Temperature regulation device

Abstract

To provide a temperature adjustment device that is excellent in versatility and can be adjusted to different temperature ranges depending on the type of liquid.SOLUTION: A temperature control device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a detection unit that detects an identification mark attached to an article; a temperature adjustment unit that heats or cools the article; and a control unit that controls the operation of the temperature adjustment unit. The control unit can adjust the temperature adjustment unit to a specific temperature range when the identification mark is determined to be a specific identification mark, while can adjust the temperature adjustment unit to a normal temperature range when the identification mark is determined to be an identification mark other than the specific identification mark.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control device.

Background Art

[0002] As a temperature control device for adjusting the temperature of a beverage to an appropriate temperature, for example, the configuration of Patent Document 1 below is known. In the temperature control device described in Patent Document 1 below, when it is determined that the identification symbol attached to the beverage container is a predetermined identification symbol, the temperature controller is operated. According to this configuration, it is said that by operating the temperature controller only for specific beverages, it leads to the promotion of the sales of specific beverages.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, since temperature adjustment is performed only for specific beverages, the opportunities for use are very limited. That is, even if a beverage other than a specific beverage is housed in the temperature control device, it is left in the temperature control device without being temperature-adjusted. On the other hand, beverages can have different tastes depending on the temperature range at the time of drinking. Therefore, if the in-store space can only be adjusted to a uniform temperature range, the taste for each temperature range cannot be enjoyed.

[0005] The present invention provides a temperature control device that is excellent in versatility and can be adjusted to different temperature ranges according to the type of liquid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following embodiments. A temperature control device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a detection unit for detecting an identification mark attached to an article, a temperature control unit for heating or cooling the article, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the temperature control unit, wherein the control unit can adjust the temperature control unit to a specific temperature range when it determines that the identification mark is a specific identification mark, and can adjust the temperature control unit to a normal temperature range when it determines that the identification mark is an identification mark other than the specific identification mark.

[0007] According to this embodiment, if an item other than an item bearing a specific identification mark is detected, the temperature of the item can be adjusted to the normal temperature range. This allows the item to be maintained at a predetermined temperature range regardless of its type. This provides a highly versatile temperature control device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the temperature of an item marked with a specific identification symbol can be adjusted to a specific temperature range. Therefore, for certain items, the temperature can be adjusted to a different temperature range (specific temperature range) than the normal temperature range, and a different taste can be obtained.

[0008] In the temperature control device of the above embodiment, it is preferable that the article is a beverage contained in a container, the normal temperature range is a temperature range higher than 0°C, and the specific temperature range is a temperature range lower than the normal temperature range. According to this embodiment, since the normal temperature range is higher than the specific temperature range, when an item corresponding to the normal temperature range is detected, it is possible to suppress the solidification of the item corresponding to the normal temperature range.

[0009] In the temperature control device of the above embodiment, the identification symbol is preferably a product identification code. According to this embodiment, the type of article can be easily and reliably detected.

[0010] In the temperature control device of the above embodiment, the article comprises a cylindrical portion on which the identification mark is attached to the outer surface, a holder capable of accommodating the article, and a rotation mechanism for rotating the article within the holder around the axis of the cylindrical portion, and the detection unit is preferably positioned facing the outer surface of the cylindrical portion. According to this embodiment, by rotating the article around the axis of the cylindrical part using a rotation mechanism while the article is set in the holder, the identification mark can be detected regardless of the orientation of the article around its axis when it was set in the holder.

[0011] In the temperature control device of the above embodiment, it is preferable that the rotating mechanism includes a roller that rotates in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion housed in the holder, and that a pressing mechanism is provided on the side of the holder opposite to the roller for pressing the article toward the roller. According to this embodiment, the article can be reliably brought into contact with the roller, and the frictional force acting between the article and the roller can be ensured. This makes it easier to rotate the article.

[0012] In the temperature control device of the above embodiment, the holder is formed in a cylindrical shape having an opening that opens toward one side in the first direction, the holder has a slit that penetrates the holder in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the pressing mechanism comprises a projection that protrudes toward the inside of the holder through the slit and is displaceable in the second direction through the slit, and a biasing member that biases the projection toward the inside of the holder, and preferably the projection has an inclined surface that extends toward the inside of the holder toward the other side in the first direction. According to this embodiment, as the article enters the holder, the article and the projection are in contact, and the article is further pushed to the other side in the first direction, causing the article to slide on the inclined surface and the projection to be pushed back in the second direction. This suppresses snagging with the pressing mechanism when setting the article, allowing the article to be smoothly inserted into the holder. In addition, since the projection is biased in the second direction by the biasing member, the pressing state of the article within the holder can be maintained.

[0013] In the temperature control device of the above aspect, it preferably includes a lid unit that opens and closes the opening, and the lid unit includes a pushing portion that contacts the article from one side in the first direction in the closed position. According to this aspect, in the process of the lid unit moving to the closed position, by pushing the article to the other side in the first direction through the pushing portion, the position of the article in the first direction in the holder can be stabilized. As a result, it becomes easier to detect the identification symbol by the detection mechanism, and it becomes easier to rotate the article by the rotation mechanism.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a temperature control device with excellent versatility and adjustable to different temperature ranges according to the liquid type can be provided.

Brief Explanation of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the temperature control device when the lid unit is in the closed position. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the temperature control device when the lid unit is in the open position. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the container. [Figure 4] It is a front view of the main body unit with the internal cover removed. [Figure 5] It is an enlarged perspective view around the holder. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VI-VI in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VII-VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control device. [Figure 9] It is a front view of the lid unit. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram of the temperature control device. [Figure 11] It is an operation explanatory diagram when setting the container. [Figure 12]This is a flowchart to explain how to control the temperature. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments and modifications described below, corresponding components may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions omitted. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial" will not only strictly represent such arrangements, but will also represent states in which the surfaces are relatively displaced by an angle or distance that allows for tolerances or the same function to be obtained. In this embodiment, "facing each other" is not limited to cases where the orthogonal directions (normal directions) of the two surfaces coincide with each other, but also includes cases where the orthogonal directions intersect.

