CN110236406B

CN110236406B - Food heating kettle

Info

Publication number: CN110236406B
Application number: CN201910180799.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金京镇; 朴侊焕
Original assignee: Cool Morning
Current assignee: Cool Morning
Priority date: 2018-03-09
Filing date: 2019-03-11
Publication date: 2022-04-19
Anticipated expiration: 2039-03-11
Also published as: CN110236406A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a food heating kettle, and more particularly, to a food heating kettle, which includes: a main body unit constituting an external appearance; an inner tub unit installed in the main body unit; an inner flow path unit having a predetermined flow path and connected at one end to the inner barrel unit; a valve unit connected to the other end of the internal flow path unit; a nozzle unit having one end connected to the valve unit and the other end opened to the outside; and a circulation flow path unit having a predetermined flow path and having one end connected to the valve unit and the other end connected to the inner tub unit, the valve unit being provided to selectively open a flow path between the internal flow path unit and the nozzle unit or a variable valve capable of opening a flow path between the internal flow path unit and the circulation flow path unit, so that discharge and circulation of fluid and the like in the inner tub unit can be selectively performed.

Description

Food heating kettle

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a food heating kettle, and more particularly, to a food heating kettle, which includes: a main body unit constituting an external appearance; an inner tub unit installed in the main body unit; an inner flow path unit having a predetermined flow path and connected at one end to the inner tub unit; a valve unit connected to the other end of the internal flow path unit; a nozzle unit having one end connected to the valve unit and the other end opened to the outside; and a circulation flow path unit having a predetermined flow path, one end connected to the valve unit and the other end connected to the inner tub unit, the valve unit being provided to selectively open a flow path between the internal flow path unit and the nozzle unit or a variable valve capable of opening a flow path between the internal flow path unit and the circulation flow path unit, so that discharge and circulation of fluid, etc. in the inner tub unit can be selectively performed.

Background

Food heating kettles are widely used to provide heated beverages and the like. Since these devices are used to provide beverages and the like for human ingestion, hygiene and nutrition as well as safety are the most critical.

The food heating kettle has an inner tub unit for storing water and the like, and a piping unit provided inside to flow the water and the like stored in the inner tub unit.

However, in the case of internal washing, the food heating kettles according to the related art are mostly simply washed by filling the inner tub unit with water. In this case, not only the inside of the inner tub unit cannot be sufficiently cleaned, but also the piping unit connected to the inner tub unit cannot be cleaned. If the piping unit is to be cleaned, only a method of separating the piping unit and cleaning the piping unit, or continuously discharging the washing liquid after filling the inside of the inner tub unit with the washing liquid, may be selected.

In particular, in the case of a food heating pot, food dregs remain in an inner tub unit during a process of putting food such as heated powdered milk and milk into the inner tub unit for heating and discharging, and also in a piping unit through which the food dregs remain when the food is discharged from the inner tub unit. These food residues can decay during use and cause health problems.

Therefore, there is a need for a food heating kettle that can be more easily cleaned to facilitate ease of use and to enhance hygiene.

Also, generally, fluid adjacent to the heating device inside the inner barrel unit has a high temperature, and fluid distant from the heating device has a low temperature. Or the fluid located above is rapidly cooled by contact with air, and conversely, the fluid located below is not cooled and may have a high temperature. Therefore, when the food is heated to a predetermined temperature using the food heating pot and then discharged, the temperature of the food may be different according to each portion in the food heating pot. As a result, it is difficult to provide food at the correct temperature.

In particular, this problem may occur in the case of a food heating kettle for infants, for example, there may occur problems that the infants are burnt or nutrients are destroyed because water or powdered milk of the correct temperature is not supplied.

Therefore, there is a need for a food heating kettle capable of providing food of a correct temperature by making the temperature of the inner food uniform.

In addition, even when the conventional food heating kettle stops discharging water, it is difficult to discharge water in an accurate amount due to the inertia of the pump device and the inertia of the water remaining in the flow path. Further, even when the water or the like in the food heating kettle is insufficient, a failure of the device or a safety accident such as a fire may occur due to the operation of the pump device or the heating device.

Therefore, there is a need for a food heating kettle that can discharge water in the correct amount and can prevent safety accidents from occurring.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure has been developed in order to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a food heating kettle capable of circulating an internal fluid.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a food heating kettle that enables circular washing by enabling circulation of an internal fluid.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a food heating pot which can make the temperature of food uniform and can provide food of correct temperature by enabling the internal fluid to circulate.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a food heating kettle which can circulate the fluid inside and measure the flow rate to discharge water quantitatively and prevent safety accidents.

A food heating kettle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body unit constituting an external appearance; an inner tub unit installed in the main body unit; an inner flow path unit having a predetermined flow path and connected at one end to the inner barrel unit; a valve unit connected to the other end of the internal flow path unit; a nozzle unit having one end connected to the valve unit and the other end opened to the outside; and a circulation flow path unit having a predetermined flow path and connected at one end to the valve unit and at the other end to the inner tub unit, the valve unit being provided as a variable valve selectively opening or capable of opening a flow path between the internal flow path unit and the nozzle unit.

According to one embodiment, the inner flow path unit is connected to a lower portion of the inner tub unit, and the circulation flow path unit is connected to an upper portion of the inner tub unit.

