CN217085848U

CN217085848U - Integrated vending machine

Info

Publication number: CN217085848U
Application number: CN202122548405.7U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 林佩珊; 张子伟
Original assignee: Jiewei Holdings Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Jiewei Holdings Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-23
Filing date: 2021-10-22
Publication date: 2022-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2031-10-22
Also published as: WO2023027635A1; AU2021106476A4; TWM625485U

Abstract

An integrated vending machine includes at least one cup dispensing station, at least one ingredient station, at least one mobile carrier, a controller in communication with the cup dispensing station, the ingredient dispensing station, and/or the mobile carrier. The cup dispensing station is used for storing and/or taking one cup out of a plurality of cups. The ingredient dispensing station is for dispensing at least one ingredient into a cup for preparing a plurality of beverages, and the mobile carrier is for automatic movement at the cup dispensing station and/or the ingredient dispensing station. The mobile carrier includes a cup holder for holding a cup.

Description

Integrated vending machine

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to vending machines for preparing and serving multiple beverages, and more particularly, to an integrated vending system equipped with one or more mobile carriers that are self-moving to facilitate the preparation and serving of multiple beverages.

Background

Many businesses, such as restaurants and casinos, provide a variety of beverages, including mixed beverages, to customers. These locations are typically manually prepared and served. Despite its own advantages, using manual operations can greatly increase operating costs by often taking a significant amount of time and money to recruit and train employees. Various vending machines may also sell a variety of beverages including, but not limited to, tea, coffee, milk, juices, and carbonated beverages. However, these vending machines also require some form of manual intervention to prepare and dispense the beverage, which may result in long lines by the vending machine.

Existing automatic beverage supply machines typically use robotic arms to prepare and provide beverages. However, these robotic arm equipped beverage providers are large and expensive. There is therefore a need for a beverage dispensing machine or vending machine that performs the necessary tasks of preparing and providing beverages in an economical and efficient manner without human intervention. There is also a need to provide a beverage vending machine that can quickly prepare and serve large quantities of beverages with great efficiency. The apparatus and system of the present disclosure can meet these needs.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an integrated vending machine for automatically preparing and serving multiple beverages to customers while minimizing or eliminating human intervention. Further, the integrated vending machine can prepare multiple beverages simultaneously and improve the efficiency of preparing and serving beverages to customers. In addition, the integrated vending machine also helps to reduce the number of queues beside the integrated vending machine and provides beverages in a timely manner when a customer approaches the integrated vending machine. In addition, the integrated vending machine occupies a small space and can be installed in a narrow space, thereby saving space and related cost.

Based on this aspect, an example of an integrated vending machine that facilitates automatic preparation and serving of multiple beverages is disclosed. The integrated vending machine includes at least one cup dispensing station for storing and/or dispensing a cup from a plurality of cups, and at least one ingredient dispensing station for dispensing at least one ingredient into the cup to prepare a plurality of beverages. Furthermore, the integrated vending machine comprises at least one mechanical trolley (automatically movable at the at least one cup dispensing station and/or at the at least one ingredient dispensing station), said at least one mechanical trolley comprising a cup holder for holding cups. The robotic carts are also known as mobile carriages or carts. In addition, the integrated vending machine includes a controller in communication with the at least one cup dispensing station and the at least one ingredient dispensing station and/or the at least one robotic cart (providing a cup of beverage to an enclosure opening of the integrated vending machine). The cart is moved to one or more ingredient dispensing stations to collect the ingredients needed to prepare the beverage, and then provide the beverage to the customer without human intervention.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine includes a plurality of material dispensing stations and a plurality of mechanical carts. The plurality of robotic carts may be moved simultaneously to various ingredient dispensing stations to prepare multiple beverages simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to move the at least one cart to the at least one cup dispensing station, receive a cup from the at least one cup dispensing station, and move the at least one cart carrying the cup to the at least one ingredient dispensing station, wherein the at least one ingredient is collected in the cup based on a beverage selected by the customer. The controller is configured to transport the at least one robotic cart to the open position for delivery of the selected beverage to the customer through the opening. In this way, the controller may enable automatic movement of the at least one mechanical trolley on the integrated vending machine.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine includes a plurality of openings for providing multiple servings of beverages via a plurality of robotic carts. Multiple openings facilitate multiple beverages being served to multiple customers simultaneously to reduce the number of people in line beside the integrated vending machine.

In one embodiment, upon receiving the authentication code associated with the selected beverage, the controller is configured to move the at least one robotic cart to the opening. This may facilitate the serving of beverages from the integrated vending machine when a customer wants to take out a prepared beverage, thereby alleviating congestion of the mechanical cart at the opening location.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine includes a waiting area; here, at least one mechanical trolley is arranged after the raw material is collected from the at least one raw material distribution station into the cup. Upon receipt of the authorization code, the controller is configured to move the at least one robotic cart from the waiting area to the open position to dispense the selected beverage to the customer, thereby reducing the number of people in line at the integrated vending machine.

In one embodiment, the controller determines whether an empty opening exists from the at least one opening and then assigns the empty opening to a robotic cart to provide the beverage upon receipt of the authorization code. In this manner, the controller may reduce unnecessary movement of the at least one cart toward the opening and promote smooth operation of the at least one cart.

In one embodiment, the waiting area includes a plurality of loading stations, and loading of the at least one robotic vehicle is accomplished while the at least one robotic vehicle is in the waiting area. This allows for filling at least one of the trolleys during preparation and serving of the beverage without removing the trolley, thereby reducing the overall idle time of the trolley.

