SE541692C2

SE541692C2 - A liquid purifying drink container device

Info

Publication number: SE541692C2
Application number: SE1651360A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Henrik Fernström; Johan Bergqvist; Staffan Strand; Ulf Arbeus
Original assignee: Wallenius Water Innovation Ab
Priority date: 2016-10-18
Filing date: 2016-10-18
Publication date: 2019-11-26
Also published as: WO2018074971A1; SE1651360A1

Abstract

A liquid purifying drink container device (2), comprising a liquid compartment (4) for holding liquid and being enclosed by a liquid compartment wall (6), an opening (8) for filling and emptying of liquid in said liquid compartment (4), an openable lid (10) structured to close said opening and hinder access to said liquid compartment when in a closed position, and an ultraviolet light source unit (12) adapted to emit ultraviolet light in the germicidal spectrum, and being arranged such that said ultraviolet light is emitted inside said liquid compartment (4). The container device (2) comprises a control module (14) comprising a control unit (16), a communication unit (18), a movement sensor unit (20) and a power source unit (22). The movement sensor unit (20) is configured to sense movements of the container device (2) and to generate a movement signal (24) including movement data values in response of the sensed movements. The activation of the ultraviolet light source unit (12) is controlled in relation to the sensed movements according to a set of UV light activation rules. The communication unit (18) is configured to exchange information with at least one external device (26), wherein the information relates to various parameters related to the use of the container device, including the movement data values.

Description

A liquid purifying drink container device Technical field The present disclosure relates to a liquid purifying drink container device and in particular to sterilize liquid in a self-contained, robust, safe and intelligent liquid purifying drink container device, that fulfils high environmental standards, by irradiating the liquid with ultraviolet light.

Background Using ultraviolet (UV) light is an environmentally friendly way of sterilizing liquids, surfaces and air. By using short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light, microorganisms are killed or inactivated by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions. Ultraviolet disinfection is a purely physical, chemical-free process, and thus is highly suitable for drinking water. Traditional water purifying assemblies use mercury-vapor lamps. Such lamps emit light at 254 nm, which is within the range of wavelengths that demonstrate a strong disinfecting effect. The optimal wavelengths for disinfection are close to 260 nm.

Numerous water containers for ultraviolet light treatment have been described. As an example, US-2011/174993 and US-8975596 both describe water purifying drink containers including a liquid container, a cap assembly removably coupled to the liquid container, and a purification assembly using a mercury lamp that emits ultraviolet light in the germicidal spectrum to purify a volume of drink liquid held in the liquid container.

US-4755292 describes a portable ultraviolet water sterilizer comprising a mercury ultraviolet lamp. US-6042720 discloses an apparatus for storing and disinfecting a fluid using a UV source arranged in a lid.

In US-2005/0258108 a container with purifier is disclosed. If the container is moved during the disinfection process, the contents will be agitated and defuse more rapidly, allowing for faster purification. If the container not is moved, more time will generally be required. It may be possible to provide the container with an indicator showing when sufficient disinfection has occurred. The indicator can be controlled based upon time alone, or container can further comprise a motion sensor so that the purification determination can be configured to compensate for movement the container experiences.

High environmental and safety standards must be fulfilled by devices intended for human use, e.g. during outdoor activities and use by children. Therefore, hazardous materials of the device must be avoided, e.g. non-mercury ultraviolet light sources must be applied to avoid environmentally harmful consequences, e.g. when a device is to be discarded. Furthermore, ultraviolet light within the range of 240-300 nm (UV-C) is harmful for the eyes and only some few seconds of exposure may cause irreversible damages. An important requirement is therefore that the risk for harmful UV-light exposure must be eliminated.

Although the presently known liquid purifying devices have proven to function well there remain still demands for devices to meet high standards with regard to environmental aspects and user safety. In addition the users of today require a more intelligent functionality. Thus, the object of the present invention is to achieve an improved liquid purifying container device fulfilling environmental and safety requirements, and that is capable of adapting its functionality to various measured parameters, and of exchanging information to external devices.

Summary The above-mentioned object is achieved by the present invention according to the independent claim.

Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

The present disclosure relates to liquid purifying drink container device for UV-light irradiation of the liquid, and in particular to an intelligent container device, where the intelligence lies in numerous controlling, processing and communication capabilities and features included into the device and that the device fulfils environmental and safety requirements.

