TWM625485U - Integrated robotic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An integrated robotic vending machine configured to facilitate an automatic preparation and delivery of a plurality of beverages includes at least one cup dispensing station, at least one ingredient dispensing station, at least one mobile carrier, a controller in communication with the cup dispensing station, the ingredient dispensing and/or the mobile carrier. The cup dispensing station is adapted to store a plurality of cups and/or dispense a cup from the plurality of cups. The ingredient dispensing station is adapted to dispense at least one ingredient to the cup in order to prepare the plurality of beverages and the moving carrier is adapted to autonomously move at the cup dispensing station and/or the ingredient dispensing station. The mobile carrier includes a cup holder to hold the cup.

Description

Integrated vending machine

The new model mainly relates to an automatic vending machine for preparing and providing a variety of beverages, and more particularly, to an integrated vending system, which is equipped with one or more mobile brackets that can move autonomously to facilitate the preparation and delivery of multiple beverages. supply.

Many commercial establishments, such as restaurants and casinos, serve customers a variety of beverages, including mixed drinks. These establishments usually prepare and serve these beverages manually. Although the use of manual operations has its own advantages, the cost of operations can increase significantly due to the often costly recruitment and training of employees. Various vending machines also sell a variety of beverages including, but not limited to, tea, coffee, milk, juice, and carbonated beverages. However, these vending machines also require some form of human intervention to prepare and dispense beverages, which can lead to long queues at the vending machines.

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

One aspect of the present invention relates to an integrated vending machine for automatically preparing and serving a variety of beverages to customers while minimizing or eliminating human intervention. In addition, integrated vending machines can prepare multiple beverages at the same time and increase the efficiency of preparing and serving beverages to customers. In addition, the integrated vending machine also helps to reduce the number of queues next to the integrated vending machine and provide drinks in a timely manner when the customer approaches the integrated vending machine. In addition, the integrated vending machine has a small footprint and can be installed in tight spaces, saving space and associated costs.

Based on this aspect, an example of an integrated vending machine that facilitates the automatic preparation and serving of a variety of beverages is disclosed. The integrated vending machine includes at least one cup dispensing station for storing and/or dispensing a cup from the plurality of cups, and at least one material dispensing station for dispensing at least one ingredient into the cups to prepare a plurality of beverages. In addition, the integrated vending machine also includes at least one mechanical cart (moving automatically at at least one cup dispensing station and/or at least one material dispensing station) including a cup holder for holding cups. Mechanical carts are also known as mobile carriers or carts. Additionally, the integrated vending machine includes a controller in communication with at least one cup dispensing station and at least one ingredient dispensing station and/or at least one mechanical cart (providing a cup of beverage to a housing opening of the integrated vending machine). The cart moves to one or more ingredient distribution stations to collect the ingredients needed to prepare the beverage, and then serve 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 multiple robotic carts can be moved to various ingredient distribution stations simultaneously to prepare multiple beverages simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to move the at least one mechanical cart to the at least one cup dispensing station, receive a cup from the at least one cup dispensing station, and then move the at least one cup-laden mechanical cart to the at least one cup dispensing station An ingredient dispensing station that collects at least one ingredient in a cup based on a beverage selected by the customer. The controller is configured to direct the at least one robotic cart to the opening through which the selected beverage is delivered to the customer. In this way, the controller can realize the automatic movement of the at least one mechanical cart on the integrated vending machine.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine includes a plurality of openings for serving a plurality of beverages through a plurality of mechanical carts. Multiple openings allow multiple beverages to be served to multiple customers at the same time, reducing queues at integrated vending machines.

In one embodiment, after receiving the authentication code associated with the selected beverage, the controller is configured to move the at least one mechanical cart to the opening. This facilitates the provision of beverages from the integrated vending machine when a customer wants to take out a prepared beverage, thereby relieving the congestion of the mechanical trolley at the opening.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine includes a waiting area; here, at least one mechanical cart is arranged after the ingredients are collected into the cups from at least one ingredient dispensing station. Upon receipt of the authentication code, the controller is configured to move at least one robotic trolley from the waiting area to the opening to deliver the selected beverage to the customer, thereby reducing queues at the integrated vending machine.

In one embodiment, the controller determines from at least one of the openings whether there is an empty opening, and then assigns the empty opening to a mechanical cart for serving a beverage upon receipt of the authentication code. In this way, the controller can reduce unnecessary movement of the at least one mechanical trolley toward the opening and promote smooth operation of the at least one mechanical trolley.

In one embodiment, the waiting area includes a plurality of charging stations, enabling the charging of the at least one mechanical trolley while the at least one mechanical trolley is in the waiting area. This makes it possible to charge at least one mechanical trolley during preparation and serving of beverages without removing the mechanical trolley, thereby reducing the overall idle time of the mechanical trolley.

In one embodiment, each charging station is a wirelessly controlled charging station, which can realize wirelessly controlled charging of at least one mechanical trolley.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine further includes an input station that allows the customer to enter an 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 a controller to receive payment from a customer based on a selected beverage; the controller moves at least one mechanical cart to an open position, and upon receipt of payment, based on the selected beverage Beverages offer selected beverages. This ensures that payment for each order is received before the selected beverage is served.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine further includes a user interface in communication with the controller and configured to display a list of multiple beverages in the integrated vending machine for a customer to select one of the multiple beverages.

