Heatable cover structure mainly for food industry containers, especially honey containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heatable cover structure primarily for food industrial containers, especially for honey containers, which cover structure includes a heatable jacket unit (2) that can be fixed around a container (T) and at least one electrical connector (4). A digital control unit is installed in the jacket unit (2) suitable for adjusting the temperature thereof; the jacket unit (2) includes a heating element, the inner and outer surfaces of which are covered by waterproof layers attached to each other at their edges, and an insulating blanket is placed between the heating element and the outer waterproof layer; furthermore, the cover structure has a heatable sub-unit covering at least part of the outer side-surface of the container (T), wherein the heatable sub-unit contains the heatable jacket unit (2).

Description

[0001] HEATABLE COVER STRUCTURE MAINLY FOR FOOD INDUSTRY

[0002] CONTAINERS, ESPECIALLY HONEY CONTAINERS

[0003] The subject-matter of the present invention is a heatable cover structure primarily for honey containers, tap containers, and other food industrial containers, which cover structure has a heatable sub-unit that at least partially covers the outer side-surface of the container and contains at least one electrical connector. In this document, the invention is described mainly through its application in bee-keeping, but its technical structure, embodiments, and technical advantages can also be related to other (food industrial) containers of different nature.

[0004] One of the sectors of Hungarian agriculture that creates high-quality products is bee-keeping (apiary). High-quality honey generates significant export revenue, so it is important that its quality should be excellent and that it should be processed with modern, hygienic equipment. Honey tends to crystallize during storage and processing; however, it requires a liquid state for tapping and discharging.

[0005] Previously, in the case of crystallized or denser honeys, the softening process was carried out using double-walled containers with warm water flow, or insulated cabinets with warm air flow, as well as an immersion electric heating coil. As a home solution, it happened that the container was put on a gas stove. These annealing processes usually take days and consume a lot of energy. In some cases, cleaning the devices is also difficult.

[0006] British patent document GB2425447 discloses a heating device for heating materials in particular in barrels or similar containers, which includes a jacket. The jacket contains an induction heating coil and a metal base plate. The base plate can only receive thermal energy from the jacket coil, or it can have its own induction coil to heat up.

[0007] European patent document EP0202272 discloses an induction heating element consisting essentially of a cylindrical jacket that can be placed around a product intended for induction heating. An induction coil is housed in the jacket and includes projections extending inward from the inner surface of the jacket to reduce wear.

[0008] The German utility model DE202019002702 describes an invention that is practically a mini honey heating device for melting honey. The device emits heat from the inside of a vessel with insulated walls through a vessel connected to the honey in order to liquefy it.

[0009] German patent document DE2702132 presents an invention for heating honey. The invention has a perforated bottom plate on which a filter cloth can be stretched. The narrow zone above the bottom is heated by a thermostatic electric heating coil.

[0010] The disadvantage of state-of-the-art solutions is that they require a large energy input of approximately 1000-3000 W and cannot be regulated sufficiently. Because of this, the honey often bums and chemical substances are produced in it, which have a negative effect on the sale of the product, moreover eliminate the enzyme activity of the honey. During honey softening, the temperature must not rise above a certain value during the process, because the honey caramelizes, the enzymes are destroyed or significantly inactivated, and specific chemical substances (HMF: hydroxymethylfurfural) are created in it, due to which the honey undergoes quality degradation. The permitted HMF value - which is created as a result of heating - was halved during the amendment of a recently introduced regulation. Therefore, keeping and heating honey is a delicate issue and requires a more careful solution than before.

[0011] Our goal with the invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the previous solutions and to create a heatable cover structure that provides uniform and controllable infrared heating both around the container jacket and at the bottom of the container. Compared to state-of-the-art solutions, the softening of honey can be achieved with a power requirement of only about 30-200 W, an infrared wavelength, and a specific kind of vibration, a wavelength that is particularly healthy for the human body, and with this honey softening technique, environmentally conscious energy consumption can be realized.

[0012] The inventive step is based on the realization that if we implement the measures of claim 1, we can get a more favorable solution than before. In accordance with the our goal, the most general implementation of the solution according to the invention can be implemented according to claim 1. The individual embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0013] The heatable cover structure according to the present invention is primarily for food industrial containers, especially for honey containers, which cover structure includes a heatable jacket unit that can be fixed around a container and at least one electrical connector. It is characterized by a digital control unit that is installed in the jacket unit suitable for adjusting the temperature thereof; the jacket unit includes a heating element, the inner and outer surfaces of which are covered by waterproof layers attached to each other at their edges, and an insulating blanket is placed between the heating element and the outer waterproof layer; furthermore, the cover structure has a heatable sub-unit covering at least part of the outer side-surface of the container, where the heatable sub-unit contains the heatable jacket unit. Optionally the heating element is made of a graphene heating film of infrared radiation, and the inner and outer surfaces of the heating element are covered by a boundary layer. In order to protect against electrical flash-over, the boundary layers are formed preferably of a double-design, electrical safety boundary foils. In addition, the heatable cover structure is equipped with heat- resistant electrical wires.

