Electric heating container for containing volume of water

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electric heating container used for containing a certain volume of water. An insulated container comprising: a torso raised support base internally comprising a heat source connected to an external low voltage power source, typically 12 to 24 VDC; a flat support base; an elongated body having a circular cross-section, the elongated body having an insulating wall with a connector arranged in a lower portion of the body for electrically connecting the thin film type resistor; a shutter stopper serving as a closure for the body, the stopper being mounted on the mouth of the body by means of a thread and comprising a safety pressure element. The thermally insulated container is adapted to heat water at three temperature values for brewing a yerba mate beverage or preparing other infusions. In a preferred embodiment, the container contains 500 cc of water. The container is particularly suitable for use inside a vehicle and is powered by a cigar lighter socket therein.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model belongs to the field of containers for heating water to prepare infusions, particularly those that keep the water hot for long enough to be consumed in that state, and more particularly, it relates to a hot container for preparing mate using low voltage power supplies (12-24 VDC). BACKGROUND

[0002] Containers for electrically heating water to prepare infusions are known. Usually, these containers are in the shape of a kettle or a jug, which can be electrically heated with devices that provide electrical energy to an electric resistance installed inside to heat the water to different temperatures; in this case, it is foreseen to heat at 40°C, 75°C and 90°C.

[0003] Mate is an infusion made with yerba mate leaves (llex paraguaríensis). These plants are dried, cut and ground to form yerba mate, which has a bitter taste due to the presence of tannins in the leaves. The foam generated when preparing mate is due to the glycosides it contains. Some consumers like to sweeten the mate beverage with a little sugar, honey or natural or synthetic sweeteners. Some people are also used to adding aromatic herbs to the yerba mate beverage, such as mint leaves, orange peel, coffee, etc., to change its original flavor.

[0004] It is usually hot-drunk using a straw called "bombilla" placed in a small container called mate, cuia, porongo or guampa, in which the yerba mate leaves are placed to prepare the infusion.

[0005] Water is heated in different containers in various ways, using various means to heat it to the ideal temperature of about 80°C to prepare the mate infusion. Usually, the tools used to prepare the mate infusion can be a kettle or a jug with water on a fire or an electric heater, a kettle or a jug that is thermally insulated and electrically heated with an electric resistance, and the use of cylindrical bottle-type containers that are thermally insulated from the environment (in these containers, water that has already been heated can be obtained to keep its temperature).

[0006] Various solutions are provided to form kits or devices for preparing the mate infusion, which include all the necessary elements to perform the task. All these kits have some drawbacks that make them special for use in certain conditions or situations, but not all kits are useful when drinking mate.

[0007] The document AR060820A4 discloses a device for preparing a mate infusion, which maintains the water temperature at a constant 84°C, and also maintains the container for the infusion of yerba mate at a constant temperature by means of a metallic mate holder with thermostat, which is attached substantially to a metal plate, to which heat is applied by means of an electric resistance heater. The mate holder with thermostat acts as a barrier to dissipate heat from the infusion container to the environment, thus preventing it from cooling during the waiting period. An electronic control circuit allows the selection of the functions of the device by means of external commands, to obtain a brewing temperature for coffee or tea of 90°C, from warm water at 40°C to boiling water, passing through intermediate temperature values in the range from 40°C to 84°C, continuously adjustable. Temperature sensors monitor the water to be heated and the metal plate of the mate holder, sending information to the control circuit, which regulates the energy to be sent to the heating resistances of the water and the metal plate of the mate holder, the former in response to the default values on the control panel and the latter at a temperature determined by the manufacturer (approximately 50°C). When the water reaches 50°C, the device emits an acoustic and light warning, thus starting the preparation of mate with warm water, and the same type of warning when reaching the preset temperature of the different functions; it also emits an optical and acoustic signal when the water in the tank drops to a certain level in the mate preparation function, to indicate that the water must be replenished to continue the function. In addition to the mate preparation function, it also allows obtaining coffee or tea, or simply extracting warm water at 40°C, or in the range from 40°C to 84°C, 90°C or boiling water. However, compared to the present invention, the device of the cited document shows several differences and deficiencies. The device of the document differs from the present invention in the way of heating and maintaining the temperature, i.e.: (i) in the present invention the resistances are associated with the base and are not in contact with the water; (ii) in the present invention the temperature is regulated by NTC sensors and electronic controller; (iii) the present invention has three temperature options; (iv) the thermos of the present invention includes a pressure safety element, and (v) the thermos of the present invention includes a resettable thermal protection device and a non-resettable electric fuse. In addition, in the present invention, once the water is heated, the container acts as a thermos to prepare the mate; and the top cap acts as a mate leaf holder. In addition, it is also equipped with a "bombilla" that is integrated into a silicone handle. In an alternative embodiment, a spoon is provided that allows it to be stored in the same compartment.