In one embodiment, each charging station is a wireless controlled charging station, enabling wireless controlled charging of at least one robotic vehicle.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine further includes an input station for allowing the customer to enter the authentication code.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine includes a receipt generator that prints a payment receipt based on the selected beverage.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine includes a payment module in communication with the controller for receiving a payment from a customer based on a selected beverage; the controller moves the at least one robotic cart to the open position and provides the selected beverage based on the selected beverage upon receipt of payment. This may ensure that payment per order is received before the selected beverage is provided.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine further includes a user interface in communication with the controller and configured to display a list of a plurality of beverages of the integrated vending machine to facilitate selection of one of the plurality of beverages by a consumer.

In one embodiment, the user interface is a Web-based application that facilitates remote purchase of beverages by a customer by accessing through some computing device, including but not limited to the customer's mobile phone, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, or any other similar device.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine further includes a receipt module in communication with the controller and operable to store a plurality of recipes corresponding to a plurality of beverages to enable the dispensing of the plurality of beverages.

In one embodiment, the controller generates a movement path for the at least one robotic cart based on the recipe of the selected beverage, ensuring that the at least one robotic cart is able to move to the associated ingredient dispenser and/or in a desired sequence.

In one embodiment, the housing includes a door having a transparent portion to allow a consumer to view the interior of the housing to understand the preparation or preparation process of the beverage.

In one embodiment, the door defines an opening.

In one embodiment, the housing includes a storage chamber and a cooler disposed within the storage chamber and operable to store one or more materials. The cooler can store one or more raw materials in the storage chamber for cooling or low-temperature storage, so that the freshness of the one or more raw materials can be kept.

In one embodiment, the at least one cup dispensing station comprises a first cup dispensing station for storing and dispensing a plurality of cups. The cup is suitable for hot beverages (i.e., the first type of beverage). The at least one dispensing station further includes a second cup dispensing station for storing and dispensing a plurality of second cups. Cup two is suitable for cold drinks (i.e., the second type of drink).

In one embodiment, when a first type of beverage is selected, the controller moves the at least one robotic cart to a first cup dispensing station to receive a first cup; when a second type of beverage is selected, the at least one robotic cart may also be moved to a second cup dispensing station to receive cup two. In this way, the controller can pour the hot beverage into a cup suitable for storage at a relatively high temperature.

In one embodiment, the at least one material dispensing station comprises a tea making and dispensing station for making tea and dispensing the brewed tea to cups carried by the robotic cart. The tea making and distributing station is convenient for making and distributing the foam tea.

In one embodiment, the at least one ingredient dispensing station comprises one or more of an ice dispensing station, a fructose dispensing station, a condiment dispensing station, a milk dispensing station, and a mousse dispensing station.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine further comprises a labeling station for labeling cups based on the beverage selected by the customer. The label displays the name and/or the order number of the beverage, enabling the customer to ensure that the desired beverage is obtained from the integrated vending machine.

In one embodiment, said at least one mechanical trolley moves to the labelling station after receiving said cups from the at least one cup dispensing station.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine further comprises a closing station for closing the cups containing the beverage. The sealing station includes a cup sealer and a lift module for moving cups between at least one robotic trolley and the sealer. The sealing station caps the cups to ensure that the beverages within the cups remain fresh and palatable.

In one embodiment, the controller moves the at least one cart to the sealing station after receiving all ingredients corresponding to the selected beverage from the customer and moves the at least one cart to the waiting area at the time of sealing.

According to one embodiment, the integrated vending machine further comprises a positioning system for determining the position of the at least one mobile carriage in real time. The determination of the position facilitates controlling the movement of the at least one mobile carriage.

In one embodiment, the positioning system includes a plurality of beacons in communication with the at least one mobile carriage. A controller in communication with the plurality of beacons determines a position of the at least one mobile carriage based on information received from the plurality of beacons. At least one mobile carriage includes a locator in communication with a plurality of beacons. A plurality of beacons receive information associated with the position of the at least one mobile carriage from a locator. The controller determines the position of the at least one moving carriage by triangulating the signals received from the plurality of moving carriages. By determining the position of each mobile carriage, the controller controls the movement of the mobile carriages so that they can simultaneously dispense one or more beverages without manual intervention.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for dispensing and providing a beverage in an integrated vending machine is provided.

The method determines, via the controller, a beverage selected by the customer from the plurality of beverages and moves, via the controller, the at least one robotic cart to the at least one cup dispensing station to receive the cup from the at least one cup dispensing station.

The method may also move at least one robotic cart via the controller to at least one ingredient dispensing station to receive at least one ingredient corresponding to the selected beverage and move the at least one robotic cart via the controller to the at least one ingredient dispensing station, the at least one robotic cart delivering the selected beverage to an integrated vending machine opening location for delivery of the selected beverage to a customer. In this way, the beverage is prepared and served to the customer by means of a mechanical trolley without any manual intervention.

In one embodiment, upon receiving the authentication code associated with the selected beverage, at least one robotic cart is moved to the opening of the selected beverage to provide the selected beverage. This may facilitate the serving of beverages from the integrated vending machine when a customer wants to take out a prepared beverage, thereby alleviating congestion of the mechanical cart at the opening location.

In one embodiment, the method may further comprise moving the at least one robotic cart to a waiting area of the integrated vending machine after collecting the ingredients in the cups from the at least one ingredient dispensing station; the at least one robotic cart may also be moved from the waiting area to the open position upon receipt of the authentication code, so that the selected beverage is delivered to the customer when the customer wishes to access the beverage.

In one embodiment, the waiting area includes a plurality of wirelessly controlled charging stations capable of charging at least one vehicle when the at least one vehicle is located in the waiting area. This allows for filling at least one of the trolleys during preparation and serving of the beverage without removing the trolley, thereby reducing the overall idle time of the trolley.

