Storage device of container

Abstract

To provide a storage device of a cylindrical container suitable for suppressing an unevenness in temperature distribution in an axial direction in the container.SOLUTION: A storage device 1 of a cylindrical container comprises: a case 22 having an accommodation space capable of accommodating the container 2; and temperature control means 11 capable of heat exchange with the container 2 accommodated in an accommodation space 28. A plurality of protrusion parts 26a extending along the axial direction of the container 2 are provided on an inner face facing the accommodation space 28 of the case 22 so as to be arranged in a circumferential direction of the container 2, and such that a groove part 26b is interposed between each protrusion part 26a. The case 22 and the temperature control means 11 are disposed such that heat is transferred between the temperature control means 11 and the protrusion parts 26a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container storage device having a function of storing containers of beverages or the like so that the containers can be kept hot or cold. [Background technology]

[0002] As a storage device that uses a heat exchange means such as a Peltier element to keep containers cold or warm, an electronic refrigerator has been proposed that has uneven surfaces on the interior of the refrigerator to create turbulence in the air flow inside the refrigerator, thereby increasing the heat transfer rate (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3839278 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the electronic refrigerator of Patent Document 1, recesses and protrusions are provided so as to extend along the depth direction of the refrigerator, while the bottles are stored in the refrigerator with their axes oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the recesses and protrusions. Therefore, if there is a tendency for heat to be transferred along the recesses and protrusions, heat will be relatively less transferred in the axial direction of the bottles, which may result in uneven temperature distribution in the axial direction of the bottles.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a container storage device that is suitable for suppressing variations in temperature distribution in the axial direction of a cylindrical container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A container storage device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a case having a storage space capable of accommodating a cylindrical container, and a temperature control means capable of heat exchange with the container accommodated in the storage space, wherein the inner surface of the case facing the storage space has a plurality of protrusions extending along the axial direction of the container, arranged in a circumferential direction of the container with grooves interposed between each protrusion, and the case and the temperature control means are arranged so that heat is transferred between the temperature control means and the protrusions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a beverage server according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a case provided inside the beverage server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A beverage dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of a storage device according to the present invention configured as a beverage server 1. The beverage server 1 accommodates a cylindrical container 2 filled with a beverage, keeps the container 2 cold, and dispenses the beverage from the container 2 in response to a user's operation. Here, a cylindrical container refers to a container having a body that is the main portion for containing the contents and extends cylindrically along the axial direction. For example, a bottle- or keg-shaped container falls under the category of a cylindrical container. An example of the beverage contained in the container 2 is beer, but it may also be other sparkling beverages or non-sparkling soft drinks. The container 2 may be made of either resin or metal. The example in FIG. 1 illustrates a barrel-shaped container 2 made of PET resin with a body 2a formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The contents of the container 2 do not necessarily have to be beverages. Various contents may be contained in the container 2 as long as they can be kept cold or warm.

[0009] Beverage server 1 includes base 10, housing 20, and head 30. Base 10 is the foundation that allows beverage server 1 to stand on its own, and includes heat exchange module 11, an example of a temperature control unit. Heat exchange module 11 is a well-known heat exchange device that uses a Peltier element to generate heat absorption or heat generation in heat transfer section 11a. Heat transfer section 11a is, for example, formed in a plate shape. Heat exchange module 11 is housed within base 10 with heat transfer section 11a facing directly upward. Heat exchange module 11 is driven to generate heat absorption in heat transfer section 11a. Heat released from heat exchange module 11 is discharged to the outside through ventilation holes 12 in base 10. Therefore, beverage server 1 is used to keep container 2 cold. However, heat exchange module 11 may also be driven to generate heat in heat transfer section 11a to store containers that require warmth.

[0010] The storage unit 20 includes a housing 21 and a case 22 housed inside the housing 21. The housing 21 functions as the outer shell of the beverage server 1. The housing 21 has a double structure in which a cylindrical outer housing 23 and an inner housing 24 are coaxially combined so that an insulating space 25 is formed between them. The double structure of the housing 21 improves the thermal insulation inside and outside the storage unit 20. The insulating space 25 may be filled with an insulating material such as a foam material.