[0008] Other documents related to thermos for water heaters technology are also known.

[0009] Document AR096763A4 describes a thermos for heating water, which has an internal thermometer with a window, with which the desired temperature can be selected. However, the device of the cited document (i) does not have automatic temperature control; (ii) it does not have a temperature selector, and (iii) it does not have a safety element in case of sensor failure.

[0010] Document CN103844919A describes a thermos with an electric heater, which is provided below the container of the thermos. On the outside, the thermos is provided with an electrical outlet and a power indicator. In use, by turning on the power, the water can be heated directly with the electric heater. However, this document does not mention a selector or temperature control, apparently it is only suitable for boiling water and keeping it very hot, which is not recommended for the preparation of a mate infusion. In addition, it does not have a spout for the mate infusion.

[0011] Document CN201977414U discloses a thermos comprising an insulating cup and a handle, wherein the bottom of the insulating cup is provided with an electric heater, which is wired through a sliding switch, which is connected to an electric wire in the handle of the thermos with a plug. The thermos is additionally provided with a heater and a sliding switch, which can turn on and off the circuit of the electric heater. However, the device in the cited document does not have temperature control, and does not have a spout for the mate infusion.

[0012] Document CN2366025Y describes an electric thermos with a liquid heater, which has a PTC thermistor as a heating element. The thermos comprises a bottle cap, a bottle cap seat, an outer shell, a glass lining, a PTC liquid heater and a vehicle chassis connector, among others, and wherein the heating element has a thermistor (PTC) as a liquid heat source heater, which is placed in the center of the bottom of the glass container. However, this device uses a PTC heater, and this heater is in contact with the water. It does not have a spout for mate, and the cap cannot be used as a container for mate.

[0013] Document CN2100840U describes an electrically heated thermos, which comprises a glass lining, an insulating layer, a bottle shell and an electric heating element, among others. The glass cladding is characterized by having a metal protective material on the outside, a layer of enamel on the inner wall, and being wrapped in an insulating layer outside the glass cladding. However, the cited document does not describe water temperature control suitable for the preparation of a mate infusion. It has a manual pump to drain the water; it is used resting on a table, and does not have the shape of a thermos held by the hand of the user.

[0014] Document CN204617992U discloses a compact power thermos, which comprises a main body of a thermos and a base of a portable power supply. A heating block is arranged in the main body of the thermos; it is connected with the base of the portable power supply through a knob, and the heating block is connected with the base of the portable power supply through a cable. The base of the portable power supply can provide power for the main body of the thermos, or for mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones. The heating block is provided with a thermos main body, a temperature sensor, a heating and electric leakage detection circuit board, for heating water in the thermos to a predetermined temperature, and when the heating and electric leakage detection circuit of the heating block detects current abnormality, the automatic closing device completes the heating process. However, since the structure of 2 lithium ion batteries is adopted, it actually seems to be a device for keeping water hot, rather than heating water from room temperature. The capacity of 2 batteries does not have enough energy to raise the temperature of water from ambient value to the temperature used for preparing Mate tea infusion.

[0015] Document CN102240166A discloses a double-layer vacuum electric heating vacuum vessel for boiling water. The container comprises a cylindrical shell between the inner plate and the bottom plate of the shell, and conducts the heat radiation heat of the inner plate outward to improve the heat insulation. The main technical features include an outer shell, an inner bag, a closed bottle cap, a bottle foot base, an electric heater, an electric pump and a control circuit, and a vacuum insulation layer between the outer shell and the inner bag. The electric heater is located in the inner cavity of the lower part of the inner bag, and the power line of the electric heater is connected to the inner bag. The electric pump is divided into a motor and a pump shell, the latter is divided into two parts, the motor is installed on the foot base bottle, and a magnetic turntable is installed on the motor shaft. The pump shell is installed on the inner bottom of the inner cavity of the inner bag, the bottom surface of the pump shell impeller is provided with a magnetic turntable, the motor magnetic turntable is attracted through the vacuum layer of the inner bag and the shell and the impeller magnetic turntable, and the exhaust passage of the pump shell chamber is connected inside the inner cavity of the inner bag and from the outlet pipe of the inner bag. However, the device of this document does not have the shape of a thermos; water is discharged by a pump; the spout is not suitable for preparing Mate tea, and there is no temperature regulator.