One of those features relates to adapting the UV-light activation time upon movement of the device, and optionally also the transmissivity of the liquid, and that more movement results in a shorter UV-light activation time. The movement is preferably measured by an accelerometer unit.

Another feature relates to various communication capabilities of the container device to exchange information with external devices, both via a cable, and wirelessly. Thereby, the processing capabilities of an external device, e.g. a smartphone may be applied for various aspects of the container device, e.g. for processing information related to the use of the container device.

Still another feature relates to controlling the UV-light activation in dependence of specific safety activation requirements, e.g. that the container device is correctly assembled and that the lid is in a predetermined closed position before the UV-light is activated.

To meet the environmental requirements the UV-light source is any non-mercury UV-light source, e.g. a field emission light source, or a light emitting diode light source.

The container device comprises a control module comprising a control unit, a communication unit, a movement sensor unit and a power source unit. An ultraviolet light source unit is provided being configured to be activated and energized by the control unit and the power source unit.

The movement sensor unit is configured to sense movements of the container device in three dimensions and to generate a movement signal including movement data values in response of the sensed movements. The movement signal is applied to the control unit that is provided with processing capabilities for evaluating the movement data values in relation to a set of UV light activation rules. Basically, by implementing these rules the UV light activation time period is shorter if the container device is repetitively moved/shaken in comparison to if the container device is standing still on the table. The movement signal is preferably integrated over time in order to obtain a qualitative measure of the motion of the container. Thus, a more intensive shaking of the container will result in a shorter UV-light activation time. As non-limiting examples the UV light activation time period is about 30 seconds if the container device is shaken, and up to 120 seconds if not shaken.

By the liquid container device described herein a consumer product is achieved where water is purified at the point of use - just prior the water is to be consumed, with the intention to optimize the effectiveness of the treatment while ensuring ease of use, and safe use, for the consumer, and also with an improved functionality.

Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid purifying drink container device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows schematic block diagram illustrating a control module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description The liquid purifying drink container device will now be described in detail with references to the appended figures. Throughout the figures the same, or similar, items will have the same reference signs. Moreover, the items and the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

With references to figures 1 and 2 a liquid purifier container device 2 is disclosed that comprises a liquid compartment 4 for holding liquid enclosed by a liquid compartment wall 6, and at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source unit 12 is arranged within or adjacent to the liquid compartment. The UV light source unit 12 is adapted to emit ultraviolet light in the germicidal spectrum, and being arranged such that the ultraviolet light is emitted inside the liquid compartment 4. The container device is provided with at least one opening 8 for filling and emptying of liquid in the liquid compartment 4 and at least one openable lid 10 structured to close the at least one opening and hinder access to said liquid compartment when in a closed position. The lid is preferably provided with a drinking nozzle 11 through which a user may drink the liquid without opening the lid. The lid 10 may be attached by an attachment member (not shown) in any suitable way, wherein the attachment member can be, for instance, a hinge, anchoring member or a cord. As an alternative the lid 10 can be fully removable from the container device 2, i.e. not be provided with an attachment member. The lid 10 may be provided with threads, a friction attachment component or any other suitable attachment component for attaching the lid 10 in position to close the opening 6. When the lid 10 is in a closed position, the liquid compartment 4 is effectively sealed such that liquid and UV-light cannot leak out of the compartment. Furthermore, a suitable filter member may be arranged in the lid. The filter member, e.g. a mechanical filter or a carbon filter, is mounted such that liquid must pass through the filter member before it is poured into or out from the liquid compartment.

The liquid purifier container device 2 may have any suitable outer shape, such as cylindrical, spherical, cone-shaped, cubical, bottle shaped or any regular or irregular shape, e.g. a shape and design suitable for use at home or a shape that enables easy carrying by a user. The liquid purifier container device 2 may also comprise a handle (not shown) of any suitable shape for easy transport, for instance on a side, or on top of the container device.

The internal liquid compartment 4 may also have any suitable shape, preferably a shape that matches the outer shape of the container device 2 and/or maximizes the liquid volume to be treated in relation to the overall shape of the container device 2. Preferably, the liquid compartment 4 has a volume of 0.3-3 liters. A volume of 0.5-1 liter is advantageous if the container device is a portable hand-held device.

