Dispensing device for flowable solid food product and dispensing system for flowable solid food product

Abstract

The utility model relates to a distribution device (1) for flowable solid food, which comprises a control unit and a temperature sensing unit (41), the control unit is operatively connected to a distribution unit (31) to control the distribution of the flowable solid food to a user container, and the temperature sensing unit is operatively connected to the control unit to control the distribution of the flowable solid food to the user container. The control unit (31) is connected to the dispensing opening (131) and is arranged to detect a sensed temperature relating to the temperature at the dispensing opening (131) or the temperature of the user container or the temperature of the contents of the user container, where the control unit activates the dispensing unit (31) only when the sensed temperature is below or equal to a predetermined dispensing value. The utility model further relates to a distribution system for the flowable solid food.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of dispensing of flowable solid foods, and more particularly to the field of dispensing of milk powder, especially milk powder used as baby food (formula milk for feeding babies).

[0002] More specifically, the utility model relates to a dispensing device for flowable solid foods, and more particularly to a dispensing device suitable for achieving metered dispensing of milk powder, such as milk powder used as baby food (formula milk for feeding babies). Background Art

[0003] There are many examples of flowable solid foods, such as powders or granules, which need to be portioned or metered during use. Milk powder is a common example and is usually packaged in bags or cans. Users use spoons to measure the amount of powder. Then the measured powder is poured into a bottle or cup.

[0004] When using a spoon to scoop milk powder from a can or bag into a bottle or cup, it is often difficult not to spill some milk powder. In addition, it is difficult to measure the exact amount of milk powder required to prepare baby milk, so the amount of substance actually constituting a relevant full spoon may vary greatly. This may not matter in many cases, but in the specific field of formula milk for feeding babies, this is undesirable because people hope to regularly prepare liquid formula with exactly the same concentration for their children, rather than having it vary with each feeding. This is particularly evident when the dispensing operation needs to be carried out at night or under difficult circumstances, because the lack of manual coordination may lead to spilling, which in turn results in a lower concentration of the formula.

[0005] Although usually, a measuring spoon is provided in the formula milk can, due to the characteristics of the powder material itself, using the measuring spoon can be troublesome. The composition of formula milk varies depending on the age of the child, so different forms of measuring spoons are needed to meet the dosage accuracy. In fact, it is highly desirable to ensure that the milk powder formula is metered as accurately as possible according to the composition of the formula milk used. In addition, another disadvantage of using a measuring spoon is related to hygiene, especially the possible contamination of the formula milk, because the user operates the measuring spoon with their hands and then puts the measuring spoon back into the milk powder can, coming into contact with the formula milk.

[0006] Automatic metering devices are known and are intended to replace the use of measuring spoons to ensure correct metering. In this regard, European patent application EP1615004A1 describes a powder measuring device that includes a valve device provided with a chamber for receiving a predetermined volume of powder, wherein the volume of the chamber is adjustable to vary the amount of powder to be metered. Nevertheless, the amount to be metered is fixed and is affected by the predetermined volume position of the chamber. The powder measuring device described therein may also include weighing means for weighing the measured powder into a user container and connected to the valve device, and the dosing accuracy is affected by the accuracy of the valve device in any case.

[0007] Furthermore, when there is high ambient humidity, such as when using a container containing hot water, it has been found that the fine nature of the milk powder combined with its hygroscopicity can have a negative impact on correct metering and the quality of the resulting liquid milk.

[0008] International patent application WO2010109225A2 describes a dispensing unit for a flowable solid material that includes a movable trapdoor that closes the orifice of the dispensing unit, wherein a user container is capable of moving the trapdoor from a closed position of the dispensing opening to an open position of the dispensing opening. However, the dispensing unit described therein does have certain drawbacks. In particular, it has been noted that after prolonged use, a crust of partially hydrated milk powder builds up around the orifice through which the milk powder is discharged into the container where the milk powder will be mixed with water. This build-up of crust is clearly highly undesirable as it provides good conditions for bacterial growth and can reduce the concentration of the mixed milk. The partially hydrated milk powder residue can both potentially pose a health hazard to the children in question due to hiding and nourishing bacteria and affect the amount of milk powder placed in the container. In fact, it is highly desirable to ensure that the formula milk is as isolated as possible from its surrounding environment during storage to keep it intact and uncontaminated. Summary of the Utility Model

[0009] The object of the present utility model is to provide a dispensing device for a flowable solid food that can overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks to the greatest extent.

[0010] In particular, the object of the present utility model is to provide a dispensing device for formula milk that can dispense in an accurate manner and at the same time maintain high hygiene and preservation standards.

