CN223479833U - Dispensing device for flowable solid food product and dispensing system for flowable solid food product - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a dispensing device (1) for a flowable solid food product, the dispensing device (1) comprising a control unit, a dispensing unit (31) and a weighing unit (71) for measuring the weight of a user container filled with a liquid, the control unit calculating an actual amount of flowable solid food product to be dispensed from the age of the user, the tare weight of the user container, the actual weight of the user container, and the ratio of flowable solid food product/liquid and the ratio of flowable solid food product/age, and the dispensing being stopped when the weight of the user container is equal to the sum of the actual weight and the actual amount. The utility model also relates to a dispensing system for flowable solid food products.

Description

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

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to the field of dispensing flowable solid food products, in particular to the field of dispensing milk powder, in particular milk powder for use as infant food (formula for feeding infants).

More particularly, the present utility model relates to dispensing devices for flowable solid food products, and in particular to dispensing devices suitable for achieving metered dispensing of milk powder, such as milk powder used as infant food (formula for feeding infants).

Background

There are many examples of fluent solid foods, such as powders or granules, which require portioning or metering at the time of use. Milk powder is a common example, typically packaged in a bag or can, and the user measures the amount of powder using a spoon. The measured powder is then poured into a bottle or cup.

When high ambient humidity is present, such as when using a container containing hot water, it has been found that the fine nature of milk powder in combination with its hygroscopicity negatively affects the correct metering and the quality of the resulting liquid milk.

International patent application WO2010109225A2 describes a dispensing unit for flowable solid material comprising a moveable trapdoor which closes an aperture of the dispensing unit, wherein a user receptacle enables the trapdoor to be moved from a closed position of the dispensing opening to an open position of the dispensing opening. However, the dispensing unit described therein does have certain drawbacks. In particular, it has been noted that after prolonged use, the crust of the partially hydrated milk powder builds up around the orifice through which the milk powder is discharged into the container where it will mix with the water. This accumulation of crust is clearly highly undesirable as it provides good conditions for bacterial growth and reduces the concentration of the mixed milk. Partially hydrated milk powder residues may constitute a potential health hazard to the child in question, both due to the harboring and nourishing bacteria, and also affect the amount of milk powder placed in the container. Indeed, it is highly desirable to ensure that the formula is as isolated from its surroundings as possible during storage, in order to keep it intact and free from contamination.

In addition, when scooping milk powder from a can or bag into a bottle or cup using a scoop, it is often difficult to not spill some milk powder. Furthermore, it is difficult to measure the exact amount of milk powder required to prepare infant milk, and thus the amount of material actually making up the associated spoon may vary considerably. This is not important in many cases, but in the specific field of formulas for feeding infants, it is undesirable because it is desirable to prepare liquid formulas of exactly the same concentration for children on a regular basis, rather than for each feeding. This is particularly true when the dispensing operation needs to be performed at night or in difficult situations, as lack of manual coordination may result in spillage and thus a decrease in the concentration of the formula.

Although a measuring spoon is usually provided in a formula can, the use of the measuring spoon is troublesome due to the nature of the powder material itself. The ingredients of the formula differ, which is related to the age of the child, and therefore different forms of measuring spoon are required to meet the dose accuracy. Indeed, it is highly desirable to ensure that the milk powder formula is metered as accurately as possible depending on the ingredients of the formula used. Furthermore, another disadvantage of using a measuring spoon is related to hygiene, in particular the possibility of contaminating the formula, since the user operates the measuring spoon by hand and the measuring spoon is put back into the milk powder container and brought into contact with the formula.

Automatic metering devices are known, the purpose of which is to ensure correct metering instead of using a measuring spoon. In this respect, european patent application EP1615004A1 describes a powder measuring device comprising a valve device provided with a chamber for containing a predetermined volume of powder, wherein the volume of the chamber is adjustable to vary the amount of powder to be metered. Nevertheless, the quantity to be metered is fixed and is influenced by the predetermined volumetric position of the chamber. The powder measuring device described therein may also comprise weighing means for weighing the measured powder into the user container and connected to the valve means, the accuracy of the dose being affected in any case by the accuracy of the valve means.

Disclosure of utility model

The object of the present utility model is to provide a dispensing device for flowable solid food products which allows to overcome the above drawbacks to the maximum.

In particular, it is an object of the present utility model to provide a dispensing device for a formula which is capable of dispensing in an accurate manner while maintaining high hygiene and preservation standards.

