Cooler for packed beverage

Abstract

To improve a cooling capacity of a cooler for a packed beverage.SOLUTION: Provided is a cooler for a packed beverage for cooling the packed beverage including a beverage container having a bottom surface and a cylindrical side face standing from an edge of the bottom surface, and a beverage filled in the beverage container. The cooler for the packed beverage includes: a holder which is cylindrical extending along a central axial line, and has an inner peripheral face surrounding the side face of the beverage container and an outer peripheral face arranged with an interval from the inner peripheral face in a radial direction with the center axial line as a center; and two cooling parts which each come in contact with the outer peripheral face of the holder and are arranged deviated from each other in a circumferential direction with the center axial line as a center. Each of the cooling parts includes a Peltier module which has a heat absorption face and a heat radiation face arranged facing each other, and is arranged so that the heat absorption face is in contact with the outer peripheral face of the holder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a chiller for packaged beverages. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cooler that includes a Peltier element, a heat sink attached to the Peltier element and whose temperature rises due to the heat-generating surface of the Peltier element, and a blower that passes air through the gaps between the fins of the heat sink whose temperature has risen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-208465 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The refrigerator described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of cooling capacity.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cooler for bottled beverages that can improve cooling capacity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is A container-packed beverage cooler for cooling a container-packed beverage, the container-packed beverage cooler comprising a beverage container having a bottom surface and a cylindrical side surface rising from an edge of the bottom surface, and a beverage filled in the beverage container, a holder having a cylindrical shape extending along a central axis, the holder having an inner peripheral surface surrounding the side surface of the beverage container, and an outer peripheral surface disposed at a distance from the inner peripheral surface in a radial direction centered on the central axis; two cooling sections each arranged so as to contact the outer circumferential surface of the holder; Equipped with The present invention provides a cooler for bottled beverages, wherein each cooling section has a heat absorption surface and a heat dissipation surface arranged opposite each other, and the heat absorption surface is provided with a Peltier module arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the holder.

[0007] According to this configuration, two cooling units each having a Peltier module cool the holder at two different locations in the circumferential direction, thereby cooling the packaged beverage surrounded by the holder. This improves the cooling capacity for cooling the packaged beverage compared to a configuration in which a single Peltier module is used to cool the packaged beverage. As a result, the packaged beverage can be cooled rapidly. Furthermore, for example, the beverage can be cooled to 0°C or below.

[0008] Furthermore, beverage containers such as cans generally have a larger side area than a bottom area. According to this configuration, two cooling units each having a Peltier module cool a holder that surrounds the side of the beverage container, and the cooled holder removes heat from the side of the beverage container, thereby cooling the packaged beverage. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the holder removes heat from the bottom of the beverage container to cool the packaged beverage, the area over which heat is transferred from the packaged beverage to the holder is larger, allowing the packaged beverage to be cooled more rapidly. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cooler for a packaged beverage that can rapidly cool a packaged beverage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bottled beverage chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the holder shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a system block diagram of the bottled beverage chiller shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the cooling control by the control unit shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the cooling process shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the cooling process shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A bottled beverage cooler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses. The drawings are schematic, and the proportions of the dimensions may differ from those of the actual product.

[0012] (Configuration of cooler for bottled beverages) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bottled beverage chiller 1 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as chiller 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2.

[0013] In the following description, for convenience, in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3, among the directions along each side of the cooler 1, the left-right direction in FIG. 3 is referred to as the X direction, and the up-down direction in FIG. 3 is referred to as the Y direction, and in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2, the height direction of the cooler 1 (the up-down direction in FIG. 2) is referred to as the Z direction. In particular, the left side in FIG. 3 may be referred to as the +X side, the right side as the -X side, the upper side as the +Y side, and the lower side as the -Y side. Also, the upper side in FIG. 2 may be referred to as the +Z side and the lower side as the -Z side. In this embodiment, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the Z direction extends along the vertical direction.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, cooler 1 is a cooler for cooling a packaged beverage 100. Packaged beverage 100 has a beverage container 110 and a beverage 120 (shown in FIG. 2) filled in beverage container 110. In this embodiment, packaged beverage 100 is canned beer. That is, beverage container 110 in this embodiment is a can, and beverage 120 in this embodiment is beer. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, beverage container 110 in this embodiment has a circular bottom surface 111, a roughly cylindrical side surface 112 rising from the edge of bottom surface 111 toward the +Z side, and a circular top surface 113 covering the +Z side end of side surface 112. In this embodiment, the surface area of ​​side surface 112 is larger than the surface area of ​​bottom surface 111. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the surface area of ​​side surface 112 is larger than the surface area of ​​top surface 113.

[0015] 1 to 3, the cooler 1 of this embodiment includes a holder 10, a temperature sensor 20, and two cooling units 30A and 30B. In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the two cooling units 30A and 30B, one of the two cooling units 30A and 30B may be simply referred to as cooling unit 30.

