A cup body and a water cup

Abstract

This application discloses a cup body and a water cup, comprising: an upper shell with a rim and a cylindrical lower interface; a lower shell with a bottom and a cylindrical upper interface, wherein the radial dimensions of the upper and lower interfaces are matched and they are mated together; and an inner cup disposed within a cavity formed by the upper and lower shells, having an upper opening and a lower opening, the upper opening connecting to the rim and the lower opening covering the mating point of the upper and lower interfaces; wherein the upper shell, lower shell, and inner cup are fixedly connected by welding at the mating point of the upper and lower interfaces. The cup body and water cup of this application achieve a seamless, integrated outer surface, with a simple manufacturing process, significantly improving the product's aesthetics and ease of cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cup and kettle technology, and more specifically, to a cup body and a water cup. Background Technology

[0002] As a common daily container, cups are widely used in products such as water cups, insulated cups, and travel mugs. With consumers' increasing demands for product functionality, safety, aesthetics, and durability, the structural design, sealing performance, and manufacturing processes of cups are also facing higher standards.

[0003] To meet requirements for structural strength, manufacturing processes, or functional zoning, the cup body often adopts a segmented design, typically consisting of an upper shell (or cup body section) and a lower shell (or cup bottom). Common connection methods include threaded connections, snap-fit ​​connections, or fastening connections via connectors.

[0004] However, this structure typically has the following drawbacks: First, it involves numerous assembly parts and cumbersome production steps, and the tolerances between components can easily affect the overall sealing and structural strength. Second, the inner liner is often only fixed to one of the upper or lower shells, potentially creating gaps or weak points at the interface, which may lead to leakage or loosening under long-term use or temperature changes. Finally, when the upper and lower shells are connected, a raised or recessed seam inevitably appears on the outer side of the cup. This seam not only disrupts the overall integrity and smoothness of the cup's appearance, affecting its aesthetics, but more importantly, during daily use, liquids, dust, and other contaminants can easily seep into and remain in the seam's gaps, making thorough cleaning difficult and potentially leading to bacterial growth and hygiene hazards over time.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an improved cup structure that can present a seamless, continuous, integrated appearance on its outer surface while ensuring connection strength and sealing, thereby improving the product's aesthetics, safety, and hygiene. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, this application provides a cup body and a water cup that achieves a seamless integrated effect on the outer surface of the cup, with a simple structure that significantly improves the product's aesthetics, ease of cleaning, and overall structural integrity.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a cup body, comprising: The upper shell has a cup-shaped opening and a straight cylindrical lower interface; The lower shell has a cup bottom and a straight cylindrical upper interface. The radial dimensions of the upper interface and the lower interface are matched, and the upper interface and the lower interface are connected to each other. The inner cup is disposed in a cavity formed by the upper shell and the lower shell, and has an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening is connected to the cup opening, and the lower opening covers the joint between the upper and lower interfaces. The upper shell, lower shell, and inner cup are fixedly connected by welding at the joint between the upper and lower interfaces.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the upper shell, lower shell, and inner cup are welded and fixed together at the same annular joint seam in one go, which greatly simplifies the production process, reduces processing costs, and improves product quality. The lower opening of the inner cup cleverly covers the joint seam between the outer shells, so that the outer surface of the cup can achieve a smooth and seamless integrated appearance after simple polishing. This completely eliminates the problem of dirt and grime accumulating and being difficult to clean at the joints of traditional cups. At the same time, this structure ensures the stability of the connection and the overall sealing performance.

[0009] In some embodiments, the bottom of the cup has an extension that extends toward the inside of the cup.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the conventional cup base is made of plastic or rubber, which is easy to assemble and non-slip, and therefore has a seam with the side of the cup. The extension design of this technical solution moves the seam from the traditional side wall of the cup to the inner bottom, which significantly improves the aesthetics and overall texture of the product.

[0011] In some implementations, the outer surface of the inner cup abuts against the inner walls of the upper and lower shells.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the inner cup fits tightly against the inner walls of the upper and lower shells, which not only improves the structural rigidity and deformation resistance of the cup body, but also optimizes the heat transfer path between the outer shell and the inner cup. For insulated cups, this helps reduce convection and thermal bridging effects within the insulation cavity (vacuum layer or insulation layer), improving insulation performance; for non-insulated cups, it enhances the overall aesthetics of the cup body.

