Temperature management device for liquid seasoning

Abstract

The present invention prevents a reduction in the quality of liquid seasoning due to condensed water, by blocking the rise of steam to parts of an agitator and a temperature sensor, respectively, and by preventing condensed water from falling into the liquid seasoning from the respective parts of the agitator and the temperature sensor.　This liquid seasoning temperature management device (1) comprises a holding part (5), an agitator (6), a temperature sensor (7), and a shielding plate (8). The shielding plate includes: a first shield part (81) disposed on the center side of a cylinder (100) when viewed from above; and a second shield part (82) disposed adjacent to the first shield part in the first direction of the first shield part. The respective parts of the agitator and the temperature sensor are arranged above the shielding plate. The first shield part is plate-shaped and is arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

Description

Seasoning temperature control device

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control device for a seasoning liquid.

[0002] There is known a device that stores and heats seasoning liquid for food (e.g., ramen, soba, udon, etc.) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the seasoning liquid is sent from a soup storage device to a heating tank, and a predetermined amount of the seasoning liquid is supplied from the heating tank to a rice bowl. The seasoning liquid is heated in both the soup storage device and the heating tank, and the temperature of the seasoning liquid is controlled.

[0003] Here, when the seasoning liquid contains water and oil, the quality of the seasoning liquid cannot be maintained unless the temperature is controlled while the water and oil are mixed. Therefore, for example, the seasoning liquid is maintained at a predetermined temperature while being stirred in a soup storage device (storage tank). A stirrer is used to stir the seasoning liquid. A temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature of the seasoning liquid. Parts of the stirrer and the temperature sensor are each located above the storage tank.

[0004] The seasoning liquid is heated as it is stirred. As a result, part of the seasoning liquid becomes steam. The steam rises above the storage tank. As a result, the agitator and the temperature sensor, which are located above the storage tank, are partially exposed to the steam. As a result, the steam condenses on these surfaces, and condensed water adheres to the surfaces. At this time, the condensed water may contain dust and other particles that have adhered to the agitator and other objects. The condensed water containing dust may fall and mix with the seasoning liquid. In this way, the condensed water containing dust can cause a decrease in the quality of the seasoning liquid.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-072991

[0006] The present invention aims to prevent the quality of the seasoning liquid in the storage tank from being deteriorated due to condensed water by blocking the rise of steam from heated seasoning liquid in the storage tank and preventing condensed water from the steam from falling into the storage tank.

[0007] The seasoning liquid temperature control device of the present invention is a temperature control device that controls the temperature of seasoning liquid stored in a storage tank and being heated, and comprises an agitator that agitates the seasoning liquid stored in the storage tank, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the seasoning liquid stored in the storage tank, a holding unit that holds the agitator and the temperature sensor, and a shielding plate that is arranged above the storage tank and blocks steam from the seasoning liquid, wherein, when viewed from above, the direction from the center of the storage tank toward the outer edge is the first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is the second direction, and the shielding plate comprises a first shielding part that is arranged toward the center of the storage tank when viewed from above, and a second shielding part that is arranged adjacent to the first shielding part in the first direction of the first shielding part, and a portion of each of the agitator and the temperature sensor is arranged above the shielding plate, and the first shielding part is plate-shaped and arranged at an angle to the horizontal direction.

[0008] The present invention can prevent the steam from the heated seasoning liquid in the storage tank from rising and prevent condensed water from the steam from falling into the storage tank, thereby preventing a deterioration in the quality of the seasoning liquid in the storage tank due to condensed water.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a temperature control device showing an embodiment of the seasoning liquid temperature control device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged side view of the temperature control device showing a shielding plate provided in the temperature control device; FIG. 3 is a top view of a storage lid placed at the opening of a storage tank in which seasoning liquid whose temperature is controlled by the temperature control device is stored; FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the shielding plate of the temperature control device, showing its shape; FIG. 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the shielding plate of the temperature control device, showing another shape of the shielding plate; FIG. 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the shielding plate of the temperature control device, showing yet another shape of the shielding plate; FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the shielding plate of the temperature control device, showing yet another shape of the shielding plate.

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a seasoning liquid temperature control device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] This embodiment will be described using a temperature control device that controls the temperature of ramen soup stored and heated in a pot. The temperature control device is installed in the kitchen of a ramen shop. Here, ramen is an example of a food or drink in the present invention. Ramen soup is an example of a liquid seasoning in the present invention. The pot is an example of a storage tank in which the liquid seasoning is stored in the present invention.

[0012] The seasoning liquid in the present invention is not limited to ramen soup.

[0013] In the following description, "downward" refers to the direction of gravity, and "upward" refers to the opposite direction of "downward."

[0014] ●Condiment Temperature Control Device● ●Configuration of the Condiment Temperature Control Device Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the device (hereinafter referred to as "the device"), showing an embodiment of the condiment temperature control device according to the present invention. The figure shows a pot placed on the device. Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged side view of the device, showing the shielding plate provided in the device. The two-dot chain line in the figure indicates the position adjustment unit and the pot.

[0015] The device 1 controls the temperature of the soup S. The device 1 includes a housing 2, a heating unit 3, a position adjustment unit 4, a holding unit 5, a stirrer 6, a temperature sensor 7, and a shielding plate 8.

[0016] The housing 2 supports the heating unit 3 and the position adjustment unit 4. The housing 2 includes an upper surface 21, a lower surface 22, side surfaces 23, and a movable body 24 (e.g., casters). The movable body 24 moves the device 1. The movable body 24 is attached to the lower surface 22.

[0017] The heating unit 3 heats the soup S stored in the pot 100. The heating unit 3 is an induction heating (IH) heater. The heating unit 3 controls the temperature at which the pot 100 is heated based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor 7. The heating unit 3 is connected to an external power source (not shown). The heating unit 3 is placed on (supported by) the top surface 21.

[0018] The heating unit 3 controls the heating output of the heating unit 3 so that the temperature of the soup S stored in the pot 100 converges to a predetermined temperature (target temperature: for example, 95°C) without exceeding the predetermined temperature (upper limit temperature: for example, 100°C).

