Insulated container and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

To provide an insulating container capable of making a weld mark inconspicuous, when a slit for degassing is sealed by welding.SOLUTION: An insulating container 1A has a metallic outer container 2 and a metallic inner container each having open one end, in which mutual open ends are bonded in the state where the inner container is stored inside the outer container 2, and a vacuum heat insulation layer is provided between the outer container 2 and the inner container. The insulating container has a weld mark formed by welding and sealing a slit S for degassing provided on a bottom surface of the outer container 2, and the weld mark is provided along the contour or its periphery of a recess 5 provided on the bottom surface of the outer container 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermally insulated container and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a thermally insulated container having a metallic outer container and an inner container, each of which has an open end, the open ends of which are joined together with the inner container housed inside the outer container, and a vacuum insulation layer provided between the outer container and the inner container. Such thermally insulated containers are widely used for beverage containers such as water bottles and mugs with heat / cold insulation functions, food containers and cooking utensils with heat insulation functions, etc.

[0003] In the above-mentioned insulated container, the open ends of the outer container and the inner container are butted together and then welded together. In a reduced pressure (vacuum) chamber, a degassing hole on the bottom of the outer container is sealed with brazing material to form a vacuum insulation layer between the outer container and the inner container.

[0004] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 below proposes a method for forming a vacuum insulation layer in which an evacuation slit provided in an outer container is sealed by welding under reduced pressure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0231145 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, slits sealed by welding have an unsightly appearance due to the weld marks, and on the other hand, if the width or length of the slit is reduced in order to make the weld marks less noticeable, the time required for degassing through the slit increases, resulting in poor manufacturing efficiency.

[0007] The present invention has been proposed in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to provide an insulated container and a manufacturing method thereof that make it possible to make welding marks less noticeable when sealing deaeration slits by welding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means. [1] A thermal insulation container having an outer container and an inner container made of metal, each having an open end, the open ends of which are joined together while the inner container is housed inside the outer container, and a vacuum insulation layer is provided between the outer container and the inner container, a weld mark formed by sealing a deaeration slit provided on the bottom surface of the outer container by welding; The insulated container is characterized in that the weld mark is provided along or near the outline of a recess provided in the bottom surface of the outer container. [2] The insulated container according to [1], characterized in that the weld marks are provided along the outer periphery of a step portion that forms the contour of the recess. [3] The recess is provided in a ring shape on the bottom surface of the outer container, The insulated container described in [1] is characterized in that the weld marks are provided along the inner periphery of a step portion that forms the inner contour of the recess. [4] The insulated container according to any one of [1] to [3], characterized in that the weld marks are provided in a plurality along the contour of the recess or in the vicinity thereof. [5] A thermal insulation container having an outer container and an inner container made of metal, each having an open end, the open ends of which are joined together in a state in which the inner container is housed inside the outer container, and a vacuum insulation layer is provided between the outer container and the inner container, a weld mark formed by sealing a degassing slit provided in the outer container by welding; The insulated container is characterized in that the weld marks are provided along the outline of a design consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, figures or combinations thereof. [6] A thermal insulation container having an outer container and an inner container made of metal, each having an open end, the open ends of which are joined together in a state in which the inner container is housed inside the outer container, and a vacuum insulation layer is provided between the outer container and the inner container, The outer container Shoulder of the torso a weld mark formed by sealing a deaeration slit provided in the The welding mark is Attached to the shoulder portion all around 1. A thermally insulated container characterized in that it is covered with a cover member. [7] The heat-insulating container according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the outer container and the inner container are made of titanium, aluminum, magnesium, or an alloy thereof. [8] A method for manufacturing an insulated container having an outer container and an inner container made of metal, each having an open end, the open ends of which are joined together while the inner container is housed inside the outer container, and a vacuum insulation layer is provided between the outer container and the inner container, comprising: forming a slit for deaeration on the bottom surface of the outer container; and sealing the slit by welding under reduced pressure. A method for manufacturing an insulated container, comprising forming the slit along or near the contour of a recess provided in the bottom surface of the outer container. [9] The method for manufacturing an insulated container according to [8], characterized in that the slit is formed along the outer periphery of a step portion that defines the contour of the recess.

[10] A ring-shaped recess is formed on the bottom surface of the outer container, The method for manufacturing an insulated container described in [8] above, characterized in that the slit is formed along the inner periphery of a step portion that forms the inner contour of the recess.