The UV light source unit 12 can be arranged in a variety of configurations in relation to the liquid compartment 4. As shown in figures 1 and 2, the ultraviolet light source unit 12 may be arranged such that it extends from the bottom of the liquid compartment along a longitudinal axis of the device. As an alternative the UV light source unit(s) may be arranged on one or many inner side walls of the liquid compartment. Furthermore, it may extend from at the top of the liquid compartment along a longitudinal axis of the device. The UV light source unit 12 may also be an integral part of the compartment wall 6. The ultraviolet light source unit 12 may have a generally elongated shape as illustrated in figure 1 , but may also have any suitable outer shape, such as elliptical, spherical, flat, bulb-shaped etc., as long as, when in use, the emitted UV light can reach essentially the full volume of the liquid compartment 4, such that the entire volume of liquid is treated efficiently.

The container device 2 comprises a control module 14 that in turn comprises a control unit 16, a communication unit 18, a movement sensor unit 20 and a power source 22.

The movement sensor unit 20, which preferably is an accelerometer, is configured to sense movements of the container device 2 and to generate a movement signal 24 including movement data values in response of the sensed movements and to apply the movement signal 24 to the control unit 16.

The activation of the UV light source unit 12 is controlled in relation to the sensed movements according to a set of UV light activation rules. Preferably, the activation time period is about 30 seconds if the container device is moved, and up to 120 seconds if the container device is still.

The set of UV light activation rules may e.g. be provided as a table where measured values of sensed movements are directly related to activation time periods. Also various formulas may be provided to calculate the activation time period. In one formula the activation time period is inversely dependent on the measured movement, i.e. a more intense movement results in a shorter activation time.

Many different types of accelerometers may be applied herein; piezoelectric, piezoresistive and capacitive components are commonly used to convert the mechanical motion into an electrical signal. Piezoelectric accelerometers rely on piezoceramics (e.g. lead zirconate titanate) or single crystals (e.g. quartz, tourmaline). They are unmatched in terms of their upper frequency range, low packaged weight and high temperature range. Piezoresistive accelerometers are preferred in high shock applications. Capacitive accelerometers typically use a silicon micro -machined sensing element. Their performance is superior in the low frequency range and they can be operated in servo mode to achieve high stability and linearity.

Modem accelerometers are often small micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), and are indeed the simplest MEMS devices possible, consisting of little more than a cantilever beam with a proof mass (also known as seismic mass). Damping results from the residual gas sealed in the device. As long as the Q-factor is not too low, damping does not result in a lower sensitivity.

A presumption for activation of the UV light source unit is that no UV light should escape from the container device. Therefore, the control unit 16 is configured to receive one or many measurement parameters, wherein one indicates the state of the lid 10. As discussed above the activation of the UV source unit 12 is controlled in relation to the sensed movements according to the set of UV light activation rules, and in addition that the UV-light is emitted only if the state of the lid indicates a closed position. Various means for detecting if the state of the lid indicates that the lid is in a closed or open position will be presented below.

The communication unit 18 is configured to exchange information with at least one external device 26, that may be a smartphone, and that the information relates to various parameters related to the use of the container device, including the movement data values.

Thus, the movement signal is applied to the control unit 16 that is provided with processing capabilities for evaluating the movement data values in relation to the set of UV light activation rules. According to one of these rules the activation time of the UV light source is inversely related to the amount of movements, resulting in a shorter activation time if the container device is intensively shaken. In one example the evaluation comprises integrating the movement signal 24 over time to determine a qualitative measure of the motion of the container device.

According to one embodiment the container device comprises a liquid transmissivity sensor 28, arranged within the liquid compartment 4, and which is configured to measure the transmissivity of the liquid and to generate a transmissivity signal 30 in dependence thereto. The transmissivity may be measured in many different ways, often applying optical measurement methods where a recording of at least a portion of the spectrum for characterization of the optical properties of the liquid is performed. The sensor 28 may e.g. be a UV light sensor or a near infrared sensor. The transmissivity signal 30 is applied to the control unit 16 which is configured to control the activation of the UV light source unit 12 in dependence of the sensed movements and the information regarding the transmissivity of the liquid in the transmissivity signal 30 according to the set of UV light activation rules. By using a liquid transmissivity sensor the opacity of the liquid may be determined. The opacity is an important factor when determining the activation time of the UV light source unit. A longer activation time is required for an opaque liquid, in comparison to a liquid that is almost clear.

The liquid container device should withstand use in rough environments. In order to protect the units within the control module 14 the control module comprises an outer enclosing wall 32 structured to provide a protective and liquid-proof enclosure to the units within the module. The enclosing wall may be made from e.g. a metal, a plastic, or a carbon fiber composition.