[0019] Here, the target temperature is set by the user based on, for example, the boiling point of the soup S, the type of soup S, the amount of soup S stored in the pot 100, the change in room temperature in the kitchen where the device 1 is installed, etc. The target temperature is lower than the boiling point (upper limit temperature) of the soup S.

[0020] The position adjustment unit 4 adjusts the vertical positions of the agitator 6 and the temperature sensor 7 relative to the cylindrical drum 100. The position adjustment unit 4 includes a rail portion 41, a position fixing portion 42, and a stopper 43.

[0021] Rail portion 41 (for example, an FSL-L type aluminum frame manufactured by Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.) guides the vertical movement of agitator 6 and temperature sensor 7. As a result of agitator 6 and temperature sensor 7 moving along rail portion 41, a portion of each of agitator 6 and temperature sensor 7 can advance and retreat between the inside and outside of cylindrical drum 100.

[0022] The position fixing part 42 (for example, a free slide lock FSL-V36 manufactured by Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.) fixes the position of the holding part 5 relative to the rail part 41. The position fixing part 42 includes a slide part and a restricting operation part. The slide part is disposed inside the rail part 41 and is movable up and down inside the rail part 41. The restricting operation part restricts movement of the slide part inside the rail part 41.

[0023] Here, the position fixing unit 42 is connected to the holding unit 5. In other words, when the restricting operation unit of the position fixing unit 42 is operated and the position fixing unit 42 moves along the rail of the rail unit 41, the holding unit 5 also moves along the rail of the rail unit 41. When the user operates the restricting operation unit to enable the sliding unit to move within the rail, the position fixing unit 42 becomes movable along the rail of the rail unit 41. When the user operates the restricting operation unit to disable the sliding unit from moving within the rail, the position fixing unit 42 becomes unable to move along the rail of the rail unit 41.

[0024] The stoppers 43 restrict the range of movement of the position fixing part 42, which is movable in the up and down direction, along the rail part 41. The stoppers 43 are arranged at the upper end and the center of the rail part 41 in the up and down direction. The movement of the sliding part is restricted when the sliding part abuts against the stoppers 43. In other words, the stoppers 43 define the range of movement of the position fixing part 42, which is movable along the rail.

[0025] Here, the moving direction of the position fixing part 42, which is movable along the rail of the rail part 41, is the vertical direction. That is, the stopper 43 arranged at one end (upper end) of the rail defines the upper limit position of the position fixing part 42, and the stopper 43 arranged at the other end (center) of the rail defines the lower limit position of the position fixing part 42. That is, the stopper 43 defines the upper limit and lower limit positions of the agitator 6 and the temperature sensor 7 connected to the position fixing part 42. In other words, by moving the position fixing part 42 until the position fixing part 42 abuts against the stopper 43, the user can position the agitator 6 and the temperature sensor 7 connected to the position fixing part 42 at predetermined positions in the vertical direction. That is, when the position fixing part 42 abuts against the stopper 43 at the lower limit position, the vertical positions of the propeller blades 63 of the agitator 6 (described later) and the vertical positions of the sensor part 73 of the temperature sensor 7 (described later) are determined.

[0026] In the above description, the stopper 43 disposed at the upper end of the rail is an end cap of the rail (for example, end cap FSL-EC manufactured by Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.).

[0027] The holding part 5 holds the agitator 6 and the temperature sensor 7. The holding part 5 is plate-shaped. One end of the holding part 5 is fixed to the position fixing part 42. The other end of the holding part 5 holds a power part 61 of the agitator 6, which will be described later, and a connection part 71 of the temperature sensor 7, which will be described later.

[0028] Here, the holding portion 5 is connected to the position fixing portion 42. That is, when the restricting operation portion of the position fixing portion 42 is operated and the position fixing portion 42 moves along the rail of the rail portion 41, the agitator 6 and the temperature sensor 7 also move along the rail of the rail portion 41.

[0029] The mixer 6 mixes the soup S stored in the pot 100. The mixer 6 is connected to an external power source (not shown). The mixer 6 includes a power unit 61, a shaft 62, and a propeller blade 63.

[0030] The power unit 61 supplies power to the propeller blades 63. The power unit 61 is held by the holding unit 5. The power unit 61 is disposed above the opening of the cylindrical drum 100. The power unit 61 is disposed above a first shielding unit 81, which will be described later.

[0031] The shaft 62 is connected to the power unit 61 and the propeller blades 63, and transmits the power of the power unit 61 to the propeller blades 63. The shaft 62 is disposed so as to protrude downward from the power unit 61. The shaft 62 is inserted into a first through-hole 81h (see FIG. 3) of the shielding plate 8, which will be described later. The lower part of the shaft 62 is immersed in the soup S.

[0032] The propeller blades 63 stir the soup S. The propeller blades 63 are disposed at the lower end of the shaft 62. The propeller blades 63 rotate by the power of the power unit 61. The propeller blades 63 are disposed inside the pot 100 and are immersed in the soup S.

[0033] The temperature sensor 7 measures the temperature of the soup S stored in the pot 100. The temperature sensor 7 is a sheathed thermocouple (e.g., a K-type thermocouple or a T-type thermocouple) in which a pair of thermocouple wires is housed in a metal sheath. The temperature sensor 7 includes a connection part 71, a rod 72, a sensor part 73, and a signal line 74.

[0034] The connection part 71 is a part that is held by the holding part 5. The connection part 71 is disposed above the opening of the cylindrical body 100. The connection part 71 is disposed above the second shielding part 82, which will be described later. The connection part 71 is connected to the control part of the heating part 3 via a signal line 74.

[0035] The rod 72 houses the sensor part 73 and the signal line 74. The rod 72 is disposed below the connection part 71. The rod 72 is a rod-shaped metal sheath that houses a pair of thermocouple wires. The rod 72 is inserted into a second through-hole 82h (see FIG. 3 ) of the shielding plate 8, which will be described later. The lower part of the rod 72 is immersed in the soup S.

[0036] The sensor unit 73 measures the temperature of the soup S and transmits a signal indicating the measurement result to the heating unit 3. The sensor unit 73 is housed in the lower end of the rod 72. The sensor unit 73 is immersed in the soup S.