[11] The method for producing a thermally insulated container according to any one of [8] to

[10] above, wherein a plurality of the slits are formed along the contour of the recess or its vicinity.

[12] A method for manufacturing an insulated container having an outer container and an inner container made of metal, each having an open end, the open ends of which are joined together in a state in which the inner container is housed inside the outer container, and a vacuum insulation layer is provided between the outer container and the inner container, comprising: forming a slit for degassing in the outer container; and sealing the slit by welding under reduced pressure. A method for manufacturing a heat-insulating container, characterized in that the slits are formed along the contour of a pattern consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, figures or a combination thereof. 。 Effect of the Invention

[0009] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an insulated container and a manufacturing method thereof that make it possible to make welding marks less noticeable when sealing deaeration slits by welding. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a heat-insulating container according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of the heat-insulating container shown in FIG. 1, seen from below. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the heat-insulating container shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the heat-insulating container shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bottom side of the heat-insulating container shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the heat-insulating container shown in FIG. 1, as viewed from below. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a heat-insulating container according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from below. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the heat-insulating container shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the heat-insulating container shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bottom side of the heat-insulating container shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a heat-insulating container according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the heat-insulating container shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat-insulating container according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment) First, as a first embodiment of the present invention, a heat-insulating container 1A shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 to 5 and a method for manufacturing the same will be described.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the insulated container 1A as viewed from above. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the insulated container 1A as viewed from below. Fig. 3 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the insulated container 1A. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the insulated container 1A. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the bottom side of the insulated container 1A.

[0013] 1 to 4, the insulated container 1A of this embodiment includes a metallic outer container 2, one end of which is open, and an inner container 3. The insulated container 1A has a vacuum insulation structure in which the open ends of the outer container 2 and the inner container 3 are joined together with the inner container 3 housed inside the outer container 2, and a vacuum insulation layer 4 is provided between the outer container 2 and the inner container 3.

[0014] In this embodiment, the open ends of the outer container 2 and the inner container 3 are butted together, and the butted portion is joined by welding. In addition, Fig. 4 shows the butted portion (boundary) between the outer container 2 and the inner container 3, but after joining, the butted portion is melted by welding to form a weld bead around the entire circumference of the butted portion. In addition, this weld bead is ground and polished after welding to give it a smooth surface.

[0015] Metals such as titanium, aluminum, magnesium, or alloys thereof, in addition to commonly used stainless steel, are used for the outer container 2 and the inner container 3. Furthermore, the outer container 2 and the inner container 3 are joined together by a welding method such as laser welding.

[0016] The insulated container 1A of this embodiment has such a vacuum insulation structure, and thus can have functions such as heat retention and cold retention. In addition, in the insulated container 1A, tension is always applied to the outer container 2 and the inner container 3 due to the difference between the internal pressure (vacuum pressure) and the external pressure (atmospheric pressure), and the mechanical strength of the outer container 2 and the inner container 3 is increased. This makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the insulated container 1A even when the plate thicknesses of the outer container 2 and the inner container 3 are reduced, and thus makes it possible to reduce the weight of the insulated container 1A.

[0017] The insulated container 1A of this embodiment is a container body with a lid, and the upper opening of the insulated container 1A can be opened and closed by a lid (not shown) that is attached and detached to the insulated container 1A by screwing it.

[0018] Although the insulated container 1A of this embodiment has an overall appearance of a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, the appearance shape of the insulated container 1A is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed according to the size, design, etc. In addition, the outer surface of the outer container 2 may be painted, printed, etc.

[0019] In the insulated container 1A of this embodiment, a slit S for degassing is formed in the bottom surface of the outer container 2, and this slit S is sealed by welding under reduced pressure, thereby forming a vacuum insulation layer 4 between the outer container 2 and the inner container 3.

[0020] The slits S can be formed, for example, by irradiating a laser beam. In addition, the slits S can be sealed by a welding method such as laser welding.

[0021] The width of the slit S is preferably 0.02 mm to 1.0 mm, and particularly preferably 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. The width of the slit S is preferably 80% or less, and particularly preferably 30% or less, of the substrate thickness of the outer container 2. On the other hand, if the width of the slit S exceeds 80% of the substrate thickness of the outer container 2, not only will it take a long time to seal the slit S, but it will also be impossible to seal the slit S by melting the substrate itself of the outer container 2, and therefore a filler material for sealing, such as a welding rod, will be required.

