Patent ID: 12227406

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is made in detail to embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts, components, or operations.

Please refer toFIG.1throughFIG.3.FIG.1shows a simplified schematic perspective diagram of a fluid material dispensing apparatus100according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIGS.2˜3show simplified schematic diagrams illustrating spatial arrangement of some components of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100from different viewing angles. The fluid material dispensing apparatus100may be utilized to automatically conduct beverage preparation operations to make beverages or output various fluid materials (e.g., various sauces) for use in food seasoning.

In the embodiment ofFIG.1, the fluid material dispensing apparatus100comprises an upper chamber101, a lower chamber103, a neck chamber105, one or more connecting channels107, and a control panel109. In order to reduce the complexity of the drawing contents, the appearance outline of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100is deliberately represented by dashed lines inFIG.1, while some internal objects to be further described in the following are depicted with solid lines. Please note that the appearance shape of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100is merely a simplified exemplary embodiment for the purpose of explanatory convenience, rather than a restriction to the actual appearance of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100.

The upper chamber101of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100may be connected to the neck chamber105, and may be connected to the lower chamber103through the connecting channel107. Relevant wires, signal lines, connectors, and/or material transmission pipes may be arranged inside the fluid material dispensing apparatus100in a variety of appropriate ways.

As shown inFIG.1throughFIG.3, the fluid material dispensing apparatus100further comprises a plurality of pumps110, a plurality of damper devices120, a plurality of flowmeters130, a plurality of material-temperature adjustment devices140, a plurality of nozzles150, and a connecting plate160.

Each of the aforementioned pumps110may be connected to other components through various material transmission pipes and connectors, and may be installed within the upper chamber101, the lower chamber103, and/or the neck chamber105in a variety of appropriate spatial arrangements, not restricted to the spatial arrangement shown inFIG.1throughFIG.3.

Each of the aforementioned damper devices120and flowmeters130may be connected to other components through various material transmission pipes and connectors, and may be installed within the upper chamber101, the lower chamber103, and/or the neck chamber105in a variety of appropriate spatial arrangements, not restricted to the spatial arrangement shown inFIG.1throughFIG.3.

Each of the aforementioned material-temperature adjustment devices140may be connected to other components through various material transmission pipes and connectors, and may be installed within the neck chamber105in a variety of appropriate spatial arrangements, not restricted to the spatial arrangement shown inFIG.1throughFIG.3.

The aforementioned nozzles150may be detachably arranged on the connecting plate160through various appropriate connections, and the connecting plate160may be detachably arranged beneath the neck chamber105through various appropriate connections, not restricted to the spatial arrangement shown inFIG.1throughFIG.3. In addition, the input terminal of each nozzle150may be connected to the output terminal of a corresponding material-temperature adjustment device140through various material transmission pipes and connectors. The output terminals of respective nozzles150and the connecting plate160can be exposed outside the neck chamber105to facilitate the user to carry out relevant cleaning procedures.

As shown inFIG.1, multiple material containers180may be placed within the lower chamber103of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100. Different material containers180may be utilized to store different fluid materials. For example, the aforementioned fluid material may be common beverage base materials, such as water, sparkling water, black tea, green tea, soy milk, milk, milk-based liquids, coffee, nut pulps, various fruit-based concentrates, various vegetable-based concentrates, or the like.

For another example, the aforementioned fluid material may be various syrups, such as agave syrup, dulce de leche, fructose, golden syrup, lemonade syrups, maltose syrup, maple syrup, molasses, orgeat, and/or palm syrup, or the like.

For yet another example, the aforementioned fluid material may be various alcoholic beverages, such as beer, cocktails, and/or sake, or the like.

For yet another example, the aforementioned fluid material may be various sauces or fluid condiments, such as apple sauce, chutneys, cranberry sauce, salad dressings, fruit coulis, ketchup, tomato sauce, mayonnaise, meat gravies, miso sauce, hummus, pasta sauce, piccalilli, soy sauce, spices sauce, spicy sauce, and/or ginger jam, or the like.

For yet another example, the aforementioned fluid material may be various fluid materials, such as fruit juices containing fruit pulps, tea liquids with small particles (e.g., pearl or tapioca balls), honey, cooking oils, vinegar, jams, marmalade, pressed fruit paste, beer vinegar, buttercream, condensed milk, and/or cream, or the like.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing descriptions, the fluid material that the fluid material dispensing apparatus100can output may be fluid having higher viscosity than water, and may be fluid having lower viscosity than water.

Each material container180has an outlet connector182, which may be connected to a corresponding component (e.g., a corresponding pump110or a corresponding damper device120) through various material transmission pipes and connectors.