[0011] In a first aspect of the present utility model, the above object is achieved by a dispensing device for a flowable solid food, the dispensing device comprising:

[0012] - a reservoir that is capable of storing a flowable solid food or supporting a can containing a flowable solid food;

[0013] - a support tray for a user container;

[0014] - A dispensing unit, operatively connected to a reservoir and having a dispensing opening for dispensing a flowable solid food into a user container;

[0015] - A control unit, operatively connected to the dispensing unit to control the dispensing and portioning of the flowable solid food into the user container;

[0016] wherein the dispensing device further comprises a temperature sensing unit, operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to detect a sensed temperature related to the temperature at the dispensing opening or the temperature of the user container or the temperature of the contents of the user container, and

[0017] wherein the control unit activates the dispensing unit only when the sensed temperature is lower than or equal to a predetermined dispensing value.

[0018] By detecting the sensed temperature at the dispensing opening or of the user container or of the contents of the user container, it is possible to better control the dispensing of the flowable solid food only when a predetermined temperature or temperature range is detected. This in turn allows the flowable solid food to be dispensed when the contents of the user container are at the correct temperature, such as at a temperature at which the properties of the dispensed flowable solid food are maintained upon mixing, which is particularly important for infant formula. In addition, by detecting the sensed temperature at the dispensing opening or of the user container or of the contents of the user container, the flowable solid food can be dispensed when the contents of the user container are at a temperature that prevents vapour or moisture from entering the dispensing unit. Furthermore, measuring and displaying the sensed temperature makes it easier to prepare the user container (i.e. the baby bottle), while enhancing the safety of the user (the baby) from being scalded by overheated water.

[0019] In one embodiment, the temperature sensing unit comprises an infrared temperature sensor.

[0020] This allows the sensed temperature to be detected in a reliable manner without physical contact.

[0021] In one embodiment, the dispensing opening is movable relative to a support tray from a closed position to an open position or from the open position to the closed position, wherein in the closed position, the dispensing of the flowable solid food is blocked, while in the open position, the dispensing of the flowable solid food is allowed, and

[0022] wherein the control unit activates the movement of the dispensing opening to the open position only when the sensed temperature is lower than a predetermined dispensing value.

[0023] Closing of the dispensing port can directly prevent vapor or moisture from entering the dispensing unit. In particular, the dispensing port can be in different positions relative to a fixed support tray such that when in the closed position, the dispensing port is moved away from a vertical virtual line corresponding to the nozzle position of the user container.

[0024] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further includes one or more fan units, the fan units being operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to displace air and / or vapor at the dispensing port, and

[0025] wherein the control unit activates the fan units only when the sensed temperature is higher than a predetermined dispensing value.

[0026] Air displacement enables hot air and / or vapor to be discharged from the dispensing port. The fan units can also be used to cool the temperature at the dispensing port or of the user container or of the contents of the user container.

[0027] In one embodiment, the dispensing device includes two fan units, wherein the first fan unit is arranged at the dispensing port to displace air and / or vapor by blowing air towards the dispensing port.

[0028] Thus, any vapor or moisture can be deflected whether the dispensing port is open or closed, thereby preventing the vapor or moisture from contacting the dispensing port.

[0029] In one embodiment, the second fan unit is arranged at a distance from the dispensing port to displace air and / or vapor by blowing air towards the dispensing port.

[0030] Thus, any vapor or moisture can be deflected by changing the air path whether the dispensing port is open or closed, thereby preventing the vapor or moisture from contacting the dispensing port. This can be achieved simply by positioning the fan units to blow air away from the dispensing port or creating an air passage through which the fan units blow air.

[0031] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further includes an air passage having an outlet end for air and / or vapor arranged at or above the dispensing port, and

[0032] wherein the second fan unit is arranged above the dispensing port, thereby defining an inlet end of the air passage.

[0033] This arrangement can draw air away from the dispensing port and away from the user container.

[0034] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further includes a weighing unit, the weighing unit being operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to measure the weight of the user container containing liquid at the support tray,

[0035] Among them, the control unit is configured to store the profiles of multiple users by associating corresponding ages to define a predetermined user profile, and store the profiles of multiple user containers by associating corresponding tare weights to define a predetermined user container profile, and

[0036] Among them, the control unit is configured to activate the dispensing unit to dispense a required amount of flowable solid food into the user container, and stop the dispensing unit when the weight of the user container is equal to the sum of the actual weight of the user container and the required amount, where the required amount is calculated based on the age in the selected predetermined user profile, based on the tare weight in the selected predetermined user container profile, based on the actual weight of the user container, and based on the flowable solid food / liquid ratio and the flowable solid food / age ratio of the flowable solid food to be dispensed.

[0037] By using the weighing unit, the dispensing operation for multiple users, multiple user containers, and different types of flowable solid food can be automatically performed, and the dosage can be defined with high precision.

[0038] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further includes a reading unit that can read the data code of the flowable solid food can,

[0039] where the reading unit is operatively connected to the control unit, and

[0040] where the control unit is configured to identify the type of flowable solid food to be dispensed by extracting the type data of the flowable solid food from the data code, and the data code can define the flowable solid food / liquid ratio and the flowable solid food / age ratio of the flowable solid food to be dispensed.