In one embodiment, the controller receives the authentication code of the customer through an input station where the customer may enter the authentication code.

In one embodiment, the controller moves at least one of the robotic carts to an open position to provide a selected beverage upon receipt of payment.

In one embodiment, the controller receives an input corresponding to the selected beverage via the user interface. The user interface is configured to display a list of a plurality of beverages to be dispensed by the integrated vending machine to facilitate selection by the customer from the plurality of beverages.

In one embodiment, the user interface is a Web-based application installed in a computing device (including but not limited to a customer's mobile phone, desktop, laptop, tablet, or any other similar device) that facilitates remote purchase of beverages by the customer.

In one embodiment, the method may also access, by the controller, one of the plurality of recipes stored by the recipe module corresponding to the selected beverage and generate, by the controller, a path of movement of the at least one cart based on the recipe of the selected beverage to ensure that the at least one cart is moved to the associated ingredient dispenser and/or in a desired sequence.

In one embodiment, the at least one cup dispensing station comprises a first cup dispensing station for storing and dispensing a plurality of first cups and a second cup dispensing station for storing and dispensing a plurality of second cups. Cup one is suitable for hot beverages (i.e., a first type of beverage) and cup two is suitable for cold beverages (i.e., a second type of beverage). In addition, the controller moves at least one robotic cart to a first cup dispensing station to receive cup one when a hot beverage is selected and moves at least one robotic cart to a second cup dispensing station to receive cup two when a cold beverage is selected. In this way, the controller can pour the hot beverage into a cup suitable for storage at a relatively high temperature.

In one embodiment, said at least one mechanical trolley moves to the labelling station after receiving said cups from the at least one cup dispensing station. The label displays the name and/or the order number of the beverage, enabling the customer to ensure that the desired beverage is obtained from the integrated vending machine.

In one embodiment, after all ingredients corresponding to the selected beverage are received, the controller moves the at least one robotic cart to a sealing station for sealing. The sealing station includes a cup sealer and a lift module for moving cups between the machine trolley and the sealer. The sealing station caps the cups to ensure that the beverages within the cups remain fresh and palatable.

Other aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary integrated vending machine;

FIG. 2 illustrates an integrated vending machine with a door positioned away from the cabinet of the integrated vending machine housing;

FIG. 3 shows the integrated vending machine with the various interior doors removed and depicts the internal components of the integrated vending machine;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the integrated vending machine;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an integrated vending machine layout;

FIG. 6 shows a positioning system for determining the position of a mobile carrier of an integrated vending machine;

fig. 7-16 depict movement of an integrated vending machine internal robotic cart during an exemplary beverage dispensing and serving process.

In the figure: 100. an integrated vending machine; 102. a housing; 104. a roller; 106. a cabinet body; 108. a base; 110. a top surface; 112. a surrounding wall; 114. a platform; 118. a top portion; 120 bottom part; 122. a dispensing chamber; 124. a first storage chamber; 126. a second storage chamber; 128. a third storage chamber; 130. a first door; 132. a second door; 134. a top end; 136. a bottom end; 138 a transparent portion; 140. an opening; 142. a cooler; 144. a waste collector; 150. a cup dispensing station; 152. a cup; 154. a first cup dispensing station; 156. a first cup; 158. a second cup dispensing station; 160. a second cup; 162. a raw material distribution station; 162a, an ice dispensing station; 162b, making tea and separating tea stations; 162c, a milk dispensing station; 162d, a mousse dispensing station; 162e, a fructose dispensing station; 162f, a condiment dispensing station; 162g, filtration and distribution station; 170. a labeling station; 172. a sealing station; 174. a lifting module; 176. a sealer; 180. a mechanical trolley; 182. a cup holder; 184. a roller; 186. a charging station; 188. a waiting area; 190. a controller; 192. a processor; 194. a memory; 196. a formulation module; 200. a user interface; 202. a display; 204. a keyboard; 206. a payment module; 210. a receipt generator; 212. an input station; 250. a positioning system; 252. a slave beacon; 254. a primary beacon; 256. a positioner; 300. a bowl filter; 302. a support; 304. a tea dispenser; 306. a water dispensing tap; 310. a revolving door; 312. a water outlet; 350. and a cover.

Detailed Description

Example embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, positions, etc. of elements, features, elements, etc. and any distances between them are not necessarily shown to scale and may not be shown to scale and/or may be shown exaggerated in greater detail for clarity of presentation unless explicitly stated in the drawings.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Herein, the singular forms shall also include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Unless otherwise indicated, a list of values includes the upper and lower limits of a range and any subranges therebetween. Unless stated otherwise, the terms "first," "second," and the like are used solely to distinguish one element from another. For example, one element may be referred to as "element one," another element may be referred to as "element two," and vice versa. The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Unless otherwise specified, terms such as "about," "substantially," and the like, mean that quantities, sizes, compositions, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not necessarily exact, may be approximate and/or larger or smaller values, or reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, as desired, and other elements known to those of skill in the art.

Spatially relative terms, such as "right," "left," "lower," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper," may be used herein to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It is noted that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations as well as the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if an object in the figures is turned over, then it is described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features; alternatively, a feature may be "on" another element or feature. Thus, the term "below" may encompass both an orientation of above and below. Objects may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

All connections and all operational connections may be direct or indirect unless expressly stated otherwise. Likewise, all connections and operative connections may be rigid or non-rigid connections unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Like numbers refer to all similar elements. Therefore, even if not mentioned in other drawings, they are not described in the corresponding drawings, and the same or similar numerals may be described with reference to other drawings. In addition, even if elements expressed by reference numerals are not included, description may be made with reference to other drawings.