According to one embodiment, the inner tub unit includes a first through-hole formed on a bottom surface through which the inner flow path unit is connected to the inner tub unit, and a second through-hole formed on an upper portion through which the circulation flow path unit is connected to the inner tub unit.

According to one embodiment, the valve unit is located adjacent to the second penetration hole, and the circulation flow path unit has a shorter length than the internal flow path unit.

According to one embodiment, the valve unit is provided on the nozzle unit, and at least a part of the nozzle unit extends in a straight downward direction.

According to one embodiment, the food heating kettle further comprises a power unit comprising pump means, and control means for controlling the valve unit and the power unit.

According to one embodiment, the power unit is connected to the internal flow path unit.

According to one embodiment, the control device includes a discharge mode causing the valve unit to open the flow path between the internal flow path unit and the nozzle unit, and a circulation mode causing the valve unit to open the flow path between the internal flow path unit and the circulation flow path unit.

According to one embodiment, the food heating kettle further comprises a temperature variable device including a heating device providing heat to heat the inner tub unit, and a cooling device providing cool air to cool the inner tub unit.

According to one embodiment, the control device has a circulation washing mode for repeatedly circulating the heated water using the power unit after heating the fluid in the inner tub unit by activating the temperature variable device.

According to one embodiment, the control device has a circulation and discharge mode in which, after the circulation mode is selected and circulation is performed, discharge is performed by selecting the discharge mode.

According to one embodiment, the food heating kettle further comprises a sensor unit for sensing the temperature inside the inner barrel unit, wherein the sensor unit is provided in plurality to sense the temperature of the position of each part inside the inner barrel unit.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit includes a first sensor unit located at a bottom of the inner barrel unit, and a second sensor unit located at an upper portion of the inner barrel unit.

According to one embodiment, the control means compares the temperatures sensed by the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit when the discharge mode is selected, and performs discharge by selecting the discharge mode after performing circulation by selecting the circulation mode when the temperature sensed by the first sensor unit and the temperature sensed by the second sensor unit have a difference of a predetermined range or more.

According to one embodiment, the valve unit is a solenoid valve.

According to one embodiment, the food heating kettle further comprises a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the fluid through said internal flow path unit.

Drawings

Fig. 1 and 2 are views showing the structure of a food heating kettle according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating one example of a valve unit of a food heating kettle according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the movement of fluid or the like in a circulation mode during operation of a food heating kettle according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the movement of fluid or the like in a drain mode during operation of a food heating kettle according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the food heating kettle according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a schematic structural view of a flow meter of a food heating kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example of a pulsation waveform transmitted from a flow meter of a food heating kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 to 11 are block diagrams showing an example of the action of the food heating pot according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 and 2 are views showing the structure of a food heating pot according to the present disclosure, and fig. 3 is a view showing one example of a valve unit 400 of the food heating pot according to the present disclosure.

A food heating kettle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body unit 100 constituting an external appearance; an inner tub unit 200 installed in the main body unit 100 and receiving a second (hereinafter, referred to as "fluid") such as food such as drinking water or various fluids such as washing water; an inner flow path unit 300 having one end connected to the inner barrel unit 200 and discharging fluid inside the inner barrel unit 200; a valve unit 400 connected to the other end of the internal flow path unit 300; a nozzle unit 500 having one end connected to the valve unit 400; and a circulation flow path unit 600 provided at the main body unit 100 and having a predetermined flow path, and having one end connected to the valve unit 400 and the other end connected to the inner tub unit 200. In addition, the food heating pot may include a power unit 700 having a pump device, a temperature varying device 800, a sensor unit 900, and a control device 1000 generating a control signal.

The body unit 100 constitutes the appearance of the food heating kettle, and is made of a material excellent in impact resistance and heat resistance. The body unit 100 may include a body 110 capable of receiving the inner barrel unit 200, and a lid 120 capable of opening and closing the body 110.

The main body 110 is provided with an installation space in which the inner barrel unit 200 can be installed. Further, the main body 110 may internally incorporate an internal flow path unit 300, a valve unit 400, a nozzle unit 500, a circulation flow path unit 600, a power unit 700, a temperature varying device 800, a sensor unit 900, and a control device 1000, respectively. In addition, a nozzle head 112 protruding forward is provided at an upper portion of one side of the body 110 so that the nozzle unit 500 can be exposed downward, and a support unit 114 in which a cup or the like can be placed is provided at a lower portion of the nozzle head 112.

The cover part 120 is provided to cover the inner barrel unit 200 mounted in the mounting space of the main body 110 and can be opened and closed. Preferably, the cover 120 is hinge-connected to the body 110 to enable rotation.

The inner barrel unit 200 is mounted in the main body 110. The inner tub unit 200 is open at an upper portion thereof and has a predetermined volume of space so that food such as drinking water and fluid such as washing liquid can be contained therein. The inner tub unit 200 may be constructed of a material having a high heat transfer rate to be suitable for heat transfer to be generated in a temperature variable device 800 to be described later to heat fluid inside. In addition, the inner barrel unit 200 may include a material suitable for preventing the proliferation of bacteria.

Preferably, on the bottom surface of the inner tub unit 200, a predetermined first penetration hole 210 connected with an internal flow path unit 300, which will be described later, is formed. In addition, on an upper portion of the inner tub unit 200, a second penetration hole 220 connected with a circulation flow path unit 600, which will be described later, is formed.