In one embodiment, the user interface is a web-based application that is accessed through some computing device (including, but not limited to, a customer's cell phone, desktop, laptop, tablet, or any other similar device) for convenient Customers buy drinks remotely.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine further includes a receipt module in communication with the controller, which can be used to store a plurality of recipes corresponding to a plurality of beverages to enable the preparation 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 can move to the associated ingredient dispenser and/or move in the desired sequence.

In one embodiment, the housing includes a door with a transparent portion that enables a customer to see the interior of the housing to understand the preparation or preparation of the beverage.

In one embodiment, the door defines an opening.

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

In one embodiment, the at least one cup dispensing station includes a first cup dispensing station for storing and dispensing a plurality of cups. Cup 1 is suitable for hot beverages (ie beverages of the first category). The at least one dispensing station also includes a second cup dispensing station for storing and dispensing the plurality of cups. Cup II is suitable for cold drinks (ie, second-class drinks).

In one embodiment, when a first type of beverage is selected, the controller moves the at least one mechanical cart to a first cup dispensing station to receive a cup one; when a second type of beverage is selected, the controller can also At least one mechanical cart moves to the second cup dispensing station to receive cup two. In this way, the controller can pour hot beverages into cups suitable for storage at relatively high temperatures.

In one embodiment, the at least one raw material dispensing station includes a tea brewing and dispensing station for brewing tea and dispensing the brewed tea to cups carried by the mechanical cart. The brewing and dispensing station facilitates the brewing and dispensing of bubble tea.

In one embodiment, the at least one ingredient dispensing station includes one or more ice dispensing stations, a fructose dispensing station, a condiment dispensing station, a milk dispensing station, and a custard dispensing station.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine further includes a labeling station for labeling the cups according to the beverage selected by the customer. The label displays the name and/or tracking number of the beverage, enabling the customer to ensure that they get the beverage they want from the integrated vending machine.

In one embodiment, the at least one robotic cart moves to a labeling station after receiving the cups from at least one cup dispensing station.

In one embodiment, the integrated vending machine further includes a sealing station for sealing the cup containing the beverage. The sealing station includes a cup sealer and a lift module for moving the cups between the at least one mechanical cart and the sealer. The capping station caps the cup to ensure the freshness and taste of the beverage inside the cup.

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

According to one embodiment, the integrated vending machine further includes a positioning system for determining the position of the at least one moving carriage in real time. The determination of the position assists in 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 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 from the locator associated with the location of the at least one mobile carriage. The controller determines the position of the at least one moving carriage by triangulating signals received from the plurality of moving carriages. By determining the position of each moving carriage, the controller controls the movement of the moving carriages so that one or more beverages can be dispensed simultaneously without manual intervention.

According to another aspect of the novel, a method for dispensing and serving beverages in an integrated vending machine is provided.

The method determines, by the controller, a beverage selected by a customer from a plurality of beverages, and moves, by the controller, at least one mechanical cart to at least one cup dispensing station to receive cups from the at least one cup dispensing station. The method may also move, by the controller, at least one mechanical cart to at least one ingredient dispensing station to receive at least one ingredient corresponding to the selected beverage, and move the at least one mechanical cart to the at least one ingredient by the controller An ingredient dispensing station where at least one mechanical cart delivers the selected beverage to the integrated vending machine opening for delivery of the selected beverage to the customer. In this way, beverages are prepared and served to customers by mechanical carts without any human intervention.

In one embodiment, upon receipt of the authentication code associated with the selected beverage, at least one mechanical cart is moved to the opening of the selected beverage to serve the selected beverage. This facilitates the provision of beverages from the integrated vending machine when a customer wants to take out a prepared beverage, thereby relieving the congestion of the mechanical trolley at the opening.

In one embodiment, the method may further move the at least one mechanical trolley to a waiting area of an integrated vending machine after collecting the ingredients in the cup from at least one ingredient dispensing station; or after receiving the authentication code , moving at least one mechanical cart from the waiting area to an open position for delivery of a selected beverage to the customer when the customer wishes to take it.

In one embodiment, the waiting area includes a plurality of wirelessly controlled charging stations capable of charging at least one mechanical trolley when the at least one mechanical trolley is located in the waiting area. This makes it possible to charge at least one mechanical trolley during preparation and serving of beverages without removing the mechanical trolley, thereby reducing the overall idle time of the mechanical trolley.

In one embodiment, the controller receives the customer's authentication code through an input station where the customer can enter the authentication code.

In one embodiment, the controller moves the at least one robotic cart to the open position, and upon receipt of payment, serves the selected beverage.

In one embodiment, the controller receives an input corresponding to the selected beverage via the user interface. The user interface is used to display a list of various beverages to be dispensed by the integrated vending machine, allowing the customer to choose from a variety of beverages.

In one embodiment, the user interface is a web-based application installed on some computing device (including, but not limited to, a customer's cell phone, desktop, laptop, tablet, or any other similar device) for the convenience of Customers buy drinks remotely.

In one embodiment, the method may further access a recipe corresponding to the selected beverage among the plurality of recipes stored in the recipe module through the controller, and generate the motion path of at least one mechanical cart through the controller according to the recipe of the selected beverage, so as to Ensure that at least one mechanical trolley moves to the associated material dispenser and/or moves in the desired sequence.

