Automatic and Manual Convertible Rotating Kettle Apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rotary soup pot device capable of both automatic and manual operation. The present invention includes an automatic drive unit that transmits motor power to a main shaft through a worm gear and a worm wheel, and a manual drive unit that transmits operating force through a handle directly connected to the drive shaft. In particular, it switches between automatic and manual modes by providing a driven sprocket that can rotate freely on the drive shaft and a sliding holder that controls it, and maximizes safety and convenience by providing reverse drive prevention through the worm gear, tilting control using a sensor, and stopper lock detection functions.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary soup pot for cooking large quantities of ingredients, and more specifically, to an automatic and manual rotary soup pot device that can automatically rotate the pot by driving a motor in normal times and manually rotate it by using a manual handle in emergencies. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, large rotating soup pots are used in institutional food service facilities such as schools, hospitals, military units, and large restaurants to cook large quantities of soup, stew, or stir-fried dishes. For these rotating soup pots, a tilting function that tilts the pot body at a certain angle to transfer the contents to serving containers or clean the interior after cooking is essential.

[0003] Conventionally, automatic systems using motors and reduction gears were predominant, but there is a problem where the pot cannot be moved in the event of a power outage or motor failure, so a manual combined system is required. Accordingly, various manual combined devices have been developed, but existing methods had problems such as a complex connection structure between the motor shaft and the handle shaft, or an uneven power switching process.

[0004] In addition, conventional gear drive systems pose a risk of reverse driving, where the pot tilts rapidly due to the weight of the contents when the power is cut off. Furthermore, complaints have been raised from the field that maintenance is difficult because the control part for switching modes is located on the rear of the product. Prior art literature

[0005] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2570008 (Registered on August 18, 2023, Title of Invention: Manual / Automatic Rotary Pot Device with Reduced Failure Rate) The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention was devised to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. The objective of the present invention is to provide a rotary soup pot device capable of reliably switching between automatic and manual modes while simplifying the structure by applying a driven sprocket capable of free-spinning on a single drive shaft and a sliding holder that selectively connects it to the shaft. In particular, the invention aims to ensure that the manual handle rotates together with the automatic rotation so that the locking position of the stopper can be accurately aligned when stopped.

[0007] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to prevent damage to the device by applying a worm gear mechanism to mechanically prevent reverse rotation caused by the weight of the pot body, and by establishing a sensor system that detects the tilting position of the pot and the locked state of the manual handle to completely block motor operation when the handle is locked.

[0008] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to improve the convenience of mode switching and maintenance by providing an inspection door on the side of the product. means of solving the problem

[0009] The automatic and manual combined rotary soup pot device according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises: a frame installed on the ground; a pot body rotatably supported on the frame and containing food ingredients; an automatic drive unit that generates rotational force to rotate a main shaft, which is the rotation axis of the pot body; a manual drive unit equipped with a manual handle for manually rotating the main shaft; and a mode switching unit disposed on the power transmission path of the automatic drive unit and selectively connecting or disconnecting power transmission according to user operation.

[0010] Here, the automatic drive unit comprises a drive motor, a drive shaft that receives power from the drive motor and rotates, with the manual handle coupled to one end, a worm gear formed on the drive shaft, and a worm wheel coupled to the main shaft and rotating in mesh with the worm gear, and is configured to prevent reverse rotation caused by the weight of the pot body through the mechanical coupling of the worm gear and the worm wheel.

[0011] Additionally, the automatic drive unit further includes a driven sprocket that receives power from the drive motor, wherein the driven sprocket is coupled to the drive shaft via a bearing and configured to rotate relative to the drive shaft without the coupling of the mode switching unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the mode switching unit includes a sprocket holder that is axially movable and rotates integrally with the drive shaft, and a holder pin that is formed protrudingly on one side of the sprocket holder and is inserted into a coupling groove formed in the driven sprocket when the sprocket holder moves toward the driven sprocket.

[0013] In addition, the worm wheel or the main shaft is provided with an extension bar extending in the direction of the rotational radius, and the frame is provided with a position sensor that detects the approach of the extension bar to determine the horizontal state or maximum tilting state of the pot body, and the position sensor is composed of a non-contact proximity sensor and a plurality of them may be spaced apart to control the rotation angle of the pot body.

