Refrigeration device for bottle

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling device (1) for a beverage in a container, the device comprising: a cooling tank (2) provided with an internal volume (20) and cooling means, and at a top surface (21) an opening (3) having a receptacle (4) forming a sleeve for receiving a beverage container, means for fastening said receptacle (4) to a bag (40) made of flexible material through the opening (3), the invention relates to a device for fastening a receptacle (4) to a storage tank (2), comprising an opening (3) and a bag (4) extending downwards from the opening (3) into the storage tank (2), characterized in that the fastening means are made removable and ensure an airtight retention of the receptacle (4) with the corresponding opening (3) by means of a ring (5) integral with the periphery of the opening (3) and a collar (6) provided with an upper end (60) and a lower end (61), the upper end is used for snap fit with the ring (5), and the lower end forms a tube used for press fit on the upper peripheral wall of the bag (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the cooling and refrigeration of containers, such as bottles, for beverages.

[0002] This invention will be applied preferentially, but not exclusively, to the refrigeration of beverages in bottle containers (especially those made of glass or plastic) or metal cans.

[0003] The beverage can be of any type, with wine or spirits preferred, but beer, juice or soda can also be included. Background Technology

[0004] As is well known, refrigeration includes lowering the temperature artificially.

[0005] For example, US 5261255 relates to an apparatus for separating bags of cryogenically depositable material, the apparatus comprising a membrane that provides a barrier within the apparatus, wherein the membrane receives the bag of cryogenically depositable material therein. The interior of the apparatus includes a reservoir containing a heat transfer fluid stored therein, and the heat transfer fluid is maintained at a temperature that the cryogenically depositable material would reach when circulated between freezing and thawing. Upon placement within the membrane, the material bag is exposed (through the membrane) to hydrostatic pressure associated with the heat transfer fluid in the reservoir, causing the membrane to collapse over the bag, while a pulsating jet indirectly impacts the bag through the membrane. In this way, as the contents of the bag change temperature, circulation of the fluid within the bag occurs, achieving the target circulation temperature of the cryogenically depositable material within the bag more quickly.

[0006] For bottled beverages, such as wine, refrigeration is achieved by storing them in refrigerated enclosures such as refrigerators or wine cellars.

[0007] However, once outside the cooling enclosure, the bottle quickly returns to room temperature.

[0008] To maintain a low temperature, cooled bottles are typically placed in buckets or bags filled with ice and / or cold water, or in specific tubular receivers called "wine tiles," made of materials such as terracotta that allow the bottles to remain at a low temperature for a longer period.

[0009] There are also cooling bags, which take the form of a sleeve made of a flexible material that encapsulates the gel and positions it around the bottle.

[0010] The main drawback of this type of solution is that the container gets wet due to its immersion, but more importantly, due to the formation of dew. The container becomes slippery, especially in the case of glass bottles, so a cloth is needed to wipe it clean or prevent it from dripping.

[0011] In addition, labels on bottles can be damaged by moisture or even fall off, which is detrimental to the proper presentation of the beverage, especially in the case of wine.

[0012] An alternative solution includes an electrically powered cooling device having a housing for containing the bottle so that it can be cooled.

[0013] This operation can be performed using thermoelectric cooling systems, such as the Peltier effect, applied to the walls in contact with the container to be cooled, particularly the bottom of the outer shell. An example is CLIMADIFF. ® Bottle cooler.

[0014] However, this cooling is still limited to contact with the cooling wall.

[0015] For example, document US 4715195 describes an apparatus for rapidly cooling bottles, cans, or other containers containing liquid or solid materials. The apparatus includes a cabinet with an open top, having a container for holding the liquid and a refrigeration unit for cooling the liquid in the container. A plate with an opening is placed across the tube, and a bag is positioned in the opening such that the bag extends into the liquid (alcohol). The bag is made of a thin, flexible, waterproof material (nylon, latex, or silicone), and the opening across the plate is sealed to prevent direct contact with the liquid. The container is placed inside the bag, which then substantially conforms to the shape of the portion of the container below the liquid surface. The contents of the container are cooled without ever directly contacting the liquid.