[0016] 4 is a perspective view of the holder 10 shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the holder 10 has a generally cylindrical shape extending along a central axis O as a whole. In this embodiment, the holder 10 is disposed so that the central axis O extends in the Z direction. In the following description, the central axis O may be simply referred to as the axis O, and the direction in which the central axis O extends may be simply referred to as the axial direction. Furthermore, the radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the axis O may be simply referred to as the radial direction, and the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the axis O may be simply referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0017] The holder 10 has an inner circumferential surface 10a that radially surrounds the side surface 112 of the beverage container 110 from the outside, and an outer circumferential surface 10b that is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface 10a in the radial direction. The inner circumferential surface 10a is a cylindrical surface that extends in the axial direction, centered on the axis O. The outer circumferential surface 10b is located radially outward of the inner circumferential surface 10a.

[0018] The holder 10 has a cylindrical main body 11 and two mounting blocks 12A and 12B that protrude from the main body 11 on both sides in the X direction. In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the two mounting blocks 12A and 12B, one of the two mounting blocks 12A and 12B may be simply referred to as the mounting block 12.

[0019] The main body 11 accommodates and holds the packaged beverage 100. The main body 11 is cylindrical and extends axially around the axis O. When the packaged beverage 100 is accommodated in the main body 11, the packaged beverage 100 and the main body 11 are arranged coaxially. The main body 11 includes the inner circumferential surface 10a and part of the outer circumferential surface 10b of the holder 10. The inner diameter of the main body 11, i.e., the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 10a of the holder 10, is slightly larger than the diameter of the side surface 112 of the beverage container 110.

[0020] The cooling unit 30 is attached to the mounting block 12. The mounting block 12 has a mounting surface 12a to which the cooling unit 30 is attached. The mounting surface 12a is a flat surface that extends in the Y and Z directions. The mounting surface 12a forms part of the outer circumferential surface 10b.

[0021] Mounting block 12A is arranged to protrude from main body 11 to the +X side. Mounting block 12B is arranged to protrude from main body 11 to the -X side. Mounting blocks 12A and 12B are arranged to face each other in the X direction with axis O as the center. Mounting blocks 12A and 12B are arranged at positions offset from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0022] The mounting block 12A has a mounting hole 12b for mounting the temperature sensor 20 to the holder 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting hole 12b extends from the -Z side end face of the mounting block 12A toward the +Z side and terminates on the -Z side of the center of the holder 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the mounting hole 12b is disposed at a position offset from the center of the mounting block 12A in the circumferential direction. The mounting hole 12b is disposed at a position offset from the center of the mounting block 12A in the Y direction. Specifically, the mounting hole 12b is disposed on the -Y side of the center of the mounting block 12A in the Y direction.

[0023] The holder 10 has a one-piece structure. In other words, the main body 11 and the two mounting blocks 12 are integrally formed. The material of the holder 10 is aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0024] A bottom lid 13 is disposed on the -Z side of the holder 10. The bottom lid 13 is fixed to the -Z side end of the holder 10. The bottom lid 13 covers an opening defined by the inner circumferential surface 10a at the -Z side end of the holder 10 from the -Z side. This allows the bottom lid 13 to support the packaged beverage 100 from the -Z side when the packaged beverage 100 is attached to the cooler 1. Furthermore, when the packaged beverage 100 is attached to the cooler 1, the bottom lid 13 is in contact with the bottom surface 111 of the beverage container 110. The material of the bottom lid 13 is aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0025] The temperature sensor 20 detects a temperature related to the temperature of the packaged beverage 100. The temperature sensor 20 is an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor.

[0026] The temperature sensor 20 is incorporated into the holder 10. Specifically, the temperature sensor 20 is disposed in a mounting hole 12b formed in the mounting block 12A. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature sensor 20 is disposed on the -Z side of the center of the holder 10 in the axial direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the temperature sensor 20 is disposed at a position offset from the center of the mounting block 12A in the circumferential direction. The temperature sensor 20 is disposed at a position offset from the center of the mounting block 12A in the Y direction.

[0027] 2 and 4, the cooling unit 30 includes a Peltier module 40, a heat sink 31, and a fan 32. The Peltier module 40, the heat sink 31, and the fan 32 are arranged side by side in the X direction. The Peltier module 40, the heat sink 31, and the fan 32 are arranged side by side in the X direction in the order of Peltier module 40, heat sink 31, and fan 32, starting from the side closest to the holder 10. In this embodiment, the cooling method of the Peltier module 40 is air-cooling. The cooling units 30A and 30B are arranged so as to contact the holder 10 at two different points in the circumferential direction.

[0028] The Peltier module 40 has a heat absorbing surface 40a and a heat dissipating surface 40b. The Peltier module 40 is disposed adjacent to the holder 10 so that the heat absorbing surface 40a is in contact with the mounting surface 12a of the holder 10.