There may be many forms and embodiments without departing from the principles and principles of the present disclosure, and therefore the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

Fig. 1-3 show an integrated vending machine 100 (hereinafter "vending machine 100") for dispensing and serving a plurality of beverages. In one embodiment, vending machine 100 is used to prepare hot and cold beverages based on tea and/or coffee, as shown and described below. Although the vending machine 100 is a tea-based and/or coffee-based beverage vending machine, it will be appreciated that the vending machine 100 may be customized to provide any type of beverage. The vending machine 100 may be a mobile vending machine having a housing 102 for receiving and supporting the various components of the vending machine 100, and a plurality of rollers 104 coupled to the housing 102 for supporting the housing 102 on a surface. The scroll wheel 104 allows the vending machine 100 to be moved to different locations.

As shown, the housing 102 includes a cabinet having a base 108, a top 110, and a plurality of walls 112 extending vertically from the base 108 to the top 110. The cabinet 106 includes a platform 114 that is substantially parallel to the base 108 and divides the cabinet into two sections, for example: a first portion 118 (i.e., top portion 118) and a second portion (i.e., bottom portion 120). The first portion 118 defines a dispensing chamber 122 and the bottom portion 120 defines a plurality of storage chambers, such as: a first reservoir 124, a second reservoir 126, and a third reservoir 128, separated from each other by one or more walls extending vertically from the base 108 to the platform 114. Further, the housing 102 includes at least one door, such as: a first door 130 for closing the opening in the front of the first section 118 and a second door 132 for closing the opening in the front of the second section 120. As shown, the first door 130 includes a top end 134, a bottom end 136, a transparent portion 138 extending from the top end 134 to the bottom end 136, and at least one opening, such as: three openings 140, shown in fig. 1-3, disposed proximate the bottom end 136 may provide access to the dispensing chamber 122 when the first door 130 is in the closed position. The transparent portion 138 may be used to observe the process of beverage preparation and presentation to a user or customer. In one embodiment, the transparent portion 138 may include a transparent flat panel television screen on which a beverage take reminder may be provided. In some embodiments, the transparent television screen may also include an interactive digital media and content diffusion device for displaying various advertisements. In addition, various games can be displayed on the screen and the touch screen is adopted, so that the client can play various interactive games.

Although two

gates

130 and 132 are contemplated herein, one gate may be employed. In addition, each of the storage compartments 124, 126 and 128 is provided with a separate door leading to the interior of each storage compartment (124, 126 and 128). In one embodiment, one of the storage compartments (e.g., first storage compartment 124) includes a cooler 142 for storing various materials including milk, mousse, juice/condiment, etc. at a desired temperature. In one embodiment, one of the storage compartments (e.g., second storage compartment 126) may include a waste collector 144 for collecting any spills or waste generated during the beverage preparation process.

Referring now to fig. 3 and 4, the vending machine 100 includes at least one cup dispensing station 150 for storing a plurality of cups 152, one cup 152 at a time. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the at least one cup dispensing station includes a first cup dispensing station 154 (for storing and dispensing a plurality of first cups 156) and a second cup dispensing station 158 (for storing and dispensing a plurality of second cups 160). Cup one 156 is adapted to store hot beverages and cup two 160 is adapted to store cold beverages. In addition, the vending machine 100 includes at least one ingredient dispensing station 162 that dispenses at least one ingredient in the cup 152 to prepare multiple beverages. For example, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, the vending machine 100 includes a plurality of ingredient dispensing stations, such as: an ice dispensing station 162a, a tea and tea dispensing station 162b, a milk dispensing station 162c, a mousse dispensing station 162d, a fructose dispensing station 162e, a condiment dispensing station 162f, and a filter and dispensing station 162g for dispensing at least one ingredient in the cup 152 to prepare a plurality of beverages. An ice dispensing station 162a disposed on platform 114 proximate a rear wall of cabinet 106 for dispensing ice; the tea making and dispensing station 162b is mounted on the platform 114 for storing tea material and/or coffee material. The tea brewing and dispensing station 162b is disposed adjacent the first door 130 to facilitate brewing and dispensing of tea or coffee in the cup 152. Similarly, a milk dispensing station 162c, a mousse dispensing station 162d, a fructose dispensing station 162e and a condiment dispensing station 162f extend in the form of taps through the platform 114 into the interior of the dispensing chamber 122 for dispensing milk, mousse, fructose and condiment, respectively. In addition, a filtration and dispensing station 162g is mounted on the rear wall or top surface 110 of the cabinet 106 at a location spaced from the platform 114 primarily for dispensing the topping material. It will be appreciated that the material dispensing station 162 and cup dispensing station 150 are located within the dispensing chamber 122 and are mounted to the cabinet 106 such that the material dispensing station 162 can dispense material into the cups 152 disposed/moved on the platform 114.

In addition, the vending machine 100 (and optionally) includes a labeling station 170 for identifying the name or code of the beverage to be poured into the cup 152. In addition, the vending machine 100 may include a capping station 172 for capping and then sealing the beverage-containing cups 152. To this end, the sealing station 172 includes a lift module 174 and a sealer 176. The elevator module 174 is used to grasp and hold the cup to be sealed and then move the cup 152 to the sealer 176. In one embodiment, the elevator module 174 moves the cup 152 in both the vertical and horizontal directions (i.e., the X-Y directions) and the cup 152 reaches the sealer 176 and then returns to the platform 114 or a cup holder disposed on the platform 114. The sealer 176, which may be a heat or ultrasonic sealer, places a lid on the cup 152 and then seals the cup 152 to prevent the beverage in the cup 152 from spilling. Accordingly, after all the ingredients required to prepare the beverage are poured into the cup 152, the cup 152 is closed with a lid.