[0016] Document EP0170409A1 discloses an electric heater type vacuum container comprising a body having a tubular outer shell (19) and a tubular inner shell (16) disposed within the outer shell to form a thermally insulated vacuum space therebetween. A tubular connecting member (20) has an open lower end and an upper end wall having an opening formed therethrough. The upper end wall of the connecting member is fixedly attached to the lower surface of the lower wall of the inner shell, and the tubular connecting member fits in the opening (14d) of the lower wall of the outer shell and is fixedly adjacent thereto. At its open lower end, means for holding the lower walls of the inner and outer shells in spaced relationship to each other. An electric heater (24) is disposed inside the inner shell to heat the contents of the inner shell. The electric heater has a body portion which extends downwardly through the opening in the bottom wall of the inner shell and the opening in the wall of the upper end of the tubular connecting member. However, the device in this document appears to be a water kettle; the resistor is in contact with the water; there is no spout suitable for making a mate tea, nor is there a temperature regulator.

[0017] Document CN20231285U discloses an electric thermos bottle comprising a container, and fixed on the handle of the container, the bottom of the container is provided with an electric heating unit, and the electric heating unit is provided with an electric wire socket, the electric wire socket is provided with a battery in the electric heating unit. The utility model discloses beneficial effects are: (1) simple structure; (2) the bottom of the container is provided with an electric heating unit, the electric heating unit is provided with a power cord plug, and the battery is arranged in the electric heating unit. The power cord is connected with the power cord plug. The electric heating unit heats the water in the container, and after heating is completed, the battery is connected with the electric heating unit. However, this document does not mention heating capacity; the energy for heating the water is provided by the power grid, and only the battery for maintaining the temperature is used; it has no temperature control, nor a mate tea primer spout.

[0018] Document CN2788708Y describes an electric heating thermos bottle comprising a container body and a container cover. There is a heating unit connected with the container. There is a steam outlet in the wall side of the container body or the body of the container cover. The bottom of the container cover has a one-way cock controlling the atmospheric pressure, which is located between the container neck and the steam vent. The thermos container keeps heat, has two different use functions for two kinds of electric heating, makes the heat in the container drive the liquid to the boiling temperature, and transfers the supply steam of the outer container from the valve and the steam vent, so that it stops heating after boiling, and the automatic closing of the valve plays the function of heat insulation. However, the device in this document is a hot water kettle, which has no spout suitable for mate tea; it has no temperature control and has an internal heater in contact with the water.

[0019] Document CN101637362A discloses an electrically insulated container comprising a shell, an inner bag, a container lid, an electric heating element and a base, the lower end of the shell being fixed on the base. The lower end of the inner bag is provided with an open annular clamping groove, the inner bag described below with the open annular clamping groove is provided with a downwardly facing container flange, and the flange and the described annular clamping groove can produce the effect of the heating element. The centre of the inner bag and the electric heating element is provided with a resilient sealing gasket and is immersed in the electric heating element to prevent water. However, the device in this document is a hot water kettle; it does not have temperature control and does not have a spout suitable for a Mate tea infusion.

[0020] Document CN209136211U discloses an electrically insulated container. It comprises: a vacuum water boiling device main body comprising a shell and an inner container, the inner container being connected with the shell, a space being provided between the shell and the inner container; the inner container is connected with an intermediate plate, the intermediate plate is provided with a mounting groove, and a heating device is located in the mounting groove; a base provided with an electrical connection structure and a bottom disc, the bottom disc comprising a side wall and a bottom plate, the electrical connection structure being provided on the bottom plate, the side wall being connected with the shell; an intermediate partition is located between the intermediate plate and the base; the intermediate partition is connected with the side wall; the intermediate partition is provided with an upper groove, the intermediate plate is provided with a lower groove, the upper groove and the lower groove are back-to-back, and the upper groove and the lower groove are provided with a cable hole. The electrical connection structure is electrically connected to the heating device through the electric cable passing through the cable hole. An outer sealed space is formed between the intermediate plate and the intermediate partition, and an inner sealed space is formed between the inner container and the intermediate plate. In this document, the intermediate plate and the intermediate partition are provided at the bottom of the container, so that two layers of vacuum space are formed at the bottom of the container, which can effectively prevent heat dissipation and improve the heat preservation performance. However, the device in this document is not a thermos flask, but an electric kettle with a detachable base; it does not have a filling tip and does not have temperature control.