[0014] In addition, the frame is provided with a stopper capable of sliding in the forward and backward directions to restrain the rotation of the manual handle, and further includes a stopper sensor that detects when the stopper moves to a locking position that restrains the manual handle, and a control unit that cuts off the operating power of the automatic drive unit when a detection signal is received from the stopper sensor.

[0015] In addition, an inspection door is provided on the side of the frame to open the internal space where the mode switching unit is located, allowing the user to operate it directly from the outside.

[0016] Finally, the manual handle is coupled to the end of the drive shaft, so that in a manual mode when the mode switching unit is separated from the driven sprocket, the drive shaft and the main shaft can be manually rotated by operating the manual handle, and in an automatic mode, the mode switching unit is coupled so that the drive shaft and the manual handle rotate together, thereby aligning the stopper engagement position of the manual handle when the pot body reaches a stop position. Effects of the invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the following effects are achieved.

[0018] First, by applying an intuitive clutch structure utilizing a driven sprocket and a sliding holder coupled with bearings on a single drive shaft, it is possible to reduce the number of parts while ensuring excellent durability and reliable mode switching. In particular, during automatic operation, the handle rotates together, allowing the locking position of the stopper to be accurately aligned when stopped.

[0019] Second, by adopting a worm gear and a worm wheel, a high reduction ratio is achieved while simultaneously securing a mechanical self-locking function. As a result, even in emergency situations such as a power outage or motor failure, safety accidents caused by the pot suddenly tipping over due to its weight can be prevented.

[0020] Third, automatic and manual modes can be easily switched by operating the internal sprocket holder through the inspection door on the side of the product, which shortens the work path and offers excellent maintenance convenience compared to the conventional method that required going around to the rear of the product.

[0021] Fourth, mechanical damage caused by user negligence is prevented by implementing an interlock function that precisely detects the exact tilting position of the pot and the lock (stopper) state of the manual handle using a non-contact proximity sensor, and controls motor operation based on this signal. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an automatic and manual combined rotary soup pot device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view showing the combined relationship between the main shaft, the pot body, and the frame according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an internal perspective view showing the detailed mechanism of the worm gear drive unit and mode switching unit, which are the core components of the present invention. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the operation state of the drive unit in automatic mode (sprocket holder coupled). Figure 5 is a diagram showing the operation state of the drive unit in manual mode (sprocket holder removed). FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a safety control system according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the sensor unit for detecting the tilting position of the pot according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a detailed view showing the state where the manual handle stopper is released. FIG. 9 is a detailed view showing the manual handle stopper in a locked state. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] The embodiments described in this specification are merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention, and all technical concepts within the scope that can be easily modified by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of the present invention.

[0024] Hereinafter, a rotary soup pot device (1) for both automatic and manual use according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention relates to a hybrid drive system for a rotary soup pot used in large-scale food service establishments, which performs convenient and safe automatic tilting by motor drive in normal times, but can be switched to manual use in emergencies.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a rotating soup pot device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a basic framework consisting of a frame (10) that is firmly anchored to the ground and installed, and a pot body (20) that can accommodate a large amount of food ingredients inside. A main shaft (30) that supports the load and serves as a rotation center is connected to both sides of the pot body (20), and this main shaft (30) is rotatably supported by a bearing unit at the top of the frame (10). A side cover (11) for protecting internal parts is provided on one side of the frame (10), particularly on the side where an automatic drive unit (40) is installed, and an inspection door (12) that can be opened and closed is formed on this side cover (11) so that a user can easily operate an internal mode switching unit (60).

[0026] The core driving mechanism of the present invention is illustrated in detail in FIG. 3. The automatic driving unit (40) of the present invention features a multi-stage reduction and power transmission structure consisting of a motor, chain, and worm gear. Specifically, a driving sprocket (421) is coupled to the output shaft of a driving motor (41) installed at the bottom of a frame (10), and a separate driving shaft (45, Drive Shaft) is rotatably installed by a bearing at a position spaced apart from it. A driven sprocket (422) is located at one end of the driving shaft (45), and a manual handle (51) is fixedly coupled to the other end. The driving sprocket (421) and the driven sprocket (422) are connected by a chain (423) to receive the rotational force of the driving motor (41).

[0027] The most important feature of the present invention is the coupling structure of the driven sprocket (422) and the drive shaft (45). The driven sprocket (422) is not directly fixed to the drive shaft (45), but is fitted onto the drive shaft (45) via a bearing on its inner surface. That is, the driven sprocket (422) is coupled in a so-called 'idle' state, which allows for relative rotation with respect to the drive shaft (45). Therefore, unless there is a separate connection by the mode switching unit (60), rotational force is not transmitted to the drive shaft (45) even if the drive motor (41) rotates to turn the driven sprocket (422).

