WO2007052907A1

WO2007052907A1 - Structure of food storage for cooling and warming

Info

Publication number: WO2007052907A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/004192
Authority: WO
Inventors: Byong Hwan Shin; Jong Seong Kim
Original assignee: Byong Hwan Shin; Jong Seong Kim
Priority date: 2005-11-03
Filing date: 2006-10-17
Publication date: 2007-05-10
Also published as: KR100599841B1

Abstract

A food storage apparatus includes an inside space defined by an insulation case and a first partitioning plate, having through-holes formed therein, and sequentially stacked in a lower case; a first flow path defined by a second partitioning plate having partitioning walls formed thereon and placed on the first partitioning plate; a second flow path under a lower surface of a peripheral portion of a receptacle support frame and defined by the receptacle support frame, which has receptacle support parts and is placed on the second partitioning plate; and a third flow path between inner and outer covers and defined by the inner and outer covers, which are placed on peripheral portions of the receptacle support frame and the lower case, wherein a heat radiation plate, a thermoelectric element and a cooling plate are sequentially stacked through the through-holes, and temperature can be maintained within a predetermined range by blowing means and control means.

Description

STRUCTURE OF FOOD STORAGE FOR COOLING AND

WARMING

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a food storage apparatus capable of performing refrigerating and warming functions, and more particularly, to a food storage apparatus capable of performing refrigerating and warming functions, in which temperature can be maintained within a predetermined range using a thermoelectric element, and air circulation is implemented through flow paths defined by component parts, thereby allowing food items to be stored in a refrigerated or warmed state. Background Art

[2] In general, food items are kept in a refrigerator to preserve freshness, and depending upon the kind of food item, it may be necessary to warm the food item using an electric appliance or the like, which is bothersome. Also, the freshness may be compromised when food items are carelessly stored.

[3] In order to cope with these problems, "Food storage apparatus using thermoelectric element" (hereinafter, referred to as "prior art 1") has been disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0323582, "Food receptacle using thermoelectric element" (hereinafter, referred to as "prior art 2") in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0323808, and "Food item storage apparatus using thermoelectric element" (hereinafter, referred to as "prior art 3") in Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-1998-0010274.

[4] The prior art 1, which is illustrated in FIG. 1, comprises a body 100 having a heat discharge opening 120 defined through a sidewall thereof and a cover 110 provided on the upper surface thereof; a storage chamber 200 formed in the body 100; a heat exchange section 300 having a heat discharge fan 310, a heat radiation plate 320, a thermoelectric element 330, a cooling plate 340 and a cooling fan 350 which are arranged between the heat discharge opening 120 of the body 100 and the air inlet opening 210 of the storage chamber 200; and a control section 400 connected to temperature detection means 410 provided in the storage chamber 200 to control power supply to the thermoelectric element 330 from a power source 500.

[5] In the prior art 1, there is a problem in that, since the cover 110 has a single-layered structure, heat loss through the cover 110 is high, and since the component parts of the heat exchange section 300 are arranged in a line on one side of the storage chamber 200, cool air cannot be evenly distributed over both ends of the storage chamber 200.

[6] Also, first of all, in the construction of the prior art 1, in which the air inlet opening 210 and an air outlet opening 220 are arranged in a line on one side of the storage chamber 200, the air introduced into the storage chamber 200 stagnates and is not properly discharged to the outside. As a result, a serious problem is caused in that the food items stored in the storage chamber 200 cannot be reliably maintained in a refrigerated or warmed state.

[7] In the prior art 2, heat generated by the thermoelectric element installed on the lower surface of a heat conductive plate is not evenly transferred over the entire surface of the heat conductive plate.

[8] In the prior art 3, a water cooling method is adopted, in which a pipe is installed in a storage chamber and water is circulated through the pipe. Therefore, problems such as leakage of water are caused. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[9] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the problems occurring in the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a food storage apparatus capable of performing refrigerating and warming functions which utilizes a temperature maintaining function of a thermoelectric element, and efficiently uses waste heat of the thermoelectric element, thereby allowing food items to be stored in a refrigerated or warmed state. Technical Solution

[10] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food storage apparatus for storing food items within a predetermined temperature range using a thermoelectric element, comprising an inside space defined by an insulation case and a first partitioning plate, each of which has through-holes formed therein, sequentially stacked in a lower case; a first flow path defined as a serpentine path by a second partitioning plate, which has a plurality of partitioning walls formed on a lower surface thereof, placed on the first partitioning plate; a second flow path under the lower surface of a peripheral portion of a receptacle support frame, defined by said receptacle support frame, which has a plurality of receptacle support parts and is placed on the second partitioning plate; and a third flow path between inner and outer covers and defined by the inner and outer covers, which are placed on peripheral portions of the receptacle support frame and the lower case, wherein a heat radiation plate, a thermoelectric element and a cooling plate are sequentially stacked through the through-holes so that the cooling plate is positioned in the first flow path, and the temperature can be maintained within a predetermined range by blowing means for circulating air through the first flow path and control means for temperature control. [11] According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one heat radiation fan is mounted to a wall of the lower case.