[0041] By using the data code to identify the type of flowable solid food, multiple cans of flowable solid food containing different ingredients or characteristics can be used, that is, the type of flowable solid food to be dispensed can be identified and used to calculate the actual amount of the flowable solid food to be dispensed.

[0042] On the other hand, the above object is achieved by a dispensing system for flowable solid food, which includes a dispensing device for flowable solid food according to the present invention, and multiple cans of flowable solid food containing different ingredients or characteristics.

[0043] The aforementioned dispensing system enables the use of multiple cans of flowable solid food containing different ingredients or characteristics while maintaining accurate metering supply and high storage standards. Description of the Drawings

[0044] These and other features and advantages of the present utility model will become apparent from the disclosure of the preferred embodiments, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0045] Figure 1 is a front plan view of a flowable solid food dispensing device according to the present utility model;

[0046] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a side plan sectional view of the dispensing device of Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0047] Figure 1 (Front plan view) and Figure 2 (Side plan sectional view) illustrate a preferred embodiment of a dispensing device 1 for flowable solid food.

[0048] In the present utility model, the term "flowable solid food" refers to any type of edible product having a solid state, such as powders or granules, which are particularly used for beverage products.

[0049] More specifically, the dispensing device according to the present utility model is suitable for achieving metered dispensing of milk powder. However, there are many examples of flowable solid foods, powders or granules, which need to be portioned or metered during use, and the dispensing device of the present utility model can be used for such purposes.

[0050] The dispensing device 1 for flowable solid food includes a reservoir 11, which is capable of supporting a can (not shown) filled with flowable solid food (such as formula milk powder). In this regard, the reservoir 11 defines a receiving space 111, as shown in the sectional view of Figure 2 and is capable of storing the can substantially completely inside, thereby defining a support or cover for the can.

[0051] The dispensing unit 31 is another part of the dispensing device 1, which can be operatively connected to the reservoir 11. Thus, the reservoir 11 can support the can in such a way that the flowable solid food can be directed to the dispensing unit 31, as will be explained in further detail below.

[0052] The dispensing unit 31 has a dispensing opening 131 for dispensing the flowable solid food into a user container (not shown). The shape of the dispensing opening 131 is such that it allows the dispensing of the required amount of flowable food without spillage compared to the opening size of the user container. Preferably, this shape has substantially parallel sides (or flares outwards), and the main axis is substantially vertical, so that there is no surface on which any flowable solid food can easily stay or accumulate. Thus, there is no residue allowing the material to absorb any atmospheric moisture or vapors from the user container. InFigure 1-2 In the particularly preferred embodiment shown, the dispensing opening 131 is a tube having a substantially elliptical cross-section and parallel sides. Depending on different embodiments (not shown), different shapes may be used.

[0053] The support for the user container is provided by the support tray 21 of the dispensing device 1, and the support tray 21 is preferably fixed. The support surface 121 of the support tray 21 allows the user container to stand upright, particularly aligning the opening or nozzle with the dispensing opening 131 along a vertical virtual line ( Figure 2 denoted by "A" in the figure), at least when dispensing a flowable solid food is allowed. For better positioning, the support surface 121 may be provided with a recessed area to facilitate identification of the alignment position and firmly hold the user container in such a position that the dispensing opening 131 is vertically above the mouth of the user container at least in the dispensing position.

[0054] Between the reservoir 11 and the dispensing opening 131, the dispensing unit 31 is provided with a dispensing mechanism, which will be described in more detail below.

[0055] The dispensing unit 31 includes an elongated cylindrical tube, the length of which is greater than the diameter, and defines a conveying passage from the reservoir 11 to the dispensing opening 131. In particular, the upper part of the elongated cylindrical tube is provided with a funnel-shaped neck 431, which defines a large opening passage for guiding the flowable solid food from the reservoir 11, while the lower part of the same elongated cylindrical tube is provided with a smaller opening, which integrates the flowable solid food towards the dispensing opening 131 of the user container, both being in communication with the conveying passage 331.

[0056] Thus, the reservoir 11 can be connected to the dispensing unit 31 via the funnel-shaped neck 431, the neck 431 allows a mating connection to be defined between them, and is provided with an end abutting the conveying passage 331 to guide the flowable solid food.

[0057] The dispensing mechanism drives the flowable solid food from the reservoir 11 to the user container via a circulating metering screw 331' and a dispensing wheel 431'. The metering screw 331' is arranged inside the conveying passage 331 to push the flowable solid food towards the dispensing opening 131, and the dispensing wheel 431' is incorporated in the funnel-shaped neck 431 to prevent powder bridging or caking and allow the flowable solid food to be dispensed onto the metering screw 331'.