In other embodiments, all of or some of the material containers180may be instead placed within the upper chamber101, without being restricted to the spatial arrangement shown inFIG.1. In practice, appropriate refrigeration equipment may be installed within the fluid material dispensing apparatus100to extend the storage time of various fluid materials.

Please note that the quantity of the pumps110, the damper devices120, the flowmeters130, the material-temperature adjustment devices140, the nozzles150, the connecting plate160, and the material containers180shown inFIG.1throughFIG.3is merely an exemplary embodiment, rather than a restriction to the practical implementations.

Please refer toFIG.4, which shows a simplified functional block diagram of some components of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The fluid material dispensing apparatus100comprises multiple material dispensing devices, which are respectively responsible for delivering the fluid materials stored in different material containers180to the output terminals of corresponding nozzles150.

The operations of the multiple material dispensing devices are controlled by a control circuit470. Each material dispensing device comprises a pump110, one or more damper devices120, a flowmeter130, a material-temperature adjustment device140, a material-temperature sensor450, a corresponding nozzle150, and a switch device460. The pump110, the one or more damper devices120, the flowmeter130, the material-temperature adjustment device140, the corresponding nozzle150, and the switch device460may be connected by appropriate material transmission pipes and connectors to form a material transmission channel.

In order to reduce the complexity of the drawing contents, only two exemplary material dispensing devices are shown inFIG.4as an example for explanation. The components and operating mechanism of each material dispensing device can be applied to other material dispensing devices in the fluid material dispensing apparatus100.

In each material dispensing device, the pump110is arranged to operably push the received fluid material to flow forward. In practice, the pump110may be realized with various appropriate liquid pump devices capable of pushing liquid forward, such as a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, a rotary diaphragm pump, or the like.

A material inlet of the pump110may be coupled with the outlet connector182of a corresponding material container180through appropriate connectors and material transmission pipes, and arranged to operably receive the fluid material transmitted from the corresponding material container180through the outlet connector182.

The damper device120is arranged to operably conduct a buffering operation on the fluid material flowing through the damper device120. In some embodiments, an input terminal of the damper device120is coupled with a material outlet of the pump110. In other words, the damper device120may be located at the subsequent stage of the pump110. In practice, the damper device120may be directly connected to the material outlet of the pump110, or may be indirectly connected to the material outlet of the pump110through other appropriate connectors and material transmission pipes.

During the operations of the aforementioned pump110, the fluid material may be intermittently pushed forward, and thus the liquid pressure at the material outlet of the pump110exhibits periodic fluctuations. Such a situation will cause the amount of the fluid material flowing into the damper device120to exhibit periodic fluctuations.

When the volume of the fluid material in the damper device120exceeds a predetermined amount (i.e., the nominal volume of the damper device120), a buffer chamber of the damper device120will temporarily deform to expand, so that the amount of the fluid material in the damper device120can temporarily exceed the nominal volume of the damper device120. Over time, the clastic restoring force of the buffer chamber will push the fluid material in the damper device120to flow toward the output terminal of the damper device120, so that the amount of the fluid material in the damper device120will drop back to a level close to its nominal volume.

The flowmeter130may be coupled with the output terminal of the damper device120, and arranged to operably measure the flow of fluid material passing through the flowmeter130. In other words, the flowmeter130may be located at the subsequent stage of the damper device120. In practice, the flowmeter130may be directly connected to the output terminal of the damper device120, or may be indirectly connected to the output terminal of the damper device120through other appropriate connectors and material transmission pipes.

The material-temperature adjustment device140is coupled between the damper device120and a corresponding nozzle150, and arranged to operably transmit received fluid material to the corresponding first nozzle150. For example, the material-temperature adjustment device140may be coupled between the output terminal of the flowmeter130and the corresponding nozzle150. In practice, the material-temperature adjustment device140may be indirectly connected to the output terminal of the flowmeter130through a connector with other appropriate material transmission pipes to increase the selection flexibility of the position of the material-temperature adjustment device140.

The material-temperature sensor450is coupled with the control circuit470, and arranged to operably sense and report the temperature of the fluid material within the material-temperature adjustment device140to the control circuit470. In practice, the material-temperature sensor450may be arranged in any appropriate position inside the material-temperature adjustment device140. Alternatively, the material-temperature sensor450may be attached on any appropriate position on the outer surface of the material-temperature adjustment device140.

The nozzle150is coupled with the output terminal of the material-temperature adjustment device140, and arranged to operably output the fluid material transmitted from the material-temperature adjustment device140to the target container190. In practice, the nozzle150may be directly connected to the output terminal of the material-temperature adjustment device140, or may be indirectly connected to the output terminal of the material-temperature adjustment device140through the aforementioned connecting plate160or other appropriate material transmission pipes. The nozzle150may be realized with a duckbill valve, a check valve, or other appropriate outlet connector.