[12] According to another aspect of the present invention, the blowing means comprises a duct which communicates with discharge and suction openings defined through the first partitioning plate, and a blowing fan which is installed in the suction opening of the duct.

[13] According to another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of vent holes is defined through an upper wall of the peripheral portion of the receptacle support frame, and a blower fan is disposed in the second flow path.

[14] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of fins is further formed on the lower surface of the second partitioning plate to extend in a direction parallel to the partitioning walls.

[15] According to a still further aspect of the present invention, the control means comprises a power supply part for controlling driving of the blowing fan, the thermoelectric element and the blower fan, and a reversal part for reversing the driving mode of the thermoelectric element.

Advantageous Effects

[16] Thanks to the above features of the present invention, in order to store food items in a refrigerated or warmed state, the temperature can be maintained within a predetermined range by driving a thermoelectric element, air is forcibly circulated through a flow path defined by component parts, that is, a first flow path, and the cooled air in the first flow path is forcibly circulated through second and third flow paths. As a consequence, waste heat utilization efficiency is increased, and energy can be saved. Also, temperature can be uniformly distributed in the food storage apparatus. Brief Description of the Drawings

[17] The above objects, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[18] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a conventional food storage apparatus;

[19] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a food storage apparatus capable of performing refrigerating and warming functions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[20] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the food storage apparatus capable of performing refrigerating and warming functions in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention;

[21] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the lower surface of a second partitioning plate; and [22] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the food storage apparatus capable of performing refrigerating and warming functions in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[23] <Description of Reference Numerals for Main Parts of Drawings>

[24] 110: heat radiation plate 120: insulating material

[25] 130: thermoelectric element 140: cooling plate

[26] 150: blowing means 151: duct

[27] 152: blowing fan 200: lower case

[28] 230: insulation case 231, 251: through-holes

[29] 250: first partitioning plate 252: discharge opening

[30] 253: suction opening 300: second partitioning plate

[31] 310: partitioning wall 320: fin

[32] 400: receptacle support frame 410: receptacle support part

[33] 420: vent hole 510: inner cover

[34] 520: outer cover 600: heat radiation fan

[35] 700: control means 800: blower fan

[36] 900: gasket S 1 : first flow path

[37] S2: second flow path S3: third flow path

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[38] Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[39] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a food storage apparatus capable of performing refrigerating and warming functions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[40] Referring to FIG. 2, in a state in which a second partitioning plate 300 and a receptacle support frame 400 are sequentially stacked in the upper part of a lower case 200, inner and outer covers 510 and 520 are placed on the peripheral portions of the receptacle support frame 400 and the lower case 200, respectively, which defines the configuration of the food storage apparatus.

[41] The receptacle support frame 400 has a plurality of receptacle support parts 410 on which receptacles 430 are supported.

[42] In FIG. 2, the unexplained reference numeral 280 designates a heat radiation grille, and 530 designates a knob.

[43] Hereafter, the construction of the food storage apparatus capable of performing refrigerating and warming functions in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[44] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the food storage apparatus capable of performing refrigerating and warming functions in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[45] Referring to FIG. 3, when roughly viewing the construction of the food storage apparatus capable of performing refrigerating and warming functions in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, with the second partitioning plate 300 and the receptacle support frame 400 sequentially stacked in the upper part of the lower case 200, in which an insulation case 230 and a first partitioning plate 250 are sequentially stacked, the inner and outer covers 510 and 520 are respectively placed on the peripheral portions of the receptacle support frame 400 and the lower case 200.

[46] In the lower case 200, a heat radiation plate 110, an insulating material 120, a thermoelectric element 130 and a cooling plate 140 are sequentially stacked upon one another. Blowing means 150 is interposed between the insulation case 230 and the first partitioning plate 250.

[47] Also, a blower fan 800 is mounted between the second partitioning plate 300 and the receptacle support frame 400.