[0016] Alternatively, a refrigerant bath, such as a glycol-based bath, can be used to more evenly distribute the cooling contact area across the walls of the container to be cooled. For this purpose, the tank includes an internal volume filled with coolant and is equipped with components for cooling said internal volume, particularly the liquid it contains. The vessel also has a top opening leading to a receiver, which forms a sleeve for receiving the beverage container. To improve contact between the fluid contained in the tank and the walls of the container inserted into the receiver, this sleeve is formed from a flexible material bag. In this way, fluid pressure is applied to the bag membrane to enclose the container, thereby optimizing the heat exchange surface. Moreover, because the bag encloses the container, heat transfer occurs by conduction, thus preventing the formation of dew points across the entire surface of the contact area.

[0017] In addition, a metal support can be inserted into the sleeve. In the form of a rod with an orthogonal base, this support ensures the container is held from the bottom, thus preventing damage to the lower end of the bag.

[0018] While this type of sleeve cooling device limits condensation and humidification of the container, refrigeration produces frost on top of the receiver, around the opening, and along the support. This frost damages the bag membrane and reduces contact with the container, thus limiting the exchange surface and increasing condensation, which in turn produces more ice.

[0019] In addition, the frost can stick to the container and / or bag, and when the container is removed, the bag rolls up, which is undesirable and can damage the bag, especially when the bag comes into contact with the base of the retainer, where it may tear at the base of the retainer. Summary of the Invention

[0020] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a cooling device with a cooling tank in which a sleeve-shaped receiver is immersed, and this device provides a removable and airtight fixation for the receiver, particularly its sleeve.

[0021] Therefore, a cooling device for beverages in containers includes - A cooling tank having an internal volume with at least one opening on its top surface, and the cooling tank being equipped with components for cooling the internal volume. - A receiver located at each opening, which forms a sleeve for receiving beverage containers. - A component for securing the receiver through the corresponding opening. - Each sleeve further includes a flexible material bag that is immersed in the tank from the opening.

[0022] Advantageously, the cooling device is characterized by: - The fastening component is designed to be removable and ensures that the receiver remains airtight with the corresponding opening. The fastening components include, for example, - On the one hand, the ring, which is integral with the periphery of the opening, - On the other hand, a retaining ring, which has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end being used to engage with the ring buckle, and the lower end forming a tube for fitting onto the upper circumferential wall of the bag.

[0023] Furthermore, this invention allows the cooling device to be recessed into the kitchen.

[0024] For this purpose, the top surface is advantageously designed to be recessed, and includes a raised portion of the at least one opening.

[0025] In this way, the protrusion can be inserted into a complementary cut in the workbench, especially in a furnished kitchen.

[0026] According to additional non-limiting features, the ring may include at least one internal snap-fit ​​component, while the retaining ring may externally include at least one pin shaped to complement the snap-fit ​​component. The snap-fit ​​component includes a vertical slot extending from the horizontal housing. Thus ensure - On the one hand, the corresponding pins are inserted and withdrawn along the slot in the vertical direction, and On the other hand, the pin inserted into the housing is held vertically and moved horizontally along the housing by the rotation of the retaining ring relative to the ring.

[0027] In one embodiment, the housing may include a stop opposite the slot, thereby limiting the travel of the pin along the horizontal movement of the housing.

[0028] In one embodiment, the fastening component may include a washer having a groove at its bottom to form a space for receiving the washer, the washer being abutting the complementary wall of the ring in an airtight manner.

[0029] In one embodiment, the cooling device may include an annular clamp with a rounded convex wall fixedly mounted on the retaining ring.

[0030] In one implementation, the ring and retainer are made of plastic or composite materials.

[0031] In one embodiment, the receiver may include a support extending inside the bag, the support including a base at the top for fixing at least two rods, the at least two rods being provided with distal ends for mounting together with the ring.