In one embodiment, the at least one cup dispensing station includes a first cup dispensing station for storing and dispensing a plurality of cups one, and a second cup dispensing station for storing and dispensing a plurality of cups two. Cup one is suitable for hot beverages (ie, beverages of the first category), while cup two is suitable for cold beverages (ie, beverages of the second category). Additionally, the controller moves at least one mechanical trolley to a first cup dispensing station to receive cup one when a hot beverage is selected and moves at least one mechanical trolley to a second cup dispensing station to receive a cold beverage when selected Cup two. In this way, the controller can pour hot beverages into cups suitable for storage at relatively high temperatures.

In one embodiment, the at least one robotic cart moves to a labeling station after receiving the cups from at least one cup dispensing station. The label displays the name and/or tracking number of the beverage, enabling the customer to ensure that they get the beverage they want from the integrated vending machine.

In one embodiment, after receiving all the raw materials corresponding to the selected beverage, the controller moves at least one mechanical trolley to the sealing station for sealing. The sealing station includes a cup sealer and a lift module for moving the cups between the mechanical trolley and the sealer. The capping station caps the cup to ensure the freshness and taste of the beverage inside the cup.

Other aspects and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of example embodiments, which will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, positions, etc. of components, features, elements, etc. and any distances between them are not necessarily to scale and may be shown off-scale and/or in greater magnification for clarity, unless otherwise specified on the drawings illustrate.

The terminology used herein is used to describe the exemplary embodiments only, and not to limit them. As used herein, the singular shall also include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should be appreciated that the term "comprising" as used in this specification designates the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, Steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups. Unless otherwise indicated, the listing of a series of values includes the upper and lower limits of the range and any subrange therebetween. Unless stated otherwise, the terms "first", "second" and the like are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, one element may be referred to as "element one" and, likewise, another element may be referred to as "element two," and vice versa. Section headings used here are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Unless stated otherwise, the terms "about", "approximately", "substantially" and the like mean that quantities, sizes, components, parameters and other quantities and characteristics are not necessarily exact and may be approximate and/or greater or lesser values , or as required to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, etc., and other elements known to those skilled in the art.

Space-relative terms such as "right", "left", "bottom", "below", "lower", "above" and "upper" may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or property shown on the drawing and another element or property Relationship. It should be noted that spatially relative terms will encompass different directions as well as those depicted in the figures. For example, if an object in the figures is turned over, it would be described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features; alternatively, the features would be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the word "below" can encompass both the directions above and below. Objects may be positioned in other ways (eg, rotated 90 degrees or oriented in other directions), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

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

Homologous numbers refer to all similar elements. Thus, the same or similar numerals may be described with reference to the other figures even if not mentioned in the other figures nor described in the corresponding figures. In addition, descriptions may be made with reference to other figures even if the elements indicated by the reference numbers are not referenced.

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

Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular characteristic, structure, or characteristic associated with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Appearances of the expression "in one embodiment" in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are they separate or alternative embodiments that are mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

1-3 illustrate an integrated vending machine 100 (hereafter referred to as "the vending machine 100") for dispensing and serving a variety of beverages. In one embodiment, the vending machine 100, as shown and described below, For preparing hot and cold tea and/or coffee-based beverages. Although vending machine 100 is a vending machine for tea- and/or coffee-based beverages, it is understood that vending machine 100 can be customized to provide any The vending machine 100 may be a mobile vending machine having a housing 102 to accommodate and support the various components of the vending machine 100, and a plurality of rollers 104 connected to the housing 102 to support the housing 102 in a On the surface, the rollers 104 allow the vending machine 100 to be moved to different positions.

As shown, the housing 102 includes a cabinet 106 with a base 108 , a top surface 110 , and a plurality of surrounding walls 112 extending vertically from the base 108 to the top surface 110 . The cabinet 106 includes a platform 114 that is substantially parallel to the base 108 and divides the cabinet into two parts, eg, a first part 118 (ie, top 118 ) and a second part 120 (ie, bottom 120 ). The first portion 118 defines a distribution chamber 122, and the bottom portion 120 defines a plurality of storage chambers, such as a first storage chamber 124, a second storage chamber 126, and a third storage chamber 128, which are separated from each other by one or more A wall extending vertically from the base 108 to the platform 114 is separated. Additionally, the housing 102 includes at least one door, eg, a first door 130 for closing the front opening of the first portion 118 , and a second door 132 for closing the front opening of the second portion 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 the three openings 140 shown in FIGS. 1-3. , which are positioned near the bottom end 136 to provide access to the dispensing chamber 122 when the first door 130 is in the closed position. The transparent portion 138 can be used to observe the process of beverage preparation and delivery to a user or customer. In one embodiment, the transparent portion 138 may comprise a transparent flat panel television screen on which beverage retrieval prompts 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, a variety of games can be displayed on the screen and the touch screen allows customers to play a variety of interactive games.