[0021] Document CN201216507Y describes a vacuum electrically heated container. The utility model provides an electric heating utensil with double-layer vacuum insulation structure. The design points include a shell, a liquid cavity shell, an electric heater, a liquid cavity container, a liquid inlet and outlet, and a vacuum insulation interlayer between the outer shell and the liquid cavity outer shell. The electric heater is located outside the liquid cavity outer shell and is contained thereon, the end of the electrode being a stretched outer shell. The outer shell is a transparent outer shell, the outer wall of the liquid cavity outer shell in the middle layer being insulated in a vacuum and being provided with a pressure gauge or a thermometer. However, the device of this document does not have automatic temperature control, but has a thermometer to stop heating, and does not have a spout for preparing a Mate tea.

[0022] Document CN202206562U relates to a liquid heater comprising an electric heating base and an electric kettle. The electric heating base comprises a heat transfer base. The heat transfer base is provided with a heating element. The heating element comprises a first power connector end and a second power connector, wherein: the heat transfer base is provided with a thermally conductive insulating coating, the heating element is an electric heating alloy processed heating foil provided on the thermally conductive insulating coating, and the base further comprises a fixing structure for the heating foil, which is extruded and fixed on the thermally conductive insulating coating. The heating foil of the utility model can only be pressure-cast from an electric heating alloy sheet. The electric kettle comprises a kettle body and the electric heating base described above located at the bottom of the kettle body. However, the device in this document is a high-efficiency electric kettle; it has no temperature control and no spout for making tea.

[0023] Document CN109077612A describes an electrically heated thermos bottle container with an atomizer. The technical solution is as follows: the thermos bottle container comprises a container body, an inner container is arranged in the container body, a handle is arranged outside the container body, and an auxiliary cavity below the inner container is arranged in the container body. An atomizing sheet, a water guide pipe and a circuit assembly are arranged in the auxiliary cavity. The circuit assembly is connected with the atomizing sheet. A water vapor outlet corresponding to the auxiliary cavity is arranged in the main body of the container. The spray blade is directed to the steam outlet. One end of the water guide pipe is connected to the inner container, and the other end of the water guide pipe is directed to the atomizing sheet. An electric heating wire, a temperature sensor and a controller are arranged on the outer wall of the inner container, wherein the electric heating wire and the temperature sensor are connected with the controller. A power input interface is further arranged on the container body, which is connected with the circuit assembly and the controller. The thermos bottle container can store water and function as a humidifier. By using the thermos bottle container, the humidity of the surrounding environment can be improved. The thermos bottle container has the advantages of automatic water heating and multiple functions, and the atomizer is suitable for existing water containers. However, the device of this document does not control the temperature; it has no pouring spout and is only used as a humidifier.

[0024] Document CN2256691Y describes an electrically heated and insulated dual-purpose thermos bottle container for heating water. It comprises two layers of stainless steel shielding insulation layers and is pumped through the middle of the device. The electric heater unit has a pressure switch instead of a power switch for use, and the shutdown is automatic. However, the device of this document has no temperature control and no mate tea filling tip.

[0025] It is then determined that there is a need in the art for a thermos bottle with water heating that meets the specific specifications of the utility model. Utility model content

[0026] The utility model discloses a kind of electric heating containers for containing a volume of water, the electric heating container heats and keeps its temperature at three preset values, characterized in that, container includes: the main body (3) with heat insulation wall, the silica gel handle for gripping and the compartment (8) for containing straw or spoon;Plug (10) with valve, plug includes spout and is used as the closure of main body, be installed on the mouth portion of the main body by means of screw thread;Lamp indicator (16) indicates the heating state of water contained in container;Function selector button (6);And double-wall cover (1), double-wall cover covers plug (10) and is assembled on the outer edge of the mouth portion of main body;Wherein, the plug (10) includes safety pressure element (13), safety pressure element allows steam to be released and does not allow water to flow out;Wherein, container further includes support base (7), support base contains heating base plate (29), heating base plate has attached to copper plate (30) electric film heating resistance (11), connecting piece (15) connected to external power supply and exposed to the hollow interior of the container;Wherein, resistance (11) is in series with thermal protector (17) and thermal fuse (18), and wherein, temperature control is handled by electronic circuit board (12), electronic circuit board is powered by direct current voltage in the range of 12V-24V provided from thermos bottle exterior.