The switch device460is coupled between the material-temperature adjustment device140and the nozzle150, and arranged to operably control whether the fluid material can be transmitted to the nozzle150or not. In practice, the switch device460may be realized with various appropriate water gating devices, check valves, solenoid valves or the like.

As described previously, the damper device120conducts a buffering treatment to the fluid material flowing through the damper device120with the deformation and elastic restoring force of its buffer chamber. Accordingly, both the flow speed variation and the liquid pressure variation of the fluid material leaving the output terminal of the damper device120will be apparently lower than the flow speed variation and the liquid pressure variation of the fluid material received by the input terminal of the damper device120. Such structure is beneficial for improving the measuring accuracy of the flowmeter130in measuring the flow of the fluid material passing through the flowmeter130, thereby effectively increasing the liquid volume control accuracy of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100for fluid material to be dispensed.

If the aforementioned damper device120is omitted, both the flow speed variation and the liquid pressure variation of the fluid material flowing through the flowmeter130will become greater. Such a situation will cause a negative impact to the measuring accuracy of the flowmeter130in measuring the flow of the fluid material, thereby reducing the flow measurement accuracy of the flowmeter130.

Please note that the structure and connections between components of the material dispensing device described previously is merely an exemplary embodiment, rather than a restriction to the practical implementations of the material dispensing device.

In another embodiment, for example, the damper device120and the flowmeter130may be instead located at the prior stage of the pump110. Specifically, the input terminal of the damper device120may instead be coupled with the outlet connector182of a corresponding material container180through appropriate connectors and material transmission pipes, so as to receive the fluid material transmitted from the corresponding material container180. On the other hand, the material inlet of the pump110may instead be coupled with the output terminal of the flowmeter130, so as to receive the fluid material passed through the flowmeter130. That is, the flowmeter130is coupled between the damper device120and the pump110in this embodiment. In practice, the material inlet of the pump110may be directly connected to the output terminal of the flowmeter130, or may be indirectly connected to the output terminal of the flowmeter130through appropriate connectors or material transmission pipes.

In yet another embodiment, the damper device120may be instead located at the prior stage of the pump110and the flowmeter130may be instead located at the prior stage of the damper device120. Specifically, the input terminal of the flowmeter130is coupled with the outlet connector182of a corresponding material container180, the input terminal of the damper device120is coupled with the output terminal of the flowmeter130, and the material inlet of the pump110is coupled with the output terminal of the damper device120.

In yet another embodiment, a first damper device120is coupled with the material outlet of the pump110, while a second damper device120is coupled between the outlet connector182and the material inlet of the pump110. That is, each material dispensing device may comprise two damper devices120. In this embodiment, the flowmeter130may be coupled with the output terminal of the first damper device120, or coupled between the output terminal of the second damper device120and the material inlet of the pump110.

It can be appreciated from the foregoing elaborations, by utilizing the damper device120to conduct a buffering operation on the fluid material flowing therethrough, the measurement accuracy of the flowmeter130in measuring the flow of the fluid material outputted from the damper device120can be significantly improved, thereby effectively increasing the output volume control accuracy of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100for fluid materials to be dispensed.

Even if the fluid materials employed by the fluid material dispensing apparatus100are liquids having a viscosity higher than water, for example, honey, various syrups, soy milks, nut pulps, fruit juice concentrates, fruit juices containing fruit pulps, tea-based liquids containing small particles (e.g., bubbles or tapioca balls), milk-based liquids, cooking oils, or other thick fluid material (e.g., various sauces) and so on, the usage amount of corresponding fluid material can be accurately measured and manipulated by adopting the material dispensing devices described previously.

As described previously, different customers have varying preferences or needs for beverage temperature. However, traditional beverage dispensers lack the ability to flexibly adjust the temperature of beverages according to customer preferences. If a customer wants to change the temperature of the beverage, either the customer or the staff would need to add ice into or heat the beverage made by a traditional beverage dispenser. Such approaches are not only inconvenient but also make it difficult to precisely control the temperature of the resulting beverage, which may even adversely affect the taste of the resulting beverage.

In order to resolve the above problem, the fluid material dispensing apparatus100adopts a clever mechanism to flexibly adjust the temperature of fluid materials to be dispensed and the temperature of water to be dispensed. In this way, the fluid material dispensing apparatus100is enabled to flexibly adjust the temperature of resulting beverages to thereby meet different customer preferences.

As described previously, the fluid material dispensing apparatus100comprises multiple material dispensing devices. For the purpose of explanatory convenience in the following specification, the material dispensing device located on the right-hand side ofFIG.4is referred to as a first material dispensing device, while another material dispensing device shown located on the left-hand side ofFIG.4is referred to as a second material dispensing device.