[0037] The signal line 74 transmits a signal from the temperature sensor 7 to the heating unit 3. One end of the signal line 74 is connected to the sensor unit 73. The other end of the signal line 74 is connected to the heating unit 3.

[0038] The shielding plate 8 is disposed above the pot 100 to block steam V from the soup S. The shielding plate 8 is disposed between the pot 100 and the power unit 61 and the connection unit 71. The shielding plate 8 includes a first shielding portion 81, a second shielding portion 82, and a connecting portion 83.

[0039] In the following description, the "first direction" is the direction from the center of the cylindrical body 100 toward the outer edge when viewed from above. The "second direction" is the direction opposite to the first direction when viewed from above.

[0040] The first shielding portion 81 is disposed toward the center of the cylindrical barrel 100 when viewed from above. The first shielding portion 81 is plate-shaped. The first shielding portion 81 is disposed at an angle such that the distance between the first shielding portion 81 and the cylindrical barrel 100 decreases toward the first direction. In other words, the first shielding portion 81 is disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal direction. The first shielding portion 81 is disposed below the power unit 61. The first shielding portion 81 includes a first upper surface 81a, a first lower surface 81b, and a first through-hole 81h.

[0041] The first upper surface 81a is the surface of the first shielding part 81 facing the power part 61 (upward).

[0042] The first lower surface 81b is the surface of the first shielding portion 81 opposite to the first upper surface 81a. The first lower surface 81b is the surface of the first shielding portion 81 facing downward toward the cylindrical body 100.

[0043] The first through-hole 81h is a through-hole that passes through the first shielding portion 81 in the up-down direction. The shaft 62 is inserted through the first through-hole 81h.

[0044] The second shielding portion 82 is disposed on the outer edge side of the cylindrical barrel 100 when viewed from above. Specifically, the second shielding portion 82 is disposed adjacent to the first shielding portion 81 in the first direction of the first shielding portion 81. The second shielding portion 82 is plate-shaped. The second shielding portion 82 is disposed at an angle such that the distance between the second shielding portion 82 and the cylindrical barrel 100 decreases toward the first direction. That is, the second shielding portion 82 is disposed at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction. The first angle of inclination of the first shielding portion 81 with respect to the horizontal direction is greater than the second angle of inclination of the second shielding portion 82 with respect to the horizontal direction. When viewed from above, the end of the second shielding portion 82 in the first direction is disposed outside the cylindrical barrel 100. The second shielding portion 82 is disposed below the connection portion 71. The second shielding portion 82 includes a second upper surface 82a, a second lower surface 82b, and a second through-hole 82h.

[0045] The "first tilt angle" is the angle at which the first shielding portion 81 is tilted relative to the horizontal.

[0046] The "second tilt angle" is the angle at which the second shielding portion 82 is arranged parallel to or tilted from the horizontal. The first tilt angle of the first shielding portion 81 with respect to the horizontal direction is different from the second tilt angle of the second shielding portion 82 with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0047] The second upper surface 82a is the surface of the second shielding portion 82 facing the connecting portion 71 (upward).

[0048] The second lower surface 82b is the surface opposite to the second upper surface 82a. The second lower surface 82b is the surface of the second shielding portion 82 that faces downward toward the cylinder 100.

[0049] The second through-hole 82h is a through-hole that passes through the second shielding portion 82 in the up-down direction. The rod 72 is inserted through the second through-hole 82h.

[0050] The connecting portion 83 connects the first shielding portion 81 and the second shielding portion 82 to the agitator 6. The connecting portion 83 is plate-shaped and extends in the up-down direction. The connecting portion 83 fixes the positions of the first shielding portion 81 and the second shielding portion 82 relative to the agitator 6. An upper end 83a of the connecting portion 83 is attached to the lower end of the power unit 61. A lower end 83b of the connecting portion 83 is attached to the first upper surface 81a and the second upper surface 82a.

[0051] The reservoir and reservoir lid used in this device will be described below.

[0052] 3 is a top view of the storage lid 200 placed on the opening of the pot 100 in which the soup S, the temperature of which is controlled by the device 1, is stored. In the following description, FIGS. 1 and 2 will be referred to as appropriate, along with FIG. 3.

[0053] The pot 100 is a storage tank for storing the soup S. The top end of the pot 100 is an opening that opens upward.

[0054] The storage lid 200 is placed on the opening of the pot 100 and covers the opening of the pot 100. The storage lid 200 blocks steam V from the heated soup S. The storage lid 200 is divided into two parts. The storage lid 200 includes a first lid portion 210 and a second lid portion 220.

[0055] The first lid 210 is a lid that covers the side of the opening of the cylindrical pot 100 where the agitator 6 and the temperature sensor 7 are located, when viewed from above. That is, when viewed from above, the first lid 210 covers a part of the opening of the cylindrical pot 100 on the side where the shielding plate 8 is located. The shape of the first lid 210 is semicircular when viewed from above. The first lid 210 includes a notch 211, a recess 212, a handle 213, notches (not shown) through which one or more tubes that deliver the soup S from the cylindrical pot 100 to the bowl are inserted, and a hole (not shown) through which a level gauge that measures the amount of soup S in the cylindrical pot 100 is inserted.

[0056] The cutout 211 is slit-shaped. A portion of the arc-shaped outer edge of the first cover 210 is cut out in the shape of a slit in the second direction to form the cutout 211. The shielding plate 8 is disposed above the cutout 211. The agitator 6 and the temperature sensor 7 are disposed at the position where the cutout 211 is formed in the vertical direction. The shaft 62 and the rod 72 are inserted into the cutout 211.

[0057] The recess 212 is disposed on the chord-shaped outer edge of the first cover portion 210 and recessed in the first direction from the outer edge.

[0058] The handle 213 is gripped by a user to lift the first cover 210. The handle 213 is disposed on the top surface of the first cover 210.