The inner flow path unit 300 is configured to be connected to the inner barrel unit 200, and can discharge fluid and the like inside the inner barrel unit 200 to the outside. One end of the inner flow path unit 300 is connected to the first through-hole 210 formed in the lower portion of the inner barrel unit 200. Further, the other end of the internal flow path unit 300 is connected to the valve unit 400.

Accordingly, at least a portion of the inner flow path unit 300 is located at the lower portion of the inner tub unit 200, and at least a portion of the inner flow path unit 300 is located at the upper portion of the inner tub unit and extends upward. Accordingly, the inner flow path unit 300 includes a lower flow path 310 located at the lower portion of the inner tub unit 200 and extending in the horizontal direction, and a side flow path 320 located at the side of the inner tub unit and extending in the vertical direction.

In one aspect, a power unit 700 and a predetermined flow meter (not shown) may be connected to the internal flow path unit 300. Here, the flow meter is a device capable of measuring the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the internal flow path unit 300.

The valve unit 400 is constituted by a variable valve. The valve unit 400 has an inflow port 412, a first outflow port 414, and a second outflow port 416. That is, the valve unit 400 has one inlet port into which fluid can flow and has two outlet ports from which fluid can flow. Therefore, according to the operation of the valve unit 400, the fluid flowing in through the inflow port 412 may selectively flow out from the first outflow port 414 or the second outflow port 416. That is, the first and

second outflow ports

414 and 416 may be selectively opened and closed.

The inflow port 412 is connected to the internal flow path unit 300. Accordingly, fluid, etc. in the inner barrel unit 200 may pass through the first through hole 210 and flow into the valve unit 400 through the inflow port 412 via the inner flow path unit 300. In addition, the first outflow port 414 is connected to a nozzle unit 500, which will be described later, and the second outflow port 416 is connected to a circulation flow path unit 600.

Preferably, the valve unit 400 is located adjacent to the second penetration hole 220 of the inner barrel unit 200. For example, the valve unit 400 may be located inside the nozzle head 112 and on a nozzle unit 500 described later. In addition, the valve unit 400 may be located at the same or similar height as the second penetration hole 220.

The valve unit 400 may be, for example, a solenoid valve, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

The nozzle unit 500 may be located at the nozzle head 112, and one end of the nozzle unit 500 may be connected to the first outflow port 414 of the valve unit 400. In addition, the other end of the nozzle unit 500 may be exposed downward. Accordingly, when the first outflow port 414 of the valve unit 400 is opened, the fluid or the like transferred along the internal flow path unit 300 may be discharged through the nozzle unit 500.

One end of the circulation flow path unit 600 is connected to the second outflow port 416 of the valve unit 400, and the other end thereof is connected to the second penetration hole 220 of the inner barrel unit 200. As described above, the valve unit 400 may be located adjacent to the second penetration hole of the inner barrel unit 200, and thus, it is preferable that the circulation flow path unit 600 has a shorter distance than the internal flow path unit 300. In addition, it is preferable that the valve unit 400 may be located at the same or similar height as the second penetration hole 220, and thus, the circulation flow path unit 600 may be configured as a straight type pipe extending horizontally and having a short distance. In one aspect, although referred to as the circulation flow path unit 600 for convenience, the circulation flow path unit 600 is not limited to the case of forming a flow path having a predetermined length. For example, the second outflow port 416 of the valve unit 400 may also be directly connected to the second through hole 220 of the inner barrel unit 200.

Accordingly, when the first outflow port 414 of the valve unit 400 is closed and the second outflow port 416 is opened, the fluid, etc. transferred along the internal flow path unit 300 may be recovered to the inner barrel unit 200 through the circulation flow path unit 600.

The power unit 700 is built in the main body 110. The power unit 700 may include a pump device (not shown) that provides power to convey fluid inside the inner tub unit 200. The pump device may provide an appropriate discharge pressure according to a signal of the control device 800 described later. In one aspect, according to one embodiment, the pump device may change an operation direction and change a flow direction of fluid in the inner barrel unit 200.

For example, the pump means may be a predetermined pump that is connected to the internal flow path unit 300 and provides a pumping pressure. At this time, the pump means may be disposed in the lower flow path 310 of the internal flow path unit 300.

The temperature variable device 800 is built in the body 110. The temperature variable device 800 may include a heating device 810 supplying heat to heat food in the inner tub unit 200, and a cooling device 820 supplying predetermined cool air to cool food in the inner tub unit 200. The heating device 810 and the cooling device 820 may be disposed at different positions from each other, and are not limited to a specific position.

For example, the heating device 810 may be a predetermined electric device or induction device attached to the bottom of the inner barrel unit 200. However, the type and location of the heating means 810 are not limited.

In one aspect, the cooling device 820 may include a predetermined cooling fan at a portion of the inner tub unit 200. The cooling fan may generate an air current to supply cold air to the inner tub unit 200. However, the type and location of the cooling device 820 are not limited. For example, the cooling device 820 is configured as a predetermined piezoelectric element that supplies cooling air.