[0014] The jacket unit is preferably wound around the container and secured with a self-locking fastening element. The fastening element can be a hook and loop fastener or a quick-connecting buckle. However, a cylinder-shaped solution integrated along the circumference of the container is also conceivable, where the jacket unit can be pulled onto the container with a loose fit in accordance with the outer dimensions of the container - without a separate fastening element or withour the operation of winding the jacket on the container.

[0015] Advantageously, the heatable sub-unit further includes an insulated, heatable base unit, a so-called honey warming pad placed under the container

[0016] Preferably, in addition to the heatable sub-unit the cover structure further includes an insulating lid covering the jacket unit as a cap, thereby increasing the heat storage capacity of the covering structure without additional energy input.

[0017] The jacket unit is optionally equipped with a display device showing the temperature of the container, and preferably, the jacket unit has a display opening left free for the device showing the temperature of the container, as well as handle openings are left free on the jacket unit for those types of containers where lifting lugs are used.

[0018] Ideally, the digital control unit can be programmed to set the temperature and / or the heating time; moreover, it can be conveniently controlled via WI-FI, thus the heatable covering structure can be operated and programmed from anywhere. The temperature setting option preferably means a range within 30- 80 degrees Celsius, while the operating time setting is preferably means a range within 1-48 hours.

[0019] Both units of the heatable sub-unit, i.e. both the jacket unit and the base unit, preferably contain a thermal releaser, which also prevents overheating. In case of a possible thermal regulator malfunction, at a given degree Celsius (e.g. 90- 100 degrees), the thermal releaser disconnects the heating electrical circuit, thus stopping the heating; as soon as the temperature returns below a predetermined value, the thermal releaser automatically closes the electric circuit again and heating continues. The use of a thermal releaser is considered an extremely important safety element for the heating of heatable food industrial, especially bee-keeping containers.

[0020] In the following, the invention will be presented in more detail in connection with an embodiment, based on a drawing. In the attached drawing Figure 1 is an expanded schematic view of the jacket unit, a Figure 2. is a spatial view of the cover structure seen from above, a

[0021] Figure 3 is a spatial view of another example of the cover structure, viewed from below, a

[0022] Figure 4 is a diagram of the stratification of the jacket unit.

[0023] The covering units of the cover structure according to the invention are the heatable sub-unit and, where applicable, the (non-heatable) insulating lid. The heatable sub-unit contains jacket unit 2 and optionally a heatable base unit 3. In Figure 1, we can observe the jacket unit 2 of the heatable sub-unit of the cover structure according to the invention. The edges 27 (with dashed line), the electrical connector 4, the control unit 6, the fastening element 5, the handle openings 7 and the display device 8a have been shown. The fastening element is a hook and loop fastener. The 6 control unit is a digital temperature controller, which has a temperature limitation of maximum 80 degrees Celsius and, where applicable, protection against overheating of 90-100 degrees Celsius. The display device 8a measures and displays the temperature of the container T.

[0024] Figure 2 is a spatial view of the cover structure according to the invention. Here, we can see the jacket unit 2 in an already placed an wound state, and thereon the control unit 6 known by itself, as well as the electrical connector 4. In this embodiment, the container T has its own temperature display, so a display opening 8b on the jacket unit 2 has been left free for it. On the top of the structure we can see the insulating lid 1 that covers the container T and the jacket unit 2 from above as a cap. At the bottom the base unit 3 can be seen, which has separate electrical connectors 4.

[0025] As we mentioned earlier, the heatable sub-unit optionally can also contain an insulated, heatable base unit 3 placed under the container, a so-called honey warming pad. This complement to the heatable sub-unit helps to soften the entire mass of the honey. So, according to a specific embodiment, the heatable sub-unit can include only the jacket unit, without the heatable base unit 3, for the usage when the purpose is only to slightly temper the honey. When the two units that make up the heatable sub-unit, namely the jacket unit 2 and the base unit 3, are used together, they are expediently designed as separate units, i.e. in terms of their arrangement during use, they are expediently not connected to each other along the lower edge of the container T. The advantage of this is that when not in use, they can be stored safely and separately more easily, without breaking the heating element arranged in them, taking up less space. It is also possible to integrate the jacket unit 2 and the base unit 3 along the bottom edge of the container T (not shown), which makes it easier to place the heatable sub-unit on the container T, especially in the case of small containers.

