Beverage Containers

Abstract

To provide a beverage container which can control temperature of beverage in a container body and easily assemble a circuit board and a coil for temperature control.SOLUTION: A beverage container 1 comprises: a bottomed cylindrical container body 10; a bottomed cylindrical bottom cover 20 which is fixed to the lower part of the container body 10; and a temperature control unit 30 which is arranged between the container body 10 and the bottom cover 20. The temperature control unit 30 includes: a temperature control element 31; a circuit board 34; a power receiving coil 35; and a holder 36. The temperature control unit 30 generates power in the power receiving coil 35 by electromagnetic induction which is caused by changing flux supplied from outside. The power is supplied from the power receiving coil 35 through the circuit board 34 to the temperature control element 31. Thereby, temperature of the beverage in the container body 10 is controlled. The circuit board 34 and the power receiving coil 35 are held in the holder 36 so that the circuit board 34 and the power receiving coil 35 are assembled as a unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage container for storing a beverage. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, beverage containers such as tumblers for storing beverages are known. Usually, the temperature of the beverage stored in the beverage container changes over time. For example, when hot tea is poured into the beverage container, the temperature of the tea in the beverage container decreases over time and becomes closer to the ambient temperature. By making the beverage container a vacuum double structure, it is possible to suppress the temperature change of the beverage to some extent. However, even in this case, it is difficult to maintain the temperature of the beverage stored in the beverage container at an appropriate temperature for a long period of time.

[0003] In order to maintain the beverage in the beverage container at an appropriate temperature for a long period of time, it is possible to add a temperature control function to the beverage container, for example. A beverage container equipped with a temperature control function is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. The beverage container in Patent Document 1 transmits power to a coil provided at the bottom by wireless power supply. Then, power is supplied from the coil to a heater via a circuit board, thereby keeping the beverage in the beverage container warm. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-231473 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, the circuit board is attached to a mounting bracket welded to the bottom of the inner cup. Also, the coil is attached to a coil holder that is separate from the mounting bracket (see paragraph 0024, FIG. 4A of Patent Document 1). Therefore, the structure of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the assembly of the circuit board and the coil is complicated.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a beverage container that can regulate the temperature of the beverage inside the container body and to which a circuit board and coil for temperature regulation can be easily assembled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The beverage container of the present invention comprises a bottomed cylindrical container body, a bottomed cylindrical bottom cover fixed to the lower part of the container body, and a temperature control unit arranged between the container body and the bottom cover, and the temperature control unit has a temperature control element that controls the temperature of the beverage in the container body, a circuit board that controls the temperature control element, a receiving coil that supplies power to the circuit board, and a holder that holds the circuit board and the receiving coil.

[0008] According to the present invention, the change in magnetic flux supplied from the outside causes the power receiving coil to generate electric power by electromagnetic induction, and the electric power can be supplied to the temperature control element via the circuit board. This allows the temperature of the beverage in the container body to be controlled. Furthermore, the circuit board and the power receiving coil can be unitized by using a holder. This improves the structural stability and makes it easier to assemble.

[0009] The container body has a bottom and a cylindrical body body extending upward from the periphery of the bottom, and the body body has a vacuum double structure with a vacuum layer between the inner wall and the outer wall, and the bottom body has a single structure without a vacuum layer. This allows efficient conduction of heat from the temperature control element to the beverage in the container body.

[0010] Moreover, it is preferable that the holder is located below the temperature control element, and the temperature control unit further has an elastic member located between the temperature control element and the holder, which biases the temperature control element upward and biases the holder downward. This allows the temperature control element to be in close contact with the bottom of the main body. Therefore, heat can be transferred more efficiently from the temperature control element to the beverage in the container body. In addition, since the position of the holder relative to the bottom cover is stable, the height position of the receiving coil can be stabilized. Then, when the beverage container is placed on the external power supply stand, the positional relationship between the power supply coil of the power supply stand and the power receiving coil in the beverage container can be kept constant. Therefore, it is possible to supply power stably.

[0011] The elastic member is preferably a leaf spring having a flat pressing surface, whereby the pressing surface can be brought into surface contact with the elastic member, thereby stabilizing the position of the elastic member.