[0013] In some implementations, the upper shell, lower shell, and inner cup are arranged to form a sealed, insulated cavity.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, a completely sealed sandwich cavity is formed through the tight fit and welding seal between the outer shell and the inner cup. This cavity can be vacuumed or filled with heat-insulating materials (such as polyurethane foam) to form a highly efficient heat insulation layer, significantly improving the heat retention or cold retention performance of the cup and meeting the user's needs for maintaining the temperature of beverages.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inner cup has a base disposed between the upper and lower openings of the inner cup and is sealed to the inner cup to form a receiving cavity for containing liquid.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the chassis and inner cup together form an independent liquid-containing liner, completely isolating the beverage from the external structure and ensuring the safety and hygiene of the food contact surface. This design makes the containing cavity easy to clean and allows for the use of superior food-grade materials, while also providing reliable protection for the integrity of the external insulation cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments, a continuous annular weld bead is formed on the outer periphery of the mating point of the upper and lower interfaces, and the upper shell, lower shell and inner cup are sealed and fixed together by the annular weld bead.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the continuous annular weld bead achieves a full-circumferential, uninterrupted metallurgical bond between the upper and lower shells and the inner cup, ensuring absolute sealing and extremely high structural strength. This effectively prevents liquid leakage and withstands various stresses and thermal shocks during use. Furthermore, the continuous weld bead facilitates complete concealment of the joint after grinding, enhancing the overall visual appeal and performance.

[0019] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the cup bottom is stamped upward to form a concave mounting portion, which is connected to the extension portion and has a through hole in the center.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the recessed assembly section creates a concealed and neat installation space for components such as the heating element, thermostat, power interface, and anti-slip pad on the bottom of the cup without increasing the overall height of the cup, thus optimizing the internal layout of the cup. The central through hole facilitates the passage of wires or other functional connections, making the cup particularly suitable for products such as water cups that require built-in electrical components.

[0021] In some implementations, the bottom of the cup has a closed structure.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, another simplified embodiment is provided. The closed cup bottom structure is simple, requires no additional functional openings, and is suitable for ordinary cups that do not require built-in heating functions or as a spare component for water cups, thus broadening the application range of this cup structure.

[0023] In some implementations, the lower shell sidewall is provided with an inwardly recessed mounting groove, and the bottom of the mounting groove is provided with a mounting hole.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the mounting groove design allows the connectors for accessories such as the power interface and control panel to be embedded within the cup wall, avoiding protrusions on the smooth outer surface of the cup and maintaining a streamlined appearance. The mounting holes are used for secure connections; this design ensures that accessories are firmly installed while further enhancing the integrated visual effect of the cup and improving safety during use.

[0025] Secondly, this application provides a water cup, including the cup body of the first aspect.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the cup body, which features a seamless, integrated appearance, excellent sealing properties, and structural strength, is applied to water cups, significantly improving the overall quality of the water cups. The aesthetically pleasing appearance enhances product competitiveness, the seamless structure facilitates cleaning and meets the high hygiene standards for food contact containers, while the reliable connection strength better adapts to temperature changes and mechanical loads during operation.

[0027] In summary, this application has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. Achieved true visual integration: By concealing the connecting structure and designing the outer contour of the docking point to match, after welding and polishing, the outer surface of the cup is smooth and continuous without any seams or steps, achieving a high-end appearance effect as if it were molded as one piece, greatly enhancing the product's aesthetics and texture.

[0028] 2. Completely eliminates hygiene dead spots: Due to the seamless outer surface and smooth transition at the joints, dirt and liquid have nowhere to stay, making it easy to clean and wipe, which significantly improves the hygiene level and safety of the cup.

[0029] 3. Enhanced structural reliability and sealing: The unique bend and extension design, combined with the outer ring welding, forms a reliable connection with high strength and good sealing, which can effectively withstand internal pressure, thermal shock and mechanical stress in daily use.

[0030] 4. Optimized functional integration and assembly: The design of the concave assembly part at the bottom of the cup and the mounting groove on the side wall provides a concealed and neat space for the installation of electrical components and external accessories. While realizing multiple functions, it perfectly maintains the simple and smooth external shape of the cup body, reflecting good industrial design. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the cup body according to the first embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the first embodiment of the cup body of this application; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the cup body of this application; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged diagram of area A in the middle; Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Enlarged diagram of area B in the middle; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second embodiment of the cup body of this application; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the cup body of this application; Figure 8 yes Figure 7Enlarged diagram of area C; Figure 9 This is an exploded structural diagram of the second embodiment of the cup body of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the water cup's appearance structure in this application; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the water cup in this application.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Upper shell; 11. Cup mouth; 12. Lower interface; 2. Lower shell; 21. Upper interface; 22. Cup bottom; 221. Extension; 222. Assembly part; 23. Through hole; 24. Mounting groove; 241. Mounting hole; 3. Inner cup; 31. Upper opening; 32. Lower opening; 33. Base; 4. Panel; 5. Power interface; 6. Base plate; 7. Cup lid; 8. Battery; 9. Heating element. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0034] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0037] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0038] Example 1: Thermos Cup Body Please see Figures 1-5 This embodiment provides a cup body, the appearance of which can be designed as a cylinder or a similar simple shape. The cup body mainly consists of three parts: an upper shell 1 located at the top, a lower shell 2 located at the bottom, and an inner cup 3 placed inside the two. The top opening of the upper shell 1 forms the cup mouth 11, and the bottom has a straight cylindrical lower interface 12. The bottom of the lower shell 2 forms the cup bottom 22, and the top has a straight cylindrical upper interface 21. The size of the upper interface 21 is perfectly matched with the lower interface 12 of the upper shell 1, so that the outer contour transitions smoothly when the two are joined together.