[0028] A spiral worm gear (461) is formed on the drive shaft (45), and a worm wheel (462) that meshes vertically with the worm gear (461) is coupled to the main shaft (30) that supports the pot body (20). Therefore, when the drive shaft (45) rotates, the main shaft (30) rotates through the worm gear (461) and the worm wheel (462) to tilt the pot body (20). The worm gear system not only provides a high reduction ratio but also has the advantage of being self-locking due to its mechanical characteristics, which prevents the pot from suddenly spilling out.

[0029] A mode switching unit (60) is provided to control the power transmission of the drive shaft (45). The mode switching unit (60) includes a sprocket holder (61) that is slidably coupled to the drive shaft (45) in the axial direction. The sprocket holder (61) is coupled to the drive shaft (45) by a key or spline, so that it can move in the axial direction but always rotates integrally with the drive shaft (45) in the rotational direction. A holder pin (62) protruding toward the driven sprocket (422) is provided on one side of the sprocket holder (61), and a corresponding coupling groove (43a) is formed in the driven sprocket (422).

[0030] The mode switching operation by this structure is as follows. First, in automatic mode, as shown in FIG. 4, the operator opens the inspection door (12) and pushes the sprocket holder (61) toward the driven sprocket (422). Then, the holder pin (62) is inserted into the coupling groove (43a) of the driven sprocket (422), and the driven sprocket (422), which was spinning freely, and the sprocket holder (61) on the drive shaft (45) are mechanically connected. In this state, when the drive motor (41) is operated, power is transmitted through the path [drive motor -> chain -> driven sprocket -> holder pin -> sprocket holder -> drive shaft -> worm gear -> worm wheel -> main shaft], and the pot body (20) rotates automatically. At this time, the manual handle (51) fixed to the drive shaft (45) also rotates together, which is to accurately align the position of the stopper hole or groove provided in the manual handle (51) when the pot body (20) stops at a specific point, such as a horizontal position.

[0031] On the other hand, in manual mode (in case of power outage or motor failure), as shown in FIG. 5, the operator pulls the sprocket holder (61) in the opposite direction of the driven sprocket (422). Then, the holder pin (62) comes out of the coupling groove (43a) and the connection is released. In this state, even if the motor rotates, only the driven sprocket (422) spins idly on the drive shaft (45), and no rotational force is transmitted to the drive shaft (45). In other words, the load on the motor side is cut off. Therefore, the operator can rotate the drive shaft (45) by directly turning the manual handle (51) connected to the end of the drive shaft (45). At this time, the rotational force is transmitted [manual handle -> drive shaft -> worm gear -> worm wheel -> main shaft], allowing the pot to be tilted manually.

[0032] In addition to mechanical safety devices, the present invention is equipped with a precision position control and safety interlock system using sensors. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, an extension bar (47) protruding radially is provided on the main shaft (30) or the worm wheel (462) itself, which rotates together with the worm wheel (462). On the inner side of the frame (10), position sensors (71, 72) are installed at points corresponding to the horizontal position (0 degrees) and the maximum discharge position (e.g., 100 degrees) of the pot body (20), respectively. In this embodiment, the position sensors may be composed of a tilting detection sensor (71) and a horizontal detection sensor (72). These position sensors are composed of non-contact proximity sensors, and generate a signal when the extension bar (47) approaches the sensor detection area as the pot body (20) rotates.

[0033] The control unit (80) receives these sensor signals and controls the drive motor (41). Here, the control unit (80) may be a central processing unit including a microprocessor or a PCB, but is not limited thereto and is a concept that encompasses a sequence circuit composed of a combination of electrical components such as relays, timers, and magnetic switches. In particular, since it is composed of relay-based hardwired logic that is resistant to moisture and heat due to the characteristics of the cooking environment, highly reliable control is possible to physically cut off or connect the driving power of the motor according to the sensor signal without a separate complex PCB.