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

-a reservoir capable of storing a flowable solid food product or supporting a canister containing a flowable solid food product;

-a support tray for user containers;

-a dispensing unit operatively connected to the reservoir and having a dispensing opening to dispense the flowable solid foodstuff into the user container;

-a control unit operatively connected to the dispensing unit for controlling the dispensing and portioning of the flowable solid food product into the user-receptacle;

Wherein the dispensing device further comprises a weighing unit operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to measure the weight of the liquid-filled user-container at the support tray,

Wherein the control unit is configured to store the profiles of a plurality of users by associating respective ages to define predetermined user profiles, and store the profiles of a plurality of user containers by associating respective tares to define predetermined user container profiles, and

Wherein the control unit is configured to activate the dispensing unit to dispense a desired amount of flowable solid food product into the user-container and to deactivate the dispensing unit when the weight of the user-container is equal to the sum of the actual weight of the user-container and the desired amount, wherein the desired amount is calculated from the age in one of the predetermined user profiles associated with one user, from the tare in one of the predetermined user-container profiles associated with one user-container, from the actual weight of the user-container, and from the ratio of flowable solid food product/liquid and the ratio of flowable solid food product/age.

By using a weighing unit, dispensing operations for multiple users, multiple user containers and different types of flowable solid food products can be automatically performed and doses can be defined with high accuracy.

In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises a reading unit capable of reading the data code of the flowable solid food can,

Wherein the reading unit is operatively connected to the control unit, and

Wherein the control unit is configured to identify the type of flowable solid food product to be dispensed by extracting type data of the flowable solid food product from a data code, the data code being capable of defining a ratio of flowable solid food product/liquid and a ratio of flowable solid food product/age.

By identifying the type of flowable solid food product with the data code, it is made possible to use a plurality of cans containing flowable solid food products of different composition or characteristics, i.e. the type of flowable solid food product to be dispensed can be identified and used to calculate the actual amount of flowable solid food product to be dispensed.

In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises a temperature sensing unit operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to detect a sensed temperature related to the temperature at the dispensing opening or the temperature of the user-container or the temperature of the contents of the user-container, and

Wherein the control unit activates the dispensing unit only if the sensed temperature is below or equal to a predetermined dispensing value.

By detecting a sensed temperature at the dispensing port or of the user-receptacle or of the contents of the user-receptacle, it is possible to better control that the flowable solid food product is dispensed only when a predetermined temperature or temperature range is detected. This in turn allows the flowable solid food product to be dispensed when the contents of the user-container are at the correct temperature, such as at a temperature at which the properties of the dispensed flowable solid food product are maintained when mixed, which is particularly important for infant milk powder. Furthermore, by detecting a sensed temperature of the contents of the user-receptacle or of the user-receptacle at the dispensing opening, flowable solid food product can be dispensed while the contents of the user-receptacle are at a temperature that prevents steam or moisture from entering the dispensing unit. In addition, measuring and displaying the sensed temperature facilitates the preparation of the user's container, i.e., the baby bottle, while enhancing the safety of the user (baby) from being scalded by overheated water.

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

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

In one embodiment, the dispensing opening is movable relative to the support tray from a closed position in which dispensing of the flowable solid food product is prevented to an open position in which dispensing of the flowable solid food product is permitted, or vice versa, and

Wherein the control unit initiates movement of the dispensing opening to the open position only if the sensed temperature is below a predetermined dispensing value.

Closing of the dispensing opening may directly prevent steam or moisture from entering the dispensing unit. In particular, the dispensing opening may be in different positions relative to the fixed support tray such that, when in the closed position, the dispensing opening is moved away from a vertical virtual line corresponding to the position of the spout of the user-container.

In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises one or more fan units operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to displace air and/or steam at the dispensing opening, and

Wherein the control unit activates the fan unit only when the sensed temperature is above a predetermined assigned value.

The air displacement enables hot air and/or steam to be expelled from the dispensing opening. The fan unit may also be used to cool the temperature of the contents of the user container or of the user container at the dispensing opening.

In one embodiment, the dispensing device comprises two fan units, wherein a first fan unit is arranged at the dispensing opening to displace air and/or steam by blowing air towards the dispensing opening.

In this way, any steam or moisture may be deflected, whether the dispensing port is open or closed, thereby avoiding contact of the steam or moisture with the dispensing port.

In one embodiment, the second fan unit is arranged at a distance from the dispensing opening to displace air and/or steam by blowing air towards the dispensing opening.