[48] In FIG. 3, the unexplained reference numeral 710 designates a battery case, and 900 designates a gasket.

[49] In the lower case 200, a side plate 210 and a bottom plate 220 are assembled with each other to define a box-shaped configuration, and the insulation case 230 and the first partitioning plate 250, which respectively have through-holes 231 and 251 formed therein, are sequentially stacked, which defines an inside space.

[50] The insulation case 230 is made of a material which has excellent heat insulation property and heat resistance. A receiving groove 232 is defined on the upper surface of the insulation case 230 adjacent to the edge of the insulation case 230 such that the blowing means 150 is received in the receiving groove 232. A passage 233 is defined below the through-hole 231 and forms a flow path to increase the heat radiation effect.

[51] The first partitioning plate 250 is stacked on the insulation case 230 and has the through-hole 251 formed therein at a position corresponding to the through-hole 231. A discharge opening 252 and a suction opening 253 are defined through the first partitioning plate 250 to communicate with the blowing means 150.

[52] The heat radiation plate 110, the insulating material 120, the thermoelectric element

130 and the cooling plate 140 are sequentially stacked through the through-holes 231 and 251 in the lower case 200. The cooling plate 140 upwardly projects out of the first partitioning plate 250 to promote heat transfer through the driving of the thermoelectric element 130.

[53] A plurality of fins is formed on the heat radiation plate 110 and the cooling plate 140 so that heat radiation and heat transfer can be effected in a quick and efficient manner.

[54] The thermoelectric element 130 performs heat suction and heat emission operations by receiving power from the outside, and implements heat transfer in an upward direction from the lower case 200.

[55] The heat generated by the thermoelectric element 130 is discharged to the outside by the heat radiation plate 110 and at least one heat radiation fan 600 which is mounted to a wall of the lower case 200.

[56] The heat radiation grille 280 is provided to another wall of the lower case 200 which is opposite the heat radiation fan 600, and a heat radiation grille 290 is provided to the bottom plate 220 which faces the passage 233. Due to the presence of the heat radiation grilles 280 and 290, the heat generated by the thermoelectric element 130 can be quickly and efficiently discharged to the outside.

[57] At this time, since the heat and the cold generated by the thermoelectric element

130 is insulated by the insulating material 120 and the insulation case 230, heat loss is minimized. Preferably, the insulating material 120 is made of a material which has an excellent heat insulation property and excellent heat resistance.

[58] The blowing means 150, which is received in the insulation case 230 and communicates with the discharge opening 252 and the suction opening 253 of the first partitioning plate 250, largely comprises a duct 151 and a blowing fan 152. The blowing means 150 functions to evenly circulate the cold generated by the thermoelectric element 130 in the upward direction from the lower case 200.

[59] The duct 151 communicates with the discharge opening 252 and the suction opening 253 defined through the first partitioning plate 250, and the blowing fan 152 is installed in the suction opening 253 of the duct 151.

[60] Meanwhile, the second partitioning plate 300 is stacked on the first partitioning plate 250.

[61] The second partitioning plate 300 defines a flow path having a predetermined pattern on the lower surface thereof, so that air supplied through the discharge opening 252 of the first partitioning plate 250 can be introduced into the suction opening 253 after passing through the flow path.

[62] A sidewall having a predetermined height is formed on the periphery of the second partitioning plate 300 to be placed on the first partitioning plate 250, such that a closed flow path is defined between the first and second partitioning plates 250 and 300.

[63] Air is continuously circulated through the closed flow path by the blowing means

150.

[64] The gasket 900 is interposed between the first and second partitioning plates 250 and 300 so that airtightness is ensured, and thereby contamination or rotting resulting from the introduction of food debris or moisture into the flow path is prevented.

[65] The receptacle support frame 400 is stacked on the second partitioning plate 300.

[66] As can be readily seen from FIG. 2, the receptacle support frame 400 has the plurality of receptacle support parts 410 on which the receptacles 430 are supported. A flow path is defined under the lower surface of the peripheral portion of the receptacle support frame 400.

[67] A plurality of vent holes 420 is defined through the upper wall of the peripheral portion of the receptacle support frame 400, and the blower fan 800 is mounted in the flow path which is defined between the lower surface of the peripheral portion of the receptacle support frame 400 and the upper surface of the second partitioning plate 300.

[68] Preferably, the first and second partitioning plates 250 and 300 and the receptacle support frame 400 are made of a material which has excellent heat conductivity so that the cold generated by the thermoelectric element 130 can be quickly and efficiently transferred.