[0059] The second lid 220 is a lid that covers a portion of the opening of the cylindrical pot 100 where the agitator 6 and the temperature sensor 7 are not located, as viewed from above. The second lid 220 covers a portion of the opening of the cylindrical pot 100 that is not covered by the first lid 210. The second lid 220 has a semicircular shape as viewed from above. The second lid 220 includes a protrusion 221 and a handle 222.

[0060] The protrusion 221 is disposed on the chord-shaped outer edge of the second lid portion 220 and protrudes in a first direction from the outer edge. When the first lid portion 210 and the second lid portion 220 are butted against each other in the horizontal direction, the protrusion 221 fits into the recess 212.

[0061] The handle 222 is gripped by the user when lifting the second cover 220. The handle 222 is disposed on the top surface of the second cover 220.

[0062] ●Examples of use of this device Below, examples of use of this device are explained.

[0063] Figure 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the shape of the shielding plate of the device 1. The figure shows that soup S is stored inside a cylindrical pot 100, and that a stirrer 6 and a temperature sensor 7 are disposed inside the cylindrical pot 100. In the following description, Figures 1-3 will be referred to as appropriate, along with Figure 4.

[0064] First, the user moves the agitator 6 and the temperature sensor 7 upward by operating the position adjustment unit 4. As described above, the user can position the agitator 6 and the temperature sensor 7 in the vertical direction by operating the position adjustment unit 4.

[0065] Next, the user places the pot 100 in the heating unit 3. The user pours the soup S into the pot 100.

[0066] Next, the user operates the position adjustment unit 4 to move the stirrer 6 and the temperature sensor 7 downward. The user operates the position fixing unit 42 until the position fixing unit 42 abuts against a stopper 43 located in the center of the rail unit 41. By fixing the position of the position fixing unit 42 relative to the rail unit 41, the lower ends of the stirrer 6 and the temperature sensor 7 are positioned at a predetermined height inside the cylindrical pot 100. A portion of each of the stirrer 6 and the temperature sensor 7 is immersed in the soup S inside the cylindrical pot 100.

[0067] Next, the user places the first lid 210 and the second lid 220 on the opening of the cylindrical barrel 100. The first lid 210 covers the side of the opening of the cylindrical barrel 100 where the agitator 6 and the temperature sensor 7 are located. The shaft 62 and the rod 72 are inserted into the cutout 211. The second lid 220 covers the portion of the opening of the cylindrical barrel 100 that is not covered by the first lid 210.

[0068] When soup S is to be replenished into the cylindrical pot 100, the user removes the second lid 220 from the cylindrical pot 100. The user pours the replenishment soup S directly into the interior of the cylindrical pot 100 through a part of the opening of the cylindrical pot 100 that was covered by the second lid 220. The replenishment soup S passes through the opening of the cylindrical pot 100 and is supplied into the interior of the cylindrical pot 100. Next, when the replenishment of soup S is complete, the user covers the opening of the cylindrical pot 100 with the second lid 220.

[0069] Next, the user operates the stirrer 6 to stir the soup S. The temperature sensor 7 measures the temperature of the soup S. The heating unit 3 controls the heating output of the heating unit 3 based on the measured temperature.

[0070] Here, signal line 74 transmits a signal corresponding to the temperature of soup S stored in pot 100 measured by temperature sensor 7 to heating unit 3. In other words, the temperature of soup S stored inside pot 100 is measured based on the magnitude of the thermoelectromotive force generated in response to the temperature difference (T1-T2) between the temperature (T1) at one end of signal line 74 disposed inside pot 100 and the temperature (T2) at the other end of signal line 74 connected to heating unit 3.

[0071] The soup S stored in the pot 100 is maintained at a predetermined temperature while being stirred. The user removes the second lid 220 from the pot 100 as needed to remove the soup S from inside the pot 100.

[0072] A portion of the soup S stored in the pot 100 is heated by the heating unit 3 and becomes steam V. The steam V rises to the top of the pot 100 and reaches the back surface of the storage lid 200. The steam V that reaches the storage lid 200 becomes condensed water W. This condensed water W is returned to the pot 100, for example.

[0073] A portion of the steam V rises further upward through the notch 211 of the first cover portion 210 and reaches the underside (first underside 81b, second underside 82b) of the shielding plate 8. The steam V that reaches the shielding plate 8 becomes condensed water W. For example, the steam V condenses on the first underside 81b of the first shielding portion 81, causing the condensed water W to adhere to the first underside 81b. The condensed water W moves along the first underside 81b toward the second shielding portion 82, following the inclination of the first shielding portion 81. If the second inclination angle of the second shielding portion 82 is different from the first inclination angle of the first shielding portion 81, the fall position of the condensed water W moving along the second underside 82b of the second shielding portion 82 may change depending on the second inclination angle of the second shielding portion 82. In other words, the fall position of the condensed water W is adjusted by adjusting the second inclination angle of the second shielding portion 82.

[0074] The second shielding portion 82 is disposed at an angle so that the distance between the second shielding portion 82 and the cylindrical barrel 100 becomes smaller toward the first direction. Because the second shielding portion 82 is disposed at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction, the condensed water W moves to the end of the second shielding portion 82 and falls from the end. When viewed from above, the end of the second shielding portion 82 in the first direction is disposed outside the cylindrical barrel 100. As a result, the condensed water W falls to the outside of the cylindrical barrel 100. In other words, the condensed water W does not return to the inside of the cylindrical barrel 100.

[0075] In this way, when steam V from the soup S in the pot 100 reaches the shielding plate 8 and condenses, the shielding plate 8 prevents the condensed water W from mixing with the soup S in the pot 100. The angle of inclination of the first shielding part 81 and the second shielding part 82 relative to the horizontal, the sizes of the first shielding part 81 and the second shielding part 82, etc. are set so that the condensed water W does not mix with the soup S in the pot 100.

[0076] Furthermore, the first shielding portion 81 and the second shielding portion 82, which block the steam V of the soup S, are positioned between the pot 100 and the power unit 61 and the connection portion 71. Therefore, the power unit 61 and the connection portion 71 are not exposed to the steam V of the soup S. As a result, condensation water W from the steam V is unlikely to adhere to the surfaces of the power unit 61 and the connection portion 71. Even if condensation water W adheres to these surfaces, the condensation water W falls onto the first upper surface 81a of the first shielding portion 81 and the second upper surface 82a of the second shielding portion 82. As a result, the condensation water W containing dust adhering to the power unit 61 and the like does not mix with the soup S in the pot 100. In other words, the first shielding portion 81 and the second shielding portion 82 prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the pot 100.

