal.

9. The dosing device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the input unit (31) comprises a touch screen and/or physical buttons.

10. Dosing device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the input unit (31) comprises at least two cup amount buttons for controlling the beverage maker (200) to supply the beverage to the cup (300) in at least two cup amounts.

11. The dosing device (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the dosing device (100) further comprises a receiving box (5) for receiving a spilled beverage.

12. The dosing device (100) according to claim 11, wherein the dosing device (100) further comprises a base (4), the base (4) defining a receiving cavity, the processing module (32), the receiving cassette (5) and the driving device (12) being received in the receiving cavity of the base (4).

13. Beverage maker, characterized in that it comprises a tapping switch actuating mechanism (1) according to any of claims 1-6.

14. Beverage machine, characterized in that it comprises a dosing device (100) according to any of claims 7 to 12.

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