[69] The inner and outer covers 510 and 520 are respectively placed on the peripheral portions of the receptacle support frame 400 and the side plate 210 of the lower case 200, and a flow path is defined between the inner and outer covers 510 and 520.

[70] The inner and outer covers 510 and 520 are detachably coupled to each other by the knob 530, and are made of a transparent material so that the food items in the receptacles 430 supported on the receptacle support parts 410 can be easily viewed.

[71] Control means 700 is placed on one side in the lower case 200.

[72] The control means 700 comprises a power supply part for controlling the driving of the thermoelectric element 130, the blowing fan 152, the heat radiation fan 600 and the blower fan 800, and a reversal part for reversing the heat suction and heat emission driving of the thermoelectric element 130. The control means 700 performs a controlling function so that the temperature inside the food storage apparatus according to the present invention is maintained within a predetermined range.

[73] The food storage apparatus capable of performing refrigerating and warming functions according to the present invention has the battery case 710 for supplying power to the control means 700 so that the food storage apparatus can be used outdoors or in any location.

[74] The power supply part of the control means 700 is provided with an on/off switch for supplying power to the food storage apparatus according to the present invention, and a plug for allowing the food storage apparatus to be used indoors. The reversal part is provided with a switch for selecting the heat suction or heat emission driving of the thermoelectric element 130. In addition, an LCD may be provided so that the temperature inside the food storage apparatus according to the present invention can be displayed.

[75] To this end, in the food storage apparatus according to the present invention, temperature sensing means such as a sensor is installed at a predetermined position inside the food storage apparatus, so that the sensed temperature can be displayed and thereby the temperature can be maintained within the predetermined range under the control of the control means 700.

[76] Since the configuration of the control means 700 is well known in the art, further detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

[77] Hereinbelow, the structure of the lower surface of the second partitioning plate 300, which is stacked on the first partitioning plate 250 and defines a flow path having a predetermined pattern, will be described in detail.

[78] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the lower surface of the second partitioning plate which is a main component part of the food storage apparatus according to the present invention.

[79] As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of partitioning walls 310 is formed on the lower surface of the second partitioning plate 300, and defines a flow path which has a serpentine pattern.

[80] The sidewall is formed on the periphery of the second partitioning plate 300 to have the same height as the partitioning walls 310. Therefore, because the second partitioning plate 300 is placed on the first partitioning plate 250 (see FIG. 3), a flow path having a serpentine pattern, that is, a closed flow path, is defined between the first and second partitioning plates 250 and 300 due to the presence of the partitioning walls 310.

[81] Preferably, a plurality of fins 320 is formed on the lower surface of the second partitioning plate 300 to extend in a direction parallel to the partitioning walls 310.

[82] The fins 320 function to increase the heat transfer area on the lower surface of the second partitioning plate 300 and maximize the transfer efficiency of the cold generated by the thermoelectric element 130 (see FIG. 3).

[83] Hereafter, exemplary operations of the food storage apparatus according to the present invention, constructed as mentioned above, will be described.

[84] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the food storage apparatus capable of performing refrigerating and warming functions in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[85] Referring to FIG. 5, in the food storage apparatus according to the present invention, a first flow path S 1 is defined in the closed space between the first and second partitioning plates 250 and 300, a second flow path S2 is defined between the upper surface of the second partitioning plate 300 and the lower surface of the peripheral portion of the receptacle support frame 400, and a third flow path S3 is defined between the inner and outer covers 510 and 520 which are placed on the peripheral portions of the receptacle support frame 400 and the lower case 200.

[86] The symbol "D" in the first path Sl represents a direction which extends into the plane of the drawing, and the symbol "Θ" represents a direction which extends out of the plane of the drawing.

[87] It is preferred that the inner and outer covers 510 and 520 be detachably coupled to each other by the knob 530, which is formed with an internal thread.

[88] When the on/off switch of the control means 700 (see FIG. 3) is turned on and power is supplied to the food storage apparatus, the thermoelectric element 130, the blowing fan 152 (see FIG. 3), the heat radiation fan 600 and the blower fan 800 are actuated.

[89] Then, because a user selects heat suction driving or heat emission driving of the thermoelectric element 130 through the reversal part of the control means 700 for reversing + and - electrodes, the food storage apparatus is maintained in a refrigerated or warmed state depending upon the kind of food item stored in the receptacles 430.

[90] Then, the temperature inside the food storage apparatus according to the present invention is maintained within a predetermined range under the control of the control means 700.