In addition, the vending machine 100 also includes at least one robotic cart 180 (i.e., a mobile carriage 180) that is self-propelled on the dispensing platform 114 and ingredient dispensing station 162,

cup dispensing stations

154 and 158, labeling station 170, and capping station 172 to facilitate the preparation and serving of a variety of beverages. As shown, the cart 180 includes a cup holder 182 for grasping and holding a cup 152 dispensed by at least one cup dispensing station 150, and a plurality of rollers 184 for supporting the cart 180 on the platform 114. The rollers 184 facilitate movement of the cart 180 to the

stations

150, 162, 170, 172 of the vending machine 100. In addition, the cart 180 may include the necessary control modules to control the movement of the cart 180 based on various inputs (e.g., a beverage selected by the customer). In one embodiment, the cart 180 may include a communication module (not shown) to facilitate communication of the cart 180 with a central controller (hereinafter "controller 190") and/or the stock dispensing station 162, the cup dispensing station 150, the labeling station 170, the capping station 172, and any other systems or components associated with the vending machine 100. It is contemplated that the robotic cart 180 may include suitable hardware to power the rollers 184 to effect movement of the robotic cart 180. Additionally, the robotic cart 180 may also include the necessary collision avoidance and queue management systems for enabling autonomous movement of the robotic cart 180 to facilitate preparation and serving of multiple beverages.

In one embodiment, the robotic cart 180 is powered by a battery. Accordingly, the vending machine 100 includes at least one charging station 186 (best seen in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4) for charging at least one of the robotic carts 180.

In one embodiment, the charging station 186 is a wireless charging station and the robotic cart 180 includes the hardware necessary for the robotic cart 180 to enable wireless charging of the battery. As shown, the charging station 186 is located in a waiting area 188 (best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5) for charging the machine trolley 180 while it is waiting to receive instructions to dispense a beverage or to wait after dispensing before moving to the delivery station (i.e., opening 140). In one embodiment, the robotic cart 180 may move to a delivery window after receiving the authorization code to deliver the cup with the beverage.

In addition, the vending machine 100 includes a user interface 200 (shown in FIG. 1) to facilitate a customer selecting a beverage from a plurality of beverages. In one embodiment, the user interface 200 may be a tablet interface mounted on the housing 102 of the vending machine 100 and may include a display 202 and a keypad 204 to facilitate selection from a plurality of beverages. In one embodiment, the keyboard 204 may be an alphanumeric keyboard or a touch pad. In some instances, as shown in FIG. 1, the user interface 200 may be a Web-based application accessible via a computing device, including but not limited to a mobile phone, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, or any other similar device that facilitates a customer accessing a Web-based application and selecting a beverage. Additionally, the user interface 200 may include a payment module 206 to facilitate receiving payment from the customer based on the selected beverage. In one embodiment, the payment module 206 (shown in FIG. 1) may be a payment terminal installed on the vending machine 100. The payment terminal may facilitate payment via one or more credit cards, debit cards, QR (quick response) codes, coin acceptors, or any other method known in the art. In one embodiment, the payment module 206 may be built into the user interface 200 of the Web-based application to facilitate payment via one or more credit cards, debit cards, online banking, or any other method known in the art. In addition, the vending machine 100 may also include a receipt generator 210 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) that prints payment receipts when cups 152 containing beverages are taken through one or more of the openings 140 (i.e., the receiving stations). The user interface 200 is in communication with the controller 190 (shown in FIG. 1) for receiving input and payment corresponding to the selected beverage and controlling the at least one robotic cart 180, the at least one cup dispensing station 150, and the at least one ingredient station 162 to dispense and provide the selected beverage to the customer.

The controller 190 may be a remote controller or a controller installed on the vending machine 100 and in communication with the user interface 200, the payment module 206, the at least one machine cart 180, the ingredient dispensing station 162, the

cup dispensing stations

154 and 158, the charging station 186, the labeling station 170, and the capping station 172. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, controller 190 may include a processor 192 for executing specific instructions that may control and monitor various functions associated with apparatus 100. The processor 192 may be operatively connected to the memory 194 for storing instructions related to the control of the vending machine 100 and its components.

The memory 194 is shown as being integral to the controller 190, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the memory 194 may be separate from the controller 190 and installed on the vending machine 100 and/or remotely from the controller 190 and the vending machine 100, while also being associated with or accessible by the controller 190, for storing information in the memory and retrieving information therefrom as desired during operation of the vending machine 100. The memory 194 may include a recipe module 196 that stores a plurality of recipes corresponding to a plurality of beverages prepared by the vending machine 100. In addition, each formulation may also include information regarding one or more of the ingredients required to formulate the relevant beverage, the quantity of each ingredient, and/or the order in which the ingredients are mixed required to formulate the relevant beverage.

Although processor 192 is shown, other electronic components such as a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip, or any other integrated circuit device may also be used. Further, the controller 190 may generally refer to a plurality of control and processing devices within which the functions of the various systems or components of the vending machine 100 may be distributed. For example, the raw material dispensing station 162, the robotic cart 180, the

cup dispensing stations

154 and 158, the labeling station 170, and the capping station 172 may each include one or more controllers in communication with a controller 190.

In addition, the vending machine 100 may include a plurality of sensors (not shown) for detecting the position of the mechanical cart 180 at the

stations

150, 162, 170, 172, 186, and 140 or the position of the mechanical cart 180 on the platform 114. Upon receiving the above information from the sensors, the controller 190 may control the movement of the robotic cart 180 and/or the operation of the

stations

150, 162, 170, 172, 186 to dispense and provide the selected beverage to the customer.