[0029] The Peltier module 40 has two Peltier elements 41A and 41B, each having an element heat absorption surface 41a and an element heat dissipation surface 41b, arranged opposite each other. The element heat absorption surface 41a of the Peltier element 41A forms the heat absorption surface 40a of the Peltier module 40. The element heat dissipation surface 41b of the Peltier element 41B forms the heat dissipation surface 40b of the Peltier module 40. The Peltier module 40 is a so-called two-stage Peltier module, in which the element heat dissipation surface 41b of the Peltier element 41A and the element heat absorption surface 41a of the Peltier element 41B are arranged so as to face each other. The two Peltier elements 41A and 41B are electrically connected to each other in parallel.

[0030] The heat absorption surface 40a of the Peltier module 40 is rectangular and has dimensions of 40 mm in both the Y and Z directions. As shown in Fig. 2, the Peltier module 40 is disposed so that the center of the heat absorption surface 40a in the Z direction is located on the -Z side of the center of the mounting surface 12a of the holder 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the Peltier module 40 is disposed so that the center of the heat absorption surface 40a and the center of the mounting surface 12a of the holder 10 are aligned in the Y direction.

[0031] The heat sink 31 includes a base plate 31a and a plurality of fins 31b protruding from the base plate 31a in the X direction. The heat sink 31 is disposed on the opposite side of the Peltier module 40 from the holder 10 in the X direction.

[0032] The base plate 31a is a flat plate extending in the Y and Z directions. The base plate 31a is disposed in contact with the heat dissipation surface 40b of the Peltier module 40.

[0033] The multiple fins 31b are arranged at intervals in the Z direction. Each fin 31b is a flat plate extending in the X and Y directions. Each fin 31b protrudes from the base plate 31a toward the opposite side from the Peltier module 40.

[0034] The fan 32 in this embodiment is an axial flow fan. The fan 32 is arranged so that the suction direction and the blowing direction extend in the X direction. The heat sink 31 is arranged on the suction side of the fan 32. The fan 32 is arranged on the opposite side of the heat sink 31 from the Peltier module 40.

[0035] The cooler 1 comprises a casing 50 and a printed circuit board assembly 60 .

[0036] The casing 50 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The holder 10, the two cooling units 30A and 30B, the printed circuit board assembly 60, and the like are arranged in the internal space of the casing 50. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the casing 50 includes a bottom wall 51, two first side walls 52A and 52B, two second side walls 53A and 53B, and a top wall 54. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the two first side walls 52A and 52B, one of the two first side walls 52A and 52B may be simply referred to as the first side wall 52. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the two second side walls 53A and 53B, one of the two second side walls 53A and 53B may be simply referred to as the second side wall 53.

[0037] The bottom wall 51 defines the −Z side of the internal space of the casing 50. The bottom wall 51 is in the shape of a flat plate that extends in the X and Y directions.

[0038] The first side wall 52A defines the +Y side of the internal space of the casing 50. The first side wall 52B defines the -Y side of the internal space of the casing 50. The first side wall 52 is flat and extends in the X and Z directions. The first side walls 52A, 52B are spaced apart in the Y direction. The first side wall 52 has two exhaust ports 55A, 55B for discharging air from the internal space of the casing 50 to the external space. In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the two exhaust ports 55A, 55B, one of the two exhaust ports 55A, 55B may be simply referred to as the exhaust port 55.

[0039] The two exhaust ports 55A, 55B communicate between the external space and the internal space of the casing 50. The two exhaust ports 55A, 55B are spaced apart in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 3, of the two exhaust ports 55A, 55B, the exhaust port 55A located on the +X side is aligned with the heat sink 31 of the cooling unit 30A in the X direction. Similarly, of the two exhaust ports 55A, 55B, the exhaust port 55B located on the -X side is aligned with the heat sink 31 of the cooling unit 30B in the X direction. The exhaust ports 55 open in the Y direction. In other words, the opening direction of the exhaust ports 55 is the Y direction.

[0040] The second side wall 53A defines the +X side of the internal space of the casing 50. The second side wall 53B defines the -X side of the internal space of the casing 50. The second side wall 53 is flat and extends in the Y and Z directions. The second side walls 53A and 53B are spaced apart in the X direction. The second side wall 53 has an air intake 56 for drawing air from the external space of the casing 50 into the internal space. The air intake 56 connects the internal space of the casing 50 to the external space. The air intake 56 is located on the suction side of the fan 32 of the cooling unit 30. The air intake 56 of the second side wall 53A is located on the +X side of the fan 32 of the cooling unit 30A. The air intake 56 of the second side wall 53B is located on the -X side of the fan 32 of the cooling unit 30B. The intake port 56 opens in the X direction, which intersects with the opening direction of the exhaust port 55 .