In one embodiment the control module is a separate part that may be removably attached to the liquid compartment. It is then provided with attachment members 34 structured to releasably attach the control module 14 to the liquid compartment 4. The attachment members may be a bayonet coupling, a screw coupling, or any other type of coupling that provides safe attachment and also facilitates easy removal of the control module. Thus, the container device has then a modular configuration comprising separate parts, the control module, the liquid compartment and the lid, that when assembled makes up the container device.

In another embodiment the control module instead is an integral part of the liquid compartment 4. In that case the enclosing wall 32 of the control module may be an integral part of the liquid compartment wall 6.

In the liquid container device illustrated in figure 1 and 2 the UV light source unit 12 is attached to the control module. It is then permanently or releasably attached to the control module 14.

The liquid container device is capable of establishing a bi-directional connection 19 with one or many external devices 26. The external device may e.g. be a smartphone. More specifically, the communication unit 18 is configured to establish a connection 19 to at least one external device 26, and according to one embodiment the connection is a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, WLAN, 3G, 4G, or any other wireless protocol.

According to another embodiment instead a wired connection is established via a cable 38 connected to a connection socket 36, e.g. a USB-cable-connection.

Thus, the control module 14 preferably comprises one or many connection sockets 36 provided in the enclosing wall 32 configured to connect units within the control module to one or many external devices 26. Preferably, at least one of the connection sockets 36 is configured to receive charging power to the power source unit 22, or to supply charging power from the power source unit 22 to an external device 26. In that case the liquid container device may be used as a backup recharger for e.g. a smartphone. The power source unit 22 may be e.g. a battery or batteries, or a rechargeable battery. When a rechargeable battery is used a connection socket may be provided for connecting the battery to a charging device, or the rechargeable battery may be removed and charged by a dedicated device. The capacity of the power source unit 22 being a rechargeable battery is typically such that at least 20-30 UV-light doses may be generated. As an alternative, a connection socket may be arranged for connection to an external energy source. In still another alternative variation the power source unit 22 is configured to be wirelessly charged. Charging energy is then inductively transferred to the power source unit from an external charging unit provided in the vicinity of the container device.

As discussed above the external device 26 may be a smartphone. Naturally, any device capable of exchanging information may be applied, e.g. a tablet computer.

The control unit 16 is provided with processing capabilities for evaluating various parameters related to the use of the container device. These parameters comprises one or many of the volume of the liquid, the UV-light transmissivity of the liquid, the number of UV-light source activations, and the number of filling up and emptying of the liquid container. Furthermore, the control unit is capable of controlling various functions of the control module, e.g. related to the exchange of information performed by the communication unit 18. This is indicated by a double-arrow in figure 2. More in detail, the control unit is capable of processing and formatting one or many of these parameter values such that they may be transferred to an external device, e.g. a smartphone, via the communication unit.

Specifically, the control unit 16 is configured to generate a UV-light source activation signal 40 to activate the UV-light source unit 12. The nature of the UV-light source activation signal 40 depends upon the type of UV-light source. The control unit is provided with the necessary circuitry that is required to power and control the installed UV-light source.

In one embodiment the UV-light source unit 12 is a field emission light source. Field emission light sources are based on two physical phenomena: field emission and cathode luminescence. A high voltage, typically approximately 10 kV, is applied over a cathode and corresponding anode structure. The anode structure can comprise a luminescent layer and a thin transparent conducting layer, coated on the inside of e.g. a lamp glass. A lamp glass can be part of a bulb-shaped arrangement, a cylindrical light source or a flat display. When the voltage is applied, electrons are emitted from the cathode and strike the luminescent layer of the anode, creating light. This light passes through the transparent conductive layer and out of the lamp glass. Two important advantages of this technology are the almost instant activation time, which is advantageous with regard to energy consumption, and the lack of environmentally-hazardous substances.

However, also other types of UV-light sources may be applied in the container device described herein that fulfils the environmental standards, i.e. any non-mercury UV-light source capable of generating UV-light within the UV-C-range, i.e. 240-300 nm, e.g. light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Furthermore, the control unit 16 is configured to receive and apply one or many measurement parameters. One such measurement parameter is a level or a volume of the liquid in the liquid compartment 4. The measurement may be performed by a capacitive measurement member (not shown) provided in the liquid compartment. As an alternative any mechanical measurement member may be applied, e.g. a float gauge or similar.