[0017] [Temperature control device 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the temperature control device 1 when the lid unit 11 is in the closed position. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the temperature control device 1 when the lid unit 11 is in the open position. The temperature control device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is configured to accommodate multiple containers 2 containing beverages and to cool the beverages to a predetermined temperature.

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of container 2. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the container 2 is a so-called crimped can made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy, with a capacity of approximately 350 ml. Specifically, the container 2 comprises a can body 5 formed in the shape of a bottomed cylindrical can extending along the container axis O, and a can lid 6 that closes the opening of the can body 5. The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 5a of the can body 5 is marked with a JAN (Japan Article Number) code as a product identification code (identification symbol) 7. In the illustrated example, the product identification code 7 extends in a strip shape along the axial direction of the container axis O on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 5a. The configuration and capacity of the container 2 can be changed as appropriate.

[0019] Examples of beverages contained in container 2 include beer, low-alcohol beer-like sparkling beverages, and non-alcoholic beer. "Beer-like sparkling beverage" refers to a sparkling beverage that has a flavor, taste, and texture equivalent to or similar to beer, regardless of alcohol content, the presence or absence of malt and hops, or whether or not it is fermented, and that has a high thirst-quenching effect and drinkability (the property of being able to drink many glasses without getting tired of it).

[0020] The temperature control device 1 is formed in a box shape with a rounded top when viewed from the front. The temperature control device 1 comprises a main unit 10, a lid unit 11 that is provided to open and close the main unit 10, and a control unit 12 (see Figure 10) that comprehensively controls the temperature control device 1. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the installation surface F on which the temperature control device 1 is installed is defined as the up-down direction (arrow UP indicates upward). Of the two directions perpendicular to the up-down direction, the direction in which the main unit 10 and the lid unit 11 face each other in the closed position is defined as the front-rear direction (lid unit 11 side is the front FR), and the direction that intersects the front-rear direction when viewed from the up-down direction is defined as the left-right direction (arrow LH indicates left side).

[0021] <Main Unit 10> Figure 4 is a front view of the main unit 10 with the internal cover 26 removed. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the main unit 10 comprises a casing 21, a holder module 22, a detection mechanism 23, and a temperature control unit 24 (see Figure 6). The casing 21 constitutes the rear exterior of the temperature control device 1. The casing 21 comprises a case body 25, an internal cover 26 (see Figure 2), and an outer cover 27 (see Figure 2).

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the case body 25 is formed in a box shape having a body space S1. The body space S1 is formed in a circular shape centered on the casing axis O1 which is aligned in the front-to-back direction (first direction) when viewed from the front. The body space S1 is open to the front in the case body 25. In the following description, the direction around the casing axis O1 is sometimes referred to as the circumferential direction of the casing, and the direction that intersects the casing axis O1 when viewed from the front-to-back direction is sometimes referred to as the radial direction of the casing (second direction).

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the internal cover 26 is formed in a disc shape and is arranged coaxially with the casing axis O1. The internal cover 26 covers the opening of the main body space S1 from the front. Multiple insertion openings 26a are formed in the internal cover 26. The inner diameter of the insertion openings 26a is slightly larger than the maximum outer diameter of the container 2. Multiple insertion openings 26a (for example, 6) are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the casing. The number and position of the insertion openings 26a can be changed as appropriate.

[0024] The outer cover 27 has the same external shape as the case body 25 when viewed from the front and is a box shape that opens towards the front. The outer cover 27 covers the case body 25 from the rear. Multiple heat dissipation holes 27a are formed in the outer cover 27. The heat dissipation holes 27a open on the rear and sides of the outer cover 27.

[0025] <Holder Module 22> As shown in Figure 4, the holder module 22 is made of a metal material with excellent thermal conductivity (e.g., aluminum). The holder module 22 comprises a base plate 31 and a plurality of holders 32. The base plate 31 is formed in the shape of a disc and is arranged coaxially with the casing axis O1. The base plate 31 is fixed to the bottom wall of the main body space S1 of the case body 25. Multiple holders 32 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the casing, overlapping with the insertion opening 26a in a front view. Each holder 32 is formed with rotational symmetry (6-fold symmetry) with respect to the casing axis O1. Therefore, in the following description, the details of the holders 32 will be explained using one holder 32 as an example.

[0026] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the area around the holder 32. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VI-VI in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VII-VII in Figure 6. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the holder 32 extends forward (to one side in the first direction) from the base plate 31. The holder 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends along the holder axis O2 which runs in the front-rear direction. The front end opening edge of the holder 32 is close to or in contact with the opening edge of the insertion port 26a from the rear. The container 2 is inserted into the holder 32 through the insertion port 26a with the container axis O aligned in the front-rear direction. The container 2 is housed in the holder 32 with at least the end on the can lid 6 side protruding from the insertion port 26a. In the following description, the direction around the holder axis O2 is sometimes referred to as the holder circumferential direction, and the direction that intersects the holder axis O2 when viewed from the front-rear direction is sometimes referred to as the holder radial direction.

[0027] The holder 32 has a reading slit 32a, a roller slit 32b, and a pressing slit 32c. The reading slit 32a is a slit that exposes the product identification code 7 toward the inside in the radial direction of the casing. The reading slit 32a is formed in the part of the holder 32 that is located closer to the casing axis O1 with respect to the holder axis O2. The reading slit 32a penetrates the holder 32 in the holder radial direction and extends in the front-rear direction. The reading slit 32a opens on the front end edge of the holder 32.