To facilitate and control the delivery of beverages by the customer, processor 192 may receive information or input corresponding to the beverage selected by the user via user interface 200. After receiving the information relating to the selected beverage, the processor may check the payment status corresponding to the selected beverage. Upon receipt of the confirmation of payment or confirmation of non-payment, the processor 192 may access the recipe module 196 to obtain a recipe corresponding to the selected beverage and determine information regarding the ingredients required to dispense the selected beverage. In addition, the processor 192 may also determine a type of cup 152 to use for preparing the beverage. For example, when the selected beverage is a hot beverage (i.e., a first type of beverage), the processor 192 may determine the cup type 152 as cup one 156; when the selected beverage is a cold beverage (i.e., a second type of beverage), processor 192 may determine the cup type as cup two 160. In some embodiments, the vending machine 100 may include only one type of cup 152; in this case, the processor may skip determining the type of cup based on the type of beverage selected by the user. The processor 192 may then determine the path and movement of the robotic cart 180, and the order in which the ingredients are delivered to the cups held by the robotic cart 180, based on the ingredients of the selected beverage and the type of beverage. Additionally, after receiving the customer order, processor 192 may generate an authentication code to be shared with the customer/user. The customer may access the cup 152 containing the selected beverage after presenting the authorization code.

In one embodiment, processor 192 may share the authentication code with the customer through a Web-based user interface. In some embodiments, the processor 12 may send the authentication code to the customer's telephone via a short message. In one embodiment, the authentication code may be a QR code generated on a Web-based application. In addition, processor 192 may store verification information corresponding to each order in memory 194. In addition, processor 192 may assign an identification code to the robotic cart; the robotic cart is controlled to receive ingredients corresponding to the selected beverage. The identification code is paired with the authentication code and stored in the memory 194. Thus, when the customer enters and presents the verification code, the processor 192 is used to identify the cart 180 carrying the selected beverage. As shown in FIG. 1, the vending machine 100 may include one or more input stations 212 mounted on the vending machine 100 for allowing a customer to enter a verification code. In one embodiment, the input station may be a keyboard or a scanner or any other suitable component that facilitates entry of a verification code by a customer.

In addition, the processor 192 may also control the material dispensing station 162 to dispense material into the cup 152 held by the cart 180 when the cart 180 carrying the cup arrives at one or more material dispensing stations according to the recipe of the selected beverage. In addition, the processor controls the cup dispensing station to provide cups 152 to the robotic cart 180 depending on the type of beverage. For example, where the selected beverage is a hot beverage, the processor may direct the robotic cart 180 to the first cup dispensing station 154; if the selected beverage is a cold beverage, the processor may direct the robotic cart 180 to a second cup dispensing station 158. The processor 192 may detect the presence of a robot trolley at either the first cup dispensing station 154 or the second cup dispensing station 158 and control the first cup dispensing station 154 or the second cup dispensing station 158 to drop/release the cup one 156 or the cup two 160 to be received by the cup holder 182 of the robot trolley 180, respectively.

In addition, the processor 192 may also direct the mechanical cart 180 carrying the cups 152 to the labeling station 170 before directing the mechanical cart 180 carrying the cups 152 to the one or more material dispensing stations 162. When the robotic cart 180 reaches the labeling station 170, the processor 192 may control and operate the labeling station 170 to label the cups with the appropriate identification indicia. The processor 192 then directs the machine trolley 180 carrying the cups 152 to one or more ingredient dispensing stations 162 and then receives one or more ingredients corresponding to the recipe of the selected beverage in the cups 152 held by the machine trolley 180. It will be appreciated that the robotic cart 180 moves to different ingredient stations according to the recipe and in a sequence defined by the recipe of the selected beverage.

The robotic cart 180 is moved to the sealing station 172 immediately after the material corresponding to the selected beverage is placed in the cup 152. Upon detecting the cart 180 carrying the cup 152, the processor 192 may control the sealing station to seal the cup 152 with a lid containing the beverage. To do so, the processor 192 may control the lift module 174 to grasp the cup 152 held by the cup holder 182 of the robotic cart 180 and then move the cup 152 toward the capper 176. In this case, the cup 152 may be moved vertically upward and also horizontally by the lifting module 174. The processor 192 controls the capper 176 to place a lid on the cup 152 and then seal the cup 152 with the lid. The processor 192 may then again control the elevator module 174 to place the capped cup 152 into the cup holder 182 of the robotic cart 180.

Upon receipt of a sealed cup placed in the cup holder 182, the cart 180 or the processor 192 may check or determine whether a verification code has been received for the beverage in the cup 152 held by the cart 180. If the verification code has been received, the processor 192 will move the cart 180 from the sealing station 172 to one of the open positions to provide the customer with the cup 152 containing the selected beverage. In one embodiment, the processor 192 may identify an empty opening 140 prior to moving the cart 180 containing the cup 152 to the opening 140 and assign the empty opening 140 to the cart 180. The processor 192 may identify the opening 140 as an empty opening 140 when the opening 140 is not located with a robotic cart 180 and/or the opening 140 is not assigned to any robotic cart 180 operating in the dispensing chamber 122. If the empty opening 140 is not present, the processor 192 may move the robotic cart 180 carrying the cups 152 to a waiting area; if one of the openings 140 is assigned to a robotic cart 180, the processor 192 will move the robotic cart 180 carrying the cups.