[0026] At the same time, an electrical connection can be realized between them both in the case of an integrated and separate design: the base unit 3 is electrically connected to the jacket unit 2 (Figure 3). In this case, the base unit 3 has a similar structure to the jacket unit 2, thereby being a heating unit that can be regulated together with it. This means that the base unit 3 includes a heating element, its inner and outer surfaces of which are covered by waterproof layers attached to each other at their edges, and an insulating blanket is placed between the heating element and the outer waterproof layer. The electrical connection of the jacket unit 2 and the base unit 2 is expediently detachable (with a male-female socket). In the sense of the invention, in this electrically connected version, the heating element 23 of both the jacket unit 2 and the base unit 3 is expediently made up of an infrared radiation graphene heating film, and the inner and outer surfaces of the heating element 23 are covered by boundary layers 22, 24.

[0027] The base unit 3 can also be a known, insulated heating unit with a heating element different from that of the jacket unit 2, as well as of a different layer design, whose electrical supply can also be provided by a separate electrical connector (Figure 2).

[0028] In Figure 3 we can see the container T, the fastening element 5 holding the jacket unit 2 together, the base unit 3 and the electrical connector 4. Here, the base unit 3 receives power from the jacket unit 2 and its regulation is also the same as that of the jacket unit 2. The container T is illustrated for better understanding, it is not directly part of the cover structure according to the invention. Figure 4 shows the layer structure of the jacket unit 2, showing the innermost layer at the top, thus showing the waterproof layer 21, the boundary layer 22, the heating element 23, the boundary layer 24, the insulating blanket 25 and the outer waterproof layer 26. The heating element 23 is made up of a graphene heating film with infrared radiation, known by itself, which is commercially available preferably being integrated with the boundary layers 22, 24. In the event of possible damage to the heating element 23, both the boundary layer 22 and the boundary layer 24 are preferably formed as an electrical safety boundary film of double design for the purpose of protection against electrical flash-over. The waterproof layers 21, 26 are attached to each other at the edges 27 preferably by sewing or gluing, the other layers are inserted between these two layers. In one possible embodiment, the outer side of the insulating blanket 25 is covered with a reflective film.

[0029] The cover structure according to the invention has many advantages. It provides uniform and controllable infrared heating both around the sidewall of the container and at the bottom thereof. In the case of crystallized foods, especially honey, it enables them to be kept liquid and softened before tapping, all in such a way that the quality of the food and the honey does not deteriorate. It is also advantageous that the weight of the cover structure is light, it can be easily transported to the honey storage container or to the place of extracting. Due to the even, low-temperature heating and the thermal insulation, the solution has extremely low energy consumption and is environmentally friendly. This heatable cover structure is equipped with a child lock and is also a double electrically insulated device, so it can also be used in an electrical network without a protective conductor.

[0030] In addition to the above examples, the invention can also be implemented in other embodiments within the scope of protection. The field of use of the invention is typically the food industry and bee-keeping.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Heatable cover structure primarily for food industrial containers, especially for honey containers, which cover structure includes a heatable jacket unit (2) that can be fixed around a container (T) and at least one electrical connector (4), characterized in that a digital control unit (6) is installed in the jacket unit (2) suitable for adjusting the temperature thereof; the jacket unit (2) includes a heating element (23), the inner and outer surfaces of which are covered by waterproof layers (21, 26) attached to each other at their edges (27), and an insulating blanket (25) is placed between the heating element (23) and the outer waterproof layer (26); furthermore, the cover structure has a heatable sub-unit covering at least part of the outer side-surface of the container (T), wherein the heatable sub-unit contains the heatable jacket unit (2).

2. Cover structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating element (23) is made of a graphene heating film of infrared radiation, and the inner and outer surfaces of the heating element (23) are covered by a boundary layer (22, 24).

3. Cover structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the boundary layers (22, 24) are formed of double design, electrical safety boundary foils.

4. Cover structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the jacket unit (2) is wound around the container (T) and secured with a self- locking fastening element (5).

5. Cover structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the fastening element (5) is a hook and loop fastener or a quick-connecting buckle.

6. Cover structure according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the heatable sub-unit further includes an insulated, heatable base unit (3) placed under the container (T).

7. Cover structure according to claim 6, characterized in that the base unit (3) is electrically connected to the jacket unit (2).

8. Cover structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes an insulating lid (1).

9. Cover structure according to claim 8, characterized in that the insulating lid (1) covers the jacket unit (2) as a cap.

10. Cover structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jacket unit (2) is equipped with a display device (8a) showing the temperature of the container (T).

11. Cover structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jacket unit (2) has a display opening (8b) left free for the device showing the temperature of the container (T).

12. Cover structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that handle openings (7) are left free on the jacket unit (2) for lifting the container (T).

13. Cover structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the digital control unit (6) can be programmed to set the temperature and / or the heating time.

14. Cover structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the digital control unit (6) can be controlled via WI-FI.

15. Cover structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains a thermal releaser.

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