Although two doors are contemplated here, a first door 130 and a second door 132, one door may also be used. Additionally, each of the first storage compartment 124, the second storage compartment 126, and the third storage compartment 128 is provided with a separate door leading to each storage compartment (the first storage compartment 124, the second storage compartment chamber 126 and third storage chamber 128). In one embodiment, one of the storage compartments (eg, the first storage compartment 124) includes a cooler 142 for storing various ingredients, including milk, custard, juice/condiment, etc., at desired temperature conditions. In one embodiment, one of the storage compartments (eg, the second storage compartment 126) may include a waste collector 144 for collecting any spillage or waste generated during the beverage dispensing process.

Referring now to Figures 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 may be dispensed 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 cups one 156) and a second cup dispensing station 158 (for storing and dispensing a plurality of cups one 156) Multiple cups II 160). Cup one 156 is suitable for storing hot drinks, and cup two 160 is suitable for storing cold drinks. Additionally, the vending machine 100 includes at least one ingredient dispensing station 162 that can dispense at least one ingredient within the cups 152 to prepare multiple beverages. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the vending machine 100 includes a plurality of ingredient dispensing stations, such as: an ice dispensing station 162a, a tea brewing and dispensing station 162b, a milk dispensing station 162c, a custard dispensing station 162d, a fructose dispensing station 162e, a flavoring dispensing station 162f, and a filtration and dispensing station 162g for dispensing at least one ingredient within the cup 152 to prepare multiple beverages. An ice dispensing station 162a arranged on the platform 114 is adjacent to a rear wall of the cabinet 106 for dispensing ice; a tea brewing and dispensing station 162b is mounted on the platform 114 for storing tea and/or coffee ingredients. A tea brewing and dispensing station 162b is located near the first door 130 to facilitate the brewing and dispensing of tea or coffee in the cup 152. Likewise, milk dispensing station 162c, custard dispensing station 162d, fructose dispensing station 162e, and condiment dispensing station 162f extend through platform 114 into the interior of dispensing chamber 122 in the form of taps for dispensing milk, custard, fructose and condiments, respectively. In addition, a filtering and dispensing station 162g is mounted on the rear wall or top surface 110 of the cabinet 106 at a distance from the platform 114, primarily for dispensing decorative ingredients. It will be appreciated that ingredient dispensing station 162 and cup dispensing station 150 are located within dispensing chamber 122 and are mounted to cabinet 106 such that ingredient dispensing station 162 may dispense ingredients into cups 152 arranged/moved on platform 114.

Additionally, the vending machine 100 (optionally) includes a labeling station 170 for marking the name or code of the beverage to be poured into the cup 152. In addition, the vending machine 100 may also include a capping station 172 to cap and seal the cup 152 containing the beverage. To this end, the sealing station 172 includes a lift module 174 and a sealer 176 . The lift module 174 is used to grab and fix the cup to be sealed, and then move the cup 152 to the sealer 176 . In one embodiment, the lift module 174 drives the cup 152 to move vertically and horizontally (ie, X-Y direction), and the cup 152 reaches the sealer 176 and returns to the platform 114 or a cup holder provided on the platform 114 . The sealer 176 may be a heat or ultrasonic sealer that places a lid on the cup 152 and then seals the cup 152 to prevent spillage of the beverage within the cup 152. Accordingly, after all the ingredients needed to prepare the beverage are poured into the cup 152, the cup 152 is sealed with a lid.

In addition, the vending machine 100 also includes at least one mechanical cart 180 (ie, moving carriage 180) that can move between the dispensing platform 114 and the ingredient dispensing station 162, the cup dispensing stations (the first cup dispensing station 154 and the second cup dispensing station 154 and the second cup dispensing station 162). Dispensing station 158), labeling station 170 and sealing station 172 are self-moving to facilitate the preparation and serving of a variety of beverages. As shown, the robotic cart 180 includes a cup holder 182 for grasping and securing a cup 152 dispensed by at least one cup dispensing station 150 , with a plurality of rollers 184 supporting the robotic cart 180 on the platform 114 . The rollers 184 facilitate the movement of the mechanical cart 180 to the stations of the vending machine 100 (cup dispensing station 150, material dispensing station 162, labeling station 170 and sealing station 172). Additionally, the robotic cart 180 may include the necessary control modules to control the movement of the robotic cart 180 based on various inputs (eg, a beverage selected by the customer). In one embodiment, the mechanical cart 180 may include a communication module (not shown) to facilitate the mechanical cart 180 to communicate with a central controller (hereinafter referred to as the "controller 190") and/or the ingredient dispensing station 162, the cup dispensing station 150, the labeling station 170, the sealing station 172, and any other systems or components associated with the vending machine 100. It is contemplated that the mechanical cart 180 may include appropriate hardware to power the rollers 184 to enable the mechanical cart 180 to operate. In addition, the mechanical cart 180 may also include necessary collision avoidance systems and queue management systems for realizing autonomous movement of the mechanical cart 180 to facilitate the preparation and serving of multiple beverages.

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

In one embodiment, the charging station 186 is a wireless charging station, and the mechanical cart 180 includes the hardware necessary for the mechanical cart 180 to wirelessly charge the battery. As shown, the charging station 186 is located in a waiting area 188 (see Figures 2, 3 and 5 for the best solution) to charge the mechanical cart 180 while it waits to receive instructions to effect beverage preparation, or to prepare a beverage Wait before moving back to the settlement station (ie, opening 140). In one embodiment, the mechanical cart 180 may move to the delivery window after receiving the authentication code to deliver the cups containing the beverage.