The sensor unit 900 is a sensor device that senses the temperature inside the inner barrel unit 200. Preferably, the sensor unit 900 may be provided in plurality to sense the temperature of each unit in the inner tub unit 200. For example, the sensor unit 900 may be provided with a first sensor unit 910 and a second sensor unit 920, respectively, the first sensor unit 910 being provided at an upper portion of the inner tub unit 200, and the second sensor unit 920 being provided at a lower portion of the inner tub unit 200. Accordingly, the temperature of each location within the inner tub unit 200 can be accurately sensed. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto. The sensor unit 900 may transmit the temperature of the inner barrel unit 200 to the control device 1000.

The control device 1000 is a device that can control the valve unit 400, the power unit 700, and the temperature variable device 800. The control device 1000 is configured to receive a predetermined input signal and generate an output signal, and control the valve unit 400, the power unit 700, and the temperature varying device 800 according to the input signal to output the output signal for varying the temperature of food and fluid inside the inner tub unit 200 or discharging and circulating the food inside the inner tub unit 200.

For example, the control device 1000 may generate an appropriate control signal by using the temperature of the inner tub unit 200 sensed by the sensor unit 900. Based on the temperature signal provided by the sensor unit 900, signals may be generated that control the operation of the valve unit 400, power unit 700, and temperature variable device 800.

In one aspect, the control device 1000 may control a pump device of the power unit 700 to change a flow direction of a fluid. For example, in addition to the arrow form shown in fig. 2, the reverse flow form is also possible.

Also, the food heating kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a flow meter 1100. The flow meter 1100 is explained below.

Hereinafter, the operation of the food heating kettle according to the present disclosure will be described.

The control device 1000 of the food heating kettle according to the present disclosure may have a drain mode and a circulation mode.

First, the discharge mode will be described below.

In the discharge mode, the operation of discharging the fluid and the like in the inner tub unit 200 through the nozzle unit 500 may be performed as in the operation of a general food heating kettle. To this end, the control device 1000 opens the first outlet 414 and closes the second outlet 416 by operating the valve unit 400. Accordingly, the valve unit 400 is opened between the internal flow path unit 300 and the nozzle unit 500, and is closed between the internal flow path unit 300 and the circulation flow path unit 600. That is, the fluid or the like flowing in from the inlet 412 of the valve unit 400 is discharged through the first outlet 414.

In addition, the power unit 700 provides the required pumping pressure at the appropriate time. Accordingly, in the discharge mode, the fluid inside the inner barrel unit 200 may be discharged to the outside through the inner barrel unit 200, the internal flow path unit 300, the valve unit 400, and the nozzle unit 500.

Next, the circulation mode is selected as follows.

When the circulation mode is selected, the control device 1000 closes the first outlet 414 and opens the second outlet 416 by operating the valve unit 400. Accordingly, the fluid is prevented from being delivered to the nozzle unit 500, and the internal flow path unit 300 and the circulation flow path unit 600 are opened. That is, the fluid flowing in from the inflow port 412 of the valve unit 400 may be recovered to the inner barrel unit 200 through the second outflow port 416 and the circulation flow path unit 600.

In addition, the pump arrangement of the power unit 700 provides the required pumping pressure at the appropriate time. Accordingly, in the circulation mode, the fluid filled in the inner barrel unit 200 flows from the inner barrel unit 200 to the inner barrel unit 200 again through the internal flow path unit 300, the valve unit 400, and the circulation flow path unit 600. Accordingly, the fluid inside the inner barrel unit 200 draws a closed curve to circulate.

Fig. 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating the movement of fluid in the circulation mode and the draining mode during the operation of the food heating kettle according to the present invention. In the circulation mode, the fluid passing through the valve unit 400 passes through the circulation flow path unit 600 as indicated by arrow F1 and is recovered to the inner tub unit 200, thereby circulating the fluid. In the discharge mode, the fluid passing through the valve unit 400 is discharged through the nozzle unit 500 as indicated by an arrow F2 in fig. 5.

Hereinafter, the circulation washing using the drain mode and the circulation mode in the operation of the food heating kettle according to the present disclosure will be described.

Specifically, an example of the washing sequence according to the circulation pattern will be described below. The following description is exemplary only and is not necessarily limiting.

First, a detergent, such as citric acid, is placed inside the inner tub unit 200 and filled with water. Preferably, the amount of water filled may be the same as the maximum amount (maximum line: 2.0 liters) that can be filled in the inner barrel unit 200.

Then, the cover part 120 is closed to perform the circulation mode. The execution of the circulation mode may be in the form of, for example, pressing a predetermined washing execution button (automatic cancel/automatic washing button). In the circulation mode, the control device 1000 closes the first outflow port 414 and opens the second outflow port 416 by operating the valve unit 400.

As described above, when the circulation mode is executed, a flag such as cleaning ON may be output to the display apparatus. Also, when the circulation mode is performed, first, the heating device 810 is operated to heat water filled in the inner tub unit 200, so that detergent can be dissolved. Then, the power unit 700 is operated to circulate the detergent dissolved solution. Accordingly, washing of the inner flow path unit 300 and the inner tub unit 200, as well as the circulation flow path unit 600, may be performed.

That is, the above-described operation mode is a cyclic cleaning by repeating cycles, and thus, may be referred to as a cyclic washing mode.

In this case, the specific operation form is that 30 seconds of stopping after 30 seconds of operating the pump device is regarded as one cycle, and such a cycle is repeated several times. For example, in the case of one cycle of washing, the cycle as described above may be repeated 15 times (15 minute period).