[0032] In one embodiment, the support may be made of a plastic material or a composite material.

[0033] In this way, the tightness of each receiver greatly reduces condensation and frost within the receiver.

[0034] In addition, the improved removable airtight seal makes it easier to replace the bag in each receiver.

[0035] In one embodiment, height-adjustable feet are provided on the underside of the storage tank.

[0036] In one embodiment, the cooling device includes a cover that is mounted to be hinged rotatably relative to the protrusion.

[0037] In this way, the cooling unit can be adapted to any type of kitchen, thus fitting neatly into the workbench. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the cooling device is shown schematically.

[0039] Figure 2 A perspective view of a tank with three openings is schematically shown, specifically one of the openings equipped with a receiver, and the receiver in the form of a sleeve is inserted into one of the other openings.

[0040] Figure 3 A perspective view of a single receiver is schematically shown, specifically illustrating the assembly of the upper part of the bag onto the sleeve of the ring to form the receiver.

[0041] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the receiver is schematically shown, specifically illustrating assembly by inserting a support member into the receiver and covering it with a hoop.

[0042] Figure 5 A perspective view of a ring attached to an opening is schematically shown, specifically illustrating an example of a component that snaps the ring into a fastening part.

[0043] Figure 6 A vertical sectional view of the component that secures the receiver to the opening is schematically shown, with the ring in the snapped position and the clamp fastened to the upper end of the support to hold the upper end in place. The fastening component with the washer is magnified.

[0044] Figure 7 A perspective view schematically illustrates an embodiment of a cooling device when installed below a workbench, specifically showing a protrusion on the top surface that allows an opening to pass through and be flush with the surface of the workbench.

[0045] Figure 8 A perspective view schematically illustrates an embodiment of a cooling device with a protrusion extending through a cutout in the workbench, specifically showing the shroud in the open position. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention relates to an apparatus 1 for cooling (or refrigerating) a beverage in a container.

[0047] This container can be of any type, such as a bottle, specifically a bottle made of glass or plastic, or a metal can.

[0048] The beverage contained in the container can be of any type, preferably wine or spirits, but can also be beer, juice or soda.

[0049] According to the invention, the cooling device 1 includes a cooling tank 2. This tank 2 has an internal volume 20. In this way, the tank 2 is closed at the bottom by a base, laterally by peripheral walls, and at the top by a top surface 21 forming a fixed top plate, or even covered by a removable or hinged lid.

[0050] Preferably, storage tank 2 is made of metal or composite material.

[0051] In addition, the storage tank 2 is equipped with components for cooling the internal volume 20.

[0052] This cooling component can be of any type.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the cooling component includes a coolant or refrigerant liquid, such as a liquid mixed with ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, which partially fills the internal volume 20 of the storage tank 2, for example, when the cooling device 1 is recessed; for the built-in version of the cooling device 1, the internal volume has a capacity of approximately 20 L or 17 L. For example, the mixture may be a ratio of 45% ethylene glycol to 55% water, allowing the freezing point to be lowered to -40°C.

[0054] In one embodiment, the storage tank 2 may include a drain hole at the bottom of the storage tank 2, particularly through the bottom, for maintenance purposes when changing the refrigerant liquid.

[0055] The cooling components further include a heat exchanger for the refrigerant liquid, which penetrates the interior of the tank 2. This heat exchanger ensures cooling of the refrigerant liquid within the tank 2 by absorbing its heat, and, with or without a ventilation system, ensures heat dissipation to the outside, particularly through heat sinks (such as radiators exposed to the atmosphere).

[0056] Furthermore, device 1 may include components for regulating the cooling temperature. Specifically, this control is configured at the factory during the manufacture and assembly of device 1. Preferably, the target cooling temperature is configured to be as close as possible to -30°C and -40°C, preferably -35°C, or -30°C when the cooling device 1 is recessed.