[0011] The case 22 is cylindrical and has a cylindrical peripheral wall 26 and a bottom 27 at one end of the peripheral wall 26. The inner diameter of the peripheral wall 26 is set to a size that can accommodate the body 2a of the container 2. The axial height of the peripheral wall 26 is set to be larger than the body 2a of the container 2. As a result, the space inside the peripheral wall 26 functions as a storage space 28 that is large enough to accommodate a single container 2. The bottom end of the storage space 28 is closed by the bottom 27. The container 2 is stored in the storage space 28 with its axis aligned with the axis of the case 22. The inner diameter of the peripheral wall 26 may be set to provide a gap between the peripheral wall 26 and the body 2a of the container 2. The amount of this gap may be a value that can accommodate at least the body 2a of the container 2 regardless of shape error, but may also be set to a value that includes a margin relative to the outer diameter of the body 2a. The height of the peripheral wall portion 26 may be set to a value necessary for the case 22 to surround the entire body portion 2a, but may also be set to a height that includes an additional margin.

[0012] The bottom 27 of the case 22 is connected to the heat transfer section 11a of the heat exchange module 11. As an example, bolts 13 inserted through the bottom 27 are screwed into the heat transfer section 11a, thereby connecting the heat transfer section 11a and the bottom 27 in close contact with each other. Therefore, when the heat exchange module 11 is driven, heat is transferred from the case 22 to the heat transfer section 11a in the heat absorption direction. This causes heat exchange between the heat exchange module 11 and the container 2 housed in the housing space 28, cooling the container 2. Further details of the case 22 will be described later.

[0013] The head portion 30 functions as a lid that closes the opening at the top of the storage space 28. The head portion 30 has a cap 31 that is detachable from the housing 21 of the storage portion 20, and an adapter 32 attached to the cap 31. The container 2 is attached to the head portion 30 by screwing its opening 2b into the adapter 32. By connecting the head portion 30 to the housing 21, the container 2 attached to the adapter 32 is stored in the storage space 28 with its axis oriented vertically and suspended from the head portion 30.

[0014] A tap unit for dispensing the beverage in the container 2 is attached to the adapter 32. The tap unit is not shown in the drawing. The adapter 32 is provided with a beverage outlet 33 for removing the beverage from the container 2, and a gas inlet 34 for introducing a dispensing gas, such as carbon dioxide gas, into the container 2. When the tap unit is operated to dispense, gas is introduced into the container 2 from the gas inlet 34, and the pressure of this gas pushes the beverage in the container 2 out through the beverage outlet 33, dispensing the beverage from the tap unit.

[0015] As shown in more detail in FIG. 2 , a plurality of protrusions 26a are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 26 of the case 22, i.e., the inner surface facing the storage space 28. Each protrusion 26a extends along the axial direction of the container 2. More specifically, each protrusion 26a extends parallel to the axial direction of the container 2. The multiple protrusions 26a are arranged at equal intervals around the circumferential direction of the container 2, with grooves 26b interposed between the protrusions 26a. The outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 26 is formed into a smooth cylindrical surface without any irregularities. Therefore, the radial thickness of the case 22 is set so that the thickness of the protrusions 26a is greater than the thickness of the grooves 26b. The circumferential width of each protrusion 26a is constant. Therefore, the circumferential width of each groove 26b is also constant. Furthermore, each protrusion 26a is provided along the entire axial length of the peripheral wall 26. By connecting the case 22 and the heat transfer portion 11a of the heat exchange module 11, heat transfer occurs between the protrusions 26a of the case 22 and the heat exchange module 11.

