Animal waterer with cooling system

Abstract

An animal drinking trough with a cooling system, characterized by comprising a detachable bowl (1) arranged on a base (2) provided with a Peltier module (3), the cooled part of which is in contact with the bowl (1), said Peltier module (3) being controlled by a controller (4).

Description

Animal waterer with cooling system OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The invention, as the title of this descriptive document states, is an animal drinking trough with a cooling system. It is an innovation that offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques. TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention falls within the sector of current needs of life, in the subclass of agriculture, forestry, breeding, hunting, trapping and fishing, especially in animal breeding, poultry farming, beekeeping, fish farming, fishing, animals for breeding or reproduction, not provided for elsewhere and new varieties of animals. STATE OF THE ART The present invention responds to the growing need to keep the water or food of domestic animals at a suitable temperature without constant manual intervention. Existing systems for this purpose tend to be expensive, complicated to maintain, and often integrate automatic sensors that complicate cleaning and increase the cost of the product. In everyday use situations, conventional methods, such as unrefrigerated bowls or systems with integrated automatic sensors, do not provide an effective and accessible solution for maintaining the temperature of food or water for animals. The bowls available on the market are limited, offering non-modular solutions, which makes maintenance and customization difficult. Accordingly, this invention presents an animal drinking trough with a cooling system that offers an efficient and easy-to-maintain solution, allowing manual temperature control without the problems associated with automatic systems, and facilitating its use both in homes and in establishments that care for animals. Currently, there is no known existence of any animal drinking trough with a cooling system that has structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal or similar to those described in this descriptive report, as claimed. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is the creation of an animal drinking trough with a cooling system that provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description. The invention relates to a cooling system for animal bowls comprising a detachable bowl, preferably metallic because it is a good conductor of heat / cold, a base with one or more Peltier modules, in contact with the bowl on its cold side, and a power controller for the Peltier module, to maintain the water or food at a suitable temperature for the animals without constant manual intervention. This invention solves the problem of maintaining animals' water at a consistently suitable temperature without daily intervention. The modular system allows for efficient and controlled cooling without the added complications of automatic sensors, providing greater flexibility and ease of use. This system is useful for pet owners who need to keep their pet bowls at an optimal temperature without the hassle of constant maintenance. It is also beneficial in professional settings caring for multiple animals, providing a cost-effective, modular, and easy-to-maintain solution. The bowl is intended to be made from a durable material such as stainless steel, providing longevity, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning, thus contributing to a hygienic environment for the animals. This material choice also allows it to withstand daily use and frequent handling during feeding. Furthermore, the bowl can be attached to the base using a coupling that allows it to be removed for cleaning and maintenance, instead of simply resting on it. This ensures that the user can handle the bowl without disassembling the rest of the structure, facilitating hygiene and system maintenance. This modular design enhances the practicality and versatility of the drinking fountain in various environments. The base can also incorporate a heat sink associated with the hot part of the Peltier module or thermoelectric module, facilitating the dissipation of generated heat and optimizing the cooling efficiency of the water in the bowl. This helps maintain stable thermal performance and prevent overheating that could affect the operation of the Peltier module. Similarly, the base may include a fan directed towards the heat sink to improve thermal transfer, increasing airflow over the surface and contributing to more effective heat dissipation, especially during prolonged use or in high ambient temperatures. The fan allows for more uniform water temperature control by removing heat from the Peltier module before it reaches the bowl. On the other hand, the Peltier module can be designed according to power and cooling capacity specifications, maintaining the system's thermal efficiency and the drinker's modularity. This allows the system to be adapted to different bowl sizes and cooling requirements. The controller can also be configured to supply power to the Peltier module and regulate the applied current, allowing the cooling level to be adjusted according to the user's needs. This regulation ensures precise temperature control and protects the module from overloads or excessive power consumption. Furthermore, the controller can be powered by a rechargeable battery via a USB-C connection and / or by a mains connection, for example, using a USB-C charger, offering flexibility and operational autonomy in various environments. This dual capability allows for both indoor and outdoor use without relying on a fixed power source. Similarly, the controller can be analog or digital, and may include a microcontroller configured to regulate the power applied to the thermoelectric module and ensure precise control of the bowl's cooling level. The microcontroller also allows for the integration of additional functions such as temperature sensors or remote control via mobile applications, for which it may have a wireless communication interface. Furthermore, the base can accommodate an ambient temperature sensor connected to the controller, allowing environmental information to be used to optionally adjust the Peltier module's operation. This optional feature helps maintain the water temperature within appropriate ranges based on ambient conditions. Similarly, the controller can enable digital management via an associated mobile application, which communicates with the microcontroller to remotely adjust the power applied to the thermoelectric module and provide cooling level control without direct interaction with the base unit. This option offers the user greater convenience and flexibility in system management. Additionally, the base can incorporate a QR code for scanning with a mobile device, providing easy access to the associated mobile application for intuitive controller configuration. This feature streamlines initial setup and simplifies future system updates. The controller can also be a manual selector configured as a potentiometer or touch button, allowing for direct and easy adjustment of the power level supplied to the thermoelectric module. This option provides immediate and practical control for the user without the need for digital devices. Similarly, the manual selector or touch button can be integrated into the base, making it easily accessible for the user to adjust the cooling level without the need for additional devices. This arrangement simplifies the daily operation of the water dispenser, especially in environments where speed and convenience are important. Additionally, the base can incorporate a water level sensor connected to the controller, designed to detect when the bowl is empty. This optional feature enhances safety and ensures that the animals never run out