[0077] In this way, the device 1 blocks the steam V from rising to each part of the agitator 6 and the temperature sensor 7, and also prevents the condensed water W from falling from each part of the agitator 6 and the temperature sensor 7 into the pot 100, thereby preventing a deterioration in the quality of the soup S in the pot 100 due to the condensed water W.

[0078] Here, the greater the inclination angle of the shielding plate 8, the further the condensed water W moves to the lower end of the shielding plate 8. Therefore, the condensed water W is prevented from falling from the lower surface (first lower surface 81b, second lower surface 82b) of the shielding plate 8 onto the cylindrical pot 100. However, if a single shielding plate 8 having a large area is placed at an appropriate inclination angle, a large space is required above the cylindrical pot 100 to accommodate the shielding plate 8. The cylindrical pot 100 is typically placed in a store kitchen, etc. The space above the cylindrical pot 100 is limited. When the first inclination angle of the first shielding portion 81 is greater than the second inclination angle of the second shielding portion 82, the condensed water W in the area with a relatively large amount of steam V (the area toward the center of the cylindrical pot 100) when viewed from above is guided to the second shielding portion 82 and falls via the second shielding portion 82. As a result, compared to when a single shielding plate 8 is placed, the device 1 can block the rising of steam V in a smaller space while preventing condensed water W from falling from the underside of the shielding plate 8 (first underside 81b, second underside 82b) into the cylindrical drum 100.

[0079] Summary According to the embodiment described above, the device for managing the temperature of soup S stored and heated in the pot 100 includes a holding unit 5, a stirrer 6, a temperature sensor 7, and a shielding plate 8. The shielding plate 8 is disposed above the pot 100 and blocks steam V from the soup S. The shielding plate 8 includes a first shielding portion 81 and a second shielding portion 82 disposed adjacent to the first shielding portion 81. A portion of the stirrer 6 and a portion of the temperature sensor 7 are disposed above the shielding plate 8. The first shielding portion 81 is plate-shaped and disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal. With this configuration, steam V condenses on the first lower surface 81b of the first shielding portion 81, causing condensed water W to adhere to the first lower surface 81b of the first shielding portion 81. The condensed water W moves and falls along the inclination of the first shielding portion 81 toward the second shielding portion 82. When the tilt angle of the second shielding portion 82 is different from the tilt angle of the first shielding portion 81, the position to which the condensed water W moving along the second lower surface 82b of the second shielding portion 82 falls can change depending on the tilt angle of the second shielding portion 82. That is, the position to which the condensed water W falls can be adjusted by adjusting the tilt angle of the second shielding portion 82. The shielding plate 8 also blocks the rise of steam V from the heated soup S in the pot 100. The shielding plate 8 prevents the condensed water W from the steam V from falling into the pot 100, thereby preventing a deterioration in the quality of the soup S in the pot 100 due to the condensed water W.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the second shielding portion 82 is plate-shaped and disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal. The first angle of inclination of the first shielding portion 81 relative to the horizontal is different from the second angle of inclination of the second shielding portion 82 relative to the horizontal. With this configuration, the condensed water W moves to the end of the second shielding portion 82 and falls from the end. By adjusting the angle of inclination of the second shielding portion 82, the falling position of the condensed water W can be adjusted.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the first shielding portion 81 is disposed at an angle such that the distance between the first shielding portion 81 and the cylindrical pot 100 decreases in the first direction. With this configuration, the condensed water W can be guided in the first direction.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the second shielding portion 82 is disposed at an angle so that the distance between the second shielding portion 82 and the cylindrical container 100 becomes smaller in the first direction. With this configuration, the position where the condensed water W falls is adjusted in the first direction.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the first inclination angle of the first shielding portion 81 relative to the horizontal direction is greater than the second inclination angle of the second shielding portion 82 relative to the horizontal direction. With this configuration, the first shielding portion 81 can quickly move the condensation water W generated in the first shielding portion 81 and guide it to the second shielding portion 82.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the end of the second shielding portion 82 in the first direction is located outside the cylindrical barrel 100 when viewed from above. With this configuration, the condensed water W moves to the end of the second shielding portion 82 and falls from the end. As a result, the condensed water W falls outside the cylindrical barrel 100. In other words, the condensed water W does not return to the inside of the cylindrical barrel 100.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the agitator 6 includes a power unit 61, a shaft 62, and a propeller blade 63. The temperature sensor 7 includes a connection unit 71, a rod 72, and a sensor unit 73. The power unit 61 and the connection unit 71 are positioned above the shielding plate 8. With this configuration, the power unit 61 and the connection unit 71 are not exposed to the steam V of the soup S. As a result, condensation water W from the steam V is less likely to adhere to the surfaces of the power unit 61 and the connection unit 71. Even if condensation water W adheres to these surfaces, the condensation water W falls onto the upper surfaces (first upper surface 81a, second upper surface 82a) of the first shielding portion 81 and the second shielding portion 82. As a result, the condensation water W containing dust adhering to the power unit 61, the connection unit 71, etc. does not mix with the soup S in the pot 100. That is, the first shielding portion 81 and the second shielding portion 82 prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the cylindrical body 100 .

[0086] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the power unit 61 is disposed above the first shielding portion 81, and the connection portion 71 is disposed above the second shielding portion 82. With this configuration, the first shielding portion 81 can be designed to match the shape of the power unit 61. The second shielding portion 82 can be designed to match the shape of the connection portion 71.

[0087] Modifications Next, modifications of the device 1 will be described below, focusing on the differences from the previously described embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the "first embodiment"). In the following description of the modifications, for ease of explanation, the same components as in the first embodiment and components having common functions are assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. In the following modifications, reference will be made as appropriate to Figures 1 to 4.

[0088] First Modification First, the first modification will be described.