Then, when the above-mentioned cycle is completed, an indication of washing OFF may be output. Preferably, after completing this circulation, the user may more definitely perform washing in a form of discarding the washing liquid, heating the water put into the inner tub unit 200 again, and then discarding the water again. In addition, according to an example, the washing liquid is discharged through the nozzle unit 500, so that the washing of the nozzle unit 500 can be performed.

The food heating pot according to the present disclosure is provided with a valve unit 400 and a circulation flow path unit 600, and is configured to be able to discharge fluid in the inner tub unit 200 to the outside through the nozzle unit 500 or to be supplied again into the inner tub unit 200 through the circulation flow path unit 600 according to the operation of the valve unit 400. Therefore, washing can be easily performed.

When the food heating kettle according to the prior art is used for internal washing, most of them are simply washed after the inner tub unit is filled with water. In this case, not only the inside of the inner tub unit 200 cannot be sufficiently washed, but also various internal flow paths connected to the inner tub unit cannot be washed. If the internal flow path is washed, only a method of separating the internal flow path by removal or continuously discharging after filling the inside of the inner tub unit 200 with washing liquid may be selected.

However, since the food heating jug according to the present disclosure may simply perform circulation washing in the circulation mode, washing of the inner tub unit 200 may be simply performed. Furthermore, the washing of the internal flow path unit 300 connected to the inner barrel unit 200 and the circulation flow path unit 600 can be more simply performed. In addition, in the circulation mode, by repeating the circulation and stoppage of the washing liquid, more effective washing can be performed.

Further, the second through-holes 220 connected to the circulation flow path unit 600 and supplying the washing liquid into the inner tub unit 200 are located at an upper portion of the inner tub unit 200, and the first through-holes 210 for discharging the washing liquid in the inner tub unit 200 are located at a bottom portion of the tub unit 200, so that the entire inner tub unit 200 can be washed in the circulation mode.

In addition, the valve unit 400 is located adjacent to the second penetration hole 220 of the inner barrel unit 200, and the nozzle unit 500 and the circulation flow path unit 600 have a shorter length than the inner flow path unit 300. Thus, most of the flow path within a food heating kettle according to the present disclosure may be washed in a circulation mode.

That is, in the flow path included in the food heating pot according to the present disclosure, the internal flow path unit 300 and the circulation flow path unit 600 occupy most of the length, and the nozzle unit 500 may have a relatively short flow path length. Further, in the circulation mode, the washing liquid may be circulated through the internal flow path unit 300 and the circulation flow path unit 600. Therefore, most of the area of the flow path within the food-heating kettle can be easily washed.

In addition, the control device 1000 can achieve more effective washing by changing the flow direction of the fluid in the inner tub unit 200. That is, in a case of a general food heating kettle, fluid flow can be only in a form of being discharged from the inner tub unit 200 to the nozzle unit 500 through the internal flow path unit 300. However, since the food warming kettle according to the present disclosure has the valve unit 400 and the circulation flow path unit 600, the control device 1000 may also flow in the opposite direction to the above-described flow direction. Therefore, by changing the flow direction of the fluid inside the inner barrel unit 200, it is possible to effectively remove foreign substances remaining in the inner flow path unit 300.

Particularly, in case that the food heating pot according to the present disclosure is used for a food heating pot for infants, since food and the like remaining in the inner tub unit 200 and the inner flow path unit 300 can be effectively washed and removed, it is possible to greatly contribute to the health of infants.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a food heating kettle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the use of the discharge mode and the circulation mode for supplying fluid of uniform temperature, etc. in the operation of the food heating kettle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

The discharge and circulation of the fluid and the like in the discharge mode and the circulation mode are as described above. At this time, in the circulation mode, the fluid filled in the inner barrel unit 200 flows from the inner barrel unit 200 to the inner barrel unit 200 again through the internal flow path unit and the circulation flow path unit 600. Accordingly, the fluid inside the inner barrel unit 200 draws a closed curve to circulate. Accordingly, the fluid and the like in the inner tub unit 200 may be mixed with each other to make the temperature uniform as a whole. As explained in detail below. The following description is merely exemplary and is not necessarily limiting.

The control device 1000 may sense the temperature of the inner tub unit 200 through the sensor unit 900 when an input signal is transmitted from a user to discharge fluid of a predetermined temperature, etc. At this time, when the temperature of the inner tub unit 200 is different from the target temperature, it is possible to heat or cool the food inside the inner tub unit 200 by operating the temperature variable device 800.

Then, when heating or cooling is completed, the temperature of each unit of the inner tub unit 200 may be sensed by the sensor unit 900 before food is discharged through the nozzle unit 500.

At this time, the control device 1000 may compare the temperature sensed by the first sensor unit 910 with the temperature sensed by the second sensor unit 920. At this time, in a case where the temperature difference of the respective parts of the inner tub unit 200 sensed by the first and

second sensor units

910 and 920 is below a predetermined standard range (X ℃), it may be determined that the temperature of the food or fluid in the inner tub unit is uniform and the discharge may be performed as it is. Alternatively, when the temperature difference is above a predetermined range, the temperature of the food or fluid in the inner tub unit is judged to be non-uniform, and the circulation mode is first selected to perform circulation at a predetermined time or a predetermined period. Then, after cycling for a predetermined time or period, the temperatures are compared again. Accordingly, when the temperature difference of the respective units of the inner tub unit 200 sensed by the first and

second sensor units

910 and 920 is below a predetermined standard range, the discharge mode may be selected to perform the discharge. At this time, the criterion of the temperature difference may be changed, and the range may be arbitrarily set by the user.