[0058] According to this preferred embodiment, the dispensing device 1 further includes a drive source 531 located outside the dispensing unit 31. The drive source 531 is detachably connected to the metering screw 331', and thus can be selectively connected to or detached from the metering screw 331'. The drive source 531 is used to rotate the metering screw 331' about an axis, which is the center line of the conveying passage 331.

[0059] In the preferred embodiment shown, the drive source 531 includes a rotary shaft provided with a protrusion that can enter the metering screw 331'. The metering screw 331' is provided with a recess that is shaped to cooperate with the protrusion of the rotary shaft. The magnetic elements can be mounted on the protrusion of the rotary shaft and in the recess of the metering screw. As Figure 2 can be seen, the drive source 531 is eccentrically connected to the dispensing unit 31 and thus to the metering screw 331', with the drive source 531 being located outside the dispensing unit 31. In particular, in this embodiment, the drive source 531 is fixed relative to the dispensing unit 31 and can be detached from the rest of the dispensing device 1.

[0060] The drive source 531 can also be provided with an electric motor, control electronics, and, if the dispensing device is to be operated by an internal power source, a battery compartment. If the dispensing device is to be operated by a main power source, the preferred configuration is to use a plug / transformer unit that is inserted into a socket and connected to the power input socket on the dispensing device via a suitable flexible wire and plug.

[0061] Thus, the dispensing unit 31 can be removed from the rest of the dispensing device 1 as a single component, enabling better maintenance and cleaning of all components that come into contact with the flowable solid food, such as the metering screw 331' and the dispensing wheel 431'.

[0062] A control unit (not shown) is operatively connected to the dispensing unit 31 to control the dispensing and portioning of the flowable solid food into the user container. In particular, the control unit is capable of activating the dispensing mechanism in such a way that, upon receiving a request, the flowable solid food is preferably dispensed in the desired amount.

[0063] To ensure the metering accuracy of the flowable solid food, in this embodiment, the dispensing device 1 further includes a weighing unit 71 that is operatively connected to the control unit and is arranged to measure the weight of the user container filled with liquid at the support tray 21. According to other embodiments (not shown), the weighing unit may not be provided.

[0064] The control unit can store the profiles of multiple users by associating corresponding ages to define a predetermined user profile, and store the profiles of multiple user containers by associating corresponding tare weights to define a predetermined user container profile. In addition, the control unit can calculate the actual amount of the flowable solid food to be dispensed into the user container based on the age in the selected predetermined user profile, the tare weight in the selected predetermined user container profile, the actual weight of the user container, and the ratios of flowable solid food / liquid and flowable solid food / age of the flowable solid food to be dispensed. Finally, the control unit can activate the dispensing unit 31 to dispense the actual amount of the flowable solid food into the user container and stop the dispensing unit 31 when the weight of the user container is equal to the sum of the actual weight and the actual amount.

[0065] Therefore, by using the weighing unit 71, an automated dispensing operation can be achieved among multiple users, multiple user containers, and different types of flowable solid foods, and the dosage can be defined with high precision.

[0066] In particular, the two ratios of flowable solid food / liquid ("liquid" refers to the liquid contained in the user container) and flowable solid food / age ("age" refers to the age in the selected user profile) depend on the type of the flowable solid food to be dispensed. This is particularly important for the dispensing of formula milk, where the dispensing amount depends on the liquid in the user container to define the appropriate powder volume to be put therein, which allows the powder to dissolve properly. In addition, the dispensing amount depends more on the age of the user (or baby) to ensure that the prepared liquid formula contains sufficient nutrients required for the user's age according to the type of the flowable solid food to be consumed, and lack of nutrients will cause the user's physical strength to decline.

[0067] In this regard, the control unit can be electrically connected to the drive source 531 and internally provided with a storage unit for storing data. The weighing unit 71 can also be electrically connected to the control unit and used to measure the weight of the flowable solid food fed into the user container, as described in more detail below.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, the dispensing device 1 includes a reading unit 81 that can read the data code of the flowable solid food can. Preferably, the data code contains the type of the flowable solid food contained therein and instructions for metering using the metering device, such as the amount of the flowable solid food product to be dispensed according to the water content in the user container (the ratio of flowable solid food / liquid), and the amount of the flowable solid food product to be dispensed according to the age of the user (the ratio of flowable solid food / age).

[0069] The reading unit 81 is operatively connected to the control unit, which allows the type of the flowable solid food to be dispensed to be identified by extracting the type data of the flowable solid food from the same data code, and the data code allows the ratio of the flowable solid food / liquid and the flowable solid food / age of the flowable solid food to be dispensed to be defined.

[0070] By identifying the type of the flowable solid food with the data code, it is possible to use a plurality of cans of the flowable solid food containing different ingredients or characteristics, that is, to identify the type of the flowable solid food to be dispensed and use it for calculating the actual amount of the flowable solid food to be dispensed.