In this way, any steam or moisture may be deflected by changing the air path whenever the dispensing port is open or closed, thereby avoiding contact of the steam or moisture with the dispensing port. This can be achieved simply by positioning the fan unit to blow air off the dispensing opening, or by creating an air channel through which the fan unit blows air.

In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises an air channel having an outlet end for air and/or steam arranged at or above the dispensing opening, and

Wherein the second fan unit is arranged above the dispensing opening, thereby defining an inlet end of the air channel.

This arrangement can draw air from the dispensing opening out of the user-receptacle.

In another aspect, the above object is achieved by a dispensing system for flowable solid food products comprising a dispensing device for flowable solid food products according to the utility model, and a plurality of cans containing flowable solid food products of different composition or characteristics.

The foregoing dispensing system allows the use of multiple cans containing flowable solid food products of different compositions or characteristics while maintaining accurate metering and high preservation standards.

Drawings

These and other features and advantages of the present utility model will become apparent from the disclosure of the preferred embodiment, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan elevation view of a flowable solid food product dispensing device in accordance with the present utility model;

fig. 2 is a side plan cross-sectional view of the dispensing device of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 (plan elevation) and fig. 2 (side plan cross-sectional view) show a preferred embodiment of a dispensing device 1 for flowable solid food products.

In the present utility model, the term "flowable solid food product" refers to any type of edible product having a solid state, such as a powder or granules, which is particularly useful for beverage products.

More particularly, the dispensing device according to the utility model is suitable for achieving metered dispensing of milk powder. However, there are many examples of flowable solid foods, powders or granules that require portioning or metering at the time of use, and the dispensing device of the present utility model may be used for such purposes.

The dispensing device 1 for flowable solid food products comprises a reservoir 11, the reservoir 11 being able to support a canister (not shown) containing flowable solid food products, such as formula milk powder. In this respect, the reservoir 11 defines a containing space 111, as shown in the cross-section of fig. 2, and is capable of storing the canister substantially entirely inside, defining a support or cover for the canister.

The dispensing unit 31 is another part of the dispensing device 1, which is operatively connectable to the reservoir 11. The reservoir 11 can thus support the canister in such a way that the flowable solid food product can be directed to the dispensing unit 31, as explained in further detail below.

The dispensing unit 31 has a dispensing opening 131 for dispensing the flowable solid food product into a user-receptacle (not shown). The shape of the dispensing opening 131 is such that it allows a desired amount of flowable food product to be dispensed without spilling compared to the size of the opening of the user container. Preferably, this shape has substantially parallel sides (or flares outward) and the main axis is substantially vertical, so that there is no surface on which the flowable solid food product can easily rest or accumulate. There is no residue that allows the material to absorb any atmospheric moisture or vapor from the user's container. In a particularly preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1-2, the dispensing opening 131 is a tube having a substantially oval cross-section and parallel sides. According to different embodiments (not shown), different shapes may be used.

The support of the user-receptacle is provided by a support tray 21 of the dispensing device 1, the support tray 21 preferably being stationary. The support surface 121 of the support tray 21 allows the user to erect the container, particularly aligning the opening or spout with the dispensing opening 131 along a vertical virtual line (denoted "a" in fig. 2), at least when allowing the flowable solid food product to be dispensed. For better positioning, the bearing surface 121 may be provided with a recessed area to facilitate identifying the aligned position and firmly holding the user-receptacle in a position such that the dispensing opening 131 is located vertically above the opening of the user-receptacle, at least in the dispensing position.

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

The dispensing unit 31 comprises an elongated cylindrical tube having a length greater than the diameter and defining a delivery path from the reservoir 11 to the dispensing opening 131. In particular, the upper part of the elongated cylindrical tube is provided with a funnel-shaped neck 431 defining a large opening passage for guiding the flowable solid food product from the reservoir 11, while the lower part of the same elongated cylindrical tube is provided with a smaller opening integrated with a dispensing opening 131 for guiding the flowable solid food product to the user-receptacle, both communicating with the conveying passage 331.

The reservoir 11 can thus be connected to the dispensing unit 31 via a funnel-shaped neck 431, the neck 431 allowing a matching connection to be defined between them and being provided with an end abutting the conveying passage 331 for guiding the flowable solid food product.

The dispensing mechanism drives the flowable solid food from the reservoir 11 to the user-receptacle via a circulating metering screw 331' and a dispensing wheel 431', the metering screw 331' being arranged inside the conveying path 331 to push the flowable solid food towards the dispensing opening 131, the dispensing wheel 431' being incorporated in the funnel-shaped neck 431 to avoid bridging or agglomeration of the powder and to allow dispensing of the flowable solid food to the metering screw 331'.