[0022] 2 to 4 show slits S, but after the slits S are sealed by welding, weld beads are formed along the slits S. In addition, the weld beads can be finished into a smooth surface by grinding and polishing after welding.

[0023] Therefore, the heat-insulating container 1A of this embodiment has a weld mark where the deaeration slit S is sealed by welding on the bottom surface of the outer container 2. Although not shown, the weld mark is formed at the same position as the slit S.

[0024] In the insulated container 1A of this embodiment, in order to make the weld marks less noticeable, a slit S is formed along or near the outline of the recess 5 provided on the bottom surface of the outer container 2, and this slit S is sealed by welding to create a weld mark.

[0025] Specifically, this insulated container 1A has a recess 5 formed by recessing the center of the bottom surface of the outer container 2 into a circular shape in a plan view. The slit S is provided along the outline of this recess 5 or its vicinity. Therefore, the weld mark is formed along the outline of the recess 5 or its vicinity.

[0026] As a result, in the case where the degassing slit S is sealed by welding in the insulated container 1A of this embodiment, the weld mark can be made less noticeable by following the contour of the recess 5 or its vicinity. In addition, since the recess 5 is provided in the center of the bottom surface of the outer container 2, it is possible to avoid the risk of damage such as deformation of the welded portion due to impact from a drop, etc., compared to the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the outer container 2 which is more likely to be hit when the insulated container 1A is dropped.

[0027] In the heat-insulating container 1A of this embodiment, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) slits S are provided along the outline of the recess 5 or its vicinity. The two slits S are provided at symmetrical positions on the outline of the recess 5 or its vicinity.

[0028] In the heat-insulating container 1A of this embodiment, by providing a plurality of such slits S, it is possible to shorten the time required for degassing through the plurality of slits S when forming the vacuum insulation layer 4. Also, it is possible to make the weld marks after sealing the slits S by welding less noticeable than when one large slit is provided. Note that it is not always necessary to provide a plurality of slits S, and in some cases, it is sufficient to provide only one slit.

[0029] Furthermore, when the length of the slit S is formed in an arc shape along the contour or vicinity of the circular recess 5 formed on the bottom surface of the outer container 2 described above, the length varies depending on the radius of the recess 5, but it is preferable that the length be such that the angular range is 180° (half a circumference) or less, and it is particularly preferable that the length be such that the angular range is 90° (¼ circumference) or less.

[0030] If the angular range of the arc-shaped slit S exceeds 180° (half a circumference), the inner part (the inner part of the recess 5) sandwiching the slit S on the bottom surface of the outer container 2 will be separated from the outer part (the outer part of the recess 5) and will be deformed so as to shift in the thickness direction of the base material, making it difficult to seal the slit S in the next process.

[0031] In addition, in the heat-insulating container 1A of this embodiment, a slit S is provided along the outer periphery of the step portion 6 that defines the outline of the recess 5 in order to make the weld marks less noticeable.

[0032] 5, the step portion 6 is a portion that connects the bottom surface of the outer container 2 and the bottom surface of the recessed portion 5. The outer circumferential side of the step portion 6 is curved in a convex shape at a connection portion 6a with the bottom surface of the outer container 2. The inner circumferential side of the step portion 6 is curved in a concave shape at a connection portion 6b with the bottom surface of the recessed portion 5. The slit S is provided along the connection portion 6a on the outer circumferential side of the step portion 6.

[0033] The stepped portion 6 is less deformed by the tension applied to the outer container 2 described above, and is suitable for providing the slit S. Furthermore, the outer periphery side of the stepped portion 6 is easier to grind and polish than the inner periphery side of the stepped portion 6 after welding.

[0034] On the other hand, since the inner periphery of the step portion 6 does not come into direct contact with the support surface at the bottom of the outer container 2, the risk of damage is low, and in some cases, a slit S may be provided along the connection portion 6b on the inner periphery of the step portion 6.

[0035] When forming the slit S, the thermally insulated container 1A is rotated around the central axis, and laser light is applied along the contour of the recess 5 provided on the bottom surface of the outer container 2 or its vicinity. This makes it possible to form the slit S along the contour of the recess 5 or its vicinity with high accuracy.