[0071] According to other embodiments (not shown), the reading unit may not be provided either.

[0072] It is known that when used for flowable solid foods, especially formula milk powder, due to the combination of the fine characteristics of the flowable solid food and its hygroscopicity, after long-term use, a crust of partially hydrated solid food (or milk powder) will accumulate around the dispensing port 131 through which the flowable solid food is discharged from the dispensing unit 31, and will also accumulate on the inner wall of the same dispensing unit 31 that guides the flowable solid food to the user container in which it will be mixed with water. Such accumulation of the crust is obviously very undesirable because it provides good conditions for the growth of bacteria and will reduce the concentration of the flowable solid food, such as the characteristics of formula milk powder.

[0073] It has been found that the temperature of the content of the user container, such as the water to be mixed with the flowable solid food, will affect the accumulation of the crust and the characteristics of the flowable solid food, such as the concentration of formula milk powder. To solve the above problems, the dispensing device 1 further includes a temperature sensing unit 41, which is operatively connected to the control unit. Therefore, the control unit activates the dispensing unit 31 only when the sensed temperature is lower than or equal to a predetermined dispensing value.

[0074] According to this embodiment, the temperature sensing unit 41 is arranged to detect the sensed temperature related to the temperature of the content of the user container, such as the water to be used for mixing with the flowable solid food to be dispensed. Considering the embodiment where the flowable solid food to be dispensed is formula milk powder, the temperature value at which the water in the user container should be maintained to keep its characteristics is about 45°C or lower. Therefore, as an example, the predetermined dispensing value can be set to other values of 45°C or lower. In the same way, the predetermined dispensing value can be set to a range with 45°C as the upper limit value, for example, a range of 45°C - 35°C.

[0075] By detecting the sensed temperature of the contents of the user container, it is possible to better control the dispensing of the flowable solid food only when a predetermined temperature or temperature range is detected. This in turn allows the flowable solid food to be dispensed when the contents of the user container are at the correct temperature, such as the temperature at which the properties of the flowable solid food dispensed during mixing are maintained, which is particularly important for formula milk as described above. In addition, by detecting the sensed temperature of the contents of the user container, the flowable solid food can be dispensed when the contents of the user container are at a temperature that prevents vapor or moisture from entering the dispensing unit, thereby avoiding the accumulation of a hard skin.

[0076] As shown, the temperature sensing unit 41 is arranged at the same height as the dispensing port 131, particularly beside it, so as to be aligned with the user container as well, but different arrangements can be used to sense the temperature at a certain part or different parts. In this regard, according to other embodiments (not shown), the same temperature sensing unit or additional temperature sensing units can be used to detect the sensed temperature related to the temperature at the dispensing port or the user container.

[0077] When the sensed temperature is related to the contents of the user container, the same functions as already described can be achieved by detecting the sensed temperature at the dispensing port or the user container.

[0078] Preferably, the temperature sensing unit 41 as shown includes an infrared temperature sensor, which allows the sensed temperature to be detected in a reliable manner without physical contact.

[0079] To better manage any vapor coming out of the user container, in the present embodiment, the dispensing port 131 can be movable relative to the support tray 21, while according to other embodiments (not shown), the dispensing port can be fixed. In particular, the dispensing port 131 can move between a closed position (better shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2 and an open position or vice versa, where in the closed position, the dispensing of the flowable solid food is blocked, while in the open position, the dispensing of the flowable solid food is allowed. The open position or closed position of the dispensing port 131 is managed by a control unit, which only activates the movement of the dispensing port 131 to the open position when the sensed temperature is below the above-mentioned predetermined dispensing value (or within a predetermined dispensing range). In particular, the drive source 531 can also include drive means for positioning the dispensing port 131, such as another electric motor connected to a linear gear that is mechanically connected to the dispensing port 131. Thus, the drive source 531 is used to rotate the pinion of the gear about an axis, which in turn operates the rack of the gear to move the dispensing port 131 backward by a quarter (in the linear direction).

[0080] Closing of the dispensing port 131 directly prevents vapor or moisture from entering the dispensing unit 31. In particular, the dispensing port 131 can be in different positions relative to the fixed support tray 21, such that when in the closed position, the dispensing port 131 is moved away from the vertical virtual line A, which corresponds to the virtual position of the nozzle or orifice of the user container.

[0081] Accordingly, the dispensing port 131 is generally kept in the closed position to prevent any vapor or moisture from entering the dispensing unit 31. In the present embodiment, the closing of the dispensing port 131 is further defined by a partition / bulkhead 231 disposed inside the dispensing unit 31, between the dispensing port 131 and the metering screw 331'. Thus, when the dispensing port 131 is disposed in the closed position, the partition 231 defines a barrier, while when the dispensing port 131 is disposed in the open position, it allows an access to be defined at the end of the metering screw 331'.