That is, the above-described operation mode is to discharge the fluid by circulating the fluid, and may be referred to as a discharge mode.

Of course, the above-described operation mode is, for example, to forcibly perform the circulation mode before performing the discharge to perform the discharge after circulating a predetermined time or period, or to sense the temperature after forcibly performing the circulation mode before performing the discharge and to perform the discharge when the temperature difference is below a predetermined range.

Further, when the fluid inside the inner tub unit 200 is higher than a desired temperature, it may also be rapidly cooled using the cooling device 820 and then discharged after circulation of the fluid or the like is performed. For example, after the cooling device 820 operates, the temperature inside the inner barrel unit 200 may be sensed before discharging fluid or the like using the first and

second sensor units

910 and 920. In this case, when the sensed temperature difference between the respective portions of the inner tub unit 200 is above the predetermined standard range, the discharge mode is also selected to perform the discharge when the temperature difference becomes below the standard range after the circulation mode is first selected to circulate the fluid or the like.

Accordingly, the food heating pot according to the present disclosure can have a constant temperature of fluid or the like as a whole by circulating the fluid inside the inner tub unit 200, and can supply the fluid having a uniform temperature.

The food heating kettle according to the related art has a problem in that it is difficult to supply fluid of a correct temperature since the temperature of food in the inner tub unit 200 is not constant. For example, water located above the inner tub unit 200 or near the cooling device 820 is rapidly cooled to have a low temperature, and water located below the inner tub unit 200 or near the heating device 810 may have a high temperature. Therefore, accidents such as burns or skin injuries may occur due to unexpected supply of hot water, or supply of water with too low a temperature may occur.

However, since the temperature of the fluid or the like in the inner tub unit 200 is uniformly supplied after the circulation of the food heating kettle according to the present disclosure is performed in the circulation mode, the fluid or the like having a target temperature can be accurately supplied. Therefore, accidents such as burns can be prevented, and the nutrition and taste of the food can be optimally maintained.

Further, even after rapid cooling using the cooling device 820, it is possible to prevent the supply of a fluid or the like at a temperature lower than the intended temperature.

Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

The food heating kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a flow meter 1100.

The flow meter 1100 is a device for measuring a flow rate. The kind of the flow meter 1100 is not limited at all.

Fig. 7 is a schematic structural view of a flow meter of a food heating kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 8 is a schematic view showing an example of a pulsation waveform transmitted from the flow meter of the food heating kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

For example, the flow meter 1100 may include a flow meter body 1110 and an impeller 1120 that is disposed within the flow meter body 1110 and rotates with the flow of water. Further, one magnet member 1130 may be provided on the rotation shaft of the impeller 1120, and the hole sensor 1140 may be provided on the flowmeter main body 1110. Due to the rotation of the impeller 1120, a pulsating waveform as shown in fig. 8 may be generated. As shown in fig. 8, a predetermined number of pulsation waveforms may occur during a predetermined period. Therefore, the flow rate can be grasped by counting the number of pulsation waveforms generated in a predetermined period.

The flow meter 1100 may be connected to the internal flow path unit 300. As an example, the flow meter 1100 may be positioned directly in the rear section of the power unit 700 and adjacent to the power unit 700. Therefore, the flow rate of the fluid or the like passing through the internal flow path unit 300 can be measured by the power unit 700.

Next, the quantitative water discharge function by the flow meter 1100 and the effect thereof will be described.

The food heating pot according to the present invention can measure the flow rate of fluid or the like passing through the internal flow path unit 300 using the flow meter 1100. At this time, the control device 1000 may have an algorithm that counts the number of pulsation signals occurring in the flow meter 1100. For example, the number of pulsation signals is a predetermined number (X), and the flow amount of the fluid or the like can be determined to be a predetermined flow amount (Yml).

At this time, when the control device 1000 senses that the amount of discharged water reaches the target amount (that is, when the number of pulsation signals reaches the target number), the operation of the power unit 700 is stopped to stop the discharged water, and the valve unit 400 is switched from the discharge mode to the circulation mode when a signal is transmitted to the valve unit 400. However, the stopping of the operation of the power unit 700 and the mode switching of the valve unit are not necessarily achieved at the same time and may have a time difference. For example, after the mode of the valve unit 400 is switched, the operation of the power unit 700 may be stopped after a certain time has elapsed.

Next, the effect of the quantitative water discharge function will be described.

If the water output of the food heating pot reaches the target amount, the operation of the power unit 700 is stopped only and the discharge mode of the valve unit 400 is maintained, and the remaining water in the internal flow path unit 300 can be discharged through the nozzle unit 500 due to the operation inertia of the power unit 700 and the flow inertia of the discharged water. Therefore, there is a possibility that an error in the amount of water discharged occurs and the water cannot be quantitatively discharged.

However, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve unit 400 may be converted into the circulation mode once the discharge stop signal occurs. Accordingly, the remaining water in the internal flow path unit 300 is returned to the inner tub unit 200 through the circulation flow path portion 600.

