A temperature sensor module for containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring device for accurately measuring the temperature of beverages stored in metal containers and preferably in non-metal containers such as glass bottles and PET bottles.

Description

[0001] A TEMPERATURE SENSOR MODULE FOR CONTAINERS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a measuring device for accurately measuring the temperature of beverages stored in metal containers and preferably in non-metal containers such as glass bottles and PET bottles.

[0004] State of the Art

[0005] In cooling systems, real-time determination of the temperature of the beverage to be cooled is important for user satisfaction. Various measurement methods are used here. The measurement methods to be used vary according to the material of the container. There is a deficiency in the art in terms of measuring devices that will adapt to different measurements.

[0006] Some of the known temperature sensing devices use thermocouple cables to perform temperature measurement. However, the available solutions generally do not include an additional measure to detect the type of material of the container, which leads to the effective use of the device only in certain types of containers. In addition, a reliable contacting mechanism towards the container is lacking to provide stability in the temperature measurement of the devices. These deficiencies can reduce the temperature measurement accuracy and sensitivity of the container.

[0007] In addition, there is a very limited area where temperature measurement can be performed in systems that cool the container by wrapping as in application numbers PCT / TR2024 / 051198,PCT / TR2023 / 051167, PCT / TR2023 / 051170, PCT / TR2021 / 050185, EP17191510.1,and most systems cannot perform an effective measurement in this limited area.

[0008] All the problems mentioned above have made it necessary to make an innovation in the relevant field as a result. Objects and Brief Description of the Invention

[0009] The main object of the invention is to provide a temperature measurement device structure that allows the temperature of the beverage to be measured in real time and with high accuracy with an infrared sensor.

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide a temperature measurement device structure to measure different types of materials in a healthy way.

[0011] In order to realize the above objects, the present invention comprises a reflective surface in a curved manner to be placed on the container base and an opening for the infrared sensor to see the container base, wherein the reflective surface increases the effect by continuously reflecting the infrared radiation produced by a glass bottle between the reflective surface and the bottle. Unwanted infrared radiation leaks from the outside are prevented thanks to the form of the surface.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the reflective surface comprises passage openings.

[0013] In use with the cooling system of the present invention, a cooling module comprises a cooling element having a body configured to form a cavity surrounding at least a portion of a liquid container, a structure having an internal volume providing coolant flow, and at least one shaking element on which the cooling element is mounted to provide an orbital movement, and a temperature sensing device disposed at the bottom of the cavity.

[0014] Definitions of Figures Describing the Invention

[0015] The figures and related descriptions used to better explain the device developed by this invention are as follows.

[0016] Figure 1. A top image of the device of the invention with a container.

[0017] Figure 1A. A cross-sectional view of Figure 1 along the A-A axis.

[0018] Figure IB. A sectional image of the device of the invention in a passive state.

[0019] Figure 1C. A sectional image of the device of the invention in an active state.

[0020] Figure ID. A detailed image of the shadow B of Figure 1C. Figure 2.A lower isometric image of the device of the invention.

[0021] Figure 2A. An upper isometric image of the device of the invention.

[0022] Figure 3.An exploded view of the device of the invention.

[0023] Figure 4. An isometric image of an embodiment of the invention comprising a cover and wherein the cover is open.

[0024] Figure 4a. An isometric image of an embodiment of the invention comprising a cover and wherein the cover is closed.

[0025] Figure 4b. A sectional image of Figure 4.

[0026] Figure 4c. A sectional image of Figure 4a.

[0027] Definitions of Components / Pieces / Parts of the Invention

[0028] In order to better explain the device developed by this invention, the parts and pieces in the figures are numbered and the corresponding given below.