[0028] The roller slit 32b is a slit for allowing the roller 53, which will be described later, to enter the holder 32. The roller slit 32b extends from the center in the front-rear direction of the reading slit 32a toward one side in the circumferential direction of the holder. The roller slit 32b penetrates the holder 32 in a tangential direction to the holder axis O2. The pressing slit 32c is a slit for allowing the pressing mechanism 41, described later, to enter the holder 32. The pressing slit 32c is formed in the holder 32 at a position opposite the reading slit 32a (and roller slit 32b) in the holder radial direction. The pressing slit 32c penetrates the holder 32 in the holder radial direction and extends in the front-rear direction. The pressing slit 32c is open on the front end edge of the holder 32. In the illustrated example, the width of the pressing slit 32c in the holder circumferential direction is wider than the width of the reading slit 32a in the holder circumferential direction.

[0029] <Detection mechanism 23> The detection mechanism 23 includes a rotation mechanism 40 and a pressing mechanism 41. The rotating mechanism 40 has the function of rotating the container 2 housed in the holder 32 and detecting the product identification code 7 of the container 2. The rotating mechanism 40 is provided on the base plate 31 at a position that overlaps with the casing axis O1. As shown in Figure 6, the rotating mechanism 40 comprises a base portion 43, a main motor 44, and a rotating portion 45.

[0030] The base portion 43 is attached to the base plate 31. The main motor 44 is supported by the base portion 43. The main motor 44 is positioned coaxially with the casing axis O1 with its output shaft facing forward.

[0031] The rotating part 45 includes a stay 51, a sub-motor 52, a roller 53, and a detection unit 54. The stay 51 extends in the radial direction of the casing in the main body space S1, with the portion located in front of the base portion 43. The output shaft of the main motor 44 is connected to the portion of the stay 51 located on the casing axis O1. The stay 51 is configured to rotate around the casing axis O1 by the drive of the main motor 44. The front end of the stay 51 may be rotatably supported by the internal cover 26. As a result, the stay 51 is rotatably supported from both the front and rear sides by the internal cover 26 and the base portion 43, allowing the rotating part 45 to rotate stably.

[0032] The sub-motor 52 is provided at the first end of the stay 51 in the radial direction of the casing. The sub-motor 52 is positioned parallel to the casing axis O1 with its output shaft facing forward.

[0033] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the roller 53 is connected to the output shaft of the sub-motor 52. The roller 53 is configured to rotate around an axis along the front-rear direction. The roller 53 is also configured to revolve around the casing axis O1 as the stay 51 rotates. The outer circumference of the roller 53 (the part located on the outside in the radial direction of the casing) is configured to enter into one of the holders 32 through the roller slit 32b as the roller 53 revolves. When the roller 53 rotates while inside one of the holders 32, the frictional force between the outer surface of the roller 53 and the outer surface of the container 2 causes the container 2 to rotate around the container axis O. The state in which the roller 53 is inside one of the holders 32 is referred to as the entry position.

[0034] The detection unit 54 is provided at the second end of the stay 51 in the radial direction of the casing. The detection unit 54 comprises a substrate 54a and a detection section 54b. The substrate 54a is fixed to the stay 51 with the casing radial direction as the thickness direction. The substrate 54a protrudes from the stay 51 toward the front and toward one side in the casing circumferential direction. The detection unit 54b is, for example, a barcode reader or a camera. The detection unit 54b is mounted on the substrate 54a at a position offset from the roller 53 when viewed from the casing radial direction, and facing the roller 53 side in the casing radial direction. When the roller 53 enters one of the holders 32, the detection unit 54b faces the reading slit 32a in the casing radial direction. That is, for the holder 32 in which the roller 53 is in the entry position, the detection unit 54b can detect the product identification code 7 of the container 2 through the reading slit 32a as the roller 53 rotates the container 2.

[0035] The pressing mechanism 41 is provided on the base plate 31 on the side opposite to the rotating mechanism 40 in the casing radial direction, with the holder axis O2 in between, corresponding to each holder 32. Each pressing mechanism 41 includes a pressing piece 61, a biasing member 62, and a temperature sensor 63. The pressing piece 61 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the circumferential direction of the casing, with the casing's radial direction as the thickness direction. The pressing piece 61 overlaps with the pressing slit 32c when viewed from the casing's radial direction. The first end of the pressing piece 61 in the circumferential direction of the casing is supported by a pivot pin 65. The pivot pin 65 extends in the front-rear direction and is fixed to the base plate 31. The pressing piece 61 is configured to rotate around an axis along the front-rear direction with the pivot pin 65 as the pivot point. That is, the pressing piece 61 moves closer to or further away from the holder 32 in the casing's radial direction.

[0036] A projection 66 is formed on the pressing piece 61 at a position that overlaps with the pressing slit 32c when viewed from the radial direction of the casing. Multiple projections 66 (for example, two) are provided at intervals in the front-rear direction. The projections 66 are formed in a triangular shape, with the amount of protrusion from the pressing piece 61 increasing as it is viewed from the circumferential direction of the casing towards the rear. Specifically, the projection 66 includes an inclined surface 66a that extends inward in the radial direction of the casing as it is directed towards the rear (the other side of the first direction), and a top portion 66b that constitutes the inner end of the projection 66 in the radial direction of the casing. The projection 66 can enter the holder 32 through the pressing slit 32c. That is, when the container 2 is housed in the holder 32, the projection 66 pushes the container 2 inward in the radial direction of the casing through the pressing slit 32c. Specifically, the projection 66 has its top 66b in line contact with the outer circumferential surface of the container 2 (cylindrical portion 5a) along the circumferential direction of the casing. As a result, the container 2 is housed in the holder 32 with a portion of its outer circumferential surface held by the inner circumferential surface of the holder 32 and the projection 66. Therefore, the container axis O is positioned slightly inward in the radial direction of the casing relative to the holder axis O2. However, in the illustrated example, the container axis O and the holder axis O2 are shown as coaxial for convenience.

[0037] A through hole 61a is formed in the portion of the pressing piece 61 located between the protrusions 66. The through hole 61a penetrates the pressing piece 61 in the casing radial direction.

