BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a heating device for a drinkable liquid. More particularly, the present invention relates to a heating device utilizing a heat-storage module that stores heat energy for increasing temperature of a drinkable liquid in a short period of time.
2. Description of Related Art
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional heating device for a drinkable liquid. The heating device comprises a housing 81 and a heater unit 82. The housing 81 is preferably made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel. The housing 81 receives a drinkable liquid. The heater unit 82 is mounted around the housing 81 for heating the housing 81.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the housing 81 includes an inlet 811, an outlet 812, and a vent 813. The inlet 811 is defined in a higher portion of the housing 81 and in communication with a tank (not shown) in which a drinkable liquid is stored. The drinkable liquid is guided via the inlet 811 into the housing 81. The outlet 812 is defined in a lower portion of the housing 81 for discharging heated liquid. The vent 813 is located adjacent to the inlet 811 for exhausting gas and for maintaining gas pressure in the housing 81. In use, drinkable liquid is filled from the tank into the housing 81 via the inlet 811 and the heater unit 82 is then activated to heat the housing 81 for increasing the temperature of the drinkable liquid. And the heated drinkable liquid exits via the outlet 812.
However, when the drinkable liquid in the housing 81 is heated to a boiling state, the drinkable liquid absorbs a large amount of heat energy and vaporizes. The vapor exits the housing 81 via the vent 813, leading to a waste in the heat energy. Further, it is difficult to maintain the drinkable liquid in the housing 81 at a high-temperature state, as the drinkable liquid in the vapor phase carries away a large amount of heat energy. Hence, the heater unit 82 must repeatedly heat the housing 81 for maintaining the temperature of the drinkable liquid, resulting in repeated boiling of the drinkable liquid and waste of tremendous energy.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional drinkable water supply device disclosed in, e.g., Taiwan Utility Model No. M282132. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the drinkable water supply device comprises a storage tank 91, a heating tank 92, a controller 93, and a outlet 94. The storage tank 91 is in communication with the heating tank 92 via piping on which a water pump (not labeled) is mounted. The heating tank 92 is preferably made of a material with high conductivity such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc. The heating tank 92 includes a heater (not labeled) for increasing the temperature of the heating tank 92. The controller 93 controls activation of the heater. The water outlet 94 is in communication with the heating tank 92 via piping and the heated drinkable liquid flows to the outlet 94.
When in use, the outlet 94 is opened to activate the controller 93, which, in turn, turns on the pump for conveying the drinkable liquid in the storage tank 91 into the heating tank 92 via the piping. Meanwhile, the controller 93 activates the heater to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating tank 92 in a short period of time. The drinkable liquid flows through the piping and the heating tank 92 to the outlet 94. The piping inside the heating tank 92 is helical and thus forms a relatively long path for heat-exchange, thereby enhancing the heat exchange efficiency between the drinkable liquid and the heating tank 92.
However, the heating device momentarily heats the heating tank 92 with a high power to increase the temperature of the heating tank 92 in a short period of time. This high power might cause momentary overload of electricity, leading to limitation on use as well as danger. Further, it is difficult to control the rise of the heating tank 92 from a normal temperature to a high temperature.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a heating device that utilizes a heat-storage module for storing heat energy and maintaining temperature. Thus, a drinkable liquid can be rapidly heated to the predetermined temperature for drinking while reducing waste of energy.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a heating device that utilizes at least one temperature sensor and a control valve. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heat-storage module to control opening/closing of the control valve, assuring the drinkable liquid is output at the predetermined temperature, thereby improving quality and hygiene.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A heating device for a drinkable liquid in accordance with the present invention comprises a pipe adapted to be connected to a liquid-storage unit, a heat-storage module including at least one heater unit for increasing temperature of the heat-storage module, the pipe winding in the heat-storage module, a control valve mounted on the pipe and between the liquid-storage unit and the heat-storage module for controlling flow of the drinkable liquid in the liquid-storage unit to the heat-storage module, a liquid outlet on an end of the pipe, and a control unit including a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat-storage module, the first temperature sensor being electrically connected to the control valve.
The first temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heat-storage module to control operation of the heater unit for maintaining the temperature of the heat-storage module not lower than a predetermined temperature. The control unit is operable to control opening of the control valve to allow the drinkable liquid in the liquid-storage unit to flow through the heat-storage module along the pipe for heat exchange, allowing the temperature of the drinkable liquid to reach the predetermined temperature in a short period of time.
Preferably, the heat-storage module includes a first portion for receiving the heater unit and for storing heat energy generated by the heater unit.