[0027] Electronic circuit board (12) includes the following elements: voltage regulator (26);Temperature control integrated circuit (27);Audible indicator (21) and two switching elements selected from the group consisting of two switching FET transistors and two thyristors.

[0028] The container includes temperature sensor (9) and the temperature sensor (9) is NTC type.

[0029] The safety pressure element (13) is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0030] When the temperature on heating base plate (29) is 97 ℃, the thermal protector (17) disconnects the circuit of resistor (11).

[0031] When the temperature on heating base plate (29) exceeds 192 ℃, the thermal fuse (18) disconnects the circuit of resistor (11).

[0032] The resistance (11) is printed film type resistance adhered on copper plate (30), and copper plate acts as heat conductor of internal base of container.

[0033] Said function selector (6) comprises 3 heating mode positions: (i) low heating, (ii) medium heating and (iii) high heating; wherein, at low heating, the water temperature is kept between 38°C and 42°C, at medium heating, the water temperature is kept between 72°C and 77°C and at high heating, the water temperature is kept between 88°C and 92°C.

[0034] The container contains up to 500 ml of water and has a consumption of about 95 W powered with a voltage of 12 to 24 VDC.

[0035] The double-walled lid comprises a circular section and a flat support base, widening near the mouth and narrowing towards the base.

[0036] The double-walled lid (1) comprises an outer wall and an inner wall, both made of AISI 304 stainless steel, with an internal vacuum chamber.

[0037] Said silicone handle is a silicone grip (2) embedded in the central portion of the thermos.

[0038] The container comprises a connector suitable for being connected to a vehicle cigarette lighter socket to obtain a 12 to 24 VDC power supply.

[0039] The electronic circuit board (12) comprises the following parts: (i) the part of the positive input comprises a protection diode (D2), a diode (D1) that prevents the conduction of the reverse polarity and a 5 VDC output voltage regulator integrated circuit (U1-26) for the power supply; (ii) the electronic power supply control part of the heating resistor comprises a FET transistor or, alternatively, two thyristors (Q1-25, Q2-25); (iii) the command button (K1) and the LED diode (LED1 - 16) part that indicate the operating status; and (iv) the integrated circuit (U2 - 27) data processor part, at one of its inputs being connected to the NTC temperature sensor (P2 - 9) and having an output signal to the LED (16) and an indicator sound (BUZ1 - 21).

[0040] The model of the voltage regulator integrated circuit (U1-26) is CW7805CZ & TO-252-2L and the model of the data processor integrated circuit (U2-27) is FT61F143A-5OP16. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 A side view of the electric water heater of the present invention is shown.

[0042] Figure 2 A rear view of the electric water heater of the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 3 A rear view of the electric water heater of the present invention is shown. Figure 2The longitudinal section A-A of the electric water heater of the utility model, which allows to see from the front the elements it contains.

[0044] Figure 4 The longitudinal section B-B of the electric water heater of the utility model is shown, which allows to see from the side the elements it contains. Figure 1

[0045] Figure 5 The cross section C-C of the electric water heater of the utility model is shown, which allows to see from above the elements it contains at base height. Figure 2

[0046] Figure 6 The cross section F-F of the electric water heater of the utility model is shown, which allows to see from below the elements it contains at base height. Figure 1

[0047] Figure 7 The detail of the bottom of the electronic circuit board is shown.

[0048] Figure 8A The plug of the thermos is shown, Figure 8B The longitudinal section A-A of the plug of the utility model is shown. Figure 8A

[0049] Figure 9 The safety pressure element of the plug is shown.

[0050] Figure 10 The circuit of the electronic circuit control board is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is shown that the object of the utility model comprises: a lid 1, which is also used as a yerba mate container for the preparation of yerba mate tea, a bottle body 3, which is an elongated main container of circular section made of AISI 304 stainless steel and with an insulating wall with vacuum inside, a 12 / 24 VDC connector socket 4 and an auxiliary straw or light bulb or spoon 5 located in the compartment of the silicone handle 8.

[0052] Figure 2 The support base 7 is shown, which has the standard dimensions of the compartment of the vehicle to accommodate a glass or a bottle. On the side of the silicone grip 2 there are functional buttons 6.