If the associated verification code is not received, the processor 192 moves the cart 180 carrying the cups 152 from the sealing station 172 to the staging area 188 and positions the cart 180 in the staging area 188 until the verification code is received and one of the openings 140 has been assigned to the cart 180. In one embodiment, the robotic cart 180 is charged by a charging station 186 while in the waiting area. The robotic cart provides a cup 152 carrying the beverage selected by the customer through the dispensing opening 140. In addition, processor 192 may operate receipt generator 210 to print a customer receipt after the cup 152 carrying the selected beverage is handed to the customer. In this manner, the vending machine 100 facilitates the preparation and delivery of multiple beverages without human intervention, while improving the efficiency of beverage preparation and delivery. In addition, the processor 192 may control a plurality of robotic carts 180 to reduce the number of people in line by the vending machine 100.

In one embodiment (see FIG. 6), the vending machine 100 includes a positioning system 250 for determining the position of at least one of the robotic carts 180 in real time. In one embodiment, multiple robotic carts 180 may be provided, the location of the multiple robotic carts 180 may be determined simultaneously using the positioning system 250, and the location information for each robotic cart 180 may be shared with the processor 192 (i.e., the controller 190). The controller 190 controls the movement of each of the robotic carts 180 disposed on the platform 114 with the aid of the position information to achieve smooth operation of each of the robotic carts 180 to achieve simultaneous preparation and delivery of one or more beverages while avoiding any collision therebetween. In one embodiment, the positioning system 250 may include a plurality of slave beacons 252 (e.g., four slave beacons 252 disposed on the vending machine 100) and a master beacon 254 in communication with the slave beacons 252 and the controller 190. The primary beacon 254 may be located on the vending machine 100 or may be located outside the vending machine near the vending machine 100.

The primary beacon 254 triangulates and determines the position of each machine trolley 180 based on the signals or information provided from the beacon 252 and shares the position information of each machine trolley 180 with the controller 190 in real time. In some embodiments, the primary beacon 254 may be omitted. In this case, the controller 190 may determine the position of the robotic cart 180 by triangulation and based on signals provided from the beacon 252.

In one embodiment, the robotic cart 180 further includes a locator 256 (e.g., a WI-FI module or bluetooth module) that interacts with the slave beacon 252 and/or the master beacon 254 to determine the location of the robotic cart 180 via the master beacon 254. The locators 256 on the robotic cart 180 form a reverse architecture to ensure that the location update rate of the robotic cart 180 is not reduced in the event that the number of robotic carts 180 within the vending machine 100 is increased. In addition, the positioner 256 may also include an internal sensor (e.g., an IMU (inertial measurement unit) for measuring distance, an ultrasonic sensor and/or LiDAR sensor, or a barometer for measuring ambient pressure) for improving the accuracy of the orientation, direction and position of the associated robotic cart 180. In certain embodiments, the robotic cart 180 may also include other sensors, such as: a sensor for measuring and recording the weight of each beverage poured into the cup in the mechanical trolley, and a thermometer for measuring the ambient temperature.

An exemplary method for preparing and delivering a beverage is described with reference to fig. 7-16. The method includes a step of processor 192 receiving an input corresponding to a selected beverage via user interface 200. In the example, the beverage of the customer's choice is cold tea with topping, fructose and milk. Upon determining that the selected beverage is cold tea with added decoration, fructose, and milk, the processor 192 accesses the recipe module 196 and determines the type of cup and the relevant ingredients of the cold tea. In this example, the processor 192 determines that the beverage type is cold, and thus determines that the cup type is cup two 160. The processor 192 may then generate a verification code and communicate it to the customer. In addition, the processor 192 assigns a cart 180 to the customer order along with an identification code, which is then associated or paired with the verification code.

The processor 192 then causes the dispensing robot cart 180 to move at the second cup dispensing station 158, and the second cup dispensing station 158 dispenses one cup two 160. The dispensed cup two 160 enters the cup holder 182 of the robotic cart 180 (shown in fig. 7). The cart 180 is then moved to the labeling station 170 and the processor 192 causes the labeling station 170 to apply the appropriate label to the cup two 160 (as shown in fig. 8). After the second cup 160 has been labeled, the processor 192 moves the cart 180 to the filtering and dispensing station 162g where the decorative material is dispensed into the second cup 160 in the cup holder 182 of the cart 180 (as shown in FIG. 9).

Then, as shown in fig. 10, the mechanical cart 180 is moved to the fructose dispensing station 162 e. The processor 192 drives the fructose dispensing station 162e to operate, and the fructose is injected into the second cup fixed on the mechanical trolley 180. Processor 192 then moves cart 180 to ice dispensing station 162a to fill cup two 160 with ice, as shown in fig. 11. The cart 180 is then moved to the milk dispensing station 162c (shown in FIG. 12) to dispense milk into the second cup 160 secured to the cart 180. After the milk is injected into the second cup 160, the mechanical cart 180 is moved to the tea making and dispensing station 162b, and the second cup 160 is filled with tea. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 13, in the tea making and dispensing station 162b position, tea is brewed in a cup filter 300 (shown in fig. 2 and 13) held by a holder 302 using tea leaves from a tea dispenser 304 (best shown in fig. 2 and 4) and hot water from a hot water dispensing tap 306 (best shown in fig. 12), both held by the holder 302 and outputting brewed tea through an aperture in the bottom of the cup filter. The tea making and dispensing station 162b includes a plurality of the racks 302, a hot water dispensing tap 306, and a tea dispenser 304. In addition, the tea making and dispensing station 162b further includes a plurality of rotary doors 310 (shown in fig. 11 and 13) for opening and closing a plurality of drain openings 312 (shown in fig. 3) to drain the tea overflow; and also through the bowl filter 300 and drain 312 into the waste collector 144.