[0038] The biasing member 62 biases the pressing piece 61 toward the inside of the casing in the radial direction (inside the holder 32). The biasing member 62 is interposed between the second end of the pressing piece 61 in the circumferential direction of the casing and the base plate 31. The biasing force of the biasing member 62 is set to be greater than the weight of the container 2 (including the beverage).

[0039] The temperature sensor 63 comprises a biasing unit 63a and a sensor body 63b. The biasing portion 63a is formed in the shape of a leaf spring, extending in the front-rear direction with the casing diameter as the thickness direction. The front part of the biasing portion 63a is fixed from the outside in the casing diameter direction to the portion of the pressing piece 61 that is located in front of the through hole 61a. The rear part of the biasing portion 63a is inclined inward in the casing diameter direction as it extends towards the rear. The rear part of the biasing portion 63a is configured to be elastically deformable in the casing diameter direction, starting from the front part. The rear end of the biasing portion 63a is located inside the pressing piece 61 in the casing diameter direction through the through hole 61a.

[0040] The sensor body 63b detects the temperature of the beverage through the cylindrical portion 5a. The sensor body 63b is, for example, a thermocouple. The sensor body 63b is attached to the rear surface of the biasing portion 63a, facing inward in the radial direction of the casing. The sensor body 63b is configured to be able to contact the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 5a when the container 2 is housed in the holder 32. The inner end of the sensor body 63b in the radial direction of the holder is located at the same position as the top portion 66b, or further inward in the radial direction of the holder than the top portion 66b. As shown in Figure 6, wiring 63c is routed forward from the sensor body 63b. The wiring 63c is routed through the body space S1 to the rear of the case body 25.

[0041] The detection mechanism 23 includes a container sensor 71 (see Figure 10) that detects the storage state (presence or absence of container 2) of the container 2 in each holder 32. The container sensor 71 may be mounted on the roller 53 or on the pressing piece 61. Alternatively, the detection unit 54b may also function as the container sensor.

[0042] <Temperature adjustment section 24> As shown in Figure 6, the temperature control unit 24 is housed inside the outer cover 27 at the rear of the case body 25. The temperature control unit 24 includes a cooling unit 72, a heat dissipation fin 73, and a heat dissipation fan 74. The cooling unit 72 is, for example, a Peltier element. The cooling unit 72 is attached to the rear surface of the base plate 31 with its front surface being a heat-absorbing surface (and its rear surface being a heat-dissipating surface). The cooling unit 72 cools each holder 32 via the base plate 31, thereby cooling the container 2 (and beverage) contained within the holder 32.

[0043] The heat dissipation fins 73 are attached to the rear surface of the cooling unit 72. The heat dissipation fins 73 release the heat generated on the rear surface of the cooling unit 72. The cooling fan 74 is attached to the rear of the cooling fins 73. The cooling fan 74 expels air from inside the outer cover 27 through the cooling holes 27a.

[0044] Inside the outer cover 27, a control unit 75 is housed in the portion located below the temperature control unit 24. A power cable (not shown) is connected to the control unit 75. The power cable is routed outside the temperature control device 1 through the outer cover 27. Power is supplied to the temperature control device 1 when the power cable is connected to an external power source. The temperature control device 1 may also be equipped with a rechargeable battery.

[0045] <Lid unit 11> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lid unit 11 opens and closes the front end opening of the main body space S1. The lid unit 11 comprises a lid body 80, a push-in part 81, and a display part 82. The lid body 80 has the same external shape as the main body unit 10 when viewed from the front. The lid body 80 and the case body 25 are connected so as to be rotatable around an axis along the vertical direction via a hinge 85 attached to one edge in the left-right direction (the right side in the illustrated example). Therefore, the lid unit 11 rotates between a closed position in which it overlaps the main body unit 10 from the front and closes the main body space S1, and an open position in which it opens the main body space S1. In the following description, all references to axes and the front-back and left-right orientations are based on the lid unit 11 being in the closed position.

[0046] A finger rest portion 80a is formed on the surface of the lid body 80 that faces the other side in the left-right direction. The finger rest portion 80a is, for example, a recess in the surface of the lid body 80 that faces the other side in the left-right direction. The lid body 80 has a lid space S2 that opens toward the rear. When the lid unit 11 is in the closed position, the lid space S2 overlaps with the body space S1. A packing 86 is provided on the part of the lid body 80 that is located outside the lid space S1. The packing 86 is formed in an annular shape that surrounds the entire circumference of the lid space S2. When the lid unit 11 is in the closed position, the packing 86 is in close contact with the part of the case body 25 that is located outside the body space S1. As a result, when the lid unit 11 is in the closed position, the temperature control device 1 forms an internal space with the body space S1 and the lid space S2.

[0047] A locking member (not shown) is provided between the lid body 80 and the case body 25 to maintain the closed position of the lid unit 11. For example, a magnetic attraction mechanism is used as the locking member. The temperature control device 1 also includes an opening / closing sensor 88 (see Figure 10) for detecting the open / closed state of the lid unit 11. However, the method of opening and closing the lid unit 11 can be modified as appropriate, such as by using a locking mechanism with claws.

[0048] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control device 1. As shown in Figures 2, 6, and 8, the push-in portion 81 is provided on the bottom wall of the lid space S2 within the lid body 80. The push-in portion 81 presses the container 2 backward when the lid unit 11 is in the closed position. The push-in portion 81 is provided in a position that overlaps with each holder 32 in a front view, corresponding to each holder 32. That is, in the illustrated example, multiple push-in portions 81 (for example, six) are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the casing. In the following description, the details of the push-in portion will be explained using one push-in portion 81 as an example.