[0036] Furthermore, when sealing the slit S, the insulated container 1A before sealing is placed in a reduced pressure (vacuum) chamber, and the space between the outer container 2 and the inner container 3 is degassed through the slit S. In this state, laser light is irradiated from the outside through a window provided in the chamber onto the insulated container 1A in the chamber.

[0037] At this time, while rotating the heat-insulating container 1A around its central axis, the laser light is irradiated along the slit S provided in the bottom surface of the outer container 2. This makes it possible to seal the slit S along the contour of the recess 5 or its vicinity with high accuracy.

[0038] The slit S may be formed and sealed by moving the heat-insulating container 1A relative to a fixed position for irradiating the laser light, or by scanning the fixed heat-insulating container 1A with the laser light.

[0039] However, in the conventional method of sealing the degassing hole on the bottom of the outer container with brazing material in a reduced pressure (vacuum) chamber, it is necessary to heat the insulated container to melt the brazing material.

[0040] For example, when pure titanium, which is lighter than stainless steel, is used for the outer and inner containers, the brazing material suitable for pure titanium needs to be heated to about 800°C to melt it. In this case, the mechanical strength of the outer and inner containers is reduced by annealing, so it becomes difficult to maintain the mechanical strength with the same thickness as stainless steel.

[0041] Therefore, in the conventional sealing method, it is necessary to make the outer container and the inner container thicker than when stainless steel is used, in order to ensure the mechanical strength of the outer container and the inner container.

[0042] In contrast, in the manufacturing method of the insulated container 1A of this embodiment, there is no need to heat the insulated container 1A when sealing the above-mentioned slit S, and no annealing is required when pure titanium is used for the outer container 2 and the inner container 3. This makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the outer container 2 and the inner container 3. In addition, the power and time required for heating the insulated container 1A are not required.

[0043] As described above, in the heat-insulating container 1A of this embodiment, when the deaeration slit S is sealed by welding, it is possible to make the weld marks less noticeable.

[0044] In the above-mentioned heat-insulating container 1A, the circular recess 5 is provided in the center of the bottom surface of the outer container 2, but the shape of the recess 5 is not necessarily limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the bottom surface of the outer container 2 may be configured to have a recess 5A that is recessed in an oval shape in a plan view in the center of the bottom surface.

[0045] In this case as well, the slit S is formed along the contour of the recess 5A or its vicinity, and the slit S is sealed by welding. In particular, in the recess 5A, the slit S is formed from end to end of the straight portion of the oval, and the slit S is sealed by welding, making it possible to make the weld marks even less noticeable.

[0046] Second embodiment Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, a heat-insulating container 1B shown in, for example, FIGS. 7 to 10 and a method for manufacturing the same will be described.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the insulated container 1B seen from below. FIG. 8 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the insulated container 1B. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the insulated container 1B. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bottom side of the insulated container 1B. In the following description, the same parts as those in the above-mentioned insulated container 1A will not be described and will be given the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0048] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the insulated container 1B of this embodiment has a recess 5B formed by recessing the center of the bottom surface of the outer container 2 into a circular ring shape, and a protrusion 7 that is circular in plan view and is located inside the recess 5B.

[0049] In the heat-insulating container 1B of this embodiment, in order to make the weld marks less noticeable, a slit S is provided along the outline of the recess 5B or its vicinity. Therefore, the weld marks are formed along the outline of the recess 5B or its vicinity.

[0050] As a result, in the case where the degassing slit S is sealed by welding in the insulated container 1B of this embodiment, the weld mark can be made less noticeable by following the outline of the recess 5B or its vicinity. Also, since the recess 5B is provided in the center of the bottom surface of the outer container 2, it is possible to avoid the risk of damage such as deformation of the welded portion due to impact from a drop, etc., compared to the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the outer container 2 which is more likely to be hit when the insulated container 1B is dropped.

[0051] In the heat-insulating container 1B of this embodiment, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) slits S are provided along the contour of the recess 5B or its vicinity. The two slits S are provided at symmetrical positions on the contour of the recess 5B or its vicinity.

[0052] In the heat-insulating container 1B of this embodiment, by providing a plurality of such slits S, it is possible to shorten the time required for degassing through the plurality of slits S when forming the vacuum insulation layer 4. Also, it is possible to make the weld marks after sealing the slits S by welding less noticeable than when one large slit is provided. Note that it is not always necessary to provide a plurality of slits S, and in some cases, it is sufficient to provide only one slit.