[0057] Additionally, the cooling device 1 may include a control unit having an interface in the form of a control panel 101, which allows the user to set multiple parameters, such as cooling time, particularly by means of a timer that emits an audible alarm when the elapsed time ends, or a cooling acceleration mode that forces the cooling unit, particularly the heat exchanger, to start in order to reduce the temperature of the refrigerant liquid.

[0058] For this purpose, the cooling device 1 may include an outer casing 100 having a housing, inside which its various components, such as cooling elements and a storage tank 2, are housed. The control panel 101 may be located on the top surface of such an outer casing 100.

[0059] The storage tank 2 is further provided with at least one upper opening 3 on its upper side 21. In other words, each opening 3 is formed through the top plate or cover of the storage tank 2.

[0060] exist Figure 1 In the preferred embodiment shown, the storage tank 2 includes three upper openings 3. In other words, the openings 3 form holes in the top of the outer casing 100, thereby ensuring communication between the outside and the inside of the storage tank 2.

[0061] Opening 3 can be of any shape, preferably circular or oval. Openings 3 can have the same size, i.e., equal or equivalent diameter, or different sizes. Specifically, one diameter of opening 3 is compatible with a standard 75 centiliter (cl) capacity bottle, while another opening 3 can have a smaller diameter compatible with smaller containers (such as cans or 33cl capacity bottles) or a larger diameter for larger capacity bottles (such as Magnum bottles (1.5L)).

[0062] In addition, the storage tank 2 has a shape that complements the number of openings 3. With three openings 3, the storage tank 2 can have the shape of a parallelepiped prism with a triangular base, while with two or four openings 3, the storage tank 2 can have the shape of a cuboid.

[0063] In addition, the shape of the tank 2 ensures that the internal volume 20 extends downward around the opening 3, thereby leaving space around an object inserted through the opening 3.

[0064] For this purpose, the cooling device 1 includes a receiver 4 at each opening 3, which forms a sleeve for receiving beverage containers (such as bottles).

[0065] In other words, in order to receive such a container, especially a bottle, the receiver 4 has a complementary shape, preferably an elongated hollow, tubular or generally cylindrical shape.

[0066] Furthermore, the receiver 4 forms a blind hole that is open at the top and closed at the bottom. Therefore, by inserting the container into the interior from the open top, the container is ultimately surrounded by the receiver 4.

[0067] Advantageously, to optimize heat exchange between the refrigerant liquids, each sleeve further includes a bag 40 made of a flexible material, which is immersed in the tank 2 from the opening 3. This bag 40 can be made of any type of material, in the form of a membrane, preferably a plastic or composite material, such as polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or polycarbonate (PC).

[0068] Therefore, once inserted into the receiver, the container is ultimately surrounded by the bag 40, whose flexible material is pressed against the peripheral wall of the container by the force of the refrigerant liquid contained in the tank 2. This contact around the container increases the heat exchange surface and ensures that condensation is limited to the outer contact area on the container.

[0069] In addition, in order to secure the receiver 4 to the storage tank 2, the cooling device 1 includes a component for fastening the receiver 4 through the corresponding opening 3.

[0070] Due to the flexible nature of the bag 40, it is attached to the upper part of the storage tank 2, and to the rigid elements and the wall.

[0071] Advantageously, the fastening components are designed to be removable and ensure an airtight seal between the receiver 4 and the corresponding opening 3. In this way, when the receiver 4 is inserted into the opening 3, the fastening components prevent liquid refrigerant from leaving the tank 2 or entering the bag 40. They also ensure that no gaseous emissions escape from the tank 2.

[0072] Therefore, the fastening components include complementary elements designed to be assembled together.

[0073] On one hand, they include a ring 5 integral with the periphery of the opening 3. Therefore, this ring 5 is attached to the upper part of the tank 2, that is, at the level of its top plate or lid. In this way, the tank 2 engages with the ring 5 of the fastening component.

[0074] On the other hand, the retaining ring 6 is provided with an upper end 60 for engaging with the ring 5.