According to this preferred embodiment, the dispensing device 1 further comprises a driving source 531 located outside the dispensing unit 31, which driving source 531 is detachably connected to the metering screw 331', and thus can be selectively connected to the metering screw 331' or detached from the metering screw 331 '. The driving source 531 is configured to rotate the metering screw 331' about an axis that is a center line of the conveying path 331.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the drive source 531 comprises a rotating shaft provided with a projection into which the metering screw 331 'can be inserted, the metering screw 331' being provided with a recess shaped to mate with the rotating shaft projection. The magnetic element may be mounted onto the rotating shaft protrusion and into the metering screw recess. As can be seen in fig. 2, the drive source 531 is eccentrically connected to the dispensing unit 31 and further to the metering screw 331', wherein the drive source 531 is located outside the dispensing unit 31. In particular, in the present embodiment, the driving source 531 is fixed with respect to the dispensing unit 31, which is detachable from the rest of the dispensing apparatus 1.

The drive source 531 may also be provided with a motor, control electronics, and a battery compartment if the dispensing device is to be operated by an internal power source. If the dispensing device is to be operated by a mains power supply, a preferred arrangement is to use a plug/transformer unit which plugs into a socket and is connected to a power input socket on the dispensing device via a suitable flexible wire and plug.

Thus, the dispensing unit 31 can be removed from the rest of the dispensing device 1 as a single component, so that all components in contact with the flowable solid food product, such as the metering screw 331 'and the dispensing wheel 431', can be better maintained and cleaned.

A control unit (not shown) is operatively connected to the dispensing unit 31 to control the dispensing and portioning of the flowable solid food product into the user-receptacle. In particular, the control unit is able to activate the dispensing mechanism in such a way that the flowable solid food product is preferably dispensed in the required amount upon receipt of a request.

In order to ensure the metering accuracy of the flowable solid food product, in the present embodiment the dispensing device 1 further comprises a weighing unit 71 operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to measure the weight of the user-container containing liquid at the support tray 21.

The control unit is capable of storing profiles of a plurality of users by associating respective ages to define predetermined user profiles, and storing profiles of a plurality of user containers by associating respective tares to define predetermined user container profiles. Furthermore, the control unit is able to calculate the actual amount of flowable solid food to be dispensed into the user-container based on the age in the selected predetermined user-profile, based on the tare in the selected predetermined user-container profile, based on the actual weight of the user-container, and based on these ratios of flowable solid food/liquid and flowable solid food/age. Finally, the control unit is able to activate the dispensing unit 31 to dispense the actual amount of flowable solid food product into the user-container and to stop the dispensing unit 31 when the weight of the user-container is equal to the sum of the actual weight and the actual amount.

Thus, by using the weighing unit 71, an automated dispensing operation between multiple users, multiple user containers and different types of flowable solid food products can be achieved, and doses can be defined with high accuracy.

In particular, the two ratios of flowable solid food/liquid ("liquid" refers to the liquid contained in the user container) and flowable solid food/age ("age" refers to the age in the selected user profile) depend on the type of flowable solid food to be dispensed. This is particularly important for dispensing of a formula, where the amount dispensed is dependent on the liquid in the user's container to define the appropriate powder volume to put into, which allows the powder to dissolve properly. In addition, the amount dispensed is more dependent on the age of the user (or infant) to ensure that the liquid formula prepared contains sufficient nutrients for the age of the user, depending on the type of flowable solid food to be consumed, and lack of nutrition can lead to reduced physical strength of the user.

In this regard, the control unit may be electrically connected to the driving source 531, and a storage unit for storing data is provided inside. The weighing unit 71 may also be electrically connected to the control unit and used to measure the weight of the flowable solid food product fed into the user container, as will be described in more detail below.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the dispensing device 1 comprises a reading unit 81 capable of reading a data code of the flowable solid food jar. Preferably, the data code contains the type of flowable solid food product contained and instructions to be metered using the metering device, for example the amount of flowable solid food product dispensed according to the water content in the user's container (flowable solid food/liquid ratio) and the amount of flowable solid food product dispensed according to the user's age (flowable solid food/age ratio).

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

By identifying the type of flowable solid food product with the data code, it is possible to allow the use of a plurality of cans containing flowable solid food products of different compositions or characteristics, i.e. the type of flowable solid food product to be dispensed can be identified and used to calculate the actual amount of flowable solid food product to be dispensed.