Therefore, the food heating kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention can discharge water quantitatively with a correct amount. Also, the residual water may naturally return to the inner tub unit 200 by switching to the circulation mode instead of simply forcibly closing the nozzle unit 500 or the valve unit 400. Accordingly, the flow pressure of the residual water is prevented from being transmitted to the power unit 700 or the valve unit 400 when the discharge is stopped, and thus, damage to the power unit 700 or the valve unit 400 due to the pressure of the residual water can be prevented.

Next, a water absence sensing function using the flow meter 1100 is explained according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 to 11 are block diagrams respectively showing an example of the operation of the food heating kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The food heating pot according to the embodiment of the present invention may discharge or heat the food in the inner tub unit 200. At this time, the controller 1000 performs the circulation mode to circulate the fluid and the like in the inner tub unit 200 in at least one of the conditions 1) before discharging (fig. 9), 2) before heating (fig. 10), and 3) when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature during heating (fig. 11).

First, description is made with reference to fig. 9. For example, when the control device 1000 receives a discharge signal, before the discharge is performed, a signal may be transmitted to the valve unit 400 to cause the valve unit 400 to enter the circulation mode. Also, the control device 1000 may activate the power unit 700. Therefore, the fluid and the like in the inner barrel unit 200 circulate for a certain period of time, and the circulation flow rate can be measured by the flow meter 1100. At this time, the measured flow rate is within the normal range, and the control apparatus 1000 may switch the valve unit 400 to the discharge mode to perform the discharge. However, if the measured flow rate is out of the normal range, an alarm may be generated and the operation of the power unit 700 may be stopped.

As another example, referring to fig. 10, an operation similar to the above-described operation may be performed when heating is performed. That is, the control device 1000 may start the temperature varying device 800 or transmit a signal to the valve unit 400 simultaneously with the operation of the temperature varying device 800 to cause the valve unit 400 to enter the circulation mode by receiving the heating signal to heat the fluid and the like in the inner tub unit 200. Also, control device 1000 may activate power unit 700. At this time, the controller 1000 may activate the temperature varying device 800 when the flow rate measured by the flow meter 1100 is within the normal range. However, the measured flow rate is out of the normal range, and the control device 1000 may generate an alarm and stop the operation of the power unit 700. Further, the control device 1000 does not activate the temperature varying device.

As another example, referring to fig. 11, the fluid or the like in the inner tub unit 200 performs an operation similar to the aforementioned operation while being heated. That is, when the temperature varying device 800 operates, the fluid and the like in the inner tub unit 200 is heated. In the heating process, the sensor 900 senses that the temperature of the fluid or the like inside the inner tub unit 200 reaches a predetermined reference temperature, and the control device 1000 transmits a signal to the valve unit 400 to cause the valve unit 400 to enter the circulation mode and activate the power unit 700. At this time, when the flow rate measured by the flow meter 1100 is within the normal range, the control device 1000 may perform an operation such as maintaining the temperature varying device 800 or switching the valve unit 400 to the discharge mode. However, when the measured flow rate is in the normal range, control device 1000 may generate an alarm and stop the operation of power unit 700. Further, the control device 1000 may stop the operation of the temperature varying device 800. In the foregoing case, the reference temperature for putting the valve unit 400 into the circulation mode may be one or more (e.g., 50 ℃, 70 ℃, 90 ℃, etc.).

In the foregoing description, the fact that the flow rate measured by the flow meter 1100 falls outside the normal range may mean, for example, that the flow rate measured by the flow meter 1100 is not measured for a certain period of time or that the flow rate measured by the flow meter 1100 falls below a certain range.

The alarm may be generated by, for example, outputting a water shortage indication to a display (not shown) or generating a predetermined sound alarm.

When the flow rate sensed by the flow meter 1100 is within a regular range, the control device 1000 may determine that the amount of water in the inner barrel unit 200 is sufficient. However, when the amount of fluid or the like in the inner tub unit 200 is small or none, the fluid flow amount measured by the flow meter 1100 is also small or none. Therefore, the food heating kettle according to the present invention can confirm whether the amount of fluid or the like in the inner tub unit 200 is sufficient through the flow meter 1100.

If the power unit 700 is operated or the heating device 810 of the temperature varying device 800 is operated without or without a fluid or the like in the inner tub unit 200, the device is damaged and a fire is caused due to the occurrence of overheating or the like.

However, the food heating kettle according to the embodiment of the present invention may first perform the circulation mode before discharging or heating and judge whether the amount of water is insufficient or not. When the water amount is judged to be insufficient, the food heating kettle can stop the actions of the temperature variable device and the power unit 700, thereby ensuring the safety of the device and the safety of the user.

In addition, the food heating kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention switches to the circulation mode when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature during heating and determines the remaining amount of water, and stops the operation of the temperature varying device 800 if the remaining amount of water is insufficient. Therefore, evaporation of water during heating and safety accidents due to disappearance of water can be prevented.

The food heating kettle according to the present disclosure has a circulation mode and a discharge mode so that circulation and discharge can be selectively performed.

Therefore, since the food heating kettle according to the present disclosure can perform circulation washing, washing of the inner tub unit and the piping unit can be easily performed. In addition, in the circulation mode, by repeating the circulation and the stop of the washing liquid, more effective washing can be performed.