[0053] In Figure 3 , it can be seen that inside it there is a temperature sensor 9. In the preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor 9 is of the NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) type, which comes into contact with the water and senses the temperature. In this embodiment, the thermos can contain up to half a liter of water (500 ml).​​​​

[0054] Figure 4 The stopper 10 is shown with a shutter with a safety pressure element 13 and a filling spout 28 for the yerba mate beverage inside the lid 1 that acts as a closure for the body that is installed by means of a thread in the mouth of said body. The support 8 (see Figure 1 ) of the straw ("bombilla") has an opening at the top to move the straw when it is positioned inside; in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , it can be seen that the lid 1 is a double wall that is internally vacuumed, covering the filling stopper 10, installed in the outer edge of the mouth of the body and that can be used as a container for yerba mate leaves.

[0055] Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the top view shows that the support base 7 (see Figure 1 ) has a flat support base on the silicone ring 19 (see Figure 1 ) to prevent the base from sliding. The resistor is composed of a copper base 30 of approximately 2 mm thick and a printed film type resistor 11 is laminated on it (see Figure 4 ), which in turn is in contact with the lower surface of the body to transfer heat to the liquid. The resistor 11 has power connections that are connected to the control circuit by means of a cable with a plug at its end and a pair of connectors 15 arranged on the heating plate. The thermal protector 17 and the thermal fuse 18 act as protection elements. There is also an LED type indicator light 16 (see Figure 3), which indicates the temperature selection state and the heating state of the container contents. The function button 6 allows the selection of three heating modes: (i) low heating, (ii) medium heating and (iii) high heating. Preferably, when the power cable is connected to the socket and the terminal 4 is connected to the cigarette lighter compartment, the indicator 16 remains blue (standby); when the heating function is on, the indicator light remains green, and when the temperature of the heated liquid reaches approximately 40°C, the indicator light turns blue. In the preferred embodiment, the temperature remains between 38°C and 42°C. These values are optimal for preparing milk for baby bottles. When the medium heating function is selected, the indicator light remains yellow, and when the water temperature reaches 75°C, the indicator light turns blue. In the preferred embodiment, the temperature remains between 73°C and 77°C. These values are optimal for heated water for brewing a mate beverage. When the high heating function is selected, the indicator light remains red, and when the temperature of the heated water reaches approximately 92°C, the indicator light turns blue. In the preferred embodiment, the temperature remains between 88°C and 92°C. These values are optimal for the preparation of other infusions such as tea or coffee. The plug 10 has a closed position and an open position to be able to pour the liquid (mate beverage) into the container. In the closed position, it provides an airtight seal that prevents heat exchange with the outside to keep warm or for transport. In the event of a malfunction of the control and safety elements, the safety pressure element 13 of the plug 10 reacts when a certain high pressure is reached. On the other hand, the double-walled lid 1 comprises a circular section and a flat support base that widens near the mouth and narrows towards the base. In this way, the lid 1 has the shape of a typical container for the preparation of mate. In fact, the main application of the device of the present invention is the preparation, preservation and maintenance of water at the appropriate temperature to prepare a mate infusion and place it in the double-walled lid 1 used as a mate container, in which yerba mate leaves are previously loaded and the straw 5 is used as a "bombilla" to drink. The device is filled with water and is preferably placed in a car cup holder connected to a 12VDC or 24VDC cigarette lighter socket. The resistance 11 heats the heating base plate 29, which in turn heats the liquid to the selected temperature (low, medium or high) indicated by the indicator light 16. This arrangement allows the resistance 11 to heat the water without coming into contact with it, since the only heating element in contact with the water is the heating base plate 29 made of stainless steel. In this way, the hygiene of the interior of the container and the duration of the heating element 11 are guaranteed. At the same time, the double-walled lid 1 is loaded with yerba mate leaves and the straw 5 is arranged in the appropriate place. The valve of the plug of the lid 1 is unlocked and the mate container is loaded with hot water to prepare the infusion to be drunk through the straw. Likewise, the double-walled lid 1 comprises an external and internal metal wall, both made of AISI 304 stainless steel, with an internal vacuum chamber to prevent heat loss from the mate container and also to make the external temperature tolerable for the user.The double wall thus formed allows to keep the heat of its contents, thus properly preparing the mate infusion, and also allows to drink the mate beverage without scalding the outer surface. Moreover, the walls of the straw 5 and of the conical trunk support base 7, of the elongated body and of the double wall lid 1 are made of AISI 304 stainless steel.