[0039] Please see Figure 2 To create an independent liquid-containing space, a base 33 is provided inside the inner cup 3, between the upper opening 31 and the lower opening 32. The base 33 is fixed to the inner wall of the inner cup 3 by a sealing connection (such as welding), thereby forming a sealed container for holding liquid. In some embodiments, the base 33 may be integrally formed with the inner cup 3.

[0040] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The inner cup 3 is located within the space formed after the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2 are joined together. The inner cup 3 has an upper opening 31 and a lower opening 32. The upper opening 31 is connected and fixed to the cup opening 11 of the upper shell 1, and the lower opening 32 extends downward to completely cover the annular joint between the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2 from the inside.

[0041] At the point where the lower interface 12 of the upper shell 1 and the upper interface 21 of the lower shell 2 meet, the upper shell 1, lower shell 2, and the lower opening 32 of the inner cup 3 are fused and fixed together in one go using a welding process. Typically, the welding will form a complete circumferential weld bead around the outer perimeter of this area. After welding, the weld bead can be ground and polished, making the seam invisible on the outside of the cup, achieving a smooth and seamless integrated appearance. Simultaneously, because the seam of the outer shell is covered from the inside by the inner cup 3, the beverage will not come into contact with any gaps, making it hygienic and easy to clean.

[0042] The outer wall of the inner cup 3 is tightly attached to the inner walls of the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2, forming a closed interlayer space, i.e., a heat-insulating cavity, between the inner cup 3 and the outer shell. This cavity can be evacuated or filled with heat-insulating material to achieve a heat-insulating effect.

[0043] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 5 Regarding the cup base 22, this embodiment provides two typical designs to suit different needs: The first type is a functionally integrated design. An extension 221 can extend inward from the center of the cup bottom 22 to increase strength and reduce the seams between the cup's side walls, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Furthermore, a stamping process can be used to create an upward-facing concave bottom surface of the cup bottom 22, forming a recessed mounting portion 222. This mounting portion 222 connects to the extension 221 and has a through hole 23 in its center. This design facilitates the concealed installation of components such as heating modules, thermostats, or power interfaces 5 on the cup bottom 22. The through hole 23 is used for wiring, making it suitable for products such as smart water bottles.

[0044] The second type is a simplified design, where the bottom 22 of the cup has a completely enclosed, flat structure without any openings or recesses (not shown in the figure). This structure is simple and reliable, suitable for ordinary insulated cups or as a basic component.

[0045] In summary, the cup body of this embodiment, through its innovative "three-in-one" welding structure and inner cup 3-seam covering design, ensures a sturdy structure and reliable sealing while achieving a flawless exterior and easy-to-clean interior. It can also flexibly adapt to various functional requirements, from basic heat preservation to intelligent heating.

[0046] Example 2: Electric heating cup body Please see Figures 6 to 9 Based on the basic structure of the cup body described above, this embodiment expands the function of the lower shell 2 to add additional functions to the cup body or facilitate integration with other components.

[0047] The main difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that at least one inwardly recessed mounting portion is machined on the side wall of the lower shell 2. This mounting portion can be a partially recessed mounting groove 24. The bottom of the mounting groove 24 is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the cup body, and one or more mounting holes 241 are formed at the center of the bottom of the groove.

[0048] The mounting slot 24 can be located at any height on the side wall of the lower shell 2, usually determined by the accessory to be installed. Its shape can be rectangular, circular, elliptical, or other shapes adapted to the required mounting parts. The depth of the recess should provide sufficient installation space without significantly weakening the strength of the cup side wall. The mounting slot 24 and its mounting holes 241 work together to secure external accessories such as the control panel 4 and power interface 5, and allow connecting wires to pass through and achieve electrical connection with internal components. The mounting slot 24 can be integrally formed with the lower shell 2 through a stamping process, ensuring structural strength and preventing leakage.

[0049] Please see Figure 8 The mounting groove 24 is located on the side wall of the lower shell 2 and below the joint between the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2. A safe distance is provided between the inner cup 3 and the mounting groove 24 to avoid assembly interference.

[0050] This design allows the cup to maintain its seamless appearance and excellent sealing while gaining modular expansion capabilities, enhancing the product's versatility and customization potential.