of water, proactively alerting the user. Similarly, this water level sensor can generate signals indicating a lack of water, displayed via a visual indicator on the base and / or through the associated mobile application, providing optional alerts to the user. This allows the system's functionality to be adapted to the user's desired level of sophistication. The mobile application can also be configured to display system operating information on the mobile device interface, including parameters related to temperature or the operating status of the thermoelectric module. This allows for real-time monitoring of the drinking fountain's performance and more informed system management. Finally, the mobile application can be configured to receive data from water level or ambient temperature sensors and generate alerts or notifications for the user based on these measurements, offering comprehensive remote control of the drinking fountain. This optional feature increases safety and efficiency in the daily operation of the system. To use the animal waterer with cooling system, the user must place the bowl on the base and ensure that the controller receives power, either via the rechargeable battery through the USB-C connection or via connection to the electrical network. In this case, the user can regulate the cooling level through the controller, either using a manual selector, a touch button or through the associated mobile application, which allows remote adjustment of the power applied to the thermoelectric module and control of the water temperature. When the system has an ambient temperature sensor, the controller receives the information provided by the sensor and can automatically adjust the power of the thermoelectric module to maintain suitable temperature conditions, offering more precise control of the cooling level according to the ambient conditions. The detachable, modular design allows the user to remove the bowl for cleaning or maintenance, as well as optionally replace components such as the heat sink, fan, or Peltier module according to usage needs or configuration preferences, ensuring system flexibility and durability. EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by some figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented. Figure 1 illustrates the animal drinking trough with cooling system. Figure 2 shows the mobile application associated with the controller. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION. The animal drinking trough with cooling system comprises a detachable bowl (1) mounted on a base (2) equipped with a Peltier module (3), resulting in a modular design. The Peltier module (3) is controlled by a controller (4) and powered by a battery or mains electricity. This modular design facilitates assembly, operation, and maintenance of the system, ensuring efficient temperature control of the water contained in the bowl (1). In a preferred embodiment, the bowl (1) is made of a metallic material, for example stainless steel, providing durability and ease of cleaning, as well as resistance to corrosion and the effects of daily use in domestic or animal husbandry environments. Preferably, the bowl (1) is fixed to the base (2) by means of a coupling that allows its removal for cleaning and maintenance operations, ensuring that the user can easily handle the bowl without having to disassemble or move the rest of the drinking fountain structure, contributing to optimal hygiene and the practicality of the modular system. Preferably, the base (2) incorporates a heat sink associated with the Peltier module (3), which facilitates the evacuation of the heat generated on the hot face of the Peltier module (3), optimizing cooling efficiency and ensuring stable thermal performance during continuous system operation. Typically, the base (2) may include a fan arranged to improve heat transfer from the heat sink, increasing airflow over the surface of the heat sink and promoting effective heat dissipation, especially under high ambient temperature conditions or during prolonged use of the drinking fountain. Alternatively, the Peltier module (3) is a Peltier element, with a model from the TEC1-127xx series, such as the TEC1-12706 model, being particularly suitable, although the system allows the use of other similar modules that meet the same power and cooling capacity specifications, maintaining the modularity and thermal efficiency of the assembly. In another preferred embodiment, the controller (4) is configured to supply power to the Peltier module (3) and regulate the intensity of the applied current to determine the cooling level. Preferably, the controller (4) is powered by a rechargeable battery via a USB-C connection or directly from the mains electricity supply using a charger with a USB-C port, offering flexibility of use and autonomy in different operating conditions. Preferably, the controller (4) is digital, comprising a microcontroller configured to regulate the power applied to the Peltier module (3), so that the cooling level can be adjusted according to the user's needs, while maintaining precise control of the water temperature in the bowl (1). Alternatively, the controller (4) comprises a manual selector configured as a potentiometer or touch button, allowing direct and simple adjustment of the power level supplied to the Peltier module (3). In another preferred embodiment, the manual selector or touch button is integrated into the base (2), making it accessible to the user to regulate the cooling level, allowing simple and direct operation of the system without the need for additional devices. Preferably, the base (2) allows the incorporation of an ambient temperature sensor connected to the controller (4), so that information about the ambient temperature can be optionally used to adjust the operation of the Peltier module (3) and maintain suitable temperature conditions in the bowl (1). Preferably, the controller (4) allows digital management via an application installed on a mobile device (5), which communicates with the controller (4) to remotely adjust the power applied to the Peltier module (3), offering the user the possibility of controlling the cooling level without direct physical interaction with the base (2). Preferably, the base (2) incorporates a QR code intended to be scanned by a mobile device, which facilitates in a simple and direct way access to the associated mobile application (5), allowing the user to manage the configuration of the controller (4) through the aforementioned application, optimizing the interaction with the system and favoring a more intuitive adjustment of the operating parameters of the Peltier module (3). Preferably, the base (2) may incorporate a water level sensor connected to the controller (4), intended to detect the absence of water in the bowl (1). For example, it may be a calibratable scale that weighs the bowl (1) and water assembly. In another embodiment, the level sensor is foldable so that it can be removed from or inserted into the bowl (1). In another preferred embodiment, it features a visual indicator on the base (2) connected to the water level sensor. The water level sensor generates signals indicating the absence of water, which are displayed by the visual indicator on the base (2) and / or via the associated mobile application (5). Preferably, the mobile application (5) is configured to display on the mobile device interface system operating information, including at least parameters related to temperature or operating status of the Peltier module (3). Preferably, the mobile application (5) is configured to receive data from water level or ambient temperature sensors, and generate alerts or notifications to the user based on these measurements, providing remote monitoring and comprehensive control of the drinking fountain's operation. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated by way of example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