[0041] 3, air taken in by the fan 32 from the air intake port 56 into the internal space of the casing 50 is sucked into the fan 32 and then blown out in the X direction. The air blown out from the fan 32 passes through gaps between the fins 31b of the heat sink 31 and is then blown out in the Y direction from the air exhaust port 55, thereby being discharged into the external space of the casing 50. As a result, the heat used to cool the heat sink 31 is discharged from the air exhaust port 55.

[0042] The top wall 54 defines the +Z side of the internal space of the casing 50. The top wall 54 is flat and extends in the X and Y directions. An opening 54a penetrating the top wall 54 in the Z direction is arranged in the top wall 54. The packaged beverage 100 passes through the opening 54a and is inserted into the holder 10. The top wall 54 is arranged at a distance from the bottom wall 51 in the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 1, a display panel 57 serving as a display device and a plurality of operation buttons 58 serving as an input device are arranged in the top wall 54 of the casing 50. In this embodiment, the top wall 54 is formed integrally with the second side walls 53A, 53B.

[0043] 2 and 3, a heat insulating material 59 is disposed within the casing 50. The heat insulating material 59 is disposed on the −Z side, the +Y side, and the −Y side of the holder 10. A portion of the heat insulating material 59 is disposed on the −Z side of the bottom cover 13. Another portion of the heat insulating material 59 covers the portion of the outer circumferential surface 10b of the holder 10 other than the mounting surface 12a from the radially outer side.

[0044] The printed circuit board assembly 60 includes a printed circuit board and electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board. The electronic components include a central processing unit (CPU) and storage devices such as random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The printed circuit board assembly 60 is disposed within the casing 50.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a system block diagram of the cooler 1 of this embodiment.

[0046] 5, the cooler 1 of this embodiment has a control unit 70 that controls the operation of the cooling unit 30. The control unit 70 of this embodiment is configured by a printed circuit board assembly 60 (shown in FIG. 2) and software implemented on the printed circuit board assembly 60. A signal related to a detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor 20 is input from the temperature sensor 20 to the control unit 70. A signal related to a user input input to the operation button 58 is input from the operation button 58 to the control unit 70. The control unit 70 outputs a signal related to information about the cooler 1 to the display panel 57.

[0047] (Cooling control) The control unit 70 of this embodiment executes cooling control to control the operation of the cooling unit 30 so as to cool the packaged beverage 100 to a first temperature T1 based on the detected temperature T detected by the temperature sensor 20. The first temperature T1 is a temperature that is equal to or lower than 0°C and higher than the freezing point of the beverage 120. In this embodiment, the first temperature T1 is set, for example, in the range of 0°C to -2°C. The first temperature T1 in this embodiment is -2°C.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of cooling control by the control unit 70. Cooling control by the control unit 70 starts when the user operates the operation button 58 and a cooling control start signal is input to the control unit 70. As shown in FIG. 6, the cooling control by the control unit 70 in this embodiment is made up of a cooling process and a cold insulation process. First, in step S1, the cooling process of the packaged beverage 100 is carried out by the cooling unit 30. Once the cooling process of step S1 is completed, the cooling control proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the cooling unit 30 carries out a cold insulation process of the packaged beverage 100. Once the cold insulation process of step S2 is completed, the control unit 70 ends the cooling control.

[0049] (cooling process) The cooling step of this embodiment is a step for cooling the packaged beverage 100 to a temperature lower than the first temperature T1. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the cooling step of the cooling control. In step S1-1, operation of the cooling unit 30 is initiated, and cooling of the packaged beverage 100 begins. In step S1-1, the control unit 70 controls the cooling unit 30 so that the cooling unit 30 operates by turning on the power supply to the cooling unit 30 from a power source (not shown). After executing step S1-1, the cooling control proceeds to step S1-2.

[0050] In step S1-2, it is determined whether the elapsed time ta from the start of the cooling process in step S1-1 is less than a predetermined set time t0. That is, in step S1-2, it is determined whether the cooling process has been performed for the predetermined set time t0. If the control unit 70 determines in step S1-2 that the elapsed time ta is less than the predetermined set time t0, i.e., if the answer is YES in step S1-2, the cooling control proceeds to step S1-3. If the control unit 70 determines in step S1-2 that the elapsed time ta is equal to or greater than the predetermined set time t0, i.e., if the answer is NO in step S1-2, the cooling process of the packaged beverage 100 by the cooling unit 30 is terminated. In this embodiment, the predetermined set time t0 is 15 minutes. The predetermined set time t0 may also be set to another time, such as 20 minutes or 30 minutes.

[0051] In step S1-3, it is determined whether the detected temperature T is equal to or lower than the second temperature T2. If the control unit 70 determines in step S1-3 that the detected temperature T is equal to or lower than the second temperature T2, i.e., if the answer is YES in step S1-3, the cooling control proceeds to step S1-4. If the control unit 70 determines in step S1-3 that the detected temperature T is higher than the second temperature T2, i.e., if the answer is NO in step S1-3, the cooling control proceeds to step S1-2.