[0075] In this way, the retaining ring 6 can be inserted and secured within the ring 5, and can be removed in the opposite manner.

[0076] Furthermore, the retaining ring 6 includes a lower end 61 that forms a tube for press-fitting onto the circumferential wall of the bag 40. Specifically, the external dimensions of the press-fitting tube are equal to the internal dimensions of the bag 40, thereby ensuring that the tube of the retaining ring 6 is inserted into the bag 40, and then the bag wall is pressed against the tube by a tight fit or by plastic deformation of the flexible material of the bag 40.

[0077] In one embodiment, the tube at the lower end 61 of the retaining ring 6 is truncated conical and flares out from the bottom up to make it easier to press the bag 40 onto the retaining ring 6.

[0078] In one embodiment, the bag 40 is held in place by a retaining member press-fitted onto the tube of the retaining ring 6. This retaining member can be of any type, particularly in the mechanical form by means of an additional ring, or preferably in the form of an adhesive, such as glue applied to the outer wall of the tube and / or tape applied to cover the wall portion of the bag 40 press-fitted onto the tube.

[0079] exist Figure 3 You can see this press fit on the lower end of the bag 40 to the card ring 6.

[0080] Therefore, the bag 40 mounted on the retaining ring 6 of the fastening component forms a receiver 4, which includes the retaining ring 6.

[0081] In this way, the retaining ring 6 is airtightly sealed to the bag 40. The component can then be inserted into one of the openings 3 and airtightly and removably fastened to the ring 5 of the opening 3.

[0082] In one embodiment, the ring 5 internally includes at least one internal snap-fit ​​component 50. Complementarily, the retaining ring 6 externally includes at least one pin 62, which is shaped to complement the snap-fit ​​component 50.

[0083] Thus, when receiver 4 is inserted through opening 3 and ring 5, bag 40 is immersed in refrigerant until retaining ring 6 is flush with ring 5. Pin 62 then engages with snap-fit ​​component 50, thereby providing a mechanical connection between the two components.

[0084] Preferably, there may be three or four snap-fit ​​components 50 and pins 62, which are evenly distributed around the opening 3 to ensure that the components are correctly positioned, specifically horizontally.

[0085] In the preferred embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the snap-fit ​​component 50 includes a vertical slot 51 extending from the horizontal housing 52. The snap-fit ​​component 50 has a hollow L (or inverted L) shape.

[0086] Specifically, the outer shell 52 is formed by internal protrusions relative to the inner wall of the ring 5, and then slots 51 are formed between the protrusions.

[0087] In this way, on the one hand, the shape of the latching component 50 ensures the insertion and withdrawal of the corresponding pin 62 in the vertical direction along the slot 51.

[0088] On the other hand, the shape of the latching component ensures the vertical retention of the pin 62 inserted into the housing 52 and the horizontal movement of the pin 62 along the housing 52 by means of the rotation of the snap-fit ​​ring 6 relative to the ring 5. In this way, the housing 52 restricts the vertical degree of freedom of the pin 62, thereby allowing only the horizontal degree of freedom of rotation.

[0089] Furthermore, depending on the orientation of the housing 52, the pin 62 can be locked in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and unlocked in the opposite direction. Figure 4 In the implementation shown, the locking is clockwise.

[0090] In one embodiment, the housing 52 may include a stop 53 opposite to the slot 51, thereby limiting the travel of the pin 62 along the horizontal movement of the housing 52.

[0091] In one embodiment, to improve the tightness of the fastening components, particularly the tightness of the ring 5 and the retaining ring 6 at the snap-fit ​​position, the fastening components include a washer 7. The washer 7 is then pressed between the surface of the ring 5 and the underside of the retaining ring 6.