[0016] The case 22 is entirely made of metal. As an example, the case 22 is formed from aluminum. The case 22 may be manufactured using any suitable method. For example, the peripheral wall 26 of the case 22 may be manufactured by extrusion molding using a metal material, and the peripheral wall 26 and the bottom 27 manufactured in a separate process may be joined together. When using extrusion molding, the protrusions 26a and the grooves 26b are parallel to the axial direction of the peripheral wall 26, so that the protrusions 26a and the grooves 26b can be integrally formed during extrusion. However, the protrusions 26a and the grooves 26b of the peripheral wall 26 may be formed by cutting. Alternatively, the peripheral wall 26 and the bottom 27 may be integrally formed by casting or drawing.

[0017] In the beverage server 1 configured as described above, the protrusions 26a of the case 22 extend along the axial direction of the container 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 28, allowing the protrusions 26a to function as a path for heat conduction along the axial direction of the container 2. This allows the heat absorption effect of the heat exchange module 11 to be reliably and efficiently transferred to the mouth 2b of the container 2, thereby suppressing variations in temperature distribution along the axial direction of the container 2. The protrusions 26a have a relatively large wall thickness and therefore a large heat capacity. This allows for increased efficiency of heat transfer via the protrusions 26a. The efficiency of heat transfer can be further enhanced if the case 22 is made of metal. Meanwhile, when vertical thermal convection occurs in the air within the accommodation space 28, the air can be guided along the grooves 26b. This can also be expected to suppress variations in temperature distribution due to thermal convection.

[0018] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and may be embodied in various forms with appropriate modifications or alterations. For example, the protrusions 26a and grooves 26b only need to extend along the axial direction of the container 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 28, and do not necessarily need to extend parallel to the axial direction of the container 2. For example, the protrusions 26a and grooves 26b may extend along the axial direction of the container 2 while being slightly inclined relative to the axial direction. In other words, the protrusions 26a and grooves 26b may be spiral. Even in this case, the protrusions 26a can function as a path for heat conduction along the axial direction.

[0019] The protrusions 26a do not necessarily have to be the same shape and size. The width or radial height of some of the protrusions 26a may be different from that of other protrusions 26a. To generate thermal conduction between the protrusions 26a, circumferential protrusions that connect the protrusions 26a to each other may be added at appropriate positions.

[0020] The position of the heat exchange module 11 as the temperature adjustment means does not necessarily have to be on the bottom side of the case 22. For example, the heat exchange module 11 may be disposed on the outer periphery of the peripheral wall portion 26 of the case 22, with its heat transfer portion 11a connected to the peripheral wall portion 26. In this case, circumferential ridges or the like may be provided at appropriate positions on the peripheral wall portion 26 to ensure a heat conduction path between each ridge portion 26a and the heat transfer portion 11a. As long as heat is transferred between the temperature adjustment means and the ridges, the arrangement of the case and the temperature adjustment means can be set as appropriate.

[0021] The temperature adjustment means is not limited to the example using a heat exchange module using a Peltier element. For example, the temperature adjustment means may be configured appropriately as long as heat exchange with the container is possible, such as forming a flow path within the protrusion and supplying cold or hot water to the flow path to maintain the temperature. Alternatively, various heat exchange devices, machines, and instruments may be used as the temperature adjustment means, as long as they achieve heat exchange by absorbing heat from or adding heat to the container, such as heat exchange devices using various heat exchange methods such as a compressor-type heat exchanger or a chiller-type heat exchanger, a heat exchanger using electromagnetic induction heating, or a heat exchanger using a heat transfer module. Furthermore, the temperature adjustment means may be configured to exchange heat with the container using a heat exchange medium such as water, ice, or a cooling agent.

[0022] The storage device according to the present invention is not limited to a beverage server with a beverage dispensing function. The present invention may be applied to various devices that require the function of storing cylindrical containers in a hot or cold state. The containers targeted by the storage device of the present invention do not necessarily have to have cylindrical body portions. Even for containers with rectangular cylindrical body portions having polygonal cross sections, the effects of the present invention can be achieved by setting the cross-sectional shape of the case to match the cross-sectional shape of the container.