[0052] The second temperature T2 is a temperature lower than the first temperature T1. The second temperature T2 in this embodiment is set to a temperature lower than the detected temperature T when the temperature of the packaged beverage 100 becomes the first temperature T1 during the process of cooling the packaged beverage 100 by the cooling unit 30. Furthermore, the second temperature T2 in this embodiment is a temperature at which the beverage 120 does not freeze while the packaged beverage 100 is being cooled by the cooling unit 30. In other words, even if the detected temperature T is the second temperature T2 while the packaged beverage 100 is being cooled by the cooling unit 30, the beverage 120 will not freeze. The second temperature T2 in this embodiment is -7°C.

[0053] In step S1-4, the operation of the cooling unit 30 is stopped, thereby stopping the cooling of the packaged beverage 100. In step S1-4, the control unit 70 controls the cooling unit 30 so that the cooling unit 30 stops by turning off the power supply from a power source (not shown) to the cooling unit 30. After executing step S1-4, the cooling control proceeds to step S1-5.

[0054] In step S1-5, it is determined whether the elapsed time ta from the start of the cooling process in step S1-1 is less than a predetermined set time t0. That is, in step S1-5, it is determined whether the cooling process has been performed for the predetermined set time t0. If the control unit 70 determines in step S1-5 that the elapsed time ta is less than the predetermined set time t0, i.e., if the answer is YES in step S1-5, the cooling control proceeds to step S1-6. If the control unit 70 determines in step S1-5 that the elapsed time ta is equal to or greater than the predetermined set time t0, i.e., if the answer is NO in step S1-5, the cooling process of the packaged beverage 100 by the cooling unit 30 is terminated.

[0055] In step S1-6, it is determined whether the detected temperature T is equal to or lower than the second temperature T2. If the control unit 70 determines in step S1-6 that the detected temperature T is equal to or lower than the second temperature T2, i.e., if the answer is YES in step S1-6, the cooling control proceeds to step S1-5. If the control unit 70 determines in step S1-6 that the detected temperature T is higher than the second temperature T2, i.e., if the answer is NO in step S1-6, the cooling control proceeds to step S1-1.

[0056] (cold storage process) The cooling step of this embodiment is a step for maintaining the packaged beverage 100 at a temperature equal to or lower than a first temperature T1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the cooling step of the cooling control. In step S2-1, if the cooling unit 30 is operating, the operation of the cooling unit 30 is stopped, and the cooling of the packaged beverage 100 is stopped. In step S2-1, the control unit 70 controls the cooling unit 30 so that the cooling unit 30 stops by turning off the power supply to the cooling unit 30 from a power source (not shown). After executing step S2-1, the cooling control proceeds to step S2-2.

[0057] In step S2-2, it is determined whether the elapsed time tb from the start of the cooling process in step S2-1 is less than a predetermined set time t1. That is, in step S2-2, it is determined whether the cooling process has been performed for the predetermined set time t1. If the control unit 70 determines in step S2-2 that the elapsed time tb is less than the predetermined set time t1, i.e., if the answer is YES in step S2-2, the cooling control proceeds to step S2-3. If the control unit 70 determines in step S2-2 that the elapsed time tb is equal to or greater than the predetermined set time t1, i.e., if the answer is NO in step S2-2, the cooling process of the packaged beverage 100 by the cooling unit 30 is terminated, and the cooling control ends. In this embodiment, the predetermined set time t1 is 30 minutes.

[0058] In step S2-3, it is determined whether the detected temperature T is higher than the first temperature T1. If the control unit 70 determines in step S2-3 that the detected temperature T is higher than the first temperature T1, i.e., if the answer is YES in step S2-3, the cooling control proceeds to step S2-4. If the control unit 70 determines in step S2-3 that the detected temperature T is equal to or lower than the first temperature T1, i.e., if the answer is NO in step S2-3, the cooling control proceeds to step S2-2.

[0059] In step S2-4, the cooling unit 30 is operated, and the cooling unit 30 starts cooling the packaged beverage 100. In step S2-4, the control unit 70 controls the cooling unit 30 so that the cooling unit 30 operates by turning on the power supply from a power source (not shown) to the cooling unit 30. After executing step S2-4, the cooling control proceeds to step S2-5.

[0060] In step S2-5, it is determined whether the elapsed time tb from the start of the cold insulation process in step S2-1 is less than a predetermined set time t1. That is, in step S2-5, it is determined whether the cold insulation process has been performed for the predetermined set time t1. If the control unit 70 determines in step S2-5 that the elapsed time tb is less than the predetermined set time t1, i.e., if the answer is YES in step S2-5, the cooling control proceeds to step S2-6. If the control unit 70 determines in step S2-5 that the elapsed time tb is equal to or greater than the predetermined set time t1, i.e., if the answer is NO in step S2-5, the cooling process of the packaged beverage 100 by the cooling unit 30 is terminated, and the cooling control ends.