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

It is known that, when used in flowable solid food products, in particular formula milk powder, the crust of the partially hydrated solid food product (or milk powder) tends to accumulate around the dispensing opening 131 through which the flowable solid food product is discharged from the dispensing unit 31, and on the inner wall of the same dispensing unit 31 which directs the flowable solid food product into the user container in which it is to be mixed with water, after prolonged use, due to the fine nature of the flowable solid food product in combination with its hygroscopicity. This build-up of crust is clearly highly undesirable as it provides good conditions for bacterial growth and can reduce the concentration of flowable solid food products such as the characteristics of a formula.

It has been found that the temperature of the contents of the user-container, such as water to be mixed with the flowable solid food product, affects the build-up of crust and the characteristics of the flowable solid food product, such as the concentration of the formula. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the dispensing device 1 further comprises a temperature sensing unit 41, which is operatively connected to the control unit. Therefore, the control unit activates the dispensing unit 31 only if the sensed temperature is lower than or equal to a predetermined dispensing value. According to other embodiments (not shown), the temperature sensing unit 41 may not be provided.

According to the present embodiment, the temperature sensing unit 41 is arranged to detect a sensed temperature related to the temperature of the content of the user container, such as water to be used for mixing with the flowable solid food product to be dispensed. Considering the embodiment in which the flowable solid food product to be dispensed is a formula, the water in the user-container should be at a temperature of about 45 ℃ or less in order to maintain its characteristics. Thus, as an example, the predetermined assigned value may be set to another value of 45 ℃ or less. In the same manner, the predetermined distribution value may be set to a range with an upper limit value of 45 ℃, for example, a range of 45 ℃ to 35 ℃.

By detecting a sensed temperature of the contents of the user-receptacle, it is better controlled that flowable solid food product is dispensed only when a predetermined temperature or temperature range is detected. This in turn allows the flowable solid food product to be dispensed when the contents of the user-container are at the correct temperature, such as at a temperature at which the properties of the dispensed flowable solid food product are maintained when mixed, which is particularly important for the formula as described above. Furthermore, by detecting a sensed temperature of the contents of the user-receptacle, flowable solid food products can be dispensed while the contents of the user-receptacle are at a temperature that prevents steam or moisture from entering the dispensing unit, thereby avoiding the build-up of crust.

As shown, the temperature sensing unit 41 is arranged at the same height of the dispensing opening 131, in particular beside it, so as to also be aligned with the user container, but a different arrangement may be used for sensing the temperature at a certain portion or at different portions. In this regard, according to other embodiments not shown, the same temperature sensing unit or a further temperature sensing unit may be used to detect a sensed temperature related to the temperature at the dispensing opening or the user-receptacle.

The same functionality as already described can be achieved by detecting the sensed temperature at the dispensing opening or at the user-receptacle when the sensed temperature is related to the content of the user-receptacle.

Preferably, the temperature sensing unit 41 as shown comprises an infrared temperature sensor, which allows to detect the sensed temperature in a reliable manner without physical contact.

To better manage any steam coming out of the user's container, in this embodiment the dispensing opening 131 is movable relative to the support tray 21, while according to other embodiments (not shown) it may be stationary. In particular, the dispensing opening 131 is movable between a closed position (better shown in the cross-sectional view of fig. 2) in which the dispensing of the flowable solid foodstuff is blocked, and an open position in which the dispensing of the flowable solid foodstuff is allowed. The open or closed position of the dispensing opening 131 is managed by a control unit which initiates movement of the dispensing opening 131 to the open position only when the sensed temperature is below the predetermined dispensing value (or within a predetermined dispensing range) described above. In particular, the drive source 531 may further comprise a drive means for positioning the dispensing opening 131, such as a further motor connected to a spur gear (LINEAR GEAR) mechanically connected to the dispensing opening 131. Thus, the drive source 531 is used to rotate the pinion of the gear wheel about an axis, which in turn operates the rack of the gear wheel to move the dispensing opening 131 one quarter way back (in a linear direction).

Closing of the dispensing opening 131 may directly prevent steam or moisture from entering the dispensing unit 31. In particular, the dispensing opening 131 may be in different positions with respect to the fixed support tray 21, such that when in the closed position, the dispensing opening 131 moves away from a vertical virtual line a corresponding to the virtual position of the nozzle or orifice of the user-receptacle.