Additionally, the vending machine 100 includes a user interface 200 (shown in FIG. 1 ) that facilitates the customer to select a beverage from a variety of beverages. In one embodiment, the user interface 200 may be a tablet-style interface mounted on the housing 102 of the vending machine 100 and may include a display 202 and a keyboard 204 to facilitate selection from a variety of beverages. In one embodiment, the keyboard 204 may be an alphanumeric keyboard or a trackpad. In some instances, as shown in FIG. 1, user interface 200 may be a web-based application accessible through a computing device including, but not limited to, a cell phone, desktop, laptop, tablet, or Any other similar device that facilitates the customer to access a web-based application and select a beverage. In addition, the user interface 200 may also include a payment module 206 to facilitate receiving payment from the customer based on the beverage selected. In one embodiment, payment module 206 (shown in FIG. 1 ) may be a payment terminal installed on vending machine 100 . The payment terminal may facilitate payment via one or more credit cards, debit cards, QR (Quick Response) codes, a coin acceptor, 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 when the cup 152 containing the beverage is taken through the one or more openings 140 (ie, the delivery station) Payment receipt. 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 for controlling at least one mechanical cart 180 , at least one cup dispensing station 150 and at least one ingredient dispensing station 162 , to prepare the selected beverage and serve it to the customer.

The controller 190 may be a remote controller or a controller installed on the vending machine 100 and communicates with the user interface 200, the payment module 206, the at least one mechanical cart 180, the ingredient dispensing station 162, the cup dispensing station (the first one). Cup dispensing station 154 communicates with a second cup dispensing station 158), charging station 186, labeling station 170, and sealing station 172. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the controller 190 may include a processor 192 for executing specified instructions that may control and monitor various functions associated with the 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 integrated into the controller 190, but those skilled in the art will understand that the memory 194 may be separate from the controller 190 and mounted on the vending machine 100 and/or remote from the controller 190 and the vending machine 100 is installed, and is also associated with or accessed by the controller 190 to store and retrieve information in memory as needed during the operation of the vending machine 100 . Memory 194 may include a recipe module 196 in which recipes corresponding to various beverages prepared by vending machine 100 are stored. In addition, each recipe may also include information on one or more ingredients required to formulate the associated beverage, the amount of each ingredient, and/or the order of mixing of ingredients required to formulate the associated beverage.

Although processor 192 is shown, other electronic components such as microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips, or any other integrated circuit device may also be used. Additionally, controller 190 may generally refer to a number of control and processing devices within which the functions of various systems or components of vending machine 100 may be distributed. For example, material dispensing station 162, robotic cart 180, cup dispensing stations (first cup dispensing station 154 and second cup dispensing station 158), labeling station 170, and sealing station 172 may each include one or more and control The controller 190 communicates with.

Additionally, the vending machine 100 may include a plurality of locations for detecting the presence of the robotic cart 180 at the stations (cup dispensing station 150, ingredient dispensing station 162, labeling station 170, sealing station 172, charging station 186) and opening 140 or A sensor (not shown) for the position of the mechanical cart 180 on the platform 114 . After receiving the above information from the sensors, the controller 190 can control the movement of the mechanical cart 180 and/or control the stations (the cup dispensing station 150, the material dispensing station 162, the labeling station 170, the sealing station 172 and the charging station) 186) to prepare the selected beverage and serve it to the customer.

To facilitate and control the customer's beverage delivery, the processor 192 may receive information or input corresponding to the beverage selected by the user through the user interface 200 . After receiving the information about the selected beverage, the processor can check the payment status corresponding to the selected beverage. After receiving the payment confirmation or the non-payment confirmation, the processor 192 can access the recipe module 196 to obtain the recipe corresponding to the selected beverage, and determine the information related to the ingredients required to prepare the selected beverage. Additionally, the processor 192 may also determine a type of cup 152 for preparing the beverage. For example, when the selected beverage is a hot beverage (ie, the first category of beverages), the processor 192 may determine the cup type 152 as cup one 156; when the selected beverage is a cold beverage (ie, the second category of beverages), the 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 can then determine the path and movement of the robotic cart 180 and the order in which the ingredients are fed into the cups held by the robotic cart 180 based on the ingredients and beverage type of the selected beverage. Additionally, upon receipt of the customer order, the processor 192 may generate an authentication code to be shared with the customer/user. The customer can get the cup 152 containing the selected beverage after presenting the authentication code.

In one embodiment, the 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 phone via text message. In one embodiment, the authentication code may be a QR code generated on the web-based application. In addition, the processor 192 may store the verification information corresponding to each order in the memory 194 . Additionally, the processor 192 may also assign an identification code to the mechanical cart; the mechanical 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 robotic 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 a customer to enter a verification code. In one embodiment, the input station may be a keyboard or a code scanner or any other suitable component that facilitates the customer to enter the verification code.

In addition, the processor 192 may also control the ingredient dispensing station 162 to dispense ingredients to the cups held by the robotic cart 180 when the robotic cart 180 carrying the cups arrives at one or more ingredient dispensing stations according to the selected beverage recipe 152. Additionally, the processor controls the cup dispensing station to provide cups 152 to the robotic cart 180 depending on the type of beverage. For example, if 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 the second cup dispensing station Stop 158. The processor 192 can detect the presence of a mechanical cart at 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, respectively, to drop/release to be controlled by the mechanical cart. Cart 180 and cup holder 182 receive cup one 156 or cup two 160.