[0061] In step S2-6, it is determined whether the detected temperature T is higher than the first temperature T1. If the control unit 70 determines in step S2-6 that the detected temperature T is higher than the first temperature T1, i.e., if the answer is YES in step S2-6, the cooling control proceeds to step S2-5. If the control unit 70 determines in step S2-6 that the detected temperature T is equal to or lower than the first temperature T1, i.e., if the answer is NO in step S2-6, the cooling control proceeds to step S2-1.

[0062] [effect] The cooler 1 of this embodiment provides the following effects.

[0063] According to the cooler 1 of this embodiment, two cooling sections 30 each having a Peltier module 40 cool the holder 10 at two different locations in the circumferential direction, thereby cooling the packaged beverage 100 surrounded by the holder 10. This improves the cooling capacity for cooling the packaged beverage 100 compared to a configuration in which a single Peltier module 40 is used to cool the packaged beverage 100. As a result, the packaged beverage 100 can be cooled rapidly. Furthermore, for example, the beverage 120 can be cooled to 0°C or below.

[0064] Generally, the surface area of ​​a side surface 112 of a beverage container 110 such as a can is larger than the surface area of ​​a bottom surface 111. According to the cooler 1 of this embodiment, two cooling sections 30, each having a Peltier module 40, cool the holder 10 surrounding the side surface 112 of the beverage container 110, and the cooled holder 10 removes heat from the side surface 112 of the beverage container 110, thereby cooling the packaged beverage 100. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the holder 10 removes heat from the bottom surface 111 of the beverage container 110 to cool the packaged beverage 100, the area over which heat is transferred from the packaged beverage 100 to the holder 10 is larger, and the packaged beverage 100 can be cooled more rapidly.

[0065] In the cooler 1 of this embodiment, a temperature sensor 20 incorporated in the holder 10 detects a detected temperature T related to the temperature of the packaged beverage 100. Because the temperature sensor 20 is incorporated in the holder 10, which is directly cooled by the cooling unit 30, the detected temperature T may be higher than the temperature of the packaged beverage 100, which is indirectly cooled by the cooling unit 30 via the holder 10. In other words, the detected temperature T does not necessarily coincide with the temperature of the packaged beverage 100, so even when the detected temperature T reaches a first temperature T1, the temperature of the packaged beverage 100 may not have reached the first temperature T1. In this embodiment, the holder 10 is cooled by the two cooling units 30 until the detected temperature T reaches a second temperature T2 that is lower than the first temperature T1. In other words, in this embodiment, the cooling process of the packaged beverage 100 by the cooling unit 30 is performed until the detected temperature T reaches the second temperature T2 that is lower than the first temperature T1. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the cooling process of the packaged beverage 100 by the cooling unit 30 ends when the detected temperature T reaches the first temperature T1, the packaged beverage 100 can be cooled to a lower temperature. As a result, the time required to cool the packaged beverage 100 to the first temperature T1 can be shortened.

[0066] In this embodiment, the second temperature T2 is set to a temperature lower than the detected temperature T when the temperature of the packaged beverage 100 reaches the first temperature T1 during the process of cooling the packaged beverage 100 by the cooling section 30. Therefore, the packaged beverage 100 is cooled by the cooling section 30 until the temperature of the packaged beverage 100 falls to or below the first temperature T1. The cooler 1 of this embodiment can shorten the time required to cool the packaged beverage 100 to the first temperature T1, compared to a configuration in which the cooling section 30 stops cooling the packaged beverage 100 before the temperature of the packaged beverage 100 falls to or below the first temperature T1.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first temperature T1 is set to a temperature that is equal to or lower than 0°C and higher than the freezing point of the beverage 120. Therefore, according to the cooler 1 of this embodiment, by setting the first temperature T1 to, for example, -2°C to 0°C, it is possible to provide the beverage 120 with a taste that is different from that in the normal temperature range (for example, about 4°C), and to prevent the beverage 120 from freezing. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second temperature T2 is set to a temperature at which the beverage 120 does not freeze while the packaged beverage 100 is being cooled by the cooling section 30. Therefore, according to the cooler 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the beverage 120 of the packaged beverage 100 from freezing while the packaged beverage 100 is being cooled by the cooling section 30.

[0068] In this embodiment, the heat insulating material 59 is arranged on one side of the holder 10 in the axial direction, and the temperature sensor 20 is arranged on one side of the center of the holder 10 in the axial direction. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the temperature sensor 20 is arranged on the other side of the center of the holder 10 in the axial direction, the heat insulating material 59 can reduce the effect of the temperature around the cooler 1 on the detected temperature T. This configuration is advantageous for controlling the packaged beverage 100 to a desired temperature.