[0012] It is also preferable that an insulating air layer is interposed between the temperature control element and the holder, thereby preventing the heat of the temperature control element from being transferred to the circuit board, thereby preventing damage to the circuit board due to heat.

[0013] In addition, it is preferable that the temperature control unit further includes a heat insulating plate located between the temperature control element and the elastic member, which can further suppress the heat of the temperature control element from being transferred to the circuit board, thereby making it possible to further prevent damage to the circuit board due to heat.

[0014] Preferably, the temperature control unit further includes a reflective film covering the upper surface of the holder, which further suppresses the transfer of heat from the temperature control element to the circuit board, thereby further preventing damage to the circuit board due to heat.

[0015] In addition, it is preferable that the bottom cover has a rib protruding toward the holder, and the bottom and side surfaces of the holder contact the rib, thereby positioning the holder in the vertical and horizontal directions, and thus the receiving coil can be positioned with greater accuracy relative to the bottom cover.

[0016] It is also preferable that the temperature control unit further includes a pressing member positioned relative to the container body, and the temperature control element is accommodated in a space surrounded by the lower surface of the container body and the pressing member, thereby making it possible to suppress misalignment of the temperature control element. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the change in magnetic flux supplied from the outside causes the power receiving coil to generate electric power by electromagnetic induction, and the electric power can be supplied to the temperature control element via the circuit board. This allows the temperature of the beverage in the container body to be controlled. Furthermore, the circuit board and the power receiving coil can be unitized by using a holder. This improves the structural stability and makes it easier to assemble. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the beverage container. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the beverage container. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] <1. Beverage container composition> Fig. 1 is a front view of a beverage container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the beverage container 1. Fig. 3 is an exploded front view of the beverage container 1. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the beverage container 1.

[0021] This beverage container 1 is a tumbler that stores a liquid beverage such as tea or coffee inside. The beverage container 1 can regulate the temperature of the beverage stored inside by using it together with a separate power supply stand 90. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the beverage container 1 includes a container body 10, a bottom cover 20, and a temperature regulation unit 30.

[0022] The container body 10 is a main body part that stores a beverage inside. The container body 10 is made of, for example, stainless steel. The container body 10 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. That is, the container body 10 has a disk-shaped body bottom 11 and a cylindrical body body 12 that extends upward from the periphery of the body bottom 11. The body body 12 has a vacuum double structure with a vacuum layer between the inner wall and the outer wall. This allows the beverage stored inside the container body 10 to be kept hot or cold. The body bottom 11 has a single structure with no vacuum layer.

[0023] The beverage container 1 may be provided with a detachable cover for the opening at the top of the container body 10.

[0024] The bottom cover 20 is a bottomed, cylindrical member fixed to the lower part of the container body 10. For example, a synthetic resin is used as the material of the bottom cover 20. The bottom cover 20 has a disk-shaped cover bottom 21 and a cylindrical cover body 22 extending upward from the edge of the cover bottom 21.

[0025] The lower part of the container body 10 is inserted into the inside of the cover body 22. Then, an annular protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the body body 12 fits into an annular recess provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cover body 22, thereby fixing the bottom cover 20 to the container body 10. In addition, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the body body 12 and the inner peripheral surface of the cover body 22 is sealed with a sealant. This prevents water droplets from entering the inside of the bottom cover 20.

[0026] The temperature adjustment unit 30 is a unit for adjusting the temperature of the beverage in the container body 10. The temperature adjustment unit 30 is disposed between the container body 10 and the bottom cover 20. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the temperature adjustment unit 30 has a temperature adjustment element 31, a pressing member 32, a heat insulating plate 33, a circuit board 34, a power receiving coil 35, a holder 36, and a leaf spring 37. These components are disposed in a vertically stacked manner between the body bottom 11 and the cover bottom 21.

[0027] The temperature control element 31 is a component that serves as a heat source for controlling the temperature of the beverage in the container body 10. The temperature control element 31 in this embodiment is a plate-shaped ceramic heater. The temperature control element 31 is arranged along the lower surface of the body bottom 11. When electricity is applied to the temperature control element 31, the temperature control element 31 generates heat. Then, the heat of the temperature control element 31 is conducted to the beverage in the container body 10 via the body bottom 11. As a result, the beverage in the container body 10 is heated.