[0029] 1 - Base connection body

[0030] 2 - Drive connection part

[0031] 3 - Drive element

[0032] 4 - Coupling

[0033] 5 - Linear movement shaft

[0034] 6 - Linear transfer element

[0035] 7 - Body

[0036] 8 - Channel

[0037] 9 - Spring

[0038] 10 - Button

[0039] 11 - Secondary sensor connection body

[0040] 11.1 - Flap

[0041] 11.2 - Opening

[0042] 12 - Infrared sensor

[0043] 13 - Secondary temperature sensor circuit board

[0044] 14 - Cable

[0045] 15 - Non-metal container

[0046] 16 - Bottle placement body

[0047] 17 - Metal container 18 - Detection sensor

[0048] 19 - Reflective surface

[0049] 20 - Cover

[0050] 21 - Cover drive element

[0051] 22 - First arm

[0052] 23 - Second arm

[0053] A - First axis

[0054] B - Second axis

[0055] C - Third axis

[0056] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0057] The invention relates to a measuring device for accurately measuring the temperature of beverages stored in metal containers and preferably in non-metal containers such as glass bottles and PET bottles.

[0058] The current temperature measuring device is configured to measure the temperature of the liquid beverage, which is held in a container, from the bottom of the container. In particular, the lower part of the present invention is configured for containers with a curved bottom towards the inner section. Here, the temperature measuring device measures the temperature of the metallic containers and determines whether the container is metallic or not. It preferably activates an infrared sensor for non-metal containers. The container may be, for example, a glass bottle of Figure 1A, or an aluminum box of Figure 1C.

[0059] The temperature measuring device may be used in a coupled manner with a cooling device. Said measuring device is connected to the cooling device with the help of a base connection body (1).

[0060] The present invention comprises an infrared sensor (12). Preferably, the invention has an anodized coated aluminum additional body so that the infrared sensor can accurately measure the ambient temperature.

[0061] The current infrared sensor (12) is positioned to directly face the bottom of the container. Herein, the processing unit is configured to activate the second temperature sensor (12) by showing that the container is not metallic in the event that the electrical circuit is not completed upon contact of the cables (14) with the bottom surface of the container. Thus, the measurement can be carried out in two cases, that is, in the case of the metal container (15) or the non-metal container (17).

[0062] Referring to Figures 1, 1A, 2, 2A and 3, said temperature sensing device comprises a bottle placement body (16) on which the container and the bottom can be placed. Said bottle placement body (16) has a curved design to ensure compliance with the container base. In addition, it is arranged in a circular manner.

[0063] Said infrared sensor (12) should face directly to the container base as mentioned earlier. For this reason, the current bottle placement body (16) comprises an opening. A reflective surface (19) arranged in a curved manner to be placed on the surface of said bottle placement body (16) or on the surface of the bottle placement body (16) is used. Here, the reflective surface (19) is provided in the part facing the container. Here, the reflective surface increases the effect by continuously reflecting the infrared radiation produced by a glass bottle between the reflective surface and the bottle. Unwanted infrared radiation leaks from the outside are prevented thanks to the form of the surface.

[0064] The curved form is provided at least to create a completely closed volume between the container and the measuring device. While the outer diameter of the curved form is in direct contact with the outer diameter of the container, the remaining part is arranged as close as possible to the curved surface of the container or in full contact.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the infrared sensor (12) is placed in the center of an infrared sensor connection body (11). Here, the infrared sensor connection body (11) is positioned below the reflective surface (19) and therefore comprises an opening for the infrared sensor (12) to see the container base, such as the bottle placement body (16). Preferably, the infrared sensor connection body (11) comprises flaps (11.1) around the infrared sensor (12). These flaps (11.1) allow the reflection of infrared radiation and allow it to be measured more easily. The infrared sensor (12) of the flaps (11.1) is distributed at equal radial intervals. Here, openings (11.2) are formed between the flaps (11.1). Here, the liquids that are condensed at the bottom of the container are discharged from the openings (11.2). Preferably, the secondary sensor connection body (11) is made of aluminum, especially anodized. In an embodiment of the invention, said secondary sensor (12) is an IR sensor. In the field of view of the secondary sensor (12), there is an image of the container, and the container reflected from the connection body (11), especially from the flaps (11.1), and an image of the connection body (11) reflected from the container. Since the IR sensor is in direct contact with the connection body (11), it has the temperature information of this structure. When calculating the temperature, the surface area of the connection body (11) is removed from the other surfaces seen by the sensor and the degree of the container is determined accordingly. In addition, when the secondary sensor (12) considers the surface of the view, if there are angled structures such as flaps (11.1), it is processed by multiplying the surface value with the angle.