One of these measurement parameters is related to if the lid is in an open or closed position. In order to determine the lid position the lid preferably is provided with a detection member 42 (figure 1). The detection member is configured to detect if the lid is in an open or closed position and to generate a lid state signal 46 in dependence thereto, and to apply the lid state signal 46 to the control unit.

In one embodiment the detection member 42 is a passive component which may be wirelessly identified by an electromagnetic signal being related to the UV-light source activation signal 40. The lid position may be detected by using a radio -frequency identification (REID) measurement technique, and the detection member 42 then comprises an RFID-tag. The control unit 16 is configured to activate the UV-light source unit 12 if the RFID-tag indicates that the lid is in position closed. In another embodiment an electrical connection line is provided in the container and in the lid. Contact surfaces in the interface between the container and the lid is arranged positioned such that when the lid is in a closed position an electrical connection between the surfaces establishes a closed electrical loop which is detected by the control unit and thus indicating that the lid is in a closed position.

In still another embodiment the lid state is established by a mechanical detection member. This may function such that when the lid is in its closed state it urges a spring-loaded detection member to a position where it is adapted to generate a lid state signal 46.

If the lid is opened when the UV-light source unit is activated and UV-light is emitted, the lid state is changed to open and the UV-light source unit is directly turned off. This is achieved by the control unit by disabling activation of the UV-light source.

In a further embodiment the control module 14 is provided with a positioning determining unit 44 (figure 2), configured to determine the position of the container device. This may be performed by using the Global Positioning System (GPS). As an alternative, a positioning unit at the external unit (smartphone) may be applied to determine the position of the device.

In order to indicate the status of the container device an indication member (not shown) may be applied in all embodiments disclosed herein. The indication member may e.g. comprise a light emitting diode (LED) or a display. The information displayed by the indication member is compiled by the control unit and then applied to the indication member. The indication member may be an integral part of the outer enclosure of the control module. In addition an input member, e.g. a button preferably also arranged in the outer enclosure of the control module, (not shown) may be provided. A user may then control the functionality of the container device via the input member. The input instructions are applied to the control unit for further processing.

In still another embodiment the container device 2 comprises at least one stirring member (not shown) arranged within the liquid compartment to provide a flow of the liquid within the compartment, during UV-light activation. Using a stirring member for the liquid to be purified results in a more efficient purification in that the induced liquid flow will result in that the entire liquid volume more rapidly will be subjected to the UV-light, i.e. a mixing flow condition is achieved during UV-light activation. Examples of such arrangements are e.g. a magnetic stirrer, a rotating propeller. The stirring member may be intermittently or continuously activated prior the activation of the UV-light, or during the UV-light activation. The stirring member is preferably controlled by the control unit according to a dedicated activation rule.

The present invention also relates to a computer program P to be run on an external device 26. The computer program, e.g. an application program (an app), comprises a computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and is configured to be executed by a processing unit of the external device or by a computer connected to the processing unit. The computer program code comprise instructions to provide for exchanging information with the control module 14 of a liquid container device that has been described above, and for processing the information. This may be for processing various parameters related to activation time, and for presenting various statistics related to the use of the container device. Specifically, the control unit of the control module may be adapted to apply the processing capabilities of the computer program, i.e. to use the intelligence of the external device (e.g. a smartphone), e.g. related to positioning features.

Thus, the communication capabilities of the control module make it possible to transfer various parameter values to an external device. Thereby the intelligence of the external device, e.g. a smartphone, may be applied. A dedicated application program (an app) related to the liquid container device may be installed at the smartphone and being configured to receive these parameter values for further processing, display, etc. The app may also be capable for sending information to the control module. In one example the sent information may be a “lock command” which is used to completely disable use of the liquid container device in case of the device has been stolen or lost. Also a “search command” may be sent in order to locate the device.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments.

Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above embodiments should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appending claims.