Preferably, the heat-storage module further includes a second portion adjacent to the first portion, and the pipe winds along the second portion.
Preferably, the heat-storage module includes at least one heat-resistant groove between the first portion and the second portion for regulating heat transfer between the first portion and the second portion.
The heater unit may be a thermoelectric chip achieving Peltier effect or a heat pipe.
The liquid-storage unit may be a container or a pipe of a filter.
Preferably, a second temperature sensor is mounted to the second portion of the heat-storage module and electrically connected to the control unit.
Preferably, the control unit further includes a level sensor mounted in the liquid-storage unit for detecting a remaining amount of drinkable liquid in the liquid-storage unit.
Preferably, a control member is provided for controlling opening and closing of the liquid outlet. The control member is electrically connected to the control unit to control opening and closing of the control valve.
Preferably, when the temperature of the first portion of the heat-storage module detected by the first temperature sensor is below a lower limit, the control unit activates the heater unit to proceed with heating and closes the control valve, avoiding the drinkable liquid to enter the heat-storage module via the pipe.
Preferably, when the temperature of the second portion of the heat-storage module detected by the second temperature sensor is below a lower limit, the control unit activates the heater unit to proceed with heating and closes the control valve, avoiding the drinkable liquid to enter the heat-storage module via the pipe.
Preferably, when the temperature of the heat-storage module detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor is above an upper limit, the control unit stops heating operation of the heater unit.
Preferably, when a level of the drinkable liquid in the liquid-storage unit is below a predetermined level, the control unit closes the control valve.
The control valve may be an electromagnetic valve or a pump.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional of a conventional heating device for a drinkable liquid;
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional drinkable water supply device;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a heating device for a drinkable liquid in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along plane 4-4 in FIG. 3; and
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the heating device for a drinkable liquid in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 3, a first embodiment of a heating device for a drinkable liquid in accordance with the present invention comprises a liquid-storage unit 1, a heat-storage module 2, a control unit 3, a control valve 4, and a liquid outlet 5. The liquid-storage unit 1 may be a tank or container for receiving a drinkable liquid. The liquid-storage unit 1 is in communication with the heat-storage module 2 via a pipe 6 for guiding the drinkable liquid into the heat-storage module 2. The heat-storage module 2 is preferably made of a material of high conductivity such as aluminum, copper, or alloys thereof. The heat-storage module 2 severs to store heat energy and maintains at a predetermined temperature.
The control unit 3 includes an electronic control circuit for controlling conduction and operation of the elements. The control valve 4 is preferably an electromagnetic valve or a pump and electrically connected to the control unit 3 for controlling opening/closing of the pipe 6. The liquid outlet 5 is provided on an end of the pipe 6 for discharging the drinkable liquid for drinking purposes.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the heat-storage module 2 of the first embodiment includes a first portion 21, a second portion 22, at least one heat-resistant groove 23, and at least one heater unit 24. The first portion 21 is located in a center of the heat-storage module 2 for accumulating heat energy. The second portion 22 surrounds the first portion 21 and the pipe 6 extends along the second portion 22 in a winding manner. Hence, the drinkable liquid may flow through the heat-storage module 2. The heat-resistant groove 23 is defined between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 for regulating the heat-transfer rate between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22, thereby creating a temperature difference between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. The heater unit 24 is preferably a thermoelectric chip achieving Peltier effect or a heat pipe. The heater unit 24 is electrically connected to the control unit 3 and mounted in the first portion 21 for heating the heat-storage module 2.
Still referring to FIG. 3, the control unit 3 of the first embodiment includes a level sensor 31, a first temperature sensor 32, and a second temperature sensor 33. The level sensor 31 is mounted in the liquid-storage unit 1 for detecting the remaining amount of drinkable liquid in the liquid-storage unit 1. The first temperature sensor 32 is mounted to the first portion 21 of the heat-storage module 2 for detecting the instant temperature of the first portion 21. The second temperature sensor 33 is mounted to the second portion 22 of the heat-storage module 2 or adjacent to an outlet of the pipe 6 of the heat-storage module 2 for detecting the instant temperature of the second portion 22 or the pipe 6. The liquid outlet 5 is controlled by a control member 51 that controls output of the drinkable liquid. The control member 51 is electrically connected to the control unit 3. The control member 51 sends a command signal to the control unit 3 for selectively opening or closing the control valve 4.
Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in use of the first embodiment of the heating device in accordance with the present invention, a power source (not shown) is turned on to allow the heater unit 24 to heat the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 of the heat-storage module 2 until the temperature of the first portion 21 reaches a predetermined value. When the first temperature sensor 31 of the control unit 3 detects that the temperature of the first portion 21 reaches an upper limit, the first temperature sensor 31 sends a closing signal to the control unit 3 for stopping heating operation of the heater unit 24, avoiding overheating of the heat-storage module 2. Thus, a large amount of heat energy can be stored in the first portion 21. Meanwhile, the heat-resistant groove 23 is used to control the temperature of the second portion 22 of the heat-storage module 2. Since the heat-storage module 2 stores heat energy before the drinkable liquid enters the heat-storage module 2, a low-power heater unit can be used. Hence, it is not required to use a high-power heater unit to proceed with momentary heating. The risk of use of high-power heater is avoided and limitation on use is removed.
Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, when the control member 51 is operated, an opening signal is sent to the control unit 3. Meanwhile, the second temperature sensor 33 detects whether the temperature of the second portion 22 or the pipe 6 reaches a predetermined value. If yes, the control unit 3 transfers the opening signal to the control valve 4 to open the pipe 6, allowing the drinkable liquid in the liquid-storage unit 1 to flow into the pipe 6. If no, the control unit 3 eliminates the opening signal, and the control valve 4 remains closed.
Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, when the drinkable liquid flows along the pipe 6 into the heat-storage module 2, the drinkable liquid flows along the pipe 6 that winds in the second portion 22. Since a large amount of heat energy has been stored in the first portion 21 of the heat-storage module 2, this heat energy is continuously transferred to the second portion 22 and then to the drinkable liquid via heat exchange. Thus, the drinkable liquid is rapidly heated to the predetermined temperature in a short period of time. And the pipe 6 guides the drinkable liquid to the liquid outlet 5 for drinking purposes.
Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, when the heating device is not in use, the first temperature sensor 32 and the second temperature sensor 33 of the control unit 3 continuously detect the temperature of the first portion 21 and the temperature of the second portion 22, respectively. When the temperature of the first portion 21 or the temperature of the second portion 22 is lower than a predetermined valve, the control unit 3 will receive a signal from the first temperature sensor 32 or the second temperature sensor 33, and the heater unit 24 is activated to proceed with heating, thereby maintaining sufficient heat energy in the heat-storage module 2. On the other hand, when the temperature of the first portion 21 or the temperature of the second portion 22 is above a predetermined upper limit, the control unit 3 stops heating operation of the heater unit 24, preventing overheating of the heat-storage module 2 and avoiding waste of energy as well as danger. Further, when the level sensor 31 detects that the remaining amount of drinkable liquid in the liquid-storage unit 1 is insufficient (i.e., below a predetermined level), the level sensor 31 sends a closing signal to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 transfers the closing signal to the control valve 4 to avoid opening of the control valve 4. Meanwhile, the control unit 3 sends out an alarming signal to activate a siren (not shown) or a buzzard (not shown), reminding a user to refill the drinkable liquid into the liquid-storage unit 1. At this time, press of the control member 51 could not obtain the drinkable liquid.
FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the heating device in accordance with the present invention. Compared to the first embodiment, the pipe 6 in the second embodiment is connected to the liquid-storage unit 1 that is a filter using reverse osmosis. The level sensor 31 and the second temperature sensor 33 are omitted from the control unit 3. Namely, only a temperature sensor 32 is mounted to the first portion 21 or the second portion 22 of the heat-storage module 2 for detecting the temperature of the first portion 21 or the second portion 22.
Still referring to FIG. 5, when the temperature of the first portion 21 is lower than a lower limit, the control unit 3 activates the heater unit 24 to increase the temperature of the heat-storage module 2 and to store heat energy in the first portion 21. Meanwhile, the control unit 3 temporarily closes the control valve 4. Hence, even though the control member 51 is operated and an opening signal is sent to the control valve 4, the control valve 4 still remains closed under the control of the control unit 3. This avoids the user from drinking drinkable liquid at a temperature below the predetermined value. Further, omission of the level sensor 31 and the second temperature sensor 343 reduces the number of parts and the volume of the heating device, improving assembling flexibility and utility of the heating device.
According to the above description, it is noted that the heating device in accordance with the present invention saves energy and enhances safety while overcoming the problems encountered by the conventional heating devices.
While the principles of this invention have been disclosed in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that these descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and that any modification and variation without departing the spirit of the invention is intended to be covered by the scope of this invention defined only by the appended claims.
Patent Application
20070261838