[0082] Furthermore, in order to better manage any vapor coming out of the user container, in the present embodiment, the dispensing device 1 further includes one or more fan units 51, 61, which are operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to displace air and / or vapor at the dispensing port 131, while in other embodiments (not shown), the fan units may not be provided. In particular, in the preferred embodiment, the dispensing device is provided with two fan units 51, 61, where one fan unit 51 (the first fan unit) is arranged at the dispensing port 131 to displace air and / or vapor by blowing air towards the dispensing port 131, while the other fan unit 61 (the second fan unit) is arranged at a distance from the dispensing port 131 so as to also displace air and / or vapor by blowing air towards the dispensing port 131.

[0083] Accordingly, the first fan unit 51 allows any vapor or moisture to be deflected to avoid contact with the dispensing port 131, whether it is open or closed. The second fan unit 61 allows any vapor or moisture to be deflected by changing the air path, thus avoiding contact with the dispensing port 131, whether it is open or closed. This can be achieved by positioning the fan unit 61 only to extract the air at the dispensing port 131, or creating an air passage through which the fan unit 61 can blow air. It must be noted that the fan units 51, 61 are deactivated by the control unit during dispensing to prevent the fan units 51, 61 from blowing the dispensed solid flowable food.

[0084] In this regard, the dispensing device 1 further includes an air passage 161 having an outlet end 161' for air and / or vapor disposed above the dispensing opening 131, and an inlet end 161" defined by the (second) fan unit 61 also disposed above the dispensing opening 131. This arrangement allows air to be drawn away from the user container at the dispensing opening 131, as indicated by arrow "C". When the dispensing opening 131 is in the dispensing position and thus when the fan units 51, 61 do not need to be activated, the air passage 161 can also be closed or narrowed.

[0085] According to another embodiment (not shown), the dispensing device can be equipped with only one of the two fan units, or be arranged in a different position, or can be equipped with more than the two fan units. Additionally, the inlet end for air and / or vapor can be arranged at the dispensing opening.

[0086] In any case, the control unit activates the fan units 51, 61 only when the sensed temperature - i.e., the temperature detected by the same temperature sensing unit 41 - is higher than a predetermined dispensing value. The air displacement enables hot air and / or vapor to be displaced from the dispensing opening 131.

[0087] The same fan units 61, 71 can also be used to cool the temperature at the dispensing opening 131 or of the user container or of the contents of the user container.

[0088] Finally, in this preferred embodiment, the dispensing device 1 further includes a user interface, designated by the numeral 91 in Figure 1 This user interface can include a user dial or a touch screen to allow the user to select among multiple options and / or on a screen, to display the actual state of the dispensing device 1 to the user, and to assist the user during the manipulation of the user dial. The user interface can also be replaced or integrated (in whole or in part) by an external device, such as the user's personal electronic device in the form of a smartphone, a smartwatch or a tablet, etc.

[0089] The information provided by the user interface 91 via the screen or the user's personal electronic device can include a meter value, an indication of the temperature of the contents of the user container or a simple notification that it is too hot to dispense, and a cleaning recommendation. The user can interact with the user interface 91 to select among multiple options or to set appropriate specifications for personalized dispensing of the user container or the flowable solid food.

[0090] According to another embodiment (not shown), the reservoir is capable of storing the flowable solid food, thus directly defining a container for the flowable solid food. In this regard, the accommodation space of the reservoir can store the flowable solid food, such as formula milk powder, without using other containers or primary packaging.

[0091] The metered supply of the flowable solid food will remain unchanged, and at the same time, the data code related to the flowable solid food to be used can be retrieved.

[0092] Therefore, the dispensing device 1 can dispense the flowable solid food, especially formula milk powder, in an accurate manner while maintaining high storage standards.

[0093] Before the dispensing phase, preferably, the dispensing device 1 can be set according to the required user profile and the user container associated with each user profile. Therefore, the dispensing device 1 should request the name and age of each user (such as each baby to be fed the flowable solid food to be dispensed) to define each user profile. The data introduction of the user profile can be achieved through the user interface 91 of the dispensing device 1 as described above.

[0094] The control unit can store the profiles of multiple users. In this regard, the process of adding a user profile can follow the following steps: the dispensing device 1 (i.e., through the control unit) can request the user to input the name of the user profile, the user can manually input the name (i.e., through the user interface 91), the dispensing device 1 can request the user to input the age in the same user profile, and the user can manually input the age.

[0095] The control unit can also store the profiles of multiple user containers for each user profile. In this regard, the process of adding a user container profile can follow the following steps: the dispensing device 1 (i.e., through the control unit) can request the user to weigh the user container to be associated with the user profile, the user can manually place the empty user container on the support tray 21 below the dispensing port 131 (preferably located in the recessed area of the support surface 121), the dispensing device 1 can weigh the user container to detect and store its tare weight (thanks to the connection between the weighing unit 71 and the control unit), the dispensing device 1 can request the user to input the name of the user container, the user can manually input the name (i.e., through the user interface 91), the dispensing device 1 (through the control unit) can store the just-created user container profile and associate it with the previously created user profile. The dispensing device 1 can also request the user to provide more user containers in order to store multiple user containers and associate them with the same user profile, so the same operations described for the first user container profile can be repeated multiple times when needed.