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 arrives at the labeling station 170, the processor 192 can control and operate the labeling station 170 to label the cups with the appropriate identification marks. The processor 192 then directs the robotic cart 180 carrying the cups 152 to the 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 robotic cart 180. It will be appreciated that the robotic cart 180 moves to the different ingredient dispensing stations according to the recipe and in a sequence defined by the recipe of the selected beverage.

After all the raw materials corresponding to the selected beverage are put into the cup 152 , the mechanical cart 180 immediately moves to the sealing station 172 . Upon detection of the robotic cart 180 carrying the cup 152, the processor 192 may control the sealing station to seal the cup 152 containing the beverage with a lid. To this end, the processor 192 may control the lift module 174 to grab the cup 152 held by the cup holder 182 of the mechanical cart 180 and then move the cup 152 toward the sealer 176 . In this case, the cup 152 can move vertically upward, and can also move horizontally under the action of the lifting module 174 . The processor 192 controls the sealer 176 to place the lid on the cup 152 and then seal the cup 152 with the lid. Then, the processor 192 can control the lifting module 174 again to put the sealed cup 152 into the cup holder 182 of the mechanical cart 180 .

After receiving the sealed cup placed in the cup holder 182, the mechanical cart 180 or the processor 192 can check or determine whether the verification code corresponding to the beverage in the cup 152 fixed by the mechanical cart 180 has been received. If the verification code has been received, the processor 192 will move the robotic 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 and assign the empty opening 140 to the mechanical cart 180 before moving the robotic cart 180 containing the cup 152 to the opening 140 . The processor 192 may identify the opening 140 as an empty opening 140 when there is no mechanical cart 180 at the location of the opening 140 and/or the opening 140 is not assigned to any mechanical cart 180 operating in the dispensing chamber 122 . If the empty opening 140 does not exist, the processor 192 may move the mechanical cart 180 carrying the cup 152 to the waiting area; if an opening 140 is assigned to the mechanical cart 180, the processor 192 will move the mechanical cart carrying the cup 180.

If the associated verification code is not received, the processor 192 will move the mechanical cart 180 carrying the cup 152 from the sealing station 172 to the waiting area 188 and position the mechanical cart 180 in the waiting area 188 until the verification code is received And one of the openings 140 has been assigned to the mechanical cart 180 . In one embodiment, the mechanical cart 180 is charged by the charging station 186 while in the waiting area. The robotic cart provides a cup 152 with a beverage of the customer's choice through the dispensed opening 140 . Additionally, after the cup 152 containing the selected beverage is handed over to the customer, the processor 192 may operate the receipt generator 210 to print a customer receipt. In this way, the vending machine 100 facilitates the preparation and delivery of various beverages without manual intervention, and can improve the efficiency of beverage preparation and delivery. In addition, the processor 192 can control the plurality of mechanical carts 180 to reduce the number of people in line at the vending machine 100 .

In one embodiment (see FIG. 6 ), vending machine 100 includes a positioning system 250 for determining the location of at least one robotic cart 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 of each robotic cart 180 may be shared with the processor 192 (ie, the controller 190). . The controller 190 controls the movement of each mechanical trolley 180 arranged on the platform 114 by means of the position information, so as to realize the smooth operation of each mechanical trolley 180, thereby realizing the synchronous preparation and delivery of one or more beverages, and at the same time. Any collision between the two can be avoided. In one embodiment, the positioning system 250 may include a plurality of slave beacons 252 (eg, four slave beacons 252 arranged on the vending machine 100 ) and a master beacon in communication with the slave beacons 252 and the controller 190 254. The main beacon 254 may be provided on the vending machine 100 , or may be provided outside the vending machine at a location close to the vending machine 100 .

The master beacon 254 determines the position of each mechanical cart 180 through triangulation and according to signals or information provided from the beacon 252 , and shares the position information of each mechanical cart 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 mechanical cart 180 by triangulating and according to the signal provided from the beacon 252 .

In one embodiment, the robotic cart 180 also includes a locator 256 (eg, a WI-FI module or Bluetooth module) that interacts with the slave beacon 252 and/or the master beacon 254 to pass the master beacon 254 determines the location of the mechanical cart 180 . The locator 256 on the robotic cart 180 forms an inverse architecture to ensure that the location update rate of the robotic cart 180 does not decrease as the number of robotic carts 180 in the vending machine 100 increases. In addition, the locator 256 may include an internal sensor (eg, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for measuring distance, an ultrasonic sensor and/or LiDAR sensor, or a barometer for measuring ambient pressure), It is used to improve the accuracy of the orientation, direction and position of the related mechanical cart 180 . In some 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 robotic cart 180, and a sensor for measuring the surrounding environment temperature thermometer.