[0028] The pressing member 32 is a plate-like member that holds the temperature control element 31. The pressing member 32 has a flat pressing plate portion 321 and a rising portion 322 that rises upward from the periphery of the pressing plate portion 321. The rising portion 322 contacts a step portion formed on the lower surface of the main body bottom portion 11. This positions the pressing member 32 with respect to the main body bottom portion 11. The temperature control element 31 is accommodated in a space surrounded by the main body bottom portion 11, the pressing plate portion 321, and the rising portion 322. The temperature control element 31 is held by being sandwiched between the main body bottom portion 11 and the pressing plate portion 321. This suppresses the temperature control element 31 from being misaligned.

[0029] The heat insulating plate 33 is a plate made of a material with low thermal conductivity. The heat insulating plate 33 is disposed below the temperature control element 31 and the pressing member 32, and above the leaf spring 37 described below. The heat insulating plate 33 is disk-shaped, and its peripheral portion is close to the inner peripheral surface of the cover body portion 22. The material of the heat insulating plate 33 is, for example, mica, which has both heat insulating and electrical insulating properties. The heat generated by the temperature control element 31 is blocked by the heat insulating plate 33. Therefore, the circuit board 34 is prevented from being heated by the heat of the temperature control element 31. This makes it possible to prevent the circuit board 34 from being damaged by heat.

[0030] The circuit board 34 is a board on which an electric circuit for controlling the temperature control element 31 is mounted. The circuit board 34 is located below the temperature control element 31, the pressing member 32, the heat insulating plate 33, and a leaf spring 37 described later. The temperature control element 31 and the circuit board 34 are electrically connected by a conductor (not shown). Note that the circuit board 34 is not shown in FIG. 4.

[0031] The power receiving coil 35 is a coil for supplying power to the circuit board 34. The power receiving coil 35 is located below the circuit board 34. The circuit board 34 and the power receiving coil 35 are electrically connected by a conductor (not shown). The power receiving coil 35 is made of a conductor wound in an annular shape around a center line A extending in the vertical direction. When the magnetic flux along the center line A changes, a current is generated in the power receiving coil 35 by electromagnetic induction. As a result, power is supplied from the power receiving coil 35 to the circuit board 34.

[0032] The holder 36 is a member that holds the circuit board 34 and the power receiving coil 35. The holder 36 is located below the temperature control element 31, the pressing member 32, and the leaf spring 37 described later. The holder 36 is a single component formed in a substantially U-shape in side view. The holder 36 has an upper plate portion 361, a lower plate portion 362, and a vertical plate portion 363. The upper plate portion 361 and the lower plate portion 362 are disk-shaped portions that extend horizontally. The lower plate portion 362 is located below the upper plate portion 361. The vertical plate portion 363 is a portion that connects an end portion of the upper plate portion 361 and an end portion of the lower plate portion 362 in the vertical direction.

[0033] The circuit board 34 is disposed between the upper plate portion 361 and the lower plate portion 362. The power receiving coil 35 is fixed to the lower surface of the lower plate portion 362. In this manner, the circuit board 34, the power receiving coil 35, and the holder 36 are unitized by using the holder 36. This improves the structural stability. Furthermore, when the beverage container 1 is manufactured, the unitized circuit board 34, the power receiving coil 35, and the holder 36 are inserted into the bottom cover 20. This allows the circuit board 34 and the power receiving coil 35 to be easily assembled to the bottom cover 20.

[0034] Additionally, the upper surface of the circuit board 34 is covered by upper plate portion 361. The lower surface of the circuit board 34 is covered by lower plate portion 362. This protects the circuit board 34. When inserting the unitized circuit board 34, power receiving coil 35, and holder 36 into the inside of bottom cover 20, an operator can perform the work without touching the circuit board 34. This makes it possible to suppress damage to the circuit board 34.