Thus, the dispensing opening 131 is normally maintained in a closed position to avoid any steam or moisture from entering the dispensing unit 31. In the present embodiment, the closing of the dispensing opening 131 is further defined by a partition/bulkhead (bulkhead) 231, the partition 231 being arranged inside the dispensing unit 31, between the dispensing opening 131 and the metering screw 331'. Thus, when the dispensing port 131 is disposed in the closed position, the partition 231 defines a barrier, and when the dispensing port 131 is disposed in the open position, it allows the access port to be defined at the end of the metering screw 331'.

Furthermore, in order to better manage any steam coming out of the user container, in the present embodiment the dispensing device 1 further comprises one or more fan units 51, 61, the fan units 51, 61 being operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to handle the air and/or steam at the dispensing opening 131, while according to other embodiments (not shown) no fan units may be provided. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the dispensing device is provided with two fan units 51, 61, wherein one fan unit 51 (first fan unit) is arranged at the dispensing opening 131 for displacing air and/or steam by blowing air towards the dispensing opening 131, and the other fan unit 61 (second fan unit) is arranged at a distance from the dispensing opening 131 for displacing air and/or steam also by blowing air towards the dispensing opening 131.

Thus, the first fan unit 51 allows any steam or moisture to deviate from contact with the dispensing opening 131, either when open or when closed. The second fan unit 61 allows any steam or moisture to deviate by changing the air path so as to avoid contact with the dispensing opening 131, both when opened and when closed. This may be achieved by merely positioning the fan unit 61 to draw air at the dispensing port 131 or creating an air channel through which the fan unit 61 may blow air. It has to be noted that the fan units 51, 61 are deactivated by the control unit during dispensing to prevent the fan units 51, 61 from blowing the dispensed solid flowable food product.

In this respect, the dispensing device 1 further comprises an air channel 161, the air channel 161 having an outlet end 161' for air and/or steam arranged above the dispensing opening 131, and an inlet end 161 "defined by a (second) fan unit 61 also arranged above the dispensing opening 131. This arrangement allows air to be drawn from the dispensing port 131 out of the user-receptacle, as indicated by arrow "C". The air passage 161 may also be closed or reduced when the dispensing opening 131 is in the dispensing position and thus when it is not necessary to activate the fan units 51, 61.

According to a further embodiment, not shown, the dispensing device may be equipped with only one of the two fan units, or be arranged in a different position, or may be equipped with more than the two fan units. Furthermore, an inlet end for air and/or steam may be arranged at the dispensing opening.

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

The same fan units 61, 71 may also be utilized to cool the temperature of the contents of the user or user container at the dispensing port 131.

Finally, in the preferred embodiment, the dispensing device 1 further comprises a user interface, indicated with numeral 91 in fig. 1. Such a user interface may comprise a user dial or touch screen in order to allow the user to select among a plurality of options and/or on the screen to display the actual status of the dispensing device 1 to the user and to assist the user during manipulation of the user dial. The user interface may also be replaced (in whole or in part) by or integrated with an external device, such as a user's personal electronic device in the form of a smart phone, smart watch, tablet, or the like.

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

According to another embodiment, not shown, the reservoir is capable of storing flowable solid food products, directly defining a container for flowable solid food products. In this regard, the receiving space of the reservoir may store flowable solid food products, such as formula milk powder, without the use of other containers or primary packages.

The dosing of the flowable solid food will remain unchanged, while the data code relating to the flowable solid food to be used can be retrieved.

The dispensing device 1 is thus able to dispense flowable solid food products, in particular formula milk, in an accurate manner while maintaining a high preservation standard.

Prior to the dispensing phase, the dispensing device 1 may preferably be set up according to the required user profile and the user containers associated with each user profile. Thus, the dispensing device 1 should require setting the name and age of each user, such as each baby to be fed with flowable solid food to be dispensed, to define each user profile. The data entry of the user profile may be achieved by means of the user interface 91 of the dispensing device 1 as described above.

The control unit is capable of storing a plurality of user profiles. In this respect, the process of adding user profiles may follow the steps that the dispensing device 1 (i.e. via the control unit) may require the user to input the name of the user profile, the user may manually input the name (i.e. via the user interface 91), the dispensing device 1 may require the user to input the age in the same user profile, the user may manually input the age.