[0092] This washer 7 can be of any type, preferably annular, to resist rotation of the retaining ring 6 and the ring 5 during snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0093] Preferably, the retaining ring 6 includes a groove 63 at its bottom, thereby forming a space for receiving the washer 7, which is hermetically abutted against the complementary wall 54 of the ring 5. In short, the washer 7 is positioned inside the groove 63 and pressed against the complementary wall 54, thereby forming an overhang around the central space of the ring 5.

[0094] In one embodiment, the cooling device 1 includes an annular clamp 8 with a rounded, convex wall. The clamp 8 forms a flange with a circular funnel shape to protect the ring 5, the retaining ring 6, and the periphery of the opening 3 from potential impacts during insertion and removal of the container. The clamp 8 is also aesthetically pleasing, visually concealing the aforementioned components.

[0095] In one embodiment, the hoop 8 is made of metal, preferably aluminum, whose thermal and physical properties are compatible with low-temperature use. Specifically, aluminum helps to limit frost formation, even though it is made of metal.

[0096] Furthermore, the clamp 8 is fastened to the retaining ring 6. Specifically, this fastening is achieved by a threaded connection from the underside of the retaining ring 6 and through a through hole formed through the thickness of the retaining ring 6, so as to engage in a complementary internal thread formed on the underside of the clamp 8.

[0097] This type of threaded connection can be made at three or preferably four fastening points, thus ensuring that the clamp is fitted tightly and flat into the retaining ring 6.

[0098] Specifically, this type of fastening via threaded connection is able to Figure 4 I saw it in the middle.

[0099] In one embodiment, ring 5 and retaining ring 6 are made of a plastic or composite material, preferably a plastic material such as polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). Although the resistance to impact and cold is more limited (e.g., more limited than metal), such a plastic material limits the formation of dew point and, in particular, limits frost formation at opening 3.

[0100] In one embodiment, the receiver 4 includes a support 9 extending inside the bag 40. This support 9 helps maintain the elongated shape of the flexible bag 40 when it is inserted into and removed from the refrigerant-filled tank 2, and when it is removed from the container. In effect, the pressure of the refrigerant liquid in the tank 2 will tend to cause the walls of the bag 40 to adhere to the periphery of the container, which will cause the bag 40 to curl up during extraction from the container. Therefore, the support 9 holds the bag 40 within the tank 2.

[0101] For this purpose, the support member 9 includes a base 90 at the top to which at least two rods 91 are fixed, the rods having distal ends 92 for mounting together with the retaining ring 6. This support member 9 is typically U-shaped. In this way, the base 90 forms a bottom to receive a container in the upper support, the container being surrounded on either side by each of the two rods 91. The spacing between the rods 91, which are diametrically opposed to the base 90, allows the walls of the flexible bag 40 to press against the container inserted into the receiver 4, thereby ensuring cooling of the flexible bag while limiting condensation.

[0102] In one embodiment, the support member 9 is modularly mounted by being inserted between the retaining ring 6 and the clamp 8. For this purpose, the distal end 92 of each rod 91 has an outwardly offset portion 93, forming a laterally projecting lug that interlocks with the top of the retaining ring 6 from below, while the clamp 8 internally presses the top of the offset portion 93. In this way, the support member 9 is integral with the assembly by fastening the ring 8 to the retaining ring 6.

[0103] Specifically, this component is able to Figure 6 I saw it in the middle.

[0104] In one embodiment, below the offset portion 93, the distal end 92 of each rod 91 includes a groove 94 whose height is complementary to the thickness of the retaining ring 6, particularly at the level of the tube below it, in order to ensure that the support 9 is clamped onto the retaining ring 6.

[0105] Specifically, this component is able to Figure 6 I saw it in the middle.

[0106] In one embodiment, to further limit condensation, the support 9 is made of a plastic or composite material.

[0107] Therefore, the cooling device 1 facilitates the replacement of the bag 40 by a specific fastening of its receiver 4 and by ensuring a seal between the retaining ring 6 and the snap-fit ​​ring 5 via the gasket 7, while limiting heat exchange, particularly the thermal bridge between the storage tank 2 filled with refrigerant liquid and the receiver 4. In this way, condensation is greatly reduced, thereby preventing frost formation, especially in the upper part around the opening 3, which has the largest surface area in contact with the atmosphere.