1. An animal drinking trough with a cooling system, characterized by comprising a detachable bowl (1) arranged on a base (2) provided with a Peltier module (3), the cooled part of which is in contact with the bowl (1), said Peltier module (3) being controlled by a controller (4).

2. An animal drinking trough with a cooling system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the bowl (1) is metallic.

3. An animal drinking trough with a cooling system, according to claim 2, characterized in that the bowl (1) is made of stainless steel.

4. An animal drinking trough with a cooling system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (2) incorporates a heat sink associated with the Peltier module (3).

5. An animal drinking trough with a cooling system, according to claim 4, characterized in that the base (2) incorporates a fan directed towards the heat sink. 6.Animal drinking fountain with cooling system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (4) is mains powered.

7. Animal drinking fountain with cooling system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (4) is battery powered.

8. Animal drinking fountain with cooling system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (4) is digital, comprising a microcontroller configured to regulate the power applied to the Peltier module (3).

9. Animal drinking fountain with cooling system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (4) comprises a manual selector on the base (2).

10. Animal drinking fountain with cooling system, according to claim 8, characterized in that the base (2) incorporates an ambient temperature sensor connected to the controller (4). 11.Animal drinking fountain with cooling system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (4) comprises a wireless communication means.

12. Animal drinking fountain with cooling system, according to claim 11, characterized in that the base (2) incorporates a QR code.

13. Animal drinking fountain with cooling system, according to claim 8, characterized in that the base (2) incorporates a water level sensor connected to the controller (4).

14. Animal drinking fountain with cooling system, according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a visual indicator on the base (2) connected to the water level sensor.