The control unit is further capable of storing profiles of a plurality of user containers for each user profile. In this respect, the process of adding user-container material may follow the steps that the dispensing device 1 (i.e. via the control unit) may require the user to weigh the user-container to be associated with the user-material, the user may manually place an empty user-container on the support tray 21 below the dispensing opening 131 (preferably in a recessed area of the support surface 121), the dispensing device 1 may weigh the user-container to detect and store its tare (thanks to the connection between the weighing unit 71 and the control unit), the dispensing device 1 may require the user to input the name of the user-container, the user may manually input the name (i.e. via the user interface 91), and the dispensing device 1 (via the control unit) may store and associate the user-container material just created with the user-material created previously. The dispensing device 1 may also require the user to provide more user containers in order to store and associate multiple user containers with the same user profile, so that the same operations described for the first user container profile may be repeated as many times as desired.

More user profiles may also be stored by repeating the same operations described above for the setting of the first user profile.

In actual use of the dispensing device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, a user container, such as a bottle or cup, may first be placed on the support tray 21 below the dispensing opening 131, preferably in a recessed area of the support surface 121, if any. By being positioned on the support tray 21, it is possible to allow simultaneous placement of the user containers on the weighing cells 71 to detect weight.

The dispensing device 1 may require the user to select one of the stored user profiles and to select one of the stored user container profiles to be filled with the flowable solid food product. The positioning of the user container may be performed after or before the selection of the relevant user profile and the user container profile.

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

The temperature sensing unit 41 also starts to detect a sensed temperature related to the temperature of the content of the user-container, e.g. water to be used for mixing with the flowable solid food product to be dispensed. This activity may be initiated upon detecting the presence of a user container above the support tray 21 or after calculating the amount of flowable solid food to be dispensed. Considering the embodiment where the flowable solid food product to be dispensed is a formula, the water in the user's container should be at a temperature of about 45 ℃ or less in order to maintain its characteristics. Thus, as an example, the predetermined assigned value may be set to 45 ℃ or other lower value. In the same manner, the predetermined distribution value may be set to a range with an upper limit value of 45 ℃, for example, a range of 45 ℃ to 35 ℃.

The fan units 51, 61 may also be activated if desired to remove any steam around the dispensing opening 131, as already described.

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

Thereafter, the control unit activates the drive source 531 such that the drive source 531 can rotate the metering screw 331', which in turn rotates the dispensing wheel 431', so that the flowable solid food product from the reservoir 11 can pass through the funnel-shaped neck 431 and then be moved in the conveying path 331 towards the dispensing opening 131. The transfer passage 331, which is normally in a closed position, is moved to an open position under the control of the control unit as described above, allowing the flowable solid food product to be dispensed.

At this time, the weighing unit 71 immediately generates measured weight data and transmits it to the control unit, which compares the measured weight data with preset weight data. If the comparison shows that the measured weight data is not the same as the preset weight data, the driving source 531 will continue to drive the metering screw 331' to rotate and move the flowable solid food product toward the dispensing port 131. On the other hand, if the measured weight data is the same as the preset weight data, the control unit will instruct the driving source 531 to stop operation so that the flowable solid food product is no longer moved toward the dispensing port 131 and falls into the user container.

At this time, the dispensing device 1 may check the amount of flowable solid food product remaining in the can or in the reservoir 11 by using the control unit and/or may store the remaining amount together with the actual dispensed amount. Historical dispensing data for a single can of flowable solid food product can help determine the amount of flowable solid food product remaining, as well as help further control the correct amount to be dispensed in subsequent operations. The data, i.e. the amount of remaining flowable solid food product, may be communicated to the user via the user interface 91.

The user may request other semi-manual or manual operations (not described in further detail) via the user interface 91.

While the utility model has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it should be understood that the utility model as claimed is not in any way limited to these illustrated embodiments.

In another aspect, the utility model also relates to a dispensing system (not fully shown) for flowable solid food products. The dispensing system comprises a dispensing device for flowable solid food products according to the utility model, such as the dispensing device 1 of the preferred embodiment shown, and a plurality of cans containing flowable solid food products of different composition or character. The foregoing dispensing system allows the use of multiple cans containing flowable solid foods of different compositions or characteristics while maintaining accurate metering and high preservation standards.

In a preferred embodiment, each tank of the dispensing system is provided with a data code comprising the type of flowable solid food product contained and instructions to be metered using a metering device, such as the amount of flowable solid food product (flowable solid food/water ratio) dispensed according to the water content in the user container. The dispensing device of the dispensing system thus comprises a reading unit capable of reading the data code of the flowable solid food jar as described above for the preferred embodiment.

Numerous variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the utility model as defined in the claims. Furthermore, if there are known equivalents to the particular feature, those equivalent features are also incorporated in this specification as if specifically set forth in this specification.