[0066] There are also outlet openings on the reflective surface (19) to allow the outlet of the cables (14). Similarly, these openings are provided on the surface of the placement body (16).

[0067] Accordingly, the present temperature sensing device, in its most basic form, comprises the following: an infrared sensor (12) for measuring the temperature of a non-metallic container from the base surface and a reflective surface (19) arranged to ensure that said container reflects infrared rays, which is curved for placement of the base and comprises an opening that allows the infrared sensor (12) to see the container base.

[0068] Referring to Figures 1, 1A and IB, although the current temperature measurement system is arranged to provide hybrid measurement in some embodiments, it primarily provides measurement with the contact of the cables (14) to the container base. Here, the two cables (14) come into contact with the container from different points and the conductivity values of the two cables (14) are different from each other. Said cables (14) are made of different materials. Here, when the cables come into contact with the metal container, they act like a thermocouple. Normally, thermocouple cables consist of two different cables and their ends are interconnected. The cables (14) of the present invention are separated from each other and operate as a thermocouple only when they come into contact with the metal container. Preferably, the cables (14) are K or J type or T type. Here, K type cables (14) are preferred due to their corrosion resistance. The cables (14) are directed towards the base of the container through a channel (8). The channels (8) are provided in a fixed manner. Preferably, it is connected to a body or formed on the body. When the measurement is not provided, the cables (14) are positioned to extend out of the channel (8) on said channels (8) or at least not to contact the container base. Preferably, the channels (8) are positioned to ensure that the cables (14) come into contact with the outer diameter of the container base.

[0069] The cables (14) pass through said channels (8). The cables (14) are associated with a drive element (3) and said drive element (3) is configured to move said cables (14) in the channel (8), in particular to contact the base of the container. The existing cables (14) extend out of the channel (8) as in Figure 1C and Figure ID with the movement provided by the drive element (3). Here, the cable (14) must move in a linear manner. Accordingly, said drive element (3) is a mechanism comprising a motor that provides linear movement or elements that convert its output into linear movement.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the drive element (3) is selected as a motor, preferably a stepper motor, which provides rotational output. Here, step or servo or DC or brushless motor can also be used. The rotational output needs to be translated into linear motion. Accordingly, a linear movement shaft (5) is preferably connected to the output of the drive element to extend in the axis of rotation through a coupling (4). The screw threads are arranged on the outer surface of the linear movement shaft (5). Here, the cables (14) pass through a passage (7.1) provided through a body (7). The cables (14) are fixed to the passages, that is, they do not move in the passage but move with the movement of the body (7) where the passage (7.1) is located. There is a linear transfer element (6), preferably a nut-like structure, on the body (7), preferably in the center. The linear transfer element (6) comprises an opening and has screw threads on the surface of this opening. Said linear movement shaft (5) passes through the opening of the linear transfer element (6). Thanks to the interaction of the screw threads of the linear movement shaft (5) and the linear transfer element (6), the body (7) moves towards the channels. Here, the fixed cables (14) to the body (7) go out of the channels (8) and contact the container base.

[0071] In another preferred embodiment, a spring (9) is positioned between the existing channel (8) and the passage (7.1). The cables (14) extend within said spring (9). When the drive element (3) moves the body (4), the spring (9) is compressed and accordingly, the spring (9) pushes the body (7) in the same direction as the drive element (4) pulls the body (7) back.

[0072] The current drive element (3) is active only when a container is placed on the temperature sensing device. The presence of the container is detected by means of a detection sensor (18). When the detection sensor (18) detects the presence of the container, the electrical signal it creates is taken by a control unit (not shown in the figures) and transforms into a response that allows the drive element (3) to make the cables (14) towards said container.

[0073] Here, a weight sensor is preferably used as the detection sensor (18). However, it is obvious that presence-absence sensors or distance sensors can be used as an alternative to said weight sensor (18). Here, the weight sensor is advantageous as it does not require to see the container directly. In addition, the container and liquid weight can be measured in this way.