Claims

1. A liquid purifying drink container device (2), comprising a liquid compartment (4) for holding liquid and being enclosed by a liquid compartment wall (6), at least one opening (8) for filling and emptying of liquid in said liquid compartment (4), at least one openable lid (10) structured to close said at least one opening and hinder access to said liquid compartment when in a closed position, and at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source unit (12) adapted to emit ultraviolet light in the germicidal spectrum, and being arranged such that said ultraviolet light is emitted inside said liquid compartment (4), wherein said liquid compartment (4) has a volume of 0.3-3 liters, characterized in that said container device (2) comprises a control module (14) comprising a control unit (16), a communication unit (18), a movement sensor unit (20) and a power source unit (22), the movement sensor unit (20) is configured to sense movements of the container device (2) and to generate a movement signal (24) including movement data values in response of the sensed movements, and that said control unit (16) is configured to receive one or many measurement parameters, wherein one indicates the state of the lid (10), and wherein the activation of said UV source unit (12) is controlled in relation to the sensed movements according to a set of UV light activation rules, and that the UV-light is emitted only if the state of the lid indicates a closed position, wherein the device comprises a liquid transmissivity sensor (28) configured to measure the transmissivity of the liquid and to generate a transmissivity signal (30) in dependence thereto, and to apply said transmissivity signal to said control unit, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the activation of the UV light source unit (12) in dependence of said sensed movements and said transmissivity signal (30) according to said set of UV light activation rules, wherein said movement signal is applied to the control unit (16) that is provided with processing capabilities for evaluating the movement data values in relation to said set of UV light activation rules, and wherein the activation time of the UV light source unit is inversely related to the amount of movements and wherein the evaluation comprises integrating the movement signal (24) over time to determine a qualitative measure of the motion of the container device, wherein the control unit (16) is provided with processing capabilities for evaluating various parameters related to the use of the container device, wherein these parameters comprises a level or a volume of the liquid.

2. The liquid container device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit (18) is configured to exchange information with at least one external device (26), wherein said information relates to various parameters related to the use of the container device, including said movement data values.

3. The liquid container device (2) according to any of claims 1-2, wherein said movement sensor unit (20) is an accelerometer.

4. The liquid container device (2) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein said control module (14) comprises an outer enclosing wall (32) structured to provide a liquidproof enclosure to the units within the module, and wherein said control module is provided with attachment members (34) to releasably attach the control module (14) to the liquid compartment (4).

5. The liquid container device (2) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein said control module (14) comprises an outer enclosing wall (32) structured to provide a liquidproof enclosure to the units within the module, and wherein said control module is an integral part of the liquid compartment (4), and that the enclosing wall (32) of the control module is an integral part of the liquid compartment wall (6).

6. The liquid container device (2) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein said UV light source unit (12) is attached to said control module (14).

7. The liquid container device (2) according to any of claims 1-6, wherein said control module (14) comprises one or many connection sockets (36) in said enclosing wall (32) configured to connect units within the control module to one or many external devices (26).

8. The liquid container device (2) according to claim 7, wherein at least one of said connection sockets (36) is configured to receive charging power to said power source unit (22), or to supply charging power from the power source unit (22) to an external device (26).

9. The liquid container device (2) according to any of claims 1-8, wherein said external device (26) is a smartphone.

10. The liquid container device (2) according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the communication unit (18) is configured to establish a connection to an external device (26), and wherein the connection is wireless, e.g. Bluetooth, WLAN, 3G, 4G, or any other wireless protocol, or via a cable (38) connected via a connection socket (36), e.g. a USB-cable-connection.

11. 1 1. The liquid container device (2) according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the control unit (16) is provided with processing capabilities for evaluating various parameters related to the use of the container device, wherein these parameters comprises one or many of a level or a volume of the liquid, the UV-light transmissivity of the liquid, the number of UV-light source activations, and the number of filling up and emptying of the liquid container.

12. The liquid container device (2) according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the lid is provided with a detection member (42) configured to detect if the lid is in an open or closed position and to generate a lid state signal (46) in dependence thereto, and wherein said lid state signal is applied to said control unit.

13. The liquid container device (2) according to claim 12, wherein said lid position is detected by radio -frequency identification (RFID) measurement technique, and wherein said detection member (42) comprises an RFID-tag.

14. The liquid container device (2) according to any of claims 1-13, wherein the control unit (16) is provided with a positioning determining unit (44), e.g. by GPS, configured to determine the position of said container device.

15. The liquid container device (2) according to any of claims 1-14, wherein the UV-light source unit (12) is a field emission light source.

16. A computer program P to be run on an external device, wherein the computer program comprises a computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and is configured to be executed by a processing unit of the external device or by a computer connected to said processing unit, wherein said computer program code comprise instructions to provide for exchanging information with a control module (14) of a liquid container device according to any of claims 1-15, and processing said information.