[0056] In Figure 5 , the elements contained in the thermos power circuit can be seen. The operation of the temperature control is as follows: the thermos has an electronic control board 12 which receives power from the cigarette lighter socket through the interlock connector socket 4 (see Figure 3 ) and from there to the NTC temperature sensor 9 which can send signals to an integrated circuit with thermostat function 27, function selector button 6 and indicator light 16 which indicates the temperature selection made and its status. This control board 12 connects and disconnects the power supply of the heater according to the selected condition and the temperature reached inside the thermos. It also adapts to the operation of the thermos, whether it is powered by 12VDC or 24VDC, since some special vehicles have a 24VDC power supply. Thus, the thermos of the present invention works with any voltage in the range of 12 to 24VDC. The thermal protector (normally closed) 17 is in series with the heating resistor 11, so that if for any reason the temperature control circuit fails, the resistor 11 is disconnected when the threshold protection temperature is reached. In the preferred embodiment, the thermal protector 17 is of the normally closed bimetallic type and will disconnect the circuit when the temperature of the base exceeds 97°C and will reconnect at 90°C. The color of the indicator will change according to the temperature sensed. In addition, the circuit is protected by a thermal fuse 18 with a melting temperature of 192°C. In the event that the NTC temperature sensor 9 fails first and then the thermal protector 17 also fails, the fuse 18 will react, permanently cutting off the circuit and being non-resettable.

[0057] The device of the present invention is specifically designed to heat water for brewing mate or for preparing water-based infusions, such as bottled milk, tea or coffee. However, in other cases it is fully suitable for heating water for other purposes, such as heating water to prepare instant soup.

[0058] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is shown that the electronic control board 12 comprises the following elements:

[0059] • Resistor terminal - 15

[0060] • Button connector - 20

[0061] • BEEP audible indicator - 21

[0062] • NTC temperature sensor connector - 22

[0063] • Connector of a set of LEDs - 23

[0064] • Power supply connector (-) - 24

[0065] • FET switch transistor or thyristor - 25

[0066] • Voltage regulator 5V - 26

[0067] • Control processor integrated circuit - 27

[0068] The heating plate 29 of the device that contains up to 500 ml of water comprises a 95W power thin film resistance 11 attached to a 2mm copper plate 30 that in turn is in firm contact with the internal base of the container to transfer heat internally to the liquid. The voltage regulator circuit 26 is responsible for stabilizing the voltage on the integrated control circuit 27, thus allowing the activity cycle of the voltage on the heating resistance to be changed, and for stabilizing the power throughout the supply range of the thermos from 12VDC to 24VDC.

[0069] The operation of the safety pressure element 13 is as follows: if any of the controls or protections described previously fail and the resistance remains powered, the temperature of the water will rise, reaching the boiling temperature and raising the pressure inside the container. If this happens, the plug 10 has a safety pressure element 13 that will act, thus releasing the internal pressure. In the preferred embodiment, the safety pressure element 13 (refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 ) consists of a membrane made of a different material from the rest of the plug, preferably polytetrafluoroethylene, better known as Teflon® , which allows the release of steam, but not of water. This element comprises a membrane, due to its small thickness, which is permeable to steam but not to liquids, thus allowing the release of steam above a pressure threshold, but not the escape of water. Said safety pressure element 13 is not resettable, so after the cause that activated the safety element has been resolved, the device will need to be replaced for future use.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the container has a capacity of 500 ml, it consumes a maximum of approximately 95W of power, the power supply voltage is 12 to 24VDC, it weighs approximately 725g without contents, it has an indicator light for the selected temperature and completion of the cycle. The material of the bottle is AISI 304 (18 / 8) stainless steel, the bottle and the mate teacup have a vacuum chamber.

[0071] Circuit diagram:

[0072] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the electrical and electronic circuits contained in the device is shown.