[0049] The recessed portion 81 bulges outward from the bottom wall of the lid space S2 toward the rear. The recessed portion 81 includes an outer peripheral protrusion 81a and a central protrusion 81b. The outer peripheral projection 81a is formed in an annular shape and is arranged coaxially with the holder axis O2. The inner diameter of the outer peripheral projection 81a is formed to be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the container 2. When the lid unit 11 is in the closed position, the outer peripheral projection 81a approaches or abuts against the opening edge of the can body 5 of the container 2 from the front. In the illustrated example, the outer peripheral projection 81a is formed in a semicircular or triangular shape that is convex toward the rear. The amount of bulge from the bottom wall of the lid space S2 increases as the outer peripheral projection 81a is directed outward in the holder radial direction.

[0050] The central protrusion 81b extends radially in the holder direction inside the outer peripheral protrusion 81a. In this embodiment, the central protrusion 81b of each indentation portion 81 extends radially with respect to the casing axis O1. When the lid unit 11 is in the closed position, the central protrusion 81b abuts against the opening edge of the can body 5 of the container 2 from the front. In the illustrated example, the central protrusion 81b is formed in a semicircular or triangular shape that is convex toward the rear. The indentation portion 81 may be made of an elastically deformable material (e.g., rubber or resin) or a material with excellent thermal conductivity (e.g., aluminum).

[0051] Figure 9 is a front view of the lid unit 11. As shown in Figure 9, the display unit 82 is mounted on the front of the lid body 80. The display unit 82 uses, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. An input unit, such as a touch panel, is integrally formed with the display unit 82.

[0052] The display unit 82 is provided with, for example, a switching area 90 and a power supply area 91. The switching area 90 is, for example, a circular area that overlaps with the lid space S2 in a front view. The display mode of the switching area 90 can be switched by operating the touch panel (for example, by swiping). The switching area 90 can display, for example, status information or suggestion information.

[0053] In the illustrated example, status information is displayed in the switching area 90. The status information displayed includes individual information 90a and internal information 90b. Individual information 90a is displayed in a position that overlaps with each holder 32 in a plan view. Individual information 90a displays whether or not container 2 is present in each holder 32, the product name of the beverage stored in each holder 32 (e.g., AAA or BBB), the current temperature of the beverage, etc. If container 2 is not stored in a holder 32, "-" is displayed in the corresponding individual information 90a. In addition, the display method (e.g., display color) of individual information 90a differs depending on whether the beverage stored in each holder 32 is maintained at the optimal (drinkable) temperature range or not. The internal information 90b is displayed in the central part of the switching area 90 (the part located on the casing axis O1). Examples of internal information 90b include the current temperature inside the temperature control device 1 (internal space).

[0054] The power area 91 displays a power button for prompting the user to turn the power on / off or put the device to sleep. The display unit 82 may also include a display area for menu information and other settings.

[0055] <Control Unit 12> Figure 10 is a block diagram of the temperature control device 1. As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 12 is mounted on the control unit 75 described above. The control unit 12 realizes the functional parts of each component by executing a program (software) stored in the storage unit 100, for example, using a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 100 may be implemented using an EEPROM, ROM, RAM, etc., or it may be an HDD or flash memory, etc.

[0056] The memory unit 100 stores information such as cooling mode information and drinking information. In this embodiment, the cooling mode information includes information on a normal cooling mode, an intermediate cooling mode, and a low-temperature cooling mode. The normal cooling mode adjusts the internal space to approximately 4°C, the intermediate cooling mode adjusts the internal space to approximately 0°C to 1°C, and the low-temperature cooling mode adjusts the internal space to approximately -2°C to 0°C. In other words, the beverages used in the temperature control device 1 of this embodiment (beer, low-alcohol beer-like sparkling beverages, non-alcoholic beer, etc.) can be enjoyed with different flavors depending on the temperature range. For example, by setting beer (hereinafter referred to as low-temperature beverages) to approximately -2°C to 0°C, and low-alcohol beer-like sparkling beverages (hereinafter referred to as intermediate beverages) to approximately 0°C to 1°C, a different flavor can be obtained compared to the normal temperature range (approximately 4°C). However, non-alcoholic beer (hereinafter referred to as normal beverages) has a higher freezing point than alcoholic beverages. Therefore, if alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beer are stored in the temperature control device 1 and cooled to below freezing point, the non-alcoholic beer may freeze. Therefore, in this embodiment, multiple cooling modes are set according to the type of beverage stored in the temperature control device 1. In this embodiment, "type of beverage" includes the brand and variety of beverage (beer, low-alcohol beer-like sparkling beverage, non-alcoholic beer, etc.).

[0057] The drinking information includes the time the beverage was stored in the temperature control device 1, the time the beverage was removed from the temperature control device 1, the type of beverage consumed, and the number of bottles consumed.

[0058] The control unit 12 includes an open / closed state acquisition unit 101, a storage state acquisition unit 102, a liquid type acquisition unit 103, a temperature acquisition unit 104, a determination unit 105, a drive control unit 106, and a communication unit 107. The open / closed state acquisition unit 101 acquires the detection result of the open / closed sensor 88. The storage status acquisition unit 102 acquires the detection result of the container sensor 71. The liquid type acquisition unit 103 acquires the detection result from the detection unit 54b. The temperature acquisition unit 104 acquires the detection result from the temperature sensor 63.

[0059] The determination unit 105 determines the state of the temperature control device 1 based on the information obtained by each acquisition unit 101 to 104. The determination unit 105 determines, for example, based on the detection result of the detection unit 54b, whether the product identification code 7 is a product identification code 7 for a regular beverage (a product identification code other than a specific identification code), a product identification code 7 for an intermediate beverage (a specific identification code), or a product identification code 7 for a low-temperature beverage (a specific identification code). The drive control unit 106 controls the operation of the detection mechanism 23 and the temperature control unit 24 based on the determination result from the determination unit 105 and the information stored in the storage unit 100.