[0053] In the heat-insulating container 1B of this embodiment, in order to make the weld marks less noticeable, a slit S is provided along the inner periphery of a step portion 61 that forms the inner contour of the recess 5B.

[0054] 10, the step portion 61 is a portion that connects the protrusion 7 and the bottom surface of the recess 5B. The inner peripheral side of the step portion 61 is curved in a convex shape at a connection portion 6c with the protrusion 7. The outer peripheral side of the step portion 61 is curved in a concave shape at a connection portion 6d with the bottom surface of the recess 5B. The slit S is provided along the connection portion 6c on the inner peripheral side of the step portion 61.

[0055] The step portion 61 is less deformed by the tension applied to the outer container 2 described above, and is suitable for providing the slit S. Furthermore, the inner peripheral side of the step portion 61 is easier to grind and polish than the outer peripheral side of the step portion 61 after welding.

[0056] On the other hand, since the outer peripheral side of the step portion 61 does not come into direct contact with the placement surface at the bottom surface of the outer container 2, the risk of damage is low, and in some cases, a slit S may be provided along the connection portion 6d on the outer peripheral side of the step portion 61.

[0057] When forming the slit S, the thermally insulated container 1B is rotated around the central axis, and laser light is applied along or near the contour of the recess 5B provided on the bottom surface of the outer container 2. This makes it possible to form the slit S accurately along or near the contour of the recess 5B.

[0058] When sealing the slit S, the insulated container 1B before sealing is placed in a reduced pressure (vacuum) chamber, and the space between the outer container 2 and the inner container 3 is degassed through the slit S. In this state, laser light is irradiated from the outside through a window provided in the chamber onto the insulated container 1B in the chamber.

[0059] At this time, while rotating the heat-insulating container 1B around its central axis, the laser light is irradiated along the slit S provided in the bottom surface of the outer container 2. This makes it possible to seal the slit S with high accuracy along the contour of the recess 5B or its vicinity.

[0060] In the manufacturing method of the insulated container 1B of this embodiment, there is no need to heat the insulated container 1B when sealing the above-mentioned slit S, and no annealing is required when pure titanium is used for the outer container 2 and the inner container 3. This makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the outer container 2 and the inner container 3. In addition, the power and time required for heating the insulated container 1B are not required.

[0061] As described above, in the heat-insulating container 1B of this embodiment, when the deaeration slit S is sealed by welding, it is possible to make the weld marks less noticeable.

[0062] The above-mentioned insulated container 1B is configured so that a slit S is provided along the inner periphery of the step portion 61 that forms the inner contour of the recess 5B described above, but it is also possible to configure it so that a slit S is provided along the outer periphery of the step portion 62 that forms the outer contour of the recess 5B, similar to the above-mentioned insulated container 1A.

[0063] In addition, in a normal manufacturing process, after a slit S is formed in one of the above-mentioned steps 61, 62, the slit S is sealed by welding. However, if a defect occurs in the welded portion and the space between the outer container 2 and the inner container 3 cannot be adequately degassed, it is difficult to form a slit S again in the same welded portion and seal the slit S by welding due to the physical properties of metal. In this case, the product is discarded as a defective product, which leads to a decrease in yield.

[0064] Therefore, if a defect occurs at a welded portion, it is preferable to seal the slit S by welding after forming a slit S in the other of the above-mentioned step portions 61, 62. This eliminates the need to form a slit S again at the same welded portion and the need to discard the product as a defective product, making it possible to prevent a decrease in yield.

[0065] Furthermore, when the height of the inner step 61 (protrusion 7) of the above-mentioned steps 61, 62 is made lower than the height of the outer step 62 (bottom surface of the outer container 2), it is preferable to provide a slit S along the inner step 61. In this case, the outer step 62 (bottom surface of the outer container 2) comes into contact with the installation surface, and the inner step 61 (protrusion 7) does not come into contact with the installation surface, so that it is possible to avoid the risk of damage such as deformation of the welded part due to contact with the installation surface.

[0066] In the above-mentioned insulated container 1B, a ring-shaped recess 5B is provided in the center of the bottom surface of the outer container 2 described above, and a convex portion 7 is provided inside the recess 5B. However, instead of the convex portion 7, it is also possible to provide a recess (not shown) in which the center of the bottom surface of the recess 5B is recessed in a circular shape.