[0035] A reflective film 364 is attached to the upper surface of the upper plate portion 361. The reflective film 364 covers substantially the entire upper surface of the upper plate portion 361. For example, the reflective film 364 is made of aluminum foil having a high surface thermal reflectivity. Radiant heat directed downward from the temperature control element 31 is reflected by the upper surface of the reflective film 364. This further suppresses the heat of the temperature control element 31 from being transmitted to the circuit board 34. Therefore, damage to the circuit board 34 due to heat can be further suppressed.

[0036] The leaf spring 37 is an elastic member that can expand and contract in the vertical direction. The leaf spring 37 is located below the temperature control element 31, the pressing member 32, and the heat insulating plate 33, and above the circuit board 34, the power receiving coil 35, and the holder 36. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the leaf spring 37 has a flat plate portion 371 and a pair of legs 372. The flat plate portion 371 is a horizontally disposed disc-shaped portion. The upper surface of the flat plate portion 371 contacts the lower surface of the heat insulating plate 33. The pair of legs 372 extend obliquely downward from the end of the flat plate portion 371. The lower end of each leg portion 372 contacts the upper surface of the upper plate portion 361 of the holder 36.

[0037] The leaf spring 37 is disposed between the heat insulating plate 33 and the holder 36 in a state where it is vertically compressed beyond its natural length. Therefore, the leaf spring 37 urges the heat insulating plate 33, the pressing member 32, and the temperature control element 31 upward by its elastic repulsive force. This brings the upper surface of the temperature control element 31 into close contact with the lower surface of the main body bottom 11. As a result, heat can be efficiently transferred from the temperature control element 31 to the beverage in the container body 10.

[0038] Bottom cover 20 has a rib 23 on its inner surface that protrudes towards holder 36. Leaf spring 37 urges holder 36 and power receiving coil 35 downward by its elastic repulsive force. As a result, a portion of the bottom surface of holder 36 comes into contact with rib 23. This positions holder 36 in the vertical direction relative to bottom cover 20. As a result, the vertical position of power receiving coil 35 relative to bottom cover 20 is stabilized. In addition, a portion of the side surface of holder 36 also comes into contact with rib 23. This positions holder 36 in the horizontal direction relative to bottom cover 20. As a result, the horizontal position of power receiving coil 35 relative to bottom cover 20 is stabilized.

[0039] The upper surface of the flat plate portion 371 of the leaf spring 37 is a flat pressing surface. This pressing surface contacts the lower surface of the heat insulating plate 33. By bringing the leaf spring 37 into surface contact with the heat insulating plate 33 in this manner, the attitude of the leaf spring 37 can be stabilized. Therefore, the position of the temperature control element 31 relative to the main body bottom 11 can be made more stable. In addition, the position of the holder 36 relative to the cover bottom 21 can also be made more stable.

[0040] The leaf spring 37 may be disposed upside down. In this case, the flat portion 371 of the leaf spring 37 may be brought into contact with the upper surface of the holder 36, and the leg portion 372 of the leaf spring 37 may be brought into contact with the lower surface of the heat insulating plate 33.

[0041] By using the leaf spring 37 as the elastic member instead of a block-shaped elastic body, an air insulation layer is formed between the temperature control element 31, the pressing member 32, and the heat insulating plate 33 and the holder 36. In this way, it is possible to further suppress the heat conduction from the temperature control element 31 to the circuit board 34. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the heating of the circuit board 34 by the heat of the temperature control element 31. As a result, it is possible to further suppress damage to the circuit board 34 due to heat.

[0042] The beverage container 1 is used together with a power supply stand 90 having a flat upper surface 91. In Figs. 1 and 2, the power supply stand 90 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. A power transmission coil 92 is provided inside the power supply stand 90. When electricity is applied to the power transmission coil 92, a magnetic flux is generated along a center line A extending in the vertical direction. A user of the beverage container 1 places the beverage container 1 on the upper surface 91 of the power supply stand 90. Then, due to a change in the magnetic flux generated by the power transmission coil 92, a current is generated in the power receiving coil 35 in the beverage container 1 by electromagnetic induction. As a result, power is supplied from the power receiving coil 35 to the temperature control element 31 via the circuit board 34. As a result, the temperature control element 31 generates heat, and the beverage in the container body 10 is heated.