[0089] 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the shielding plate of the present device, showing another shape of the shielding plate, in which soup S is stored inside a cylindrical container 100, and inside which a part of the agitator 6 and a part of the temperature sensor 7 are disposed.

[0090] The first modification is another example of the shielding plate in the device 1A. The device 1A differs from the device 1 in that the shape of the shielding plate is different.

[0091] The shielding plate 8A is disposed above the pot 100 to block the steam V of the soup S. The shielding plate 8A is disposed between the pot 100 and the power unit 61 and the connection unit 71.

[0092] The shielding plate 8A is integrally formed with a first shielding portion 81A and a second shielding portion 82A. The shielding plate 8A is a curved plate that is convex downward. The second shielding portion 82A is arranged continuously with the first shielding portion 81A in the first direction of the first shielding portion 81A. The first shielding portion 81A is arranged at an angle so that the distance between the first shielding portion 81A and the cylindrical barrel 100 becomes smaller as it approaches the first direction. The second shielding portion 82A is arranged at an angle so that the distance between the second shielding portion 82A and the cylindrical barrel 100 becomes smaller as it approaches the first direction. When viewed from above, the end of the second shielding portion 82 in the first direction is located outside the cylindrical barrel 100.

[0093] Usage example of the first modified example: Some of the steam V rises further upward through the notch 211 of the first lid portion 210 and reaches the underside of the shielding plate 8A. The steam V that reaches the shielding plate 8A becomes condensed water W. For example, the steam V condenses on the underside of the first shielding portion 81A, causing the condensed water W to adhere to the underside of the first shielding portion 81A. The condensed water W moves along the underside of the first shielding portion 81A toward the second shielding portion 82A, following the slope of the first shielding portion 81A. There is no step between the first shielding portion 81A and the second shielding portion 82A. As a result, the condensed water W moves smoothly from the first shielding portion 81A to the second shielding portion 82A. The condensed water W moves to the edge of the second shielding portion 82A and falls from that edge. When viewed from above, the end of the second shielding portion 82 in the first direction is disposed outside the cylindrical barrel 100. As a result, the condensed water W falls to the outside of the cylindrical barrel 100. In other words, the condensed water W does not return to the inside of the cylindrical barrel 100.

[0094] Summary (1) According to the embodiment described above, the shielding plate 8A is a curved plate that is convex downward. With this configuration, there is no step between the first shielding portion 81A and the second shielding portion 82A. As a result, the condensation water W can move smoothly from the first shielding portion 81A to the second shielding portion 82A.

[0095] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the first shielding portion is molded integrally with the second shielding portion. With this configuration, the shielding plate 8A is made from a single plate member. Therefore, the production cost of the shielding plate 8 is reduced.

[0096] Second Modification Next, a second modification will be described.

[0097] 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the shielding plate of the present device, showing yet another shape of the shielding plate, in which soup S is stored inside a cylindrical container 100, and inside which a part of the agitator 6 and a part of the temperature sensor 7 are disposed.

[0098] The second modification is yet another example of the shielding plate in the device 1B. The device 1B differs from the device 1 in that the shape of the shielding plate is different.

[0099] The shielding plate 8B is disposed above the pot 100 to block steam V from the soup S. The shielding plate 8B is disposed between the pot 100 and the power unit 61 and the connection unit 71. The shielding plate 8B includes a first shielding portion 81B and a second shielding portion 82B.

[0100] The second shielding portion 82B is arranged adjacent to the first shielding portion 81B in the first direction of the first shielding portion 81B. The second shielding portion 82B is plate-shaped. The second shielding portion 82B is plate-shaped and arranged parallel to the horizontal direction. When viewed from above, the end of the second shielding portion 82B in the first direction is arranged inside the cylindrical body 100.

[0101] Usage example of the second modified example: Some of the steam V rises further upward from the notch 211 of the first lid portion 210 and reaches the underside of the shielding plate 8B. The steam V that reaches the shielding plate 8B becomes condensed water W. For example, the steam V condenses on the underside of the first shielding portion 81B, causing the condensed water W to adhere to the underside of the first shielding portion 81B. The condensed water W moves along the underside of the first shielding portion 81B toward the second shielding portion 82B, following the slope of the first shielding portion 81B. The condensed water W moves to the second shielding portion 82 and remains there. The condensed water W collects at the second shielding portion 82 and falls from the second shielding portion 82. When viewed from above, the end of the second shielding portion 82 in the first direction is located inside the cylindrical pot 100. As a result, the condensed water W falls into the inside of the cylindrical pot 100 or onto the surface of the first lid portion 210. That is, a portion of the condensed water W can be returned to the inside of the cylindrical pot 100.

[0102] Furthermore, the first shielding portion 81B and the second shielding portion 82B, which block the steam V of the soup S, are positioned between the pot 100 and the power unit 61 and the connection portion 71. Therefore, the power unit 61 and the connection portion 71 are not exposed to the steam V of the soup S. As a result, condensation water W from the steam V is less likely to adhere to the surfaces of the power unit 61 and the connection portion 71. Even if condensation water W adheres to these surfaces, it falls onto the upper surfaces of the first shielding portion 81B and the second shielding portion 82B. The second shielding portion 82B is positioned parallel to the horizontal direction. As a result, condensation water W containing dust adhering to the power unit 61 and the like remains on the upper surface of the second shielding portion 82B and does not mix with the soup S in the pot 100. In other words, the first shielding portion 81B and the second shielding portion 82B prevent foreign matter from entering the pot 100.

[0103] Summary (2) According to the embodiment described above, the second shielding portion 82B is plate-shaped and is arranged parallel to the horizontal direction. With this configuration, condensed water W containing dust adhering to the power unit 61 and the like remains on the upper surface of the second shielding portion 82B and does not mix with the soup S in the pot 100. In other words, the first shielding portion 81B and the second shielding portion 82B prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the pot 100.

[0104] Third Modification Next, a third modification will be described.

[0105] 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the shielding plate of the present device, showing yet another shape of the shielding plate, in which soup S is stored inside a cylindrical container 100, and inside which a part of the agitator 6 and a part of the temperature sensor 7 are disposed.