[0096] By repeating the same operations described for the setup of the first user profile before, more user profiles can also be stored.

[0097] When actually using the dispensing device 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, first, a user container such as a bottle or a cup can be placed on the support tray 21 below the dispensing opening 131, preferably in the recessed area of the support surface 121 (if any). By being positioned on the support tray 21, it is possible to allow the user container to be placed on the weighing unit 71 simultaneously to detect the weight.

[0098] The dispensing device 1 may require the user to select a user profile from the stored user profiles and a user container to be filled with the flowable solid food from the stored multiple user container profiles. The positioning of the user container can be carried out after or before the selection of the relevant user profile and user container profile.

[0099] At this time, the dispensing device 1 checks the actual weight of the user container via the weighing unit 71 and the control unit. The control unit thus calculates the actual amount of the flowable solid food to be dispensed into the user container based on the age in the selected predetermined user profile, the tare weight in the selected predetermined user container profile, the actual weight of the user container, and these ratios of flowable solid food / liquid and flowable solid food / age of the flowable solid food to be dispensed.

[0100] The temperature sensing unit 41 also starts to detect the sensed temperature related to the temperature of the contents of the user container, such as water that will be used to mix with the flowable solid food to be dispensed. This activity can be initiated once a user container is detected above the support tray 21 or after calculating the amount of the flowable solid food to be dispensed. Considering the embodiment where the flowable solid food to be dispensed is formula milk powder, the temperature value at which the water in the user container should be to maintain its properties is about 45 °C or below. Therefore, as an example, a predetermined dispensing value can be set to 45 °C or other lower values. In the same way, a predetermined dispensing value can be set to a range with 45 °C as the upper limit value, such as a range of 45 °C - 35 °C.

[0101] If necessary, the fan units 51, 61 can also be activated to remove any vapor around the dispensing opening 131, as already described.

[0102] Once the predetermined dispensing value is reached, the control unit activates the dispensing unit 31 to dispense the actual amount of the flowable solid food into the user container and stops the dispensing unit 31 when the weight of the user container is equal to the sum of the actual weight and the actual amount.

[0103] Thereafter, the control unit activates the drive source 531 so that the drive source 531 can rotate the metering screw 331', which in turn rotates the dispensing wheel 431', enabling the flowable solid food from the reservoir 11 to pass through the funnel-shaped neck 431 and then move towards the dispensing opening 131 in the conveying passage 331. The conveying passage 331, which is normally in the closed position, moves to the open position under the control of the control unit as described above, thereby allowing the dispensing of the flowable solid food.

[0104] At this time, the weighing unit 71 immediately generates measured weight data and transmits it to the control unit, and the control unit compares the measured weight data with the sum of the actual weight and the actual dispensed amount. If the comparison result shows that the measured weight data is different from the sum, the drive source 531 will continue to drive the metering screw 331' to rotate and move the flowable solid food towards the dispensing opening 131. On the other hand, if the measured weight data is the same as the sum, the control unit will command the drive source 531 to stop operating, so that the flowable solid food no longer moves towards the dispensing opening 131 and falls into the user container.

[0105] At this time, the dispensing device 1 can, by using the control unit, check the amount of the flowable solid food remaining in the tank or the reservoir 11, and / or can store the remaining amount together with the actual dispensed amount. The historical dispensing data for the single-tank flowable solid food can help determine the remaining amount of the flowable solid food and help further control the correct amount to be dispensed in subsequent operations. The data, i.e., the remaining amount of the flowable solid food, can be communicated to the user through the user interface 91.

[0106] The user can request other semi-manual or manual operations (not described in further detail) through the user interface 91.

[0107] Although the present utility model has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it should be understood that the claimed present utility model is not limited in any way by these illustrated embodiments.

[0108] On the other hand, the present utility model also relates to a dispensing system (not fully shown) for flowable solid food. The dispensing system includes a dispensing device for flowable solid food according to the present utility model, such as the dispensing device 1 of the illustrated preferred embodiment, and a plurality of tanks filled with flowable solid food having different compositions or characteristics. The aforementioned dispensing system allows the use of a plurality of tanks filled with flowable solid food having different compositions or characteristics while maintaining accurate metering and high preservation standards.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, each tank of the dispensing system is provided with a data code that includes the type of the flowable solid food contained therein and instructions for metering using a metering device, such as the amount of the flowable solid food product (the ratio of flowable solid food / water) dispensed according to the water content in the user container. Therefore, the dispensing device of the dispensing system includes a reading unit that can read the data code of the flowable solid food tank, as described above for the preferred embodiment.