[0023] Various aspects of the present invention derived from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. In the following description, corresponding components shown in the accompanying drawings will be written in parentheses to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated forms.

[0024] A container storage device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a case (22) having a storage space (25) capable of storing a cylindrical container (2), and a temperature control means (11) capable of heat exchange with the container stored in the storage space, and the inner surface of the case facing the storage space has a plurality of protrusions (26a) extending along the axial direction of the container, arranged in a circumferential direction of the container with grooves (26b) interposed between each protrusion, and the case and the temperature control means are arranged so that heat is transferred between the temperature control means and the protrusions.

[0025] According to the above aspect, the protrusions of the case extend along the axial direction of the container housed in the housing space, allowing the protrusions to function as a path for heat conduction along the axial direction of the container. This ensures that the heat exchange action of the temperature adjustment means is transmitted along the axial direction of the container, making it possible to suppress variations in temperature distribution along the axial direction of the container. If thermal convection occurs in the air within the housing space in the axial direction, the air can be guided along the grooves. This can also be expected to have the effect of suppressing variations in temperature distribution due to thermal convection.

[0026] In the above-described embodiment, the following items can be further added. The following various items may be applied in appropriate combinations as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0027] The protrusions may extend parallel to the axial direction, in which case the protrusions and grooves can be formed relatively easily by extrusion molding or the like.

[0028] The case may be formed so that the thickness of the protrusions is greater than the thickness of the grooves. By making the thickness of the protrusions relatively greater, it is possible to increase the heat capacity of the protrusions and improve the efficiency of heat transfer via the protrusions.

[0029] The temperature adjustment means may be provided so that heat is transferred between the temperature adjustment means and the case, whereby heat can be exchanged between the temperature adjustment means and the container via the case, thereby ensuring the effect of providing the protrusions.

[0030] The temperature adjusting means may be a heat exchange module (11) using a Peltier element, and a heat transfer section (11a) of the heat exchange module may be connected to the case, thereby enabling the heat absorption or heat generation of the Peltier element to be reliably and efficiently transmitted from one end to the other end in the axial direction of the container via the protrusions of the case.

[0031] The case may have a peripheral wall (26) having the inner surface and a bottom (27) closing one end of the storage space, and the heat transfer section of the heat exchange module may be connected to the bottom of the case. This allows the heat absorption or heat generation of the Peltier element to be reliably and efficiently transmitted from the bottom side of the case to the opposite side via the protrusions. This further reliably suppresses variations in temperature distribution in the axial direction of the container within the storage space.

[0032] The case may be made of metal, which can further increase the efficiency of heat transfer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1. Beverage server 2 containers 10 Base 11 Heat Exchange Module 11a Heat transfer section 20 Storage section 22 cases 26 Peripheral wall section 26a Projection 26b Groove 27 Bottom 28 Containment Space

Claims

1. The device comprises a case having a storage space capable of storing a cylindrical container, and a temperature adjusting means capable of exchanging heat with the container stored in the storage space, a plurality of protrusions extending along the axial direction of the container are arranged in a circumferential direction of the container on an inner surface of the case facing the storage space, with grooves interposed between the protrusions; A container storage device in which the case and the temperature adjustment means are arranged so that heat is transferred between the temperature adjustment means and the protrusion portion.

2. 2. The container storage device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion extends parallel to the axial direction.

3. 2. The container storage device according to claim 1, wherein the case is formed so that the wall thickness at the protrusions is greater than the wall thickness at the grooves.

4. 2. The container storage device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature adjusting means is provided so that heat is transferred between the temperature adjusting means and the case.

5. 2. The container storage device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature adjusting means is a heat exchange module using a Peltier element, and a heat transfer portion of the heat exchange module is connected to the case.

6. The container storage device described in claim 5, wherein the case has a peripheral wall portion having the inner surface and a bottom portion closing one end of the storage space, and the heat transfer portion of the heat exchange module is connected to the bottom portion of the case.

7. The container storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the case is made of metal.

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