[0106] The third modification is yet another example of the shielding plate in the device 1C. The device 1C differs from the device 1 in that the shape of the shielding plate is different.

[0107] The shielding plate 8C is disposed above the pot 100 to block steam V from the soup S. The shielding plate 8C is disposed between the pot 100 and the power unit 61 and the connection unit 71. The shielding plate 8C includes a first shielding portion 81C and a second shielding portion 82C.

[0108] The first shielding portion 81C is disposed toward the center of the cylindrical drum 100 when viewed from above. The first shielding portion 81C is plate-shaped. The first shielding portion 81C is disposed at an angle such that the distance between the first shielding portion 81C and the cylindrical drum 100 becomes smaller toward the second direction. In other words, the first shielding portion 81C is disposed at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction. The first shielding portion 81C is disposed below the power unit 61.

[0109] The second shielding portion 82C is arranged on the outer edge side of the cylindrical barrel 100 when viewed from above. Specifically, the second shielding portion 82C is arranged contiguous to the first shielding portion 81C in the first direction of the first shielding portion 81C. The second shielding portion 82C is plate-shaped. The second shielding portion 82C is arranged at an angle so that the distance between the second shielding portion 82C and the cylindrical barrel 100 becomes smaller toward the first direction. In other words, the second shielding portion 82C is arranged at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction. The second shielding portion 82C is arranged below the connecting portion 71. When viewed from above, the end of the second shielding portion 82C in the first direction is arranged inside the cylindrical barrel 100.

[0110] Usage example of the third modified example: Some of the steam V rises further upward through the notch 211 of the first lid 210 and reaches the underside of the shielding plate 8C. The steam V that reaches the shielding plate 8C becomes condensed water W. For example, the steam V condenses on the underside of the first shielding portion 81C, causing the condensed water W to adhere to the underside of the first shielding portion 81C. The condensed water W moves along the underside of the first shielding portion 81C toward the end of the first shielding portion 81C, following the slope of the first shielding portion 81C. The condensed water W falls from the end of the first shielding portion 81C. When viewed from above, the end of the first shielding portion 81C in the second direction is positioned inside the cylindrical pot 100. As a result, the condensed water W falls into the interior of the cylindrical pot 100 or onto the surface of the first lid 210. In other words, some of the condensed water W can be returned to the interior of the cylindrical pot 100.

[0111] For example, steam V condenses on the underside of the second shielding portion 82C, causing condensed water W to adhere to the underside of the second shielding portion 82C. The condensed water W moves along the underside of the second shielding portion 82C toward the end of the second shielding portion 82C, following the slope of the second shielding portion 82C. The condensed water W falls from the end of the second shielding portion 82C. When viewed from above, the end of the second shielding portion 82C in the first direction is positioned inside the cylindrical pot 100. As a result, the condensed water W falls inside the cylindrical pot 100 or on the surface of the first lid portion 210. In other words, some of the condensed water W can be returned to the inside of the cylindrical pot 100.

[0112] Summary (3) According to the embodiment described above, the first shielding portion 81C is arranged at an angle so that the distance between the first shielding portion 81C and the cylindrical barrel 100 becomes smaller toward the second direction. With this configuration, the condensed water W that condenses on the first shielding portion 81C falls from the end of the first shielding portion 81C. When viewed from above, the end of the first shielding portion 81C in the second direction is arranged inside the cylindrical barrel 100. As a result, the condensed water W falls inside the cylindrical barrel 100 or on the surface of the first lid portion 210. In other words, some of the condensed water W can be returned to the inside of the cylindrical barrel 100.

[0113] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the second shielding portion 82C is disposed at an angle so that the distance between the second shielding portion 82C and the cylindrical pot 100 becomes smaller in the first direction. With this configuration, the condensed water W that condenses on the second shielding portion 82C falls from the end of the second shielding portion 82C. As a result, the condensed water W falls onto the outside of the cylindrical pot 100, the inside of the cylindrical pot 100, or the surface of the first lid portion 210.

[0114] Other Embodiments In the present invention, the power unit does not have to be located above the first shielding unit. The connection unit does not have to be located above the second shielding unit. In other words, for example, the power unit and the connection unit may be located above either the first shielding unit or the second shielding unit.

[0115] In the present invention, the shielding plate does not necessarily have to be used in combination with the storage lid, i.e., the shielding plate can be used even when the storage lid is not disposed on the pot.

[0116] Furthermore, in the present invention, the shapes of the recessed portion of the first lid portion and the protruding portion of the second lid portion are not limited to those described above. That is, for example, the first lid portion may be a protruding portion and the second lid portion may be a recessed portion. The recessed portion of the first lid portion and the protruding portion of the second lid portion may have any shape that allows them to fit together.

[0117] Embodiments of the Present Invention Next, embodiments of the present invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below, using the terms and symbols described in the respective embodiments.

[0118] The seasoning liquid temperature control device according to the present invention is a temperature control device (e.g., this device 1) that controls the temperature of seasoning liquid (e.g., soup S) that is stored in a storage tank (e.g., pot 100) and heated, and comprises: a stirrer (e.g., stirrer 6) that stirs the seasoning liquid stored in the storage tank; a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 7) that measures the temperature of the seasoning liquid stored in the storage tank; a holder (e.g., holder 5) that holds the stirrer and the temperature sensor; and a shielding plate (e.g., shielding plate 8) that is arranged above the storage tank and blocks steam (e.g., steam V) of the seasoning liquid, wherein, when viewed from above, the direction from the center toward the outer edge of the storage tank is a first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is a second direction, and the shielding plate comprises: a first shielding portion (e.g., first shielding portion 81) that is arranged on the center side of the storage tank when viewed from above; a second shielding portion (e.g., second shielding portion 82) arranged adjacent to the first shielding portion in the first direction of the first shielding portion; a portion of each of the agitator and the temperature sensor is arranged above the shielding plate; and the first shielding portion is plate-shaped and arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal direction.