[0074] The temperature measurement taken with the cables (14) will not give accurate results in non- metallic enclosures. For this reason, it is first checked whether the container is metallic. When the cables (14) come into contact with the container, an electrical circuit that will allow current to pass through the cables (14) is used to ensure the detection. In order for current to pass through the cables (14), the container must be metallic. Because the cables (14) are connected to each other through the container and when the container is not metallic, the circuit is not completed, and no current is formed accordingly. The absence of current indicates that the container is not metal. A processing unit (not shown in the figures) converts the current or voltage data into temperature data as an input and allows the cables (14) to operate as a thermocouple sensor. When there is no current, that is, when the container is not metal, the electrical value cannot be read on the cables (14), and the measurement does not take place accordingly.

[0075] Referring to Figures 4 and 4a, the present system comprises a cover (20) when the secondary sensor (12) is not used. The cover (20) is driven by a cover drive element (21) and closes the upper part of the secondary sensor (12), preventing the condensate from dripping on the secondary sensor (12) at the container base.

[0076] Preferably, in the detection made primarily with the cables (14), if it is understood that said container is not metal, the processing unit or control unit drives the cover drive element (21) and comes to the open position of the cover (20) and puts the secondary sensor (12) into use. In the same way, after the measurement is completed, the cover drive element (21) closes the cover (12) again to protect the secondary sensor (12).

[0077] Referring to Figures 4b and 4c, preferably the cover drive element (21) is a motor that provides rotational output relative to a first axis (A). Here, the first arm (22) is fixedly connected to the outlet of the cover drive element (21). The second arm (23) is rotationally connected to the other end of the first arm (22) to a second axis (B). The cover (20) is rotationally connected to the other end of the second arm (23) according to a third axis (C). The first axis (A), the second axis (B) and the third axis (C) are parallel to each other. Here, the cap (20) is guided between the bottle placement body (16) and the reflective layer (19) and extends between two opposing openings (11.2) in the closed position. Preferably, the cover (20) is a longitudinal and curved structure.

[0078] As mentioned earlier, the current measuring device can be used with cooling systems. The present invention is particularly configured to work with a specific cooling system. The cooling system comprises a cooling element having a body configured to form a container for surrounding at least a portion of a liquid container and having a volume in the interior that permits the movement of the cooling liquid, and at least one agitating element on which the cooling element is disposed, and which agitates the cooling element in an orbital motion. Various versions of said cooling system can be seen in the documents with application number PCT / TR2024 / 051198, PCT / TR2023 / 051167, PCT / TR2023 / 051170,

[0079] PCT / TR2021 / 050185, EP17191510.1.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A temperature sensing device for measuring the temperature of a container and determining whether the container is metallic or not, characterized in that it comprises the following:• an infrared sensor (12) for measuring the temperature of a non-metallic container from its bottom surface,• a reflective surface (19) curved to accommodate the base of said container arranged to reflect infrared rays, including an opening to allow the infrared sensor (12) to view the base of the container.

2. The temperature sensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that said reflective surface (19) is made of metal.

3. The temperature sensing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises transition openings (19.1) on said reflective surface (19).

4. The temperature sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an infrared sensor connection body (11) comprising an opening on said infrared sensor (12) that allows the infrared sensor (12) to see the container base, flaps (11.1) arranged around said opening and openings (11.2) between said flaps.

5. The temperature sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a cover (20) between said secondary sensor (12) container base and a cover drive element (21) that pushes said cover (20) towards or against the container base of the secondary sensor (12).

6. The temperature sensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises the following: said cover drive element (21) that provides rotational output relative to a first axis (A), a first arm (22) fixedly connected to the outlet of the cover drive element (21),a second arm (23) rotationally connected to the other end of the first arm (22) relative to a second axis (B) parallel to a first axis (A) and rotationally connected to the other end according to a third axis (C) parallel to the first axis (A) by a cover (20).

7. A cooling module, characterized in that it comprises the following: a cooling system comprising a cooling element having a body configured to form a body for enclosing at least a portion of a liquid container and having a volume in its interior that permits coolant liquid movement, and at least one agitating element on which said cooling element is disposed and which agitates the cooling element by orbital motion, a temperature sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims and disposed at the bottom of the container.

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