As shown inFIG.4, the first material dispensing device comprises a first pump110, a first damper device120, a first flowmeter130, a first material-temperature adjustment device140, a first material-temperature sensor450, a corresponding first nozzle150, and a first switch device460. Similarly, the second material dispensing device comprises a second pump110, a second damper device120, a second flowmeter130, a second material-temperature adjustment device140, a second material-temperature sensor450, a corresponding second nozzle150, and a second switch device460.

In this embodiment, the first pump110is coupled between a first outlet connector182of a first material container180and the first nozzle150, and arranged to operably extract a first fluid material from the first material container180and to operably push the first fluid material to flow toward the first nozzle150.

The first damper device120is coupled between the first pump110and the first nozzle150, and arranged to operably buffer the first fluid material flowing through the first damper device120.

The first flowmeter130is coupled between the first damper device120and the first material-temperature adjustment device140, and arranged to operably measure a flow of the first fluid material transmitted from the first damper device120to the first material-temperature adjustment device140.

The first material-temperature adjustment device140is coupled between the first damper device120and the first nozzle150, and arranged to operably adjust the temperature of the first fluid material transmitted from the first damper device120, so as to produce and output a first temperature-adjusted material to the first nozzle150.

The first material-temperature sensor450is coupled with the control circuit470, and arranged to operably sense and report the temperature of the first fluid material within the first material-temperature adjustment device140to the control circuit470.

The first switch device460is coupled between the first material-temperature adjustment device140and the first nozzle150, and arranged to operably control whether the first temperature-adjusted material can be transmitted to the first nozzle150or not.

Similarly, in this embodiment, the second pump110is coupled between a second outlet connector182of a second material container180and the second nozzle150, and arranged to operably extract a second fluid material, which is different from the first fluid material, from the second material container180and to operably push the second fluid material to flow toward the second nozzle150.

The second damper device120is coupled between the second pump110and the second nozzle150, and arranged to operably buffer the second fluid material flowing through the second damper device120.

The second flowmeter130is coupled between the second damper device120and the second material-temperature adjustment device140, and arranged to operably measure a flow of the second fluid material transmitted from the second damper device120to the second material-temperature adjustment device140.

The second material-temperature adjustment device140is coupled between the second damper device120and the second nozzle150, and arranged to operably adjust the temperature of the second fluid material transmitted from the second damper device120, so as to produce and output a second temperature-adjusted material to the second nozzle150.

The second material-temperature sensor450is coupled with the control circuit470, and arranged to operably sense and report the temperature of the second fluid material within the second material-temperature adjustment device140to the control circuit470.

The second switch device460is coupled between the second material-temperature adjustment device140and the second nozzle150, and arranged to operably control whether the second temperature-adjusted material can be transmitted to the second nozzle150or not.

The control circuit470is coupled with the first pump110, the first flowmeter130, the first material-temperature adjustment device140, the first switch device460, the second pump110, the second flowmeter130, the second material-temperature adjustment device140, and the second switch device460. The control circuit470is arranged to operably control the operations of the first pump110, the first material-temperature adjustment device140, the first switch device460, the second pump110, the second material-temperature adjustment device140, and the second switch device460, and further arranged to operably receive the measurement results from the first flowmeter130and the second flowmeter130.

When the fluid material dispensing apparatus100does not need to dispense any fluid material to the target container190, the control circuit470may turn off the first switch device460and the second switch device460, so that no fluid material can be dispensed to the target container190through the first nozzle150or the second nozzle150.

When the fluid material dispensing apparatus100needs to dispense the first fluid material of a first predetermined temperature to the target container190, the control circuit470controls the first pump110to operate, so that the first fluid material can be extracted from the first material container180and transported to the first material-temperature adjustment device140through the first damper device120and the first flowmeter130. In addition, the control circuit470controls the first material-temperature adjustment device140to adjust the temperature of the first fluid material within the first material-temperature adjustment device140. In this situation, the control circuit470can obtain the temperature of the first fluid material within the first material-temperature adjustment device140according to the measurement results of the first material-temperature sensor450.

Afterwards, when the control circuit470determines that the temperature of the first fluid material within the first material-temperature adjustment device140reaches the first predetermined temperature, the control circuit470turns on the first switch device460to output a first temperature-adjusted material to the first nozzle150, so that the first nozzle150can output the first temperature-adjusted material to the target container190.

Similarly, when the fluid material dispensing apparatus100needs to dispense the second fluid material of a second predetermined temperature to the target container190, the control circuit470controls the second pump110to operate, so that the second fluid material can be extracted from the second material container180and transported to the second material-temperature adjustment device140through the second damper device120and the second flowmeter130. In addition, the control circuit470controls the second material-temperature adjustment device140to adjust the temperature of the second fluid material within the second material-temperature adjustment device140. In this situation, the control circuit470can obtain the temperature of the second fluid material within the second material-temperature adjustment device140according to the measurement results of the second material-temperature sensor450.