[0034] In addition, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a stopper system is applied to prevent misoperation of the manual handle (51). The stopper (15) is fixedly installed on the frame (10) but is configured to slide in the forward and backward directions. When the stopper (15) is pushed forward to move to the locking position (Fig. 9), the end of the stopper (15) enters the rotation radius of the manual handle (51) or is physically inserted between the spokes of the handle, thereby restraining the handle. At this time, a stopper sensor (73) installed on the movement path of the stopper (15) detects the approach of the stopper (15). If it is detected that the stopper (15) is in the locking position, the control unit (80) cuts off the circuit so that power is not supplied to the drive motor (41) even if the user presses the automatic operation button. This is a key safety function that prevents the drive motor (41) from being forcibly driven while the manual handle (51) is locked, thereby preventing the motor from burning out or the shaft from being damaged. Conversely, when the stopper (15) is retracted and released as in Fig. 8, the detection of the stopper sensor (73) is released, and the driving motor (41) can be driven.

[0035] As explained above, the present invention combines an efficient power interruption method using a slip-rotating passive sprocket structure and a sliding type sprocket holder, a reverse drive prevention function of a worm gear, and safety control using a sensor, thereby dramatically improving the safety and convenience of a rotary soup pot.

[0036] The present invention described above is not limited by the aforementioned embodiments and attached drawings, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0037] 1: Rotating soup pot device 10: Frame 11: Side cover 12: Inspection door 15: Stopper 20: Pot body 30: Main shaft 40: Automatic drive unit 41: Drive motor 421: Drive Sprocket 422: Driven sprocket 423: Chain 43a: Connecting groove 45: Drive shaft 461: Worm gear 462: Worm wheel 47: Extension bar 50: Manual drive unit 51: Manual handle 60: Mode Switching Unit 61: Sprocket holder 62: Holder pin 70: Sensor section 71: Tilting detection sensor 72: Horizontal sensing sensor 73: Stopper sensor 80: Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A rotating soup pot device for both automatic and manual operation, comprising: a frame installed on the ground; a pot body rotatably supported on the frame and accommodating food ingredients; an automatic drive unit comprising a drive motor, a drive shaft that rotates by receiving power from the drive motor, and a driven sprocket coupled to the drive shaft via a bearing and configured to rotate relative to the drive shaft, generating rotational force to rotate a main shaft which is the rotation axis of the pot body; a manual drive unit having a manual handle coupled to the end of the drive shaft; and a mode switching unit comprising a sprocket holder slidably movable in the axial direction of the drive shaft and integrally coupled with the drive shaft in the rotational direction, and a holder pin formed protruding from one side of the sprocket holder, which is inserted into a coupling groove formed in the driven sprocket when the sprocket holder moves toward the driven sprocket, thereby connecting the driven sprocket and the drive shaft. Claim 2 The automatic drive unit of claim 1 comprises: a drive motor; a drive shaft that receives power from the drive motor and rotates, with the manual handle coupled to one end thereof; a worm gear formed on the drive shaft; and a worm wheel coupled to the main shaft and rotating in mesh with the worm gear, wherein the automatic and manual combined rotating soup pot device is characterized by preventing reverse rotation caused by the self-weight of the pot body through the mechanical coupling of the worm gear and the worm wheel. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 An automatic and manual combined rotating soup pot device, characterized in that, in paragraph 2, the worm wheel or the main shaft is provided with an extension bar extending in the direction of the rotational radius, and the frame is provided with a position sensor that detects the approach of the extension bar to determine the horizontal state or maximum tilting state of the pot body. Claim 6 In claim 5, the position sensor is composed of a non-contact proximity sensor, and a plurality of them are spaced apart to control the rotation angle of the pot body, characterized in that the automatic and manual combined rotating soup pot device. Claim 7 An automatic and manual combined rotary soup pot device, characterized in that, in claim 1, the frame is provided with a stopper capable of sliding in the forward and backward directions to restrain the rotation of the manual handle. Claim 8 An automatic and manual combined rotary soup pot device, characterized in that, in claim 7, it further comprises: a stopper sensor that detects when the stopper moves to a locking position that restrains the manual handle; and a control unit that cuts off the operating power of the automatic drive unit when a detection signal is received from the stopper sensor. Claim 9 An automatic and manual combined rotary soup pot device, characterized in that, in claim 1, an inspection door is provided on the side of the frame to open the internal space where the mode switching unit is located, allowing the user to operate it directly from the outside. Claim 10 An automatic and manual combined rotary soup pot device, characterized in that, in claim 1, the manual handle is coupled to the end of the drive shaft, and the drive shaft and main shaft can be manually rotated by operating the manual handle when the mode switching unit is separated from the driven sprocket in manual mode.

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