[0108] Advantageously, the present invention provides a recessed cooling device 1, i.e., it can be inserted into a reserved space between furniture or cabinets, covered by a workbench 10, or similar. Specifically, the shape and size of the cooling device 1 are such that it can be inserted under the workbench 10, and that the at least one opening 3 can be accessed from above through a cut 12 in the thickness of the workbench 10.

[0109] For this purpose, the top surface 21 of the device 1 is designed to be recessed, and includes a protruding portion 22 for the at least one opening 3. Preferably, the top surface 21 includes a protruding portion for each of the openings 3.

[0110] In other words, the opening 3 protrudes from the top surface 21 via the protrusion 22. In short, the protrusion raises the opening 3 above the top surface 21.

[0111] In one embodiment, the height of the protrusion 22 corresponds to the standard thickness of the worktable 10, such as at least 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm or 16 mm, or 21 mm, 29 mm or 38 mm, or even 40 mm, 48 mm or 58 mm.

[0112] In this case, it should be noted that the protrusion 22 can be selected to match the thickness of the worktable 10 during the manufacture and assembly of the cooling device 1.

[0113] Furthermore, the protrusion 22 can be designed to be removed from the top surface 21 of the cooling device 1, thereby enabling it to be quickly and easily disassembled and replaced to accommodate the thickness of the worktable 10.

[0114] With this dimensional design, the cooling device 1 can be introduced and placed within the reserved space 11 below the workbench 10, for example, between two cabinets serving as supports and / or furniture for the workbench 10. Once in place, the protrusion 22 allows the opening 3 to pass through the workbench 10 via the complementary cutout 12 in the workbench 10.

[0115] In this respect, the length and width of the cut 12 correspond to the length and width of the protrusion 22, with the necessary gap to allow the protrusion to be inserted and withdrawn through the cut 12.

[0116] Therefore, by means of complementary height, length and width, the protrusion 22 can be positioned flush with the surface of the workbench 10, thus giving it an integrated aesthetic feature, like some household appliances.

[0117] In one embodiment, during the installation of the cooling device 1, components can be provided to ensure a seal between the upper 21 and the lower 21 of the worktable 10. Such sealing components are preferably arranged around the protrusion 22 on the upper 21.

[0118] These sealing components can be of any type, particularly in the form of strips or seals made of compressible materials (such as foam) or elastic materials (such as synthetic or natural rubber).

[0119] A seal can also be achieved by using an additional seal (particularly a silicone-based seal or the like) between the edge of the cut 12 and the periphery of the protrusion 22.

[0120] In one embodiment, when the opening 3 is not positioned flush with the surface, the cooling device 1 may include a cover 24 that is rotatably hinged relative to the protrusion 22.

[0121] In an alternative implementation, the cover 24 can be rotatably hinged directly to the worktable 10.

[0122] In either case, in the closed position, the cover 24 is flush with the surface of the worktable 10.

[0123] In one embodiment, the cover 24 may rest on the protrusion 22 or in a groove formed in the surface of the worktable 10.

[0124] In this way, opening 3 can be closed, thereby enhancing cooling and preventing temperature loss, and allowing device 1 to be shut down and restricting its operation.

[0125] In one embodiment, to ensure that the cooling device 1 remains in place once installed, and to ensure its stability, and even to ensure the adjustment of the position of the opening 3, whether flush or not, the cooling device 1 includes height-adjustable legs 23 on the underside of the storage tank 2.

[0126] Preferably, there are three of these legs 23, which form a supporting triangle in a single plane to facilitate the positioning of the cooling device 1.

[0127] Furthermore, these height-adjustable feet 23 allow the cooling device 1 to be inserted into the reserved space 11 and then installed to insert the protrusion 22 into the cutout 12.