When the control circuit470determines that the temperature of the second fluid material within the second material-temperature adjustment device140reaches the second predetermined temperature, the control circuit470turns on the second switch device460to output a second temperature-adjusted material to the second nozzle150, so that the second nozzle150can output the second temperature-adjusted material to the target container190.

In the embodiment ofFIG.4, the first material-temperature adjustment device140comprises a first material buffer chamber442, a first heating device444, and a first cooling device446. The first material buffer chamber442is coupled with the first nozzle150, and arranged to operably receive a first predetermined volume of the first fluid material transmitted from the pump110. The first heating device444is coupled with the control circuit470, and arranged to operably heat the first fluid material within the first material buffer chamber442under control of the control circuit470. The first cooling device446is coupled with the control circuit470, and arranged to operably cool the first fluid material within the first material buffer chamber442under control of the control circuit470.

In this situation, the first material-temperature sensor450may be arranged to operably sense and report the temperature of the first fluid material within the first material buffer chamber442to the control circuit470.

As shown inFIG.4, the first heating device444may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the first material buffer chamber442. The first heating device444may be attached on the outer surface of the first material buffer chamber442, or may be slightly separated from the first material buffer chamber442with an appropriate spacing.

Similarly, the first cooling device446may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the first material buffer chamber442. The first cooling device446may be attached on the outer surface of the first material buffer chamber442, or may be slightly separated from the first material buffer chamber442with an appropriate spacing.

In other embodiments, the first heating device444and/or the first cooling device446may be instead positioned inside the first material buffer chamber442.

In order to improve the temperature adjustment efficiency, the length of the first material buffer chamber442may be designed to be greater than a first predetermined length (e.g., 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, or 8 cm), and/or the inner diameter of the first material buffer chamber442may be designed to be less than a first predetermined value (e.g., 1.5 cm, 1.8 cm, 2.1 cm, 2.5 cm, 3 cm, or 3.5 cm).

Similarly, the second material-temperature adjustment device140of this embodiment comprises a second material buffer chamber442, a second heating device444, and a second cooling device446. The second material buffer chamber442is coupled with the second nozzle150, and arranged to operably receive a second predetermined volume of the second fluid material transmitted from the second damper device120. The second heating device444is coupled with the control circuit470, and arranged to operably heat the second fluid material within the second material buffer chamber442under control of the control circuit470. The second cooling device446is coupled with the control circuit470, and arranged to operably cool the second fluid material within the second material buffer chamber442under control of the control circuit470.

In this situation, the second material-temperature sensor450may be arranged to operably sense and report the temperature of the second fluid material within the second material buffer chamber442to the control circuit470.

As shown inFIG.4, the second heating device444may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the second material buffer chamber442. The second heating device444may be attached on the outer surface of the second material buffer chamber442, or may be slightly separated from the second material buffer chamber442with an appropriate spacing.

Similarly, the second cooling device446may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the second material buffer chamber442. The second cooling device446may be attached on the outer surface of the second material buffer chamber442, or may be slightly separated from the second material buffer chamber442with an appropriate spacing.

In other embodiments, the second heating device444and/or the second cooling device446may be instead positioned inside the second material buffer chamber442.

In order to improve the temperature adjustment efficiency, the length of the second material buffer chamber442may be designed to be greater than a second predetermined length, and/or the inner diameter of the second material buffer chamber442may be designed to be less than a second predetermined value.

In practice, each of the first heating device444and the second heating device444may be realized with various appropriate heater apparatuses capable of increasing the temperature of the fluid material within the corresponding material buffer chamber442, such as various thermoelectric chips, hot water pipelines, electrical heaters, gas heaters, or the like.

Each of the first cooling device446and the second cooling device446may be realized with various appropriate cooler apparatuses capable of lowering the temperature of the fluid material within the corresponding material buffer chamber442, such as various thermoelectric cooling chips, Peltier coolers, Peltier cells, cold water pipelines, heat sinks, or the like.

Accordingly, the disclosed fluid material dispensing apparatus100is capable of accurately controlling the material output volume of respective fluid materials, and thus it is able to maintain the taste consistency of resulting freshly made beverages.

In addition, the disclosed fluid material dispensing apparatus100is also capable of flexibly adjusting the temperature of different fluid materials to be dispensed, and thus it is able to flexibly adjust the temperature of resulting freshly made beverages. In this way, the fluid material dispensing apparatus100is able to meet different customer preferences.