[0060] The communication unit 107 communicates with external servers, etc., using a network NW. The communication unit 107 transmits information stored in the storage unit 100 (for example, drinking information) while receiving information generated by the external server. The external server includes servers on a cloud network. The communication unit 107 may, for example, perform wireless communication based on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, LPWA, or other communication standards, or perform near-field communication (NFC) or wired communication with the external server.

[0061] Information received from an external server includes, for example, product identification code information (including optimal temperature information corresponding to product identification code 7), information on new products, information on the company's own products similar to those of other companies, and information on log data based on consumption information. Furthermore, the above information may be used to analyze user preference patterns from log data based on consumption information, using trained models constructed through machine learning or AI (artificial intelligence) computational processing. The control unit 12 then displays this information as suggested information in the switching area 90 of the display unit 82. This allows the user to view various information through the display unit 82.

[0062] <How to use temperature control device 1> The following explanation will first describe the operation from setting the container 2 into the temperature control device 1 to removing it, and then describe the temperature control method by the control unit 12. When the lid unit 11 is in the closed position, the rotating part 45 is positioned where the roller 53 is located between adjacent holders 32 in the circumferential direction of the casing (hereinafter referred to as the neutral position). That is, in the neutral position, the roller 53 does not enter any of the holders 32.

[0063] Under these conditions, in order to set the container 2 in the temperature control device 1, the lid unit 11 is moved to the open position via the finger rest 80a, as shown in Figure 2. This opens the holder 32 toward the front. Next, the container 2 is placed in one of the holders 32. Specifically, with the container axis O aligned in the front-to-back direction and the bottom 5b of the container 2 (see Figure 6) facing backward, the container 2 is inserted into the holder 32 through the front end opening of the holder 32. At this time, it is preferable to push the container 2 in until the bottom 5b of the container 2 contacts the base plate 31.

[0064] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation when setting up container 2. As shown in Figure 11, as the container 2 enters the holder 32, the projection 66 (inclined surface 66a) comes into contact with the cylindrical portion 5a. When the container 2 is pushed backward in this state, the cylindrical portion 5a of the container 2 slides on the inclined surface 66a, pushing the projection 66 outward in the radial direction of the casing. As a result, the pressing piece 61 rotates around the pivot pin 65. However, since the pressing piece 61 is biased inward in the radial direction of the casing by the biasing member 62, the container 2 moves backward inside the holder 32 with the projection 66 (top portion 66b) sliding on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 5a. Furthermore, as the container 2 enters the holder 32, the sensor body 63b comes into contact with the cylindrical portion 5a. The sensor body 63b moves outward in the radial direction of the casing together with the pressing piece 61, and the sensor body 63b is pushed outward in the radial direction of the casing by the cylindrical portion 5a, causing elastic displacement outward in the radial direction of the casing due to the deformation of the biasing portion 63a. As a result, the sensor body 63b is pressed against the cylindrical portion 5a by the restoring force of the biasing portion 63a.

[0065] Once the container 2 is set, the lid unit 11 is moved to the closed position. As the lid unit 11 moves to the closed position, the push-in part 81 contacts the can lid 6 of the container 2 from the front. In this state, if the lid unit 11 is moved further towards the closed position, the container 2 is pushed backward via the push-in part 81. As a result, the container 2 is sandwiched between the base plate 31 and the push-in part 81 in the front-to-back direction, and held by the inner circumferential surface of the holder 32 and the pressing piece 61 in the holder radial direction, and is housed in the holder 32.

[0066] When the lid unit 11 moves to the closed position, the rotation mechanism 40 detects the product identification code 7 (scanning process). In this embodiment, regardless of whether there is a container 2 in the holder 32 or not, the product identification code 7 is detected for all holders 32 each time the opening and closing operation of the lid unit 11 is detected. Specifically, when the lid unit 11 is in the closed position, the roller 53 rotates on its own axis while revolving from the neutral position to the entry position. In the process of moving from the neutral position to the entry position, the roller 53 enters the roller slit 32b through one side opening in the circumferential direction of the casing. As a result, the outer surface of the roller 53 comes into contact with the outer surface of the container 2 through the roller slit 32b. Then, as the roller 53 rotates on its own axis, the container 2 rotates within the holder 32. In the process of the container 2 rotating within the holder 32, the product identification code 7 is detected via the detection unit 54b. However, the scanning process may be performed only on the holder 32 containing the container 2, or only on the holder 32 where the presence or absence of the container 2 changed before and after the opening and closing operation.

[0067] Once the detection of product identification codes 7 is complete for all holders 32, the container 2 is cooled according to the cooling mode determined by the control unit 12. The temperature control unit 24 absorbs heat from the interior space through the holder module 22 via the cooling unit 72. As a result, the beverage is cooled through the container 2 housed in the holder 32. Once the detection of product identification codes 7 is complete for all holders 32, the roller 53 returns to the neutral position.

[0068] When removing container 2 from temperature control device 1, the lid unit 11 is moved to the open position, and then container 2 is removed from holder 32. The current temperature of the beverage contained in each holder 32 can be recognized by the individual information 90a on the display unit 82. This makes it possible to obtain beverages that have been cooled to a predetermined temperature range.

[0069] <Temperature adjustment method> Next, we will explain the temperature control method. In the following explanation, we will describe the initial state as when the temperature control device 1 is being cooled in one of the cooling modes. In step S1, the opening and closing operation of the lid unit 11 is monitored based on the detection result of the opening / closing sensor 88. The opening and closing operation refers to the movement of the lid unit 11 from the closed position to the open position and then back to the closed position.

[0070] In step S2, the determination unit 105 determines whether or not the lid unit 11 has been opened or closed. If the result of the judgment in step S2 is "NO", it is determined that the opening and closing operation has not been performed, and the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S2 is "YES", it is determined that the opening and closing operation has been performed, and the process proceeds to step S3.

[0071] In step S3, the rotating mechanism 40 is driven as described above to detect the product identification code 7 of the beverages stored in each holder 32 (scanning process). Next, in step S4, the type of beverage is obtained based on the detection results from step S3.