Further, the second penetration holes connected to the circulation flow path unit and the circulation flow path unit are located at an upper portion of the inner tub unit, and the first penetration holes are located at a bottom portion of the inner tub unit, and thus, washing of the entire inner tub unit can be performed in the circulation mode. In addition, the circulation flow path unit has a shorter length than the internal flow path unit, and thus, most of the flow path can be washed.

In particular, in the case where the food warming pot according to the present disclosure is used for a food warming pot for infants, since food and the like remaining in the inner tub unit and the inner flow path unit can be effectively washed and removed, it is possible to greatly contribute to the health of infants.

In addition, since the food heating pot according to the present disclosure can circulate the food in the inner tub unit, it is possible to make the temperature of the food in the inner tub unit uniform and to provide the food at the correct temperature.

Further, according to the operation mode of the control device, the food can be circulated before the food discharge is performed, so that the food having an accurate desired temperature can be provided.

And, the food heating kettle according to the present invention can discharge water quantitatively and prevent safety accidents.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with the above preferred embodiments, it is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, which is not to be construed solely from the technical idea or viewpoint of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A food heating kettle comprising:

a main body unit constituting an external appearance;

an inner barrel unit mounted in the main body unit;

an inner flow path unit having a predetermined flow path and connected to the inner tub unit at one end;

a valve unit connected to the other end of the internal flow path unit;

a nozzle unit having one end connected to the valve unit and the other end opened to the outside;

a circulation flow path unit having a predetermined flow path, one end of the circulation flow path unit being connected to the valve unit and the other end being connected to the inner tub unit,

a flow meter measuring a flow rate of the fluid passing through the internal flow path unit;

a power unit including a pump device;

a temperature variable device for varying the temperature of the inner tub unit; and

a control device that controls the valve unit, the power unit, and the temperature variable device,

the valve unit is configured to: a variable valve selectively opening a flow path between the internal flow path unit and the nozzle unit or capable of opening a flow path between the internal flow path unit and the circulation flow path unit,

the control device includes:

a discharge mode causing the valve unit to open a flow path between the internal flow path unit and the nozzle unit, an

A circulation mode causing the valve unit to open a flow path between the internal flow path unit and the circulation flow path unit,

when a predetermined control signal is inputted, the control device selects the circulation mode and operates the power unit, and senses whether there is no water in the inner tub unit using the flow rate of the fluid through the inner flow path unit measured by the flow meter,

the control signal is at least one of a discharge signal to discharge fluid in the inner tub unit to the outside, a heating signal to heat the inner tub unit, and a reference temperature reaching signal that the inner tub unit reaches a predetermined reference temperature.

2. The food heating kettle of claim 1,

the inner flow path unit is connected to a lower portion of the inner barrel unit,

the circulation flow path unit is connected to an upper portion of the inner tub unit.

3. The food heating pot of claim 2, wherein the inner tub unit comprises:

a first through hole formed on the bottom surface; and

a second through-hole formed at the upper portion,

the inner flow path unit is connected to the inner barrel unit through the first through hole,

the circulation flow path unit is connected to the inner tub unit through the second penetration hole.

4. The food heating kettle of claim 3,

the valve unit is located adjacent to the second through-hole,

the circulation flow path unit has a shorter length than the internal flow path unit.

5. The food heating kettle of claim 1,

the valve unit is provided on the nozzle unit,

at least a portion of the nozzle unit extends in a straight downward direction.

6. The food heating kettle of claim 1,

the power unit is connected to the internal flow path unit.

7. The food heating kettle of claim 1, further comprising a temperature variable device,

the temperature variable device includes:

a heating device providing heat to heat the inner tub unit; and

a cooling device providing cool air to cool the inner tub unit.

8. The food heating kettle of claim 7,

the control device has a circulation washing mode for repeatedly circulating the heated water using the power unit after heating the fluid in the inner tub unit by activating the temperature variable device.

9. The food heating kettle of claim 7,

the control device has a circulation discharge mode for performing discharge by selecting the discharge mode after the circulation mode is selected and circulation is performed.

10. The food heating kettle of claim 7, further comprising:

a sensor unit for sensing a temperature inside the inner barrel unit,

wherein the sensor unit is provided in plurality to sense a temperature of a position of each part within the inner tub unit.

11. The food heating kettle of claim 10, wherein the sensor unit comprises:

a first sensor unit located at the bottom of the inner barrel unit; and

a second sensor unit located at an upper portion of the inner tub unit.

12. The food heating kettle of claim 11,

the control means compares the temperatures sensed by the first and second sensor units when the discharge mode is selected,

and when the temperature sensed by the first sensor unit and the temperature sensed by the second sensor unit have a difference of a predetermined range or more, performing discharge by selecting the discharge mode after performing circulation by selecting the circulation mode.

13. The food heating kettle of claim 1,

the valve unit is an electromagnetic valve.

14. The food heating kettle of claim 1,

when the valve unit is in the discharge mode and the power unit is operated to discharge the fluid in the inner tub unit to the outside, the control device switches the valve unit to the circulation mode when the flow rate of the fluid measured by the flow meter reaches a predetermined target amount.

15. The food heating kettle of claim 1,

the control means switches the valve unit to a discharge mode or operates the temperature variable means when the flow rate of the fluid measured by the flow meter is within a predetermined normal range.

16. The food heating kettle of claim 1,

the control means generates an alarm when the flow rate of the fluid measured by the flow meter is outside a predetermined normal range.