An example method for preparing and delivering a beverage is illustrated with reference to Figures 7-16. The method includes a step where the processor 192 receives, via the user interface 200, an input corresponding to the selected beverage. In the example, the customer's beverage of choice is a cold tea with garnish, fructose, and milk. When it is determined that the selected beverage is a cold tea with garnish, fructose and milk, the processor 192 accesses the recipe module 196 and determines the type of cup and associated ingredients for the cold tea. In this example, the processor 192 determines that the type of beverage is a cold beverage, and therefore determines that the type of cup is cup two 160 . The processor 192 may then generate a verification code and communicate it to the customer. Additionally, the processor 192 assigns a robotic 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 moves the dispensed robotic cart 180 at the second cup dispensing station 158 , which dispenses a cup two 160 . The dispensed cup two 160 enters the cup holder 182 of the mechanical cart 180 (shown in FIG. 7). Then, the mechanical cart 180 moves to the labeling station 170, and the processor 192 drives the labeling station 170 to attach the appropriate label to the cup two 160 (as shown in FIG. 8). After the labeling of the cup two 160 is completed, the processor 192 moves the mechanical trolley 180 to the filtering and dispensing station 162g, where the decoration material is distributed to the cup two 160 in the cup holder 182 of the mechanical cart 180 (as shown in FIG. 9 ). ).

Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the mechanical cart 180 is moved to the position of the fructose dispensing station 162e. The processor 192 drives the fructose dispensing station 162e to operate, and injects fructose into the cup two held by the mechanical cart 180. Afterwards, the processor 192 moves the mechanical cart 180 to the ice dispensing station 162a, and pours ice into the second cup 160, as shown in FIG. 11 . Then, the mechanical cart 180 moves to the position of the milk distribution station 162c (as shown in FIG. 12 ), and the milk is poured into the second cup 160 fixed by the mechanical cart 180 . After milk is poured into the second cup 160 , the mechanical cart 180 moves to the tea brewing and tea distribution station 162 b and pours tea into the second cup 160 . In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, at the position of the tea brewing and tea dispensing station 162b, the tea is brewed in the cup filter 300 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 13) held by the bracket 302, using a The tea leaves from the tea dispenser 304 (the best solution shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4) and the hot water from the hot water distribution tap 306 (the best solution shown in Fig. 12) are respectively fixed by the bracket 302, The brewed tea is delivered through a hole in the bottom of the cup filter. The tea brewing and dispensing station 162b includes a plurality of said brackets 302 , a hot water dispensing tap 306 and a tea dispenser 304 . In addition, the tea brewing and dispensing station 162b also includes a plurality of revolving doors 310 (shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 ) for opening and closing a plurality of drains 312 (shown in FIG. 3 ) to discharge overflowing tea ; also through the cup filter 300 and drain 312 into the waste collector 144.

After receiving the tea from the tea brewing and dispensing station 162b, the mechanical cart 180 moves to the sealing station 172, where a lid 350 is used to seal the cup two 160 (as shown in FIG. 14). Subsequently, the mechanical cart 180 moves to the waiting area 188 and connects to one of the charging stations 186 to charge the battery of the mechanical cart 180 (as shown in FIG. 15 ). The mechanical cart 180 remains in the waiting area 188 until the verification code is received through the input station 212 . After receiving the verification code, the processor 192 identifies an empty opening 140, assigns it to the mechanical cart 180, and moves the mechanical cart 180 to the assigned opening 140 (as shown in FIG. Customers provide drinks (cup two 160).

Numerous modifications and other embodiments of the novelties listed herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the benefits of these novelties are reflected in the foregoing and related drawings. It is therefore to be understood that novel contents are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included in the appended claims. Furthermore, while the foregoing description and related drawings describe embodiments in the context of various example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be understood that other embodiments may provide elements and/or functions without departing from the appended claims. / or different combinations of functions.

100: Integrated Vending Machine 102: Shell 104: Roller 106: Cabinet 108: Base 110: top surface 112: Wall 114: Platform 118: Part One, or Top 120: Second part, or bottom 122: Distribution Room 124: The first storage room 126: Second Storage Room 128: Third Storage Room 130: The first door 132: Second Door 134: Top 136: Bottom 138: Transparent part 140: Opening 142: Cooler 144: Waste Collector 150: Cup Dispensing Station 152: Cup 154: First Cup Dispensing Station 156: Cup One 158: Second Cup Dispensing Station 160: cup two 162: Raw material distribution station 162a: Ice Distribution Station 162b: Tea brewing and distribution station 162c: Milk Distribution Station 162d: Custard Dispensing Station 162e: Fructose Dispensing Station 162f: Condiment Dispensing Station 162g: Filtration and Distribution Station 170: Labeling Station 172: Sealing Station 174: Lifting module 176: Sealer 180: Mechanical trolley, or mobile bracket 182: Cup Holder 184: Roller 186: Charging Station 188: Waiting area 190: Controller 192: Processor 194: Memory 196: Recipe Module 200: User Interface 202: Display 204: Keyboard 206: Payment Module 210: Receipt Generator 212: Input Station 250: Positioning System 252: From Beacons 254: Main Beacon 256: Locator 300: cup filter 302: Bracket 304: Tea Dispenser 306: Hot water distribution faucet 310: Revolving Door 312: drain 350: cover

1 is a front perspective view of an example integrated vending machine.

Figure 2 shows an integrated vending machine with a door that is positioned away from the cabinet with the integrated vending machine housing.

Figure 3 shows the integrated vending machine with various inner doors removed and depicts the internal components of the integrated vending machine.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the integrated vending machine.