[0119] In the liquid seasoning temperature control device according to the present invention, the second shielding portion may be plate-shaped and disposed parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0120] In the seasoning liquid temperature control device of the present invention, the second shielding portion is plate-shaped and arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal direction, and a first inclination angle of the first shielding portion relative to the horizontal direction may be different from a second inclination angle of the second shielding portion relative to the horizontal direction.

[0121] In the liquid seasoning temperature control device according to the present invention, the first shielding portion may be disposed at an angle such that the distance between the first shielding portion and the storage tank becomes smaller toward the first direction.

[0122] In the liquid seasoning temperature control device according to the present invention, the second shielding portion may be disposed at an angle such that a distance between the second shielding portion and the storage tank becomes smaller toward the first direction.

[0123] In the liquid seasoning temperature control device according to the present invention, a first inclination angle of the first shielding portion with respect to the horizontal direction may be larger than a second inclination angle of the second shielding portion with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0124] In the liquid seasoning temperature control device according to the present invention, an end of the second shielding portion in the first direction may be disposed outside the storage tank when viewed from above.

[0125] In the seasoning liquid temperature control device of the present invention, the agitator comprises: a propeller blade (e.g., propeller blade 63) that is immersed in the seasoning liquid and agitates the seasoning liquid; a power unit (e.g., power unit 61) that supplies power to the propeller blade; and a shaft (e.g., shaft 62) that is connected to the propeller blade and the power unit and transmits the power of the power unit to the propeller blade; and the temperature sensor comprises: a sensor unit (e.g., sensor unit 73) that is immersed in the seasoning liquid and measures the temperature of the seasoning liquid; a connection unit (e.g., connection unit 71) held in the holding unit; and a rod (e.g., rod 72) that is connected to the sensor unit and the connection unit and can hold the sensor unit within the seasoning liquid; and the power unit and the connection unit may be positioned above the shielding plate.

[0126] In the liquid seasoning temperature control device according to the present invention, the power unit may be disposed above the first shielding unit, and the connection unit may be disposed above the second shielding unit.

[0127] In the liquid seasoning temperature control device according to the present invention, the first shielding portion may be disposed at an angle such that the distance between the first shielding portion and the storage tank becomes smaller toward the second direction.

[0128] In the liquid seasoning temperature control device according to the present invention, the second shielding portion may be disposed at an angle such that a distance between the second shielding portion and the storage tank becomes smaller toward the first direction.

[0129] In the liquid seasoning temperature control device according to the present invention, the shielding plate may be a curved plate that is convex downward.

[0130] In the liquid seasoning temperature control device according to the present invention, the first shielding portion may be integrally formed with the second shielding portion.

[0131] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Temperature control device 2 Housing 3 Heating section 4 Position adjustment section 5 Holding section 6 Agitator 61 Power section 62 Shaft 63 Propeller blade 7 Temperature sensor 71 Connection section 72 Rod 73 Sensor section 8 Shielding plate 81 First shielding section 82 Second shielding section 100 Cylindrical pot 200 Storage lid S Soup V Steam W Condensed water

Claims

1. A temperature control device for controlling the temperature of a seasoning liquid stored in a storage tank and being heated, comprising: an agitator that agitates the seasoning liquid stored in the storage tank; a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the seasoning liquid stored in the storage tank; a holder that holds the agitator and the temperature sensor; and a shielding plate that is arranged above the storage tank and blocks vapor from the seasoning liquid, wherein, when viewed from above, the direction from the center of the storage tank toward the outer edge is a first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is a second direction, and the shielding plate comprises: a first shielding part that is arranged toward the center of the storage tank when viewed from above; and a second shielding part that is arranged adjacent to the first shielding part in the first direction of the first shielding part, and a portion of each of the agitator and the temperature sensor is arranged above the shielding plate, and the first shielding part is plate-shaped and arranged at an angle to the horizontal.

2. The seasoning liquid temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the second shielding portion is plate-shaped and arranged parallel to the horizontal direction.

3. The seasoning liquid temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the second shielding portion is plate-shaped and arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal direction, and a first angle of inclination of the first shielding portion relative to the horizontal direction is different from a second angle of inclination of the second shielding portion relative to the horizontal direction.

4. A seasoning liquid temperature control device as described in claim 1, wherein the first shielding portion is arranged at an angle so that the distance between the first shielding portion and the storage tank becomes smaller as it approaches the first direction.

5. The seasoning liquid temperature control device according to claim 4, wherein the second shielding portion is arranged at an angle so that the distance between the second shielding portion and the storage tank becomes smaller as it approaches the first direction.

6. A seasoning liquid temperature control device according to claim 5, wherein a first inclination angle of the first shielding portion relative to the horizontal direction is greater than a second inclination angle of the second shielding portion relative to the horizontal direction.

7. The liquid seasoning temperature control device according to claim 6, wherein, when viewed from above, the end of the second shielding portion in the first direction is positioned outside the storage tank.

8. The seasoning liquid temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the agitator comprises: a propeller blade immersed in the seasoning liquid and agitating the seasoning liquid; a power unit that supplies power to the propeller blade; and a shaft connected to the propeller blade and the power unit and transmitting the power of the power unit to the propeller blade; and the temperature sensor comprises: a sensor unit immersed in the seasoning liquid and measuring the temperature of the seasoning liquid; a connection unit held in the holding unit; and a rod connected to the sensor unit and the connection unit and capable of holding the sensor unit within the seasoning liquid; and the power unit and the connection unit are positioned above the shielding plate.

9. The seasoning liquid temperature control device according to claim 8, wherein the power unit is disposed above the first shielding unit, and the connection unit is disposed above the second shielding unit.

10. A seasoning liquid temperature control device as described in claim 1, wherein the first shielding portion is arranged at an angle so that the distance between the first shielding portion and the storage tank becomes smaller as it approaches the second direction.

11. The liquid seasoning temperature control device according to claim 10, wherein the second shielding portion is arranged at an angle such that the distance between the second shielding portion and the storage tank becomes smaller as it approaches the first direction.

12. The temperature control device for seasoning liquid according to claim 1, wherein the shielding plate is a curved plate that is convex downward.

13. The temperature control device for seasoning liquid according to claim 1, wherein the first shielding portion is molded integrally with the second shielding portion.

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