[0110] Without departing from the scope of the present utility model defined by the claims, various modifications and alterations can be made. In addition, if there are known equivalent features of specific features, these equivalent features are also incorporated into this specification as if they were specifically mentioned in this specification.

[0111] The terms "comprising", "including" and the like used in this specification should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including but not limited to".

[0112] List of reference numerals :

[0113] 1 Dispensing device

[0114] 11 Reservoir

[0115] 111 Accommodating space

[0116] 21 Support tray

[0117] 121 Support surface

[0118] 31 Dispensing unit

[0119] 131 Dispensing port

[0120] 231 Partition

[0121] 331 Delivery passage

[0122] 331' Dispensing screw

[0123] 431 Funnel-shaped neck

[0124] 431' Dispensing wheel

[0125] 531 Driving source

[0126] 41 Temperature sensing unit

[0127] 51, 61 Fan unit

[0128] 161 Air passage

[0129] 161' Outlet end

[0130] 161” Inlet end

[0131] 71 Weighing unit

[0132] 81 Reading unit

[0133] 91 User interface

Claims

1. A dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food, characterized in that The dispensing device (1) comprises: - a reservoir (11), the reservoir (11) being capable of storing the flowable solid food or supporting a can containing the flowable solid food; - a support tray (21) for a user container; a dispensing unit (31) operatively connectable to the reservoir (11) and having a dispensing opening (131) for dispensing the flowable solid food into the user container; - a control unit operatively connected to the dispensing unit (31) to control the dispensing and portioning of the flowable solid food into the user container; wherein the dispensing device (1) further comprises a temperature sensing unit (41) operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to detect a sensed temperature related to the temperature at the dispensing opening (131) or the temperature of the user container or the temperature of the contents of the user container, and The control unit activates the dispensing unit (31) only when the sensed temperature is lower than or equal to a predetermined dispensing value.

2. The dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food according to claim 1, characterized in that The temperature sensing unit (41) comprises an infrared temperature sensor.

3. A dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The dispensing opening (131) is movable relative to the support tray (21) from a closed position to an open position or from an open position to a closed position, wherein the dispensing of the flowable solid food is prevented in the closed position and the dispensing of the flowable solid food is allowed in the open position, and Only when the sensed temperature is lower than the predetermined dispensing value, the control unit starts the dispensing port (131) to move to the open position.

4. The dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The dispensing device (1) further comprises one or more fan units, which are operatively connected to the control unit and are arranged to displace air and / or steam at the dispensing opening (131), and Wherein, the control unit activates the fan unit only when the sensed temperature is higher than the predetermined allocation value.

5. The dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food according to claim 4, characterized in that The dispensing device (1) comprises two fan units, wherein a first fan unit (51) is arranged at the dispensing opening (131) so as to displace air and / or steam by blowing air toward the dispensing opening (131).

6. The dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food according to claim 5, characterized in that The second fan unit (61) is arranged at a distance from the dispensing opening (131) so as to displace air and / or steam by blowing air toward the dispensing opening (131).

7. The dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food according to claim 6, characterized in that The dispensing device (1) further comprises an air channel (161) having an outlet end (161') for the air and / or steam, the outlet end (161') being arranged at or above the dispensing opening (131), and Wherein, the second fan unit (61) is arranged above the distribution opening (131), thereby defining an inlet end (161") of the air passage (161).

8. The dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The dispensing device (1) further comprises a weighing unit (71) operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to measure the weight of the user container containing the liquid at the support tray (21), wherein the control unit is configured to store profiles of a plurality of users by associating respective ages to define predetermined user profiles, and to store profiles of a plurality of user containers by associating respective tare weights to define predetermined user container profiles, and The control unit is configured to start the dispensing unit (31) to dispense a desired amount of the flowable solid food into the user container, and to stop the dispensing unit (31) when the weight of the user container is equal to the sum of the actual weight of the user container and the desired amount, wherein the desired amount is calculated based on the age in the selected predetermined user profile, the tare weight in the selected predetermined user container profile, the actual weight of the user container, and the flowable solid food / liquid ratio and the flowable solid food / age ratio of the flowable solid food to be dispensed.

9. The dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food according to claim 8, characterized in that The dispensing device (1) further comprises a reading unit (81) capable of reading a data code of the can of flowable solid food, wherein the reading unit (81) is operatively connected to the control unit, and Wherein, the control unit is configured to identify the type of the flowable solid food to be dispensed by extracting the type data of the flowable solid food from the data code, and the data code can define the ratio of flowable solid food / liquid and the ratio of flowable solid food / age of the flowable solid food to be dispensed.

10. A dispensing system for flowable solid food, characterized in that: The dispensing system comprises a dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a plurality of cans containing flowable solid food of different compositions or properties.

Images