Furthermore, the disclosed fluid material dispensing apparatus100is able to operate based on the parameters configured by the user to automatically utilize multiple material dispensing devices to output extracted fluid materials to the target container190through corresponding nozzles150, and to automatically utilize the temperature-adjusted water dispensing device to output water with desired temperature and volume to the target container190through the corresponding nozzle150, so as to achieve the automatic preparation of freshly made beverages. Therefore, the disclosed fluid material dispensing apparatus100not only effectively reduces the time and costs required for personnel training, but also significantly reduces the labor time required for the preparation of the freshly made beverages.

Please refer toFIG.5, which shows a simplified functional block diagram of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.5, in addition to the multiple material dispensing devices described previously, the fluid material dispensing apparatus100further comprises one or more temperature-adjusted water dispensing devices for flexibly adjusting the temperature of water to be dispensed into the target container190.

In order to reduce the complexity of the drawing contents, only one exemplary material dispensing device and one exemplary temperature-adjusted water dispensing device are shown inFIG.5as an example for explanation, and other structures and devices of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100are not shown inFIG.5.

The material dispensing device shown inFIG.5is identical to the material dispensing device shown inFIG.4. Accordingly, the foregoing descriptions regarding the implementations, connections, operations, and related advantages of other corresponding functional blocks of the material dispensing devices inFIG.4are also applicable to the embodiment ofFIG.5.

The operations of the temperature-adjusted water dispensing device is controlled by the control circuit470. As shown inFIG.5, the temperature-adjusted water dispensing device comprises a water input port502, a switch device510, a flowmeter530, a water-temperature adjustment device540, a water-temperature sensor550, a corresponding nozzle150, and a switch device560.

The water input port502is arranged to operably receive water without temperature adjustment from an outside environment of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100, such as a water tap, an external water supply device, or a water filtering device.

The switch device510is coupled between the water input port502and the flowmeter530, and arranged to operably control whether the water can be transmitted to the water-temperature adjustment device540. In practice, the switch device510may be realized with various appropriate water gating devices, check valves, solenoid valves or the like.

The flowmeter530is coupled between the water input port502and the corresponding nozzle150, and arranged to operably measure a flow of water to be dispensed to the target container190. For example, the flowmeter530is coupled between the switch device510and the water-temperature adjustment device540, and arranged to operably measure a flow of water transmitted from the water input port502to the material-temperature adjustment device140.

The water-temperature adjustment device540is coupled between the water input port502and the corresponding nozzle150, and arranged to operably adjust the temperature of the water transmitted from the water input port502, so as to produce and output a temperature-adjusted water to the corresponding nozzle150. For example, the water-temperature adjustment device540may be coupled between the flowmeter530and the corresponding nozzle150.

The water-temperature sensor550is coupled with the control circuit470, and arranged to operably sense and report the temperature of the water within the water-temperature adjustment device540to the control circuit470.

The switch device560is coupled between the water-temperature adjustment device540and the corresponding nozzle150, and arranged to operably control whether the temperature-adjusted water can be transmitted to the corresponding nozzle150or not.

The control circuit470is coupled with the switch device510, the flowmeter530, the water-temperature adjustment device540, the water-temperature sensor550, and the switch device560. The control circuit470is further arranged to operably control the operations of the switch device510, the water-temperature adjustment device540, and the switch device560, and arranged to operably receive the measurement results from the flowmeter530and the water-temperature sensor550.

When the fluid material dispensing apparatus100does not need to dispense any water to the target container190, the control circuit470may turn-off the switch device560, so that no water can be dispensed to the target container190through the corresponding nozzle150.

When the fluid material dispensing apparatus100needs to dispense water of a target temperature to the target container190, the control circuit470turns on the switch device510, so that the water without temperature adjustment can flow toward the water-temperature adjustment device540through the flowmeter530. In addition, the control circuit470controls the water-temperature adjustment device540to adjust the temperature of the water within the water-temperature adjustment device540. In this situation, the control circuit470can obtain the temperature of the water within the water-temperature adjustment device540according to the measurement results of the water-temperature sensor550.

Afterwards, when the control circuit470determines that the temperature of the water within the water-temperature adjustment device540reaches the target temperature, the control circuit470turns on the switch device560to output a temperature-adjusted water to the corresponding nozzle150, so that the nozzle150can output the temperature-adjusted water to the target container190.

In the embodiment ofFIG.5, the first water-temperature adjustment device540comprises a water buffer chamber542, a heating device544, and a cooling device546. The water buffer chamber542is coupled with the corresponding nozzle150, and arranged to operably receive a second predetermined volume of the water transmitted from the water input port502. The heating device544is coupled with the control circuit470, and arranged to operably heat the water within the water buffer chamber542under control of the control circuit470. The cooling device546is coupled with the control circuit470, and arranged to operably cool the water within the water buffer chamber542under control of the control circuit470.

In this situation, the water-temperature sensor550may be arranged to operably sense and report the temperature of the water within the water buffer chamber542to the control circuit470.