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

Figure 6 shows the positioning system used to determine the position of the moving carriage of the integrated vending machine.

Figures 7-16 depict the movement of a mechanical cart inside an integrated vending machine during an example beverage preparation and serving process.

100: Integrated Vending Machine

102: Shell

104: Roller

106: Cabinet

108: Base

110: top surface

112: Wall

130: The first door

132: Second Door

134: Top

138: Transparent part

140: Opening

180: Mechanical trolley

190: Controller

192: Processor

194: Memory

196: Recipe Module

200: User Interface

202: Display

206: Payment Module

212: Input Station

Claims (26)

An integrated vending machine that facilitates automatic preparation and serving of a variety of beverages, comprising: at least one cup dispensing station, which can be used to store and/or remove a cup from a plurality of cups; at least one ingredient dispensing station operable to dispense at least one ingredient into a cup to prepare multiple beverages; at least one mobile carriage, movable automatically at at least one cup dispensing station and/or at least one material dispensing station, wherein the mobile carriage includes a cup holder for holding the cups; and A controller, in communication with at least one cup dispensing station, at least one ingredient dispensing station, and/or at least one mobile carriage, provides a cup of beverage to a housing opening of the integrated vending machine. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, wherein the controller is used to at least one mobile carriage can be moved to at least one cup dispensing station to receive a cup from the at least one cup dispensing station; at least one mobile carrier carrying a cup can be moved to at least one ingredient dispensing station to collect at least one ingredient into the cup according to a beverage selected by the customer; and At least one mobile carriage can be moved to the opening position through which the selected beverage is delivered to the customer. The integrated vending machine of claim 2, wherein upon receipt of the verification code associated with the beverage, the controller is configured to move at least one moving carriage to the open position. The integrated vending machine of claim 3, wherein the integrated vending machine comprises: a waiting area; at least one moving carriage enters the waiting area after the material is collected into the cup from the at least one material dispensing station; and After receiving the verification code, the controller can move at least one mobile carriage from the waiting area to the exit. The integrated vending machine of claim 4, wherein the waiting area includes a plurality of charging stations that enable charging of the at least one mobile cradle while the at least one mobile cradle is in the waiting area. The integrated vending machine of claim 5, wherein each charging station is a wireless charging station that enables wireless charging of at least one mobile cradle. An integrated vending machine as described in claim 3, further comprising an input station to allow the customer to enter a verification code. The integrated vending machine of claim 2, further comprising A payment module that communicates with the controller to receive payment from the customer based on the selected beverage, The controller moves at least one mobile carriage to the open position to provide the selected beverage upon receipt of payment according to the selected beverage. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, further comprising a user interface in communication with the controller for displaying a list of beverages prepared by the integrated vending machine for a customer to facilitate selection of a beverage from the plurality of beverages. 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 a plurality of beverages. The integrated vending machine of claim 10, wherein the controller generates a travel path of the at least one moving carriage based on the recipe of the selected beverage. The integrated vending machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing includes a door provided with a transparent portion to facilitate customers to observe the inside of the housing. The integrated vending machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein the door is provided with an opening correspondingly. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a storage chamber and a cooler disposed inside the storage chamber, which can be used to store at least one raw material. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one cup dispensing station comprises: a first cup-dispensing station that can be used to store and dispense a plurality of cups, wherein cups are suitable for a first category of beverages; and A second cup dispensing station that can be used to store and dispense a plurality of cup twos, wherein cup two is suitable for a second type of beverage. The integrated vending machine of claim 15, wherein the controller is used to moving at least one mobile carriage to a first cup dispensing station to receive cup one upon selection of a first type of beverage; and At least one mobile carriage is moved to the second cup dispensing station to receive cup two upon selection of the second type of beverage. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one ingredient dispensing station includes a brewing and dispensing station for brewing and dispensing brewed tea to cups carried by the moving carriage. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one material dispensing station includes one or more An ice dispensing station that can be used to dispense ice; Fructose dispensing stations that can be used to dispense fructose; Condiment dispensing stations that can be used to dispense condiments; milk dispensing stations that can be used to dispense milk; and A custard dispensing station that can be used to dispense custard. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, further comprising a labeling station operable to label the cups according to a beverage selected by the customer. The integrated vending machine of claim 19, wherein the at least one moving carriage moves to the labeling station after receiving the cups from the at least one cup dispensing station. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, further comprising a sealing station operable to seal cups containing beverages. The integrated vending machine of claim 21, the capping station comprising a capper for capping the cups and a lift module for moving the cups between the at least one moving carriage and the capper. The integrated vending machine of claim 21, wherein the controller is used to At least one moving carriage can be moved to the sealing station when the raw material corresponding to a beverage selected by the customer is received, Move at least one mobile carriage to the waiting area after the cups are sealed. The integrated vending machine of claim 1, further comprising a positioning system operable to determine the position of the at least one moving carriage. The integrated vending machine of claim 24, wherein, The positioning system includes a plurality of beacons in communication with the at least one mobile cradle, and a controller communicable with the plurality of beacons determines the location of the at least one mobile cradle based on information received from the plurality of beacons. The integrated vending machine of claim 25, wherein the at least one moving carriage includes a locator in communication with a plurality of beacons, wherein the plurality of beacons receive position information of the at least one moving carriage from the locator .

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