[0051] Please see Figure 9 The lower shell 2 has two mounting slots 24 on its side wall, which are respectively fitted with the control panel 4 and the power interface 5. After the control panel 4 and the power interface 5 are assembled with the lower shell 2, their outer surfaces are basically flush, which does not affect the overall appearance. The bottom of the lower shell 2 is fitted with a base plate 6 to close the through hole. An anti-slip pad can be installed on the bottom surface of the base plate 6. After the anti-slip pad is installed, it protrudes slightly from the lower shell 2 so that the anti-slip pad can make full contact when the cup is placed, so as to achieve an anti-slip effect.

[0052] Example 3: Electric Heating Cup Please see Figure 10 and Figure 11 This embodiment applies the cup structure of the aforementioned embodiments to a specific product—an electric hot water cup—to demonstrate its integration in an actual end product.

[0053] The electric water cup provided in this embodiment includes a cup body consisting of an upper shell 1 and a lower shell 2 welded together as a container, a cup lid 7 assembled on the upper shell 1, and a functional module built into the cup body. The cup lid 7 can be connected to the upper cup opening 11 by means of threads, snaps, or hinges. All internal components are encapsulated within the space formed by the inner cup 3 and the cup lid 7.

[0054] The cup body mainly integrates the following modules: Heating element 9 can be a thick-film heating element, tubular heater, or heating plate, preferably installed inside the lower shell 2 and attached to the bottom of the inner cup 3. Battery 8 is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack for power supply in mobile scenarios. The control circuit board integrates circuits for temperature control, power regulation, battery 8 management, and user interface control. Power interface 5 (such as a Type-C interface or a DC round hole interface) is located in the lower shell 2, which can connect an external power adapter to charge battery 8. When necessary, battery 8 inside the cup can be used as a power source to discharge to external devices such as mobile phones through this interface and supporting circuitry, greatly enhancing the product's practical value.

[0055] Please see Figure 9 and Figure 11 If a lower shell 2 structure with mounting groove 24 and through hole is adopted, it will facilitate the internal assembly layout of the water cup. The cavity formed by mounting groove 24 provides space for installing control components, and the through hole facilitates the installation and removal of internal heating element 9 and battery 8.

[0056] This water bottle fully utilizes the advantages of a seamless body: safe and hygienic, with a smooth and seamless inner wall that is easy to clean; robust structure with high strength at the joints; exquisite appearance, with a seamless shell that gives the product a high-end, simple, and modern aesthetic while also facilitating heat preservation; and high functional integration, with a unique bottom and side wall structure that provides convenience for the installation of internal components and the expansion of external functions.

[0057] This water cup inherits all the advantages of the aforementioned seamless, easy-to-clean, and aesthetically pleasing design, while also achieving a high degree of integration and concealment of functional components through its unique structural design. All electrical and heating components are cleverly concealed, with only a clean, streamlined integrated body and a delicate power interface visible externally, completely overturning the bulky image of traditional water cups with exposed components, numerous seams, and difficulty in cleaning. Simultaneously, the robust welded structure ensures that under repeated heating and cooling cycles, the connections will not leak or loosen due to thermal expansion and contraction, providing double assurance for the product's durability and safety.

[0058] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments; the embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations fall within the scope of the claimed utility model.

Claims

1. A cup, characterised in that, include: The upper shell has a cup-shaped opening and a straight cylindrical lower interface; The lower shell has a cup bottom and a straight cylindrical upper interface. The radial dimensions of the upper interface and the lower interface are matched, and the upper interface and the lower interface are connected to each other. The inner cup is disposed in a cavity formed by the upper shell and the lower shell, and has an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening is connected to the cup opening, and the lower opening covers the joint between the upper and lower interfaces. The upper shell, lower shell, and inner cup are fixedly connected by welding at the joint between the upper and lower interfaces.

2. The cup of claim 1, wherein The bottom of the cup has an extension that extends toward the inside of the cup.

3. The cup of claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the inner cup abuts against the inner walls of the upper and lower shells.

4. The cup of claim 1, wherein The upper shell, lower shell, and inner cup together form a sealed heat-insulating cavity.

5. The cup of claim 1, wherein The inner cup is provided with a base plate, which is located between the upper and lower openings of the inner cup and is sealed to the inner cup to form a receiving cavity for containing liquid.

6. The cup of claim 1, wherein A continuous annular weld bead is formed on the outer periphery of the mating point between the upper and lower interfaces, and the upper shell, lower shell and inner cup are sealed and fixed together by the annular weld bead.

7. The cup of claim 2, wherein The bottom surface of the cup is stamped upward to form a concave mounting part, which is connected to the extension and has a through hole in the center.

8. The cup of claim 1, wherein The bottom of the cup has a closed structure.

9. The cup of claim 1, wherein, The lower shell sidewall has an inwardly recessed mounting groove, and the bottom of the mounting groove has a mounting hole.

10. A water cup characterized by, Includes the cup body as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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