For most freshly made beverages to be made by the fluid material dispensing apparatus100, water is a major material. Therefore, the second predetermined volume may be designed to be greater than the aforementioned first predetermined volume, which means that the capacity of the water buffer chamber542may be greater than the material buffer chamber442described previously.

As shown inFIG.5, the heating device544may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the water buffer chamber542. The heating device544may be attached on the outer surface of the water buffer chamber542, or may be slightly separated from the water buffer chamber542with an appropriate spacing.

Similarly, the cooling device546may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the water buffer chamber542. The cooling device546may be attached on the outer surface of the water buffer chamber542, or may be slightly separated from the water buffer chamber542with an appropriate spacing.

In other embodiments, the heating device544and/or the cooling device546may be instead positioned inside the water buffer chamber542.

In order to improve the temperature adjustment efficiency, the length of the water buffer chamber542may be designed to be greater than a second predetermined length (e.g., 40 cm, 55 cm, 70 cm, 90 cm, 120 cm, 160 cm, or 200 cm), and/or the inner diameter of the water buffer chamber542may be designed to be less than a second predetermined value (e.g., 0.6 cm, 0.8 cm, 1 cm, 1.2 cm, 1.4 cm, 1.6 cm, 1.8 cm, 2 cm, or 2.5 cm). In one embodiment, the second predetermined length is greater than the aforementioned first predetermined length, while the second predetermined value is greater than the aforementioned first predetermined value. In another embodiment, the second predetermined length is equal to or greater than the aforementioned first predetermined length, while the second predetermined value is equal to or less than the aforementioned first predetermined value.

In practice, the heating device544may be realized with various appropriate heater apparatuses capable of increasing the temperature of the water within the water buffer chamber542, such as various thermoelectric chips, hot water pipelines, electrical heaters, gas heaters, or the like.

The cooling device546may be realized with various appropriate cooler apparatuses capable of lowering the temperature of the water within the corresponding water buffer chamber542, such as various thermoelectric cooling chips, Peltier coolers, Peltier cells, cold water pipelines, heat sinks, or the like.

In some embodiments where the fluid material dispensing apparatus100is utilized as an automated beverage preparation apparatus, a user may place a target container190on an appropriate position beneath the aforementioned multiple nozzles150and manipulate the control panel109to configure one or more production parameters for the required freshly made beverages, such as beverage item, cup size, beverage volume, sugar level, ice level, and/or quantity of cups, or the like.

Then, the temperature-adjusted water dispensing device of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100would operate based on the parameters configured by the user to selectively dispense the water without temperature or the temperature-adjusted water to the target container190through a corresponding nozzle150.

In addition, the material dispensing devices of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100would operate based on the parameters configured by the user to automatically utilizes one or more pumps110to extract the fluid materials from one or more material containers180, and to transmit the extracted fluid materials toward corresponding nozzles150through respective transmission pipes. With the continuous operation of respective pump, related fluid materials will be dispensed to the target container190through corresponding nozzles150.

Freshly made beverage of a variety of flavors can be obtained by mixing different fluid materials together in the target container190according to a particular ratio, or by simple stirring after mixing the fluid materials. In practice, the target container190may be designed to support or have a blending functionality to increase the speed and uniformity of mixing the fluid materials.

In the embodiment where the fluid material dispensing apparatus100is utilized as a sauce dispensing apparatus, the user may place the target container190on an appropriate position beneath the aforementioned multiple nozzles150and manipulate the control panel109to configure species and output amount of related sauce to be dispensed.

Similarly, the temperature-adjusted water dispensing device of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100would operate based on the parameters configured by the user to selectively dispense the water without temperature or the temperature-adjusted water to the target container190through a corresponding nozzle150.

In addition, the material dispensing devices of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100would operate based on the parameters configured by the user to automatically utilizes one or more pumps110to extract the fluid materials from one or more material containers180, and to transmit the extracted fluid materials toward corresponding nozzles150through respective transmission pipes. With the continuous operation of respective pump, the fluid material dispensing apparatus100is enabled to output a specific amount of one or more sauces to the target container190through corresponding nozzle150.

Accordingly, the fluid material dispensing apparatus100ofFIG.5is capable of accurately controlling the material output volume of respective fluid materials, and thus it is able to maintain the taste consistency of resulting freshly made beverages.

In addition, the fluid material dispensing apparatus100ofFIG.5is capable of flexibly adjusting the temperature of different fluid materials to be dispensed, and also capable of flexibly adjusting the temperature of water to be dispensed. Accordingly, the disclosed fluid material dispensing apparatus100is able to flexibly adjust the temperature of resulting freshly made beverages. In this way, the fluid material dispensing apparatus100is able to meet different customer preferences.