[0043] At this time, the power receiving coil 35 is positioned with high precision relative to the bottom cover 20 by the above-mentioned leaf spring 37. The height position of the power receiving coil 35 with respect to the bottom cover 20 is constant regardless of the attachment tolerance of the bottom cover 20 with respect to the container body 10. Therefore, the vertical positional relationship between the power transmitting coil 92 of the power supply stand 90 and the power receiving coil 35 of the beverage container 1 can be kept constant with high precision. This can increase the efficiency of power supply from the power supply stand 90 to the temperature adjustment unit 30 by electromagnetic induction. Therefore, the beverage in the container body 10 can be efficiently heated while reducing power consumption.

[0044] In addition, the container body 10 has a vacuum double structure in the body trunk 12, but a single structure in the body bottom 11. Therefore, the heat of the temperature control element 31 is efficiently conducted to the beverage in the container body 10 via the body bottom 11. This allows the beverage in the container body 10 to be heated more efficiently.

[0045] <2. Modifications> Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the elastic member is the leaf spring 37. However, instead of the leaf spring 37, other types of elastic members such as a coil spring, rubber, sponge, etc. may be used.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the temperature control element 31 heats the beverage in the container body 10. However, the temperature control element 31 may cool the beverage in the container body 10. That is, the "temperature control" in the present invention may be either heating or cooling.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the holder 36 is generally U-shaped and includes the upper plate portion 361, the lower plate portion 362, and the vertical plate portion 363. However, the holder 36 may have another shape as long as it can hold and integrate the circuit board 34 and the power receiving coil 35.

[0049] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, some elements may be omitted from the temperature adjustment unit 30. For example, elements such as the pressing member 32, the heat insulating plate 33, and the reflective film 364 may be omitted.

[0050] In addition, the detailed shape of the beverage container may differ from that shown in each drawing of the present application. In addition, the elements appearing in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples may be appropriately selected within a range that does not cause a contradiction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1 beverage container 10 Container body 11 Bottom of the unit 12 Main body 20 Bottom cover 21 Bottom of cover 22 Cover body 23 Ribs 30 Temperature control unit 31 Temperature control element 32 Holding member 33 Insulation board 34 Circuit Board 35 Receiving coil 36 Holder 37 Leaf Spring 90 Power supply stand 92 Transmission coil 321 Presser plate 322 Standing part 361 Upper plate 362 Lower plate part 363 Vertical plate section 364 Reflective film 371 Flat plate part 372 Legs A center line

Claims

1. A beverage container for storing a beverage, A cylindrical container body with a bottom; A bottom cover having a bottom and a cylindrical shape fixed to a lower part of the container body; A temperature control unit disposed between the container body and the bottom cover; Equipped with The temperature control unit includes: A temperature control element that controls the temperature of the beverage in the container body; A circuit board for controlling the temperature control element; A receiving coil for supplying power to the circuit board; a holder for holding the circuit board and the power receiving coil; having The holder is located below the temperature control element, The temperature control unit includes: an elastic member located between the temperature control element and the holder, the elastic member biasing the temperature control element upward and biasing the holder downward; The beverage container further comprises:

2. 2. The beverage container of claim 1, The container body includes: The bottom of the main body, a cylindrical body portion extending upward from a peripheral edge portion of the body bottom; having The body has a vacuum double structure having a vacuum layer between an inner wall and an outer wall, The beverage container, wherein the bottom of the main body has a single-layer structure without a vacuum layer.

3. A beverage container as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, The beverage container, wherein the elastic member is a leaf spring having a flat pressing surface.

4. 4. The beverage container of claim 3, A beverage container, wherein an insulating air layer is interposed between the temperature control element and the holder.

5. A beverage container according to claim 3 or claim 4, The temperature control unit includes: A heat insulating plate located between the temperature control element and the elastic member. The beverage container further comprises:

6. A beverage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The temperature control unit includes: A reflective film covering the upper surface of the holder The beverage container further comprises:

7. A beverage container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the bottom cover has a rib protruding toward the holder, A beverage container, wherein the bottom and sides of the holder contact the ribs.

8. A beverage container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The temperature control unit includes: A pressing member positioned relative to the container body and The temperature control element is accommodated in a space surrounded by the lower surface of the container body and the pressing member.

Images