After receiving tea from the tea making and dispensing station 162b, the robotic cart 180 moves to the sealing station 172 to seal the cup two 160 with a lid 350 (as shown in fig. 14). Subsequently, the cart 180 moves to the waiting area 188 and connects to one of the charging stations 186 to charge the battery of the cart 180 (as shown in fig. 15). The robotic cart 180 remains in the waiting area 188 until the verification code is received via the input station 212. Upon receipt of the verification code, the processor 192 identifies an empty opening 140, dispenses it to the cart 180, moves the cart 180 to the dispensed opening 140 (as shown in FIG. 16), and provides the beverage (cup two 160) to the customer through the opening 140.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe embodiments in the context of various example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that other embodiments may provide different combinations of elements and/or functions without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated vending machine, comprising:

at least one cup dispensing station for storing and/or removing a cup from a plurality of cups;

at least one ingredient dispensing station for dispensing at least one ingredient into a cup to prepare a plurality of beverages;

at least one mobile carriage automatically movable at least one cup dispensing station and/or at least one ingredient dispensing station, said mobile carriage comprising a cup holder for holding a cup;

a controller in communication with the at least one cup dispensing station, the at least one ingredient dispensing station, and/or the at least one mobile carriage provides a cup of beverage to an opening in an enclosure of the integrated vending machine.

2. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to,

moving the at least one mobile carriage to at least one cup dispensing station, receiving a cup from the at least one cup dispensing station,

moving at least one mobile carrier carrying the cups to at least one ingredient dispensing station, collecting at least one ingredient in a cup according to a beverage selected by a customer,

the at least one mobile carrier is moved to an open position through which the selected beverage is delivered to the customer.

3. The integrated vending machine of claim 2, wherein upon receipt of a verification code associated with the selected beverage, the controller is configured to move the at least one mobile carrier to the open position.

4. The integrated vending machine of claim 3, wherein the integrated vending machine comprises

A waiting area; after the material is collected into the cup from the at least one material dispensing station, the at least one mobile carriage enters the waiting area,

upon receipt of the verification code, the controller moves the at least one mobile carrier from the waiting area to the open position.

5. The integrated vending machine of claim 4, wherein the waiting area comprises a plurality of charging stations, wherein charging of the at least one mobile carrier is accomplished while the at least one mobile carrier is in the waiting area.

6. The integrated vending machine of claim 5, wherein each charging station is a wireless charging station, enabling wireless charging of at least one mobile carrier.

7. The integrated vending machine of claim 3, further comprising an input station for allowing a customer to enter the verification code.

8. The integrated vending machine of claim 2, further comprising

A payment module in communication with the controller for receiving a payment from the customer based on the selected beverage,

the controller moves the at least one mobile carriage to the open position to provide the selected beverage upon receipt of payment for the selected beverage.

9. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, further comprising a user interface in communication with the controller for communicating with the controller

A list of the plurality of beverages that the integrated vending machine dispenses for the customer is displayed,

the customer is facilitated to select one beverage from a plurality of beverages.

10. The integrated vending machine of claim 2, further comprising a recipe module in communication with the controller for storing a plurality of recipes corresponding to the plurality of beverages.

11. The integrated vending machine of claim 10, wherein the controller generates a path of movement of the at least one mobile carrier based on a recipe of the selected beverage.

12. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a door having a transparent portion to facilitate viewing of the interior of the housing by a customer.

13. The integrated vending machine of claim 12, wherein the door is correspondingly provided with an opening.

14. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a storage compartment and a cooler disposed within the storage compartment for storing the at least one ingredient.

15. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, wherein at least one cup dispensing station comprises

A first cup dispensing station for storing and dispensing a plurality of first cups, wherein the first cups are adapted for a first type of beverage,

a second cup dispensing station for storing and dispensing a plurality of second cups, wherein the second cups are adapted for a second type of beverage.

16. The integrated vending machine of claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to control the vending machine to dispense the product

Moving at least one mobile carrier to a first cup dispensing station to receive a first cup upon selection of a first type of beverage,

moving the at least one mobile carrier to a second cup dispensing station to receive cup two when a second type of beverage is selected.

17. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one ingredient dispensing station comprises a tea brewing and dispensing station for brewing tea and dispensing brewed tea to the cups carried by the mobile carriage.

18. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, wherein at least one ingredient dispensing station comprises one or more ingredient dispensing stations

An ice dispensing station for dispensing ice,

a fructose dispensing station for dispensing fructose,

a condiment dispensing station for dispensing a condiment,

a milk dispensing station for dispensing milk,

a mousse dispensing station for dispensing mousse.

19. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, further comprising a labeling station for labeling cups based on a beverage selected by a customer.

20. The integrated vending machine of claim 19, wherein the at least one mobile carrier moves to the labeling station after receiving the cups from the at least one cup dispensing station.

21. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, further comprising a sealing station for sealing cups containing beverages.

22. The integrated vending machine of claim 21, wherein the capping station comprises a sealer for capping the cups and a lift module for moving the cups between the at least one mobile carriage and the sealer.

23. The integrated vending machine of claim 21, wherein the controller is configured to control the vending machine to dispense the product from the vending machine

At least one mobile carriage is moved to the sealing station upon receipt of the ingredient corresponding to a beverage selected by the customer,

after the cup is sealed, at least one moving bracket is moved to a waiting area.

24. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, further comprising a positioning system for determining the position of at least one mobile carrier.

25. The integrated vending machine of claim 24,

the positioning system includes a plurality of beacons in communication with at least one mobile carriage,

a controller in communication with the plurality of beacons determines a position of the at least one mobile carriage based on information received from the plurality of beacons.

26. The integrated vending machine of claim 25, wherein the at least one mobile carrier includes a locator in communication with a plurality of beacons that receive location information of the at least one mobile carrier from the locator.