[91] In the present embodiment, a description will be given with respect to the heat suction driving of the thermoelectric element 130, that is, a refrigerating procedure.

[92] In order to ensure that the cold, generated in the thermoelectric element 130 and transferred into the first flow path Sl through the cooling plate 140, is quickly and evenly transferred to the second flow path S2 defined under the lower surface of the peripheral portion of the receptacle support frame 400 and the third flow path S3 defined between the inner and outer covers 510 and 520, the air, that is, the cooled air in the first flow path Sl is forcibly circulated by the blowing fan 152.

[93] While the cooled air is circulated in the first flow path Sl, the temperature of the heat radiation plate 110 of the thermoelectric element 130 increases due to heat emission from the thermoelectric element 130. In this regard, the heat emitted from the thermoelectric element 130 and transferred to the heat radiation plate 110 is discharged to the outside by the heat radiation fan 600 mounted to a wall of the lower case 200 and the heat radiation grilles 280 and 290 respectively formed in another wall of the lower case 200 and the bottom plate 220.

[94] In the food storage apparatus according to the present invention, in order to ensure efficient utilization of the cold generated in the thermoelectric element 130, the second and third flow paths S2 and S3 are defined separately from the first flow path Sl.

[95] The circulation of cooled air in the second and third flow paths S2 and S3 promotes heat transfer from the first flow path Sl, that is, the upper surface of the second par- titioning plate 300, to the receptacle support frame 400 and the inner and outer covers 510 and 520.

[96] In other words, as the blower fan 800 mounted in the second flow path S2 forcibly circulates the cold of the cooled air forcibly circulated in the first flow path Sl, through the second and third flow paths S2 and S3, waste energy utilization efficiency is increased, and as a result, energy can be saved. Industrial Applicability

[97] As is apparent from the above description, the present invention is directed to providing a food storage apparatus capable of performing refrigerating and warming functions which utilizes the temperature maintaining function of a thermoelectric element, and efficiently uses waste heat of the thermoelectric element, thereby allowing food items to be stored in a refrigerated or warmed state.

[98] Further, in the present invention, while the heat suction driving of the thermoelectric element, that is, a refrigerating procedure, was mainly described, selective reversal is possible between heat suction driving and heat emission driving due to the characteristic of the thermoelectric element. Thus, a person having ordinary knowledge in the art will readily appreciate that the heat emission driving of the thermoelectric element, that is, a warming procedure, can be implemented using the same construction and principle as described above.

[99] Moreover, in conformity with the requirements of respective food items received in the receptacles, such as rice, broth and side dishes, which should be held in a refrigerated state or a warmed state, a food storage space can be appropriately partitioned in a manner such that the rice and broth can be held in a warmed state and the side dishes can be held in a refrigerated state.

[100] In the drawings and specification, typical preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, and although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

[1] A food storage apparatus for storing food items within a predetermined temperature range using a thermoelectric element, comprising: an inside space defined by an insulation case and a first partitioning plate, which respectively have through-holes, and which are sequentially stacked in a lower case; a first flow path defined as a serpentine path by a second partitioning plate, which has a plurality of partitioning walls formed on a lower surface thereof, and which is placed on the first partitioning plate; a second flow path under a lower surface of a peripheral portion of a receptacle support frame, defined by the receptacle support frame, which has a plurality of receptacle support parts and is placed on the second partitioning plate; and a third flow path between inner and outer covers, and defined by the inner and outer covers, which are placed on peripheral portions of the receptacle support frame and the lower case, wherein a heat radiation plate, a thermoelectric element and a cooling plate are sequentially stacked through the through-holes so that the cooling plate is positioned in the first flow path, and temperature can be maintained within a predetermined range by blowing means for circulating air through the first flow path and control means for temperature control.

[2] The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one heat radiation fan is mounted to a wall of the lower case.

[3] The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the blowing means comprises a duct which communicates with discharge and suction openings defined through the first partitioning plate, and a blowing fan which is installed in the suction opening of the duct.

[4] The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein a plurality of vent holes is defined through an upper wall of the peripheral portion of the receptacle support frame, and a blower fan is disposed in the second flow path.

[5] The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein a plurality of fins is further formed on the lower surface of the second partitioning plate and extends in a direction parallel to the partitioning walls.

[6] The apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means comprises a power supply part for controlling driving of the blowing fan, the thermoelectric element and the blower fan, and a reversal part for reversing a driving mode of the thermoelectric element.