Furthermore, the disclosed fluid material dispensing apparatus100is able to operate based on the parameters configured by the user to automatically utilize multiple material dispensing devices to output extracted fluid materials to the target container190through corresponding nozzles150, and to automatically utilize the temperature-adjusted water dispensing device to output water with desired temperature and volume to the target container190through the corresponding nozzle150, so as to achieve the automatic preparation of freshly made beverages. Therefore, the disclosed fluid material dispensing apparatus100not only effectively reduces the time and cost required for personnel training, but also significantly reduces the labor time required for the preparation of the freshly made beverages.

Please note that the component structure and connections between components of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100in the aforementionedFIG.4throughFIG.5are merely exemplary embodiments, rather than a restriction to the practical implementations of the fluid material dispensing apparatus100.

For example, in some embodiments, the cooling device446and/or the cooling device546may be omitted as shown inFIG.6.

For another example, in some embodiments, the heating device444and/or the heating device544may be omitted as shown inFIG.7.

For another example, in some embodiments, the cooling device446and/or the cooling device546may be omitted, and the heating device444may surround the outer surface of the material buffer chamber442, while the heating device544may surround the outer surface of the water buffer chamber542as shown inFIG.8.

In addition, the material buffer chamber442, the water buffer chamber542, the heating device444, the heating device544, the cooling device446, and/or the cooling device546may be designed to have an appearance different from the embodiments described previously.

For example, as shown inFIG.9, the material buffer chamber442and the water buffer chamber542are designed to have a block-like shape, while the heating device444, the heating device544, the cooling device446, and the cooling device546are designed to have a plate-like shape.

For another example, the water buffer chamber542may be realized with a portion of the water transmission pipe or connector between the water input port502and the corresponding nozzle150. For example, the water buffer chamber542may be a part of the existing pipe or connector approaching the corresponding nozzle150, instead of an additional component.

For another example, the switch device510ofFIG.5throughFIG.9may be realized with a pump510. In this situation, the control circuit470may control the pump510to operably push water from the water input port502to flow toward the water-temperature adjustment device540. In practice, the pump510may be realized with various appropriate liquid pump devices capable of pushing liquid forward, such as a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, a rotary diaphragm pump, or the like.

For another example, the flowmeter130ofFIG.1throughFIG.9may be omitted. In this situation, the fluid material dispensing apparatus100may utilize a weight scale to measure changes in the weight of the target container190, and the control circuit470may calculate the output volume of the fluid materials based on the measurement results of the weight scale. As a result, the control circuit470is enabled to control the output volume of the fluid materials without using the flowmeter530.

Similarly, the flowmeter530ofFIG.5throughFIG.9may be omitted. In this situation, the fluid material dispensing apparatus100may utilize a weight scale to measure changes in the weight of the target container190, and the control circuit470may calculate the output volume of the water based on the measurement results of the weight scale. As a result, the control circuit470is enabled to control the output volume of the water without using the flowmeter530.

Certain terms are used throughout the description and the claims to refer to particular components. One skilled in the art appreciates that a component may be referred to as different names. This disclosure does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not in function. In the description and in the claims, the term “comprise” is used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “include, but not limited to.” The term “couple” is intended to encompass any indirect or direct connection. For example, if this disclosure mentioned that a first circuit is coupled with a second circuit, it means that the first circuit may be directly or indirectly connected to the second circuit through electrical connections, wireless communications, optical communications, or other signal connections with/without other intermediate devices or connection means.

The term “and/or” may comprise any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In addition, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” herein are intended to comprise the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Throughout the description and claims, the term “element” contains the concept of component, layer, or region.

In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of some elements may be exaggerated or simplified for clarity. Accordingly, unless the context clearly specifies, the shape, size, relative size, and relative position of each element in the drawings are illustrated merely for clarity, and not intended to be used to restrict the claim scope.

For the purpose of explanatory convenience in the specification, spatially relative terms, such as “on,” “above,” “below,” “beneath,” “higher,” “lower,” “upward,” “downward,” “forward,” “backward,” and the like, may be used herein to describe the function of a particular element or to describe the relationship of one element to other element(s) as illustrated in the drawings. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the element in use, in operations, or in assembly in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the element in the drawings is turned over, elements described as “on” or “above” other elements would then be oriented “under” or “beneath” the other elements. Thus, the exemplary term “beneath” can encompass both an orientation of above and beneath. For another example, if the element in the drawings is reversed, the action described as “forward” may become “backward,” and the action described as “backward” may become “forward.” Thus, the exemplary description “forward” can encompass both an orientation of forward and backward.

Throughout the description and claims, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “positioned on,” “positioned above,” “connected to,” “engaged with,” or “coupled with” another element, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly engaged with the other element, or intervening element may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly engaged with” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention indicated by the following claims.