[0073] The circuit comprises different parts: the positive input (+) has a protection diode D2 and a diode Dl that prevents conduction if the connection polarity is reversed. In addition, a 5V DC voltage regulator U1 (26) supplies the rest of the elements. In the preferred embodiment, the model of the voltage regulator integrated circuit U1 (26) is CW7805CZ & TO-252-2L (available from various manufacturers). Another part comprises the electronic power command for the heating resistor, which is performed by means of two FET type transistors or, alternatively, by means of two thyristors Q1 and Q2 (25). In another part, there is the K1 command button and the LED1 diode 16 that indicates the operating status. All these elements are interconnected with the integrated circuit U2 (27), which is a data processor that receives information from the sensors, such as the NTC temperature sensor P2 (9), and sends output signals, such as the output signals directed to the LED 16 and the BUZ1 (21) audible indicator. In the preferred embodiment, the model of the data processor integrated circuit U2 is FT61F143A-5OP16 (available from various manufacturers). Most of the elements are located in the control printed circuit 12 and the rest of the elements are interconnected through the connectors P1 (Led), CN1 (selection buttons), P2 (NTC sensor), through the positive connector (+) and the negative connector (-) of the power supply and the heating resistor command.

[0074] APPENDIX

[0075]

[0076]

Claims

1. An electrically heated container for holding a volume of water, said electrically heated container heating and maintaining its temperature at three preset values, characterized in that, The container comprises: a main body (3) with thermally insulated walls, a silicone handle for gripping and a compartment (8) for containing a straw or a spoon; a plug (10) with a valve, which comprises a spout and acts as a closure of the main body, being mounted on the mouth of the main body by means of a thread; a light indicator (16) that indicates the heating status of the water contained in the container; a function selector button (6); and a double-walled lid (1) that covers the plug (10) and fits on the outer edge of the mouth of the main body; wherein the plug (10) comprises a safety pressure element (13) that allows steam to be released and does not allow water to flow out; wherein the container further comprises a support base (7) that contains a heating base plate (29) with an electric thin-film heating resistor (11) attached to a copper plate (30), a connector (15) connected to an external power source and exposed to the hollow interior of the container; wherein the electric thin-film heating resistor (11) is in series with a thermal protector (17) and a thermal fuse (18), and wherein temperature control is handled by an electronic circuit board (12) powered by a direct current voltage ranging from 12 to 24 V provided from outside the thermos.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein The electronic circuit board (12) comprises the following elements: a voltage regulator (26); a temperature control integrated circuit (27); an audible indicator (21) and two switching elements selected from the group consisting of two switching FET transistors and two thyristors.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein The container comprises a temperature sensor (9) and the temperature sensor (9) is of the NTC type.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein The safety pressure element (13) is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein The thermal protector (17) opens the circuit of the electric thin-film heating resistor (11) when the temperature on the heating base plate (29) is 97°C.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein The thermal fuse (18) opens the circuit of the electric thin-film heating resistor (11) when the temperature on the heating base plate (29) exceeds 192°C.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein The electric thin-film heating resistor (11) is a printed-film type resistor adhered to a copper plate (30) that acts as a thermal conductor of the internal base of the container.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein The function selector button (6) comprises 3 heating mode positions: (i) low heating, (ii) medium heating and (iii) high heating; wherein, in low heating, the water temperature is maintained between 38°C and 42°C, in medium heating, the water temperature is maintained between 72°C and 77°C, and in high heating, the water temperature is maintained between 88°C and 92°C.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein The container contains up to 500 ml of water and has a consumption of 95 W powered with a voltage of 12 to 24 VDC.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein The double-walled lid comprises a circular cross-section and a flat support base, which widens near the mouth and narrows towards the base.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein The double-walled lid (1) comprises an outer wall and an inner wall, both made of AISI 304 stainless steel, with an internal vacuum chamber.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein The silicone handle is a silicone grip (2) embedded in the central portion of the thermos.

13. The container of claim 1, wherein The connector includes a connector suitable for connecting to a vehicle cigarette lighter socket to obtain 12 to 24 VDC power supply.

14. The container of claim 2, wherein The electronic circuit board (12) includes the following parts: (i) The part of the positive input includes a protection diode (D2), a diode (D1) for preventing conduction in reverse polarity and a 5 VDC output voltage regulator integrated circuit (U1-26) for power supply; (ii) The electronic power supply control part of the electric thin film heating resistor includes a FET transistor or alternatively two thyristors (Q1-25, Q2-25); (iii) The command button (K1) and LED diode (LED1-16) part indicating the operating status; and (iv) The integrated circuit (U2-27) data processor part, one of its inputs is connected to an NTC temperature sensor (P2-9) and has an output signal to the LED (16) and an indicator sound (BUZ1-21).

15. The container of claim 14, wherein, The model of the voltage regulator integrated circuit (U1-26) is CW7805CZ & TO-252-2L and the model of the data processor integrated circuit (U2-27) is FT61F143A-5OP16.

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