[0128] In addition, the height adjustment of the support leg 23 allows sealing components (such as foam strips or gaskets) to be compressed, thereby ensuring a perfect engagement with the underside of the worktable 10.

[0129] It should be noted that, depending on the specific layout configuration, a groove or slot can be formed around the cutout 12 on the underside of the worktable 10 to receive the sealing component and improve the airtightness between the device 1 and the worktable 10. Furthermore, this groove or slot reduces the thickness of the worktable 10 to be traversed, and thus reduces the required height of the protrusion 22.

[0130] In this way, the cooling device 1 can be recessed like a household appliance, particularly in an integrated kitchen, bar, or any other space indoors or outdoors with a workbench 10.

[0131] Depending on the configuration of the reserved space 11, particularly between two kitchen furniture units, a front enclosure, such as a door, can be added. In this configuration, the cooling device 1 can be provided with control components accessible from the upper side 21, particularly an interface in the form of a control panel 101, allowing the user to set the operating parameters of the cooling device 1.

[0132] Similarly, when installed within a complete kitchen unit, the cooling device 1 can have standard dimensions corresponding to the size of the cabinet body, particularly the width of the front or front portion of the cooling device 1 and the depth of the cooling device. For example, the device 1 can have a width of 44 cm or less for a depth of less than 60 cm, preferably about 55 cm.

Claims

1. Cooling device (1) for beverages in containers, comprising - a cooling tank (2) provided with an internal volume (20) having at least one opening (3) on a top face (21), and equipped with means for cooling the internal volume (20), - a receptacle (4) at each opening (3) forming a sleeve for receiving a beverage container, - means for fastening the receptacle (4) through the corresponding opening (3), - each sleeve further comprising a bag (40) of flexible material immersed in the tank (2) from the opening (3), the device being characterized in that - the fastening means are designed to be removable and ensure an air-tight hold of the receptacle (4) with the corresponding opening (3), the fastening means comprising for this purpose - on the one hand, a ring (5) integral with the periphery of the opening (3), - on the other hand, a collar (6) provided with an upper end (60) for snap-fitting with the ring (5) and a lower end (61) forming a tube for fitting on the upper peripheral wall of the bag (40).

2. Cooling device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - the top face (21) is designed to be recessed and for this purpose comprises a raised portion (22) of the at least one opening (3).

3. Cooling device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the ring (5) comprises at least one internal snap-fitting means (50), - the collar (6) comprises on the outside at least one pin (62) shaped to be complementary to the snap-fitting means (50), the snap-fitting means (50) comprising a vertical slot (51) extending from a horizontal housing (52), so as to ensure - on the one hand, the insertion and extraction of the corresponding pin (62) along the slot (51) in the vertical direction, and - on the other hand, by rotation of the snap-fitting collar (6) relative to the ring (5), the vertical hold of the pin (62) inserted into the housing (52) and the horizontal movement of the pin (62) along the housing (52).

4. Cooling device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the housing (52) comprising a stop (53) opposite the slot (51) so as to limit the travel of the horizontal movement of the pin (62) along the housing (52).

5. Cooling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means comprising - a gasket (7), - the collar (6) comprising a recess (63) at the bottom so as to form a space for receiving the gasket (7) which abuts in an air-tight manner with a complementary wall of the ring (5).

6. Cooling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling device comprising a ring-shaped collar (8) provided with a circular convex wall mounted in a fixed manner on the collar (6).

7. Cooling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring (5) and the collar (6) are made of plastic or composite material.

8. Cooling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (4) comprises - a support (9) extending inside the bag (40), - said support (9) comprises a base (90) which covers, at the top, at least two bars (91) provided with a distal end (92) for mounting with said collar (6).

9. Cooling device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said support (9) is made of plastic material or composite material.

10. Cooling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cooling device comprises - height-adjustable feet (23) on the lower side of said tank (2).

11. Cooling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cooling device comprises - a lid (24) which is rotationally hinged with respect to said raised portion (22).

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