[0067] (Third embodiment) Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, a heat-insulating container 1C shown in, for example, FIGS. 11 and 12 and a method for manufacturing the same will be described.

[0068] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the insulated container 1C as viewed from below. Fig. 12 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the insulated container 1C. In the following explanation, the explanation of the same parts as those in the above-mentioned insulated container 1A will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings.

[0069] 11 and 12, the heat-insulating container 1C of this embodiment has a pattern F on the bottom surface of the recess 5 provided in the bottom surface of the outer container 2. The pattern F is composed of letters, numbers, symbols, figures, or a combination thereof.

[0070] In the insulated container 1C of this embodiment, in order to make the weld marks less noticeable, a slit S is provided along the outline of the pattern F. Therefore, the weld marks are formed along the outline of the pattern F.

[0071] As a result, in the heat-insulated container 1C of this embodiment, when the deaeration slit S is sealed by welding, the weld marks can be made inconspicuous. Also, since the pattern F is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 5, it is possible to avoid the risk of damage such as deformation due to impact such as dropping, compared to the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the outer container 2.

[0072] In the insulated container 1C of this embodiment, multiple slits S may be provided along the contour of the pattern F. For example, among the patterns F, the "R, O" of "THERMOS" and the "0, 9" of "2020 / 92" are formed by dividing them into two slits S. The rest are formed by one slit S.

[0073] In the insulated container 1C of this embodiment, by providing multiple slits S in accordance with such patterns F, it is possible to shorten the time required for degassing through the multiple slits S when forming the vacuum insulation layer 4. Note that it is not necessary to provide the slits S along all of the patterns F, and it is also possible to provide the slits S along some of the patterns F.

[0074] When forming the slit S, the laser light is irradiated while scanning along the pattern F provided on the bottom surface of the recess 5. The laser light may be scanned by scanning the insulated container 1C with respect to a fixed laser light irradiation position, or may be scanned with the laser light with respect to the fixed insulated container 1C. This makes it possible to form the slit S along the contour of the pattern F with high accuracy.

[0075] Furthermore, when sealing the slit S, the insulated container 1C before sealing is placed in a reduced pressure (vacuum) chamber, and the space between the outer container 2 and the inner container 3 is degassed through the slit S. In this state, laser light is irradiated from the outside through a window provided in the chamber onto the insulated container 1C in the chamber.

[0076] At this time, the laser light is irradiated while scanning along the pattern F provided on the bottom surface of the recess 5. The laser light may be scanned by scanning the insulated container 1C with respect to a fixed laser light irradiation position, or may be scanned with the laser light with respect to the fixed insulated container 1C. This makes it possible to seal the slit S with high accuracy along the contour of the pattern F.

[0077] In the manufacturing method of the insulated container 1C of this embodiment, since there is no need to heat the insulated container 1C, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the outer container 2 and the inner container 3 when pure titanium is used for the outer container 2 and the inner container 3. In addition, the power and time required for heating the insulated container 1C are not required.

[0078] Furthermore, for example, when marking a lot number or a company logo on the bottom surface of the insulated container 1C, a process such as laser engraving or attaching a sticker with the lot number written on it has been necessary up until now. In contrast, in the insulated container 1C of this embodiment, by making the design F into the shape of the lot number or the company logo, these processes become unnecessary, making it possible to reduce costs.

[0079] As described above, in the heat-insulating container 1C of this embodiment, when the deaeration slit S is sealed by welding, it is possible to make the weld marks less noticeable.

[0080] In the above-mentioned heat-insulating container 1C, the slits S are provided along the pattern F provided on the bottom surface of the recess 5, but the pattern F is not limited to being provided on the bottom surface of the outer container 2, and can also be provided on the outer peripheral surface (side surface) of the outer container 2. In this case, too, the slits S provided along the pattern F can be sealed by welding to make the weld marks less noticeable.

[0081] (Fourth embodiment) Next, as a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a heat-insulating container 1D shown in FIG. 13 will be described.

[0082] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the heat-insulating container 1D. In the following description, the same parts as those in the heat-insulating container 1A will not be described and will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0083] The heat-insulating container 1D of this embodiment has a configuration in which the slits S (weld marks) are provided at positions where they cannot be seen from the outside of the outer container 2, as shown in FIG.