[0072] In step S5, it is determined whether or not there has been a change in the state of the interior space before and after the opening and closing operation described above. The state of the interior space refers to the types of beverages present in the interior space before and after the opening and closing operation. For example, if the beverages present in the interior space are the same type before and after the opening and closing operation, it is determined that there has been no change in the state of the interior space, regardless of changes in the number of beverages, etc. On the other hand, if the beverages present in the interior space are different types before and after the opening and closing operation, it is determined that there has been a change in the state of the interior space, regardless of changes in the number of beverages, etc.

[0073] If the result of the determination in step S5 is "NO," that is, if the beverages present in the storage space before and after the opening and closing operation of the lid unit 11 are the same type of liquid, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the control unit 12 maintains the current cooling mode and then terminates this routine.

[0074] If the result of the determination in step S5 is "YES," that is, if the beverages present in the storage space before and after the opening and closing operation of the lid unit 11 are of different liquid types, the process proceeds to step S7 and beyond.

[0075] In step S7, it is determined whether the beverages in the storage space include beverages in the normal temperature range. That is, if only low-temperature beverages or intermediate-temperature beverages are present in the storage space before the opening and closing operation, and normal temperature beverages are detected by the scanning process after the opening and closing operation.

[0076] Therefore, if the determination result in step S7 is "YES", the internal space is switched to the normal cooling mode in step S8. In other words, if only low-temperature beverages or intermediate-temperature beverages are present in the internal space before the opening and closing operation, the temperature control device 1 is set to the intermediate cooling mode or low-temperature cooling mode. If an intermediate-temperature beverage is placed in the holder 32 in this cooling mode, the normal-temperature beverage may solidify. Therefore, if at least one normal-temperature beverage is present in the internal space, the internal space is adjusted to a normal temperature of approximately 4°C. After that, this routine will terminate.

[0077] If the result of the determination in step S7 is "NO", then in step S9 it is determined whether or not the beverages in the storage space include intermediate-range beverages. That is, if only low-temperature beverages or normal-range beverages are present in the storage space before the opening and closing operation, and the scan process after the opening and closing operation reveals that only low-temperature beverages or intermediate-range beverages are present. If the result of the determination in step S9 is "YES", in step S10 the drive control unit 106 switches the internal space to intermediate cooling mode. That is, if there are no normal temperature beverages in the internal space and there is at least one intermediate temperature beverage, the internal space is adjusted to a specific temperature range of approximately 0°C to 1°C. After that, this routine will terminate.

[0078] If the result of the determination in step S9 is "NO", then in step S11 it is determined whether or not only low-temperature beverages are present in the storage space. That is, if at least one intermediate-temperature beverage or normal-temperature beverage is present in the storage space before the opening and closing operation, and the scan process after the opening and closing operation reveals that only low-temperature beverages are present. If the result of the judgment in step S11 is "YES", the internal space of the refrigerator is switched to low-temperature cooling mode in step S12. That is, if only low-temperature beverages are present in the internal space, the internal space is adjusted to a specific temperature range of approximately -2°C to 0°C. After that, this routine will terminate.

[0079] If the result of the determination in step S11 is "NO", for example, if the type of beverage present in the storage space cannot be determined, or if there is no beverage in the storage space, the system switches to normal cooling mode in step S13. After that, this routine will terminate.

[0080] Thus, in this embodiment, the control unit 12 is configured to adjust the temperature to the intermediate or low temperature range using the temperature control unit 24 when it determines that the product identification code 7 is for an intermediate or low temperature beverage, while adjusting it to the normal temperature range when it determines that the product identification code 7 is for a normal temperature beverage. With this configuration, if beverages other than specific beverages (e.g., intermediate-temperature beverages or low-temperature beverages) are present in the storage space, the storage space can be maintained at a normal temperature range. This allows the storage space to be maintained at a predetermined temperature range regardless of the type of beverage. As a result, a highly versatile temperature control device 1 can be provided. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a specific beverage is present in the interior space, the interior space can be adjusted to a specific temperature range (intermediate or low temperature range). Therefore, a specific beverage can be adjusted to a temperature range different from the normal temperature range, and a different taste can be obtained.

[0081] In this embodiment, the normal temperature range is a temperature range higher than 0°C, and the specific temperature range (intermediate and low temperature ranges) is a temperature range lower than the normal temperature range. With this configuration, since the normal temperature range is higher than the intermediate and low temperature ranges, it is possible to suppress the normal temperature beverage from reaching its freezing point when it is present in the storage space. In particular, in this embodiment, in a temperature control device 1 capable of accommodating multiple beverages, if at least one beverage in the normal temperature range or intermediate temperature range is present, the internal temperature is maintained at a temperature range higher than 0°C. This makes it possible to suppress the freezing of the beverage with the highest freezing point, even when the temperature of the internal temperature range is controlled collectively.

[0082] In this embodiment, the identification symbol is configured to be the product identification code 7. This configuration allows for easy and reliable detection of the type of beverage.

[0083] In this embodiment, a rotation mechanism 40 is provided to rotate the container 2 around the container axis O of the cylindrical portion 5a, and the detection unit 54b is arranged facing the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 5a. With this configuration, by rotating the container 2 around the container axis O using the rotation mechanism 40 while the container 2 is set in the holder 32, the product identification code 7 can be detected regardless of the orientation of the container 2 around the container axis O when it was set in the holder 32.

[0084] In this embodiment, a pressing mechanism 41 is provided on the side of the holder 32 opposite to the roller 53, which presses the container 2 toward the roller 53 (towards the inside in the radial direction of the casing). This configuration ensures that the container 2 is in reliable contact with the roller 53, and that frictional force is secured between the container 2 and the roller 53. This makes it easier to rotate the container 2.