[0069] In a configuration in which the Peltier module 40 and the temperature sensor 20 are aligned in the circumferential direction, the temperature sensor 20 detects the temperature of the part of the holder 10 that is cooled most by the Peltier module 40, and so the detected temperature T may be excessively lower than the temperature of the packaged beverage 100. In contrast, with this configuration, the Peltier module 40 and the temperature sensor 20 are arranged at positions offset in the circumferential direction, which prevents the detected temperature T from being excessively lower than the temperature of the packaged beverage 100. As a result, compared to a configuration in which the Peltier module 40 and the temperature sensor 20 are aligned in the circumferential direction, the temperature sensor 20 can detect a temperature closer to the temperature of the packaged beverage 100 as the detected temperature T, which is advantageous for controlling the packaged beverage 100 to a desired temperature.

[0070] The Peltier module 40 of the present embodiment is a so-called multi-stage Peltier module 40, and therefore can improve the cooling capacity of the cooler 1 compared to a single-stage Peltier module 40. As a result, the packaged beverage 100 can be cooled rapidly.

[0071] In a configuration in which air flows linearly from the intake port 56 to the exhaust port 55, the heat sink 31 and the fan 32 must be arranged side by side on the flow path from the intake port 56 to the exhaust port 55, which may result in the cooler 1 becoming larger in size in the direction in which the flow path extends, i.e., in the Y direction. In contrast, with this configuration, air drawn in through the intake port 56 is discharged from the exhaust port 55, which opens in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the intake port 56, so the flow path can be configured with a portion extending in the opening direction of the intake port 56 and a portion extending in the opening direction of the exhaust port 55. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cooler 1 from becoming larger in a particular direction, and the cooler 1 can be made smaller.

[0072] [Variations] The containerized beverage chiller according to the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the beverage container 110 is a can, but is not limited to this. The beverage container according to the present disclosure may be other containers, including a plastic bottle.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the beverage held inside the beverage container 110 is beer, but is not limited to this. The beverage according to the present disclosure may be a beverage containing other alcohol or a beverage that does not contain alcohol. Furthermore, the beverage according to the present disclosure may be a beverage having a sparkling property or a beverage that does not have a sparkling property.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the holder 10 is arranged so that the central axis O extends in the Z direction, but this is not limiting. The holder according to the present disclosure may be arranged so that the central axis extends in other directions, including the X direction and the Y direction.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the cooling method of the Peltier module 40 is air-cooled, but this is not limiting. The cooling method of the Peltier module according to the present disclosure may also be water-cooled.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the first temperature T1 is −2° C. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The first temperature T1 according to the present disclosure may be set in the range of −7° C. to 12° C.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the control unit 70 controls the operation of the cooling unit 30 based on the detected temperature T during the cooling control, but this is not limited to this. During the cooling control, the control unit 70 may control the operation of the cooling unit 30 so that the cooling process is performed for a preset cooling time. For example, the control unit 70 may control the operation of the cooling unit 30 so that the cooling process is performed for a cooling time selected from a plurality of preset cooling times through a user operation using the operation button 58.

[0079] [Note] The bottled beverage chiller according to the present disclosure provides the following aspects.

[0080] [Aspect 1] Aspect 1 of the present disclosure is A container-packed beverage cooler for cooling a container-packed beverage, the container-packed beverage cooler comprising a beverage container having a bottom surface and a cylindrical side surface rising from an edge of the bottom surface, and a beverage filled in the beverage container, a holder having a cylindrical shape extending along a central axis, the holder having an inner peripheral surface surrounding the side surface of the beverage container, and an outer peripheral surface disposed at a distance from the inner peripheral surface in a radial direction centered on the central axis; two cooling portions that are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the holder and are arranged offset from each other in a circumferential direction around the central axis; Equipped with The present invention provides a cooler for bottled beverages, wherein each cooling section has a heat absorption surface and a heat dissipation surface arranged opposite each other, and the heat absorption surface is provided with a Peltier module arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the holder.

[0081] Here, "radial direction around the central axis" means the radial direction of an imaginary circle around the central axis. Similarly, "circumferential direction around the central axis" means the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle around the central axis.

[0082] [Aspect 2] Aspect 2 of the present disclosure is a temperature sensor incorporated within the holder; a control unit that receives a detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor and controls the two cooling units to cool the packaged beverage to a first temperature based on the detected temperature; Equipped with Aspect 1 provides a cooler for a packaged beverage, wherein the control unit controls the two cooling units so that the packaged beverage is cooled by the two cooling units until the detected temperature reaches a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and then the detected temperature is maintained at the first temperature.

[0083] [Aspect 3] Aspect 3 of the present disclosure is Aspect 2 provides a cooler for a packaged beverage, wherein the second temperature is set to a temperature lower than the detected temperature at which the temperature of the packaged beverage reaches the first temperature when the packaged beverage is cooled by the two cooling sections.

[0084] [Aspect 4] Aspect 4 of the present disclosure is the first temperature is below 0°C and above the freezing point of the beverage; The present invention provides a packaged beverage chiller according to aspect 2 or 3, wherein the second temperature is a temperature at which the packaged beverage does not freeze while being cooled by the two cooling sections.