[0084] Specifically, this heat-insulating container 1D includes a cover member (shoulder member) 10 attached to the upper end portion (shoulder portion) of the body of the outer container 2 around the entire circumference.

[0085] In the heat-insulating container 1D of the present embodiment, a weld mark is provided at the shoulder of the body of the outer container 2 covered by the cover member 10, where the deaeration slit S is sealed by welding. As a result, the weld mark is covered by the cover member 10.

[0086] Therefore, in the case of the heat-insulating container 1D of this embodiment, when the deaeration slit S is sealed by welding, it is possible to make the weld marks less noticeable (make them invisible due to the cover member 10).

[0087] The present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the above embodiment illustrates the application of the insulated container of the present invention to the container body of the lidded container described above, but the present invention can be widely applied to insulated containers to which the present invention is applicable, such as beverage containers such as water bottles and mugs with heat / cold retention functions, and food containers and cooking utensils with heat retention functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1A, 1B, 1C... Insulated container 2... Outer container 3... Inner container 4... Vacuum insulation layer 5, 5A, 5B... Recess 6, 61, 62... Step 7... Convex 10... Shoulder member F... Pattern S... Slit

Claims

1. A heat-insulating container having an outer container and an inner container made of metal, each having an open end, the open ends of which are joined together in a state in which the inner container is housed inside the outer container, and a vacuum insulation layer is provided between the outer container and the inner container, a weld mark formed by sealing a deaeration slit provided on the bottom surface of the outer container by welding; The insulated container is characterized in that the weld mark is provided along or near the outline of a recess provided in the bottom surface of the outer container.

2. 2. The insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the weld marks are provided along an outer periphery of a step portion that defines the contour of the recess.

3. The recess is provided in a ring shape on the bottom surface of the outer container, 2. The insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the weld marks are provided along an inner periphery of a step portion that defines an inner contour of the recess.

4. 4. The insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the weld marks are provided in a plurality of portions along the contour of the recess or in the vicinity thereof.

5. A heat-insulating container having an outer container and an inner container made of metal, each having an open end, the open ends of which are joined together in a state in which the inner container is housed inside the outer container, and a vacuum insulation layer is provided between the outer container and the inner container, a weld mark formed by sealing a degassing slit provided in the outer container by welding; The insulated container is characterized in that the weld marks are provided along the outline of a design consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, figures or combinations thereof.

6. A heat-insulating container having an outer container and an inner container made of metal, each having an open end, the open ends of which are joined together in a state in which the inner container is housed inside the outer container, and a vacuum insulation layer is provided between the outer container and the inner container, a weld mark formed by sealing a deaeration slit provided in a shoulder portion of a body of the outer container by welding; An insulated container, characterized in that the weld mark is covered by a cover member attached to the entire circumference of the shoulder portion.

7. 7. The heat-insulating container according to claim 1, wherein the outer container and the inner container are made of titanium, aluminum, magnesium, or an alloy thereof.

8. A method for manufacturing an insulated container having an outer container and an inner container made of metal, each having an open end, the open ends of which are joined together while the inner container is housed inside the outer container, and a vacuum insulation layer is provided between the outer container and the inner container, comprising: forming a slit for deaeration on the bottom surface of the outer container; and sealing the slit by welding under reduced pressure. A method for manufacturing an insulated container, comprising forming the slit along or near the contour of a recess provided in the bottom surface of the outer container.

9. 9. The method for manufacturing an insulated container according to claim 8, wherein the slits are formed along an outer periphery of a step portion that defines the contour of the recess.

10. A ring-shaped recess is formed on the bottom surface of the outer container, 9. The method for manufacturing an insulated container according to claim 8, wherein the slit is formed along an inner periphery of a step portion that defines an inner contour of the recess.

11. The method for manufacturing an insulated container according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that a plurality of the slits are formed along the contour of the recess or in the vicinity thereof.

12. A method for manufacturing an insulated container having an outer container and an inner container made of metal, each having an open end, the open ends of which are joined together while the inner container is housed inside the outer container, and a vacuum insulation layer is provided between the outer container and the inner container, comprising: forming a slit for degassing in the outer container; and sealing the slit by welding under reduced pressure. A method for manufacturing an insulated container, comprising forming the slits along the contour of a design consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, figures or a combination thereof.

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