[0085] In this embodiment, the pressing mechanism 41 has a projection 66 that protrudes toward the inside of the holder 32 through the pressing slit 32c and is displaceable in the radial direction of the casing through the pressing slit 32c, and the projection 66 has an inclined surface 66a that extends toward the inside of the holder 32 as it is directed toward the rear. In this configuration, as the container 2 enters the holder 32, the container 2 and the projection 66 come into contact, and by pushing the container 2 further backward, the cylindrical portion 5a of the container 2 slides on the inclined surface 66a, pushing the projection 66 outward in the radial direction of the casing. This suppresses snagging with the pressing mechanism 41 when setting the container 2, allowing the container 2 to be smoothly inserted into the holder 32. In addition, since the projection 66 is biased inward in the radial direction of the casing by the biasing member 62, the pressed state of the container 2 within the holder 32 can be maintained.

[0086] In this embodiment, the lid unit 11 is configured to include a push-in portion 81 that contacts the container 2 from the front when in the closed position. With this configuration, as the lid unit 11 moves to the closed position, the container 2 is pushed backward via the push-in part 81, thereby stabilizing the front-to-back position of the container 2 within the holder 32. This makes it easier for the detection mechanism 23 to detect the product identification code 7 and easier for the rotation mechanism 40 to rotate the container 2.

[0087] (Other variations) While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but only by the appended claims. For example, in the embodiment described above, the case in which product identification code 7 is used as the identification symbol was explained, but the configuration is not limited to this. The identification symbol may be an image, text, etc. In addition, product identification code 7 may be an EAN (European Article Number) code, a UPC (Universal Product Code) code, a QR (Quick Response) code, etc., in addition to a JAN code.

[0088] In the embodiments described above, beer-based beverages were used as an example of an article, but the configuration is not limited to this. The article may be an alcoholic beverage other than beer-based beverages (for example, chuhai or cocktails), or it may be juice, etc. Furthermore, the article may not be a beverage. In the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the temperature of the entire interior space (all holders 32) is managed collectively, but the configuration is not limited to this. The temperature control device may manage the temperature of each holder 32 individually. With this configuration, if an intermediate-temperature beverage or a low-temperature beverage is contained in any of the holders 32, the intermediate-temperature beverage or low-temperature beverage can be adjusted to the desired temperature range regardless of whether or not a normal-temperature beverage is present in the interior space. Furthermore, the temperature control device 1 is not limited to the case where multiple containers 2 are contained, but may also be configured to contain only one container 2.

[0089] In the embodiments described above, a configuration in which the beverage is cooled by the temperature control device 1 was explained, but the configuration is not limited to this. The temperature control device 1 may also be used when the beverage is heated. In the embodiment described above, the case in which the normal temperature range is set to match the beverage with the highest freezing point among the beverages contained in the temperature control device 1 was explained, but the configuration is not limited to this. The normal temperature range may also be set to match the beverage with the lowest freezing point.

[0090] In the embodiments described above, the case in which the holder 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape was explained, but the configuration is not limited to this. The holder 32 only needs to be able to hold the container 2. In the embodiments described above, a configuration in which the rotating mechanism 40 is equipped with rollers 53 was described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The rotating mechanism 40 may use a belt or the like instead of rollers. In the embodiments described above, a configuration comprising an intermediate zone and a low-temperature zone as specific temperature ranges was explained, but the configuration is not limited to this. The specific temperature range may consist of only one of the intermediate zone and the low-temperature zone. In the above-described embodiment, a configuration was explained in which the temperature inside the storage space is automatically adjusted according to the type of beverage present inside the storage space, but the configuration is not limited to this. The temperature range that can be adjusted according to the type of beverage present inside the storage space may be displayed on the display unit 82, and the user may manually select their preferred temperature range from among the adjustable temperature ranges.

[0091] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the embodiments described above can be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the modifications described above can be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1: Temperature control device 2: Container (article) 5a: Cylinder part 7. Product identification code (identification symbol) 11: Lid Unit 12: Control Unit 24: Temperature control section 32: Holder 40: Rotating mechanism 41: Pressing mechanism 53: Laura 54b: Detection unit 55: Cylinder part 62: Biasing member 66:Protrusion 66a: Inclined surface 81: Push-in section O: Container axis (axis line)

Claims

1. A detection unit for detecting an identification mark attached to the outer surface of a cylindrical part of an article having a cylindrical part, A temperature control unit for heating or cooling the aforementioned article, A control unit that controls the operation of the temperature control unit, A holder capable of accommodating the aforementioned article, The device comprises a rotation mechanism that rotates the article within the holder about the axis of the cylindrical portion, The control unit can adjust the temperature control unit to a specific temperature range when it determines that the identification symbol is a specific identification symbol, while it can adjust the temperature control unit to a normal temperature range when it determines that the identification symbol is an identification symbol other than the specific identification symbol. The detection unit is arranged facing the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, The rotating mechanism includes a roller that rotates while in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion housed within the holder. A temperature control device is provided with a pressing mechanism on the side of the holder opposite to the roller for pressing the article toward the roller.

2. The aforementioned article is a beverage contained in a container. The aforementioned normal temperature range is a temperature range higher than 0°C. The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the specified temperature range is a temperature range lower than the normal temperature range.

3. The temperature control device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the identification symbol is a product identification code.

4. The holder is formed in a cylindrical shape having an opening that opens toward one side in the first direction, The holder has a slit formed therein that penetrates the holder in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The aforementioned pressing mechanism is A projection that protrudes toward the inside of the holder through the slit and is displaceable in the second direction through the slit, The holder comprises a biasing member that biases the projection toward the inside of the holder, The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the projection has an inclined surface that extends toward the inside of the holder as it is directed toward the other side in the first direction.

5. The lid unit is provided to open and close the aforementioned opening, The temperature control device according to claim 4, wherein the lid unit is provided with a push-in portion that contacts the article from one side in the first direction when in the closed position.

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