The words "comprise", "comprising" and the like used in this specification are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including but not limited to".

List of reference numerals:

1 dispensing device

11. Reservoir

111. Accommodation space

21. Support tray

121 Bearing surface

31. Dispensing unit

131. Dispensing opening

231. Partition board

331. Conveying passage

331' Dispensing screw

431 Funnel-shaped neck

431' Dispensing wheel

531. Driving source

41 Temperature sensing unit

51,61 Fan Unit

161 Air passage

161' Outlet end

161 "Inlet end

71. Weighing unit

81. Reading unit

91. User interface

Claims (10)

1. Dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food products, characterized in that the dispensing device (1) comprises:

-a reservoir (11), the reservoir (11) being capable of storing the flowable solid food product or supporting a can containing the flowable solid food product;

-a support tray (21) for user containers;

-a dispensing unit (31), the dispensing unit (31) being operatively connectable to the reservoir (11) and having a dispensing opening (131) to dispense the flowable solid food product into the user-receptacle;

-a control unit operatively connected to the dispensing unit (31) for controlling the dispensing and portioning of the flowable solid food product into the user-receptacle;

Wherein the dispensing device (1) further comprises a weighing unit (71), the weighing unit (71) being operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to measure the weight of the user-container filled with liquid at the support tray (21),

Wherein the control unit is configured to store the profiles of a plurality of users by associating respective ages to define predetermined user profiles, and store the profiles of a plurality of user containers by associating respective tares to define predetermined user container profiles, and

Wherein the control unit is configured to activate the dispensing unit (31) to dispense a desired amount of the flowable solid foodstuff into the user-container and to deactivate the dispensing unit (31) when the weight of the user-container is equal to the sum of the actual weight of the user-container and the desired amount calculated from the age in one of the predetermined user profiles associated with one user, from the tare in one of the predetermined user-container profiles associated with one user-container, from the actual weight of the user-container, and from the ratio of flowable solid foodstuff/liquid and the ratio of flowable solid foodstuff/age.

2. Dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food products according to claim 1, characterized in that the dispensing device (1) further comprises a reading unit (81), the reading unit (81) being able to read the data code of the tank of flowable solid food product,

Wherein the reading unit (81) is operatively connected to the control unit, and

Wherein the control unit is configured to identify the type of the flowable solid food product to be dispensed by extracting the type data of the flowable solid food product from the data code, the data code being capable of defining a flowable solid food product/liquid ratio and a flowable solid food product/age ratio.

3. Dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food products according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dispensing device (1) further comprises a temperature sensing unit (41), the temperature sensing unit (41) being operatively connected to the control unit and being arranged to detect a sensed temperature related to the temperature at the dispensing opening (131) or the temperature of the user-container or the temperature of the content of the user-container, and

Wherein the control unit activates the dispensing unit (31) only if the sensed temperature is lower than or equal to a predetermined dispensing value.

4. A dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food products according to claim 3, characterized in that the temperature sensing unit (41) comprises an infrared temperature sensor.

5. A dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food products according to claim 3, characterized in that the dispensing opening (131) is movable with respect to the supporting tray (21) from a closed position, in which the dispensing of the flowable solid food product is blocked, to an open position, in which the dispensing of the flowable solid food product is allowed, or vice versa, and

Wherein the control unit initiates movement of the dispensing opening (131) to the open position only if the sensed temperature is below the predetermined dispensing value.

6. A dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food products according to claim 3, characterized in that the dispensing device (1) further comprises one or more fan units operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to displace air and/or steam at the dispensing opening (131), and

Wherein the control unit activates the fan unit only when the sensed temperature is above the predetermined assigned value.

7. Dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food products according to claim 6, characterized in that the dispensing device (1) comprises two fan units, wherein a first fan unit (51) is arranged at the dispensing opening (131) in order to displace air and/or steam by blowing air towards the dispensing opening (131).

8. Dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food products according to claim 7, characterized in that a second fan unit (61) is arranged at a distance from the dispensing opening (131) in order to displace air and/or steam by blowing air towards the dispensing opening (131).

9. Dispensing device (1) for flowable solid food products according to claim 8, characterized in that the dispensing device (1) further comprises an air channel (161), the air channel (161) having an outlet end (161 ') for the air and/or steam, the outlet end (161') being arranged at or above the dispensing opening (131), and

Wherein the second fan unit (61) is arranged above the distribution opening (131) so as to define an inlet end (161') of the air channel (161).

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