[0085] [Aspect 5] Aspect 5 of the present disclosure is a heat insulating material disposed on one side of the holder in a central axis direction in which the central axis extends, Aspects 5 to 6 are provided as a bottled beverage cooler according to any one of Aspects 2 to 4, wherein the temperature sensor is disposed on one side of a center of the holder in the direction of the central axis.

[0086] [Aspect 6] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides the bottled beverage chiller of any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the Peltier module and the temperature sensor are arranged at offset positions in the circumferential direction.

[0087] [Aspect 7] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the Peltier module has two Peltier elements each having a heat absorbing surface and a heat radiating surface facing each other, Aspects 1 to 6 provide a containerized beverage cooler according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the two Peltier elements are stacked so that the heat absorption surface of one of the two Peltier elements faces the heat dissipation surface of the other of the two Peltier elements.

[0088] [Aspect 8] Aspect 8 of the present disclosure is a casing that houses the holder and the two cooling units; Each cooling section is a heat sink disposed in contact with the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier module; a fan for cooling the heat sink; Equipped with The casing comprises: an intake port through which air is drawn by the fan; an exhaust port that opens in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the intake port, and through which heat drawn in by the fan and used to cool the heat sink is discharged by air; Aspect 8. The packaged beverage chiller of any one of Aspects 1 to 7, comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Cooler (cooler for packaged beverages) 10 Holder 10a Inner surface 10b Outer surface 11 Main unit 12 Mounting block 12a Mounting surface 12b mounting hole 13 Bottom lid 20 Temperature Sensor 30 Cooling section 31 Heat sink 31a base plate 31b Fin 32 fans 40 Peltier modules 40a Heat absorption surface 40b Heat dissipation surface 41 Peltier element 41a Element heat absorption surface 41b Element heat dissipation surface 50 casing 51 Bottom wall 52 First side wall 53 Second side wall 54 Upper Wall 55 exhaust port 56 Air intake 57 Display Panel 58 Operation buttons 59 Insulation 60 Printed Circuit Board Assembly 70 Control Unit 100 Packaged beverages 110 Beverage containers 111 bottom 112 Side 113 Top surface 120 Beverages O axis line (center axis line)

Claims

1. A container-packed beverage cooler for cooling a container-packed beverage, the container-packed beverage cooler comprising a beverage container having a bottom surface and a cylindrical side surface rising from an edge of the bottom surface, and a beverage filled in the beverage container, a holder having a cylindrical shape extending along a central axis, the holder having an inner peripheral surface surrounding the side surface of the beverage container, and an outer peripheral surface disposed at a distance from the inner peripheral surface in a radial direction centered on the central axis; two cooling portions that are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the holder and are arranged offset from each other in a circumferential direction around the central axis; Equipped with Each cooling section has a heat absorption surface and a heat dissipation surface arranged opposite each other, and the heat absorption surface is arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the holder, and the cooling device for a bottled beverage includes a Peltier module.

2. a temperature sensor incorporated within the holder; a control unit that receives a detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor and controls the two cooling units to cool the packaged beverage to a first temperature based on the detected temperature; Equipped with The cooler for bottled beverages described in claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the two cooling units so that the detected temperature is maintained at the first temperature after the bottled beverage is cooled by the two cooling units until the detected temperature reaches a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

3. A cooler for bottled beverages as described in claim 2, wherein the second temperature is set to a temperature lower than the detected temperature when the temperature of the beverage reaches the first temperature when the bottled beverage is cooled by the two cooling sections.

4. the first temperature is below 0°C and above the freezing point of the beverage; The bottled beverage cooler according to claim 2 , wherein the second temperature is a temperature at which the bottled beverage does not freeze while being cooled by the two cooling sections.

5. a heat insulating material disposed on one side of the holder in a central axis direction in which the central axis extends, 4. The bottled beverage cooler according to claim 2, wherein the temperature sensor is disposed on one side of the center of the holder in the direction of the central axis.

6. 4. The bottled beverage cooler according to claim 2, wherein the Peltier module and the temperature sensor are arranged at positions offset from each other in the circumferential direction.

7. the Peltier module has two Peltier elements each having a heat absorbing surface and a heat radiating surface facing each other, 2. The container-packed beverage cooler according to claim 1, wherein the two Peltier elements are stacked so that the heat absorption surface of one of the two Peltier elements faces the heat dissipation surface of the other of the two Peltier elements.

8. a casing that houses the holder and the two cooling units; Each cooling section is a heat sink disposed in contact with the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier module; a fan for cooling the heat sink; Equipped with The casing comprises: an intake port through which air is drawn by the fan; an exhaust port that opens in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the intake port, and through which heat drawn in by the fan and used to cool the heat sink is discharged by air; The bottled beverage cooler of claim 1 , comprising:

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