Cooling device for drinks

The beverage cooling device addresses hygiene issues by implementing automatic cleaning through a two-stage cooling process and control unit management, effectively preventing bacterial growth and maintaining cleanliness.

DE102021134488B4Active Publication Date: 2026-01-29ELEGANCE REFRIGERATION CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102021134488
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-12-23
Publication Date
2026-01-29
Estimated Expiration
2041-12-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing beverage cooling devices face hygiene issues due to bacterial growth in cooling lines, especially when not in use, and manual cleaning is tedious and inefficient.

Method used

A beverage cooling device with automatic cleaning capabilities, utilizing a two-stage cooling process and a control unit to manage coolant temperatures and initiate cleaning cycles, ensuring cleanliness and hygiene.

Benefits of technology

Automated cleaning of cooling lines prevents bacterial growth and maintains hygiene, reducing labor and ensuring rapid beverage cooling to desired temperatures.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Cooling device for beverages (1), comprising: • one case (100) • a first cooling tank (200) which is arranged in the housing (100) and filled with a first cooling liquid (L1), • a second cooling tank (300) which is arranged in the housing (100) and filled with a second cooling liquid (L2), wherein the temperature of the second cooling liquid (L2) is lower than that of the first cooling liquid (L1), • a cooling line (400), comprising: . a first line (410) which is arranged in the first cooling tank (200) and connected to an inlet end (412), and . a second line (420), which is arranged in the second cooling tank (300) and is connected to the first line (410) and to an outlet end (422), • a cleaning module (500) which is arranged in the housing (100) and comprises the following: . a cleaning line (510) which is connected to a cleaning fluid source and the inlet end (412), and . a valve (520) which is connected to the cleaning line (510), and • a control unit (600) which is connected to or electrically connected to the valve (520), characterized in that the first cooling tank (200) is equipped with a first temperature sensor (210) and the second cooling tank (300) is equipped with a second temperature sensor (310), wherein an inlet valve (220, 320) and an outlet valve (230, 330) are arranged on the first cooling tank (200) and on the second cooling tank (300), wherein the inlet valve (220) of the first cooling tank (200) is connected to a first coolant source (S) and the inlet valve (320) of the second cooling tank (300) is connected to a second coolant source (SL2), wherein the first temperature sensor (210), the second temperature sensor (310), the respective inlet valves (220, 320) and the respective outlet valves (230, 330) are connected to the control unit (600) are electrically connected, wherein • the control unit (600) opens the inlet valve (220) and the outlet valve (230) of the first cooling tank (200) until the temperature of the first coolant (L1) is below the first temperature threshold or equals the first temperature threshold if the first temperature sensor (210) detects that the temperature of the first coolant (L1) is above a first temperature threshold, wherein • the control unit (600) opens the inlet valve (320) and the outlet valve (330) of the second cooling tank (300) until the temperature of the second coolant (L2) is below the second temperature threshold or equals the second temperature threshold if the second temperature sensor (310) detects that the temperature of the second coolant (L2) is above a second temperature threshold.
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage cooling device, in particular a beverage cooling device in which the cooling lines can be cleaned automatically.

[0002] Beverage coolers are well-known, commercially available refrigeration devices widely used in cafes, shops serving draft drinks, and establishments serving alcoholic beverages. Since beverages are more susceptible to bacterial growth at higher temperatures (18°C to 70°C), it is necessary to quickly lower the beverage temperature to the correct temperature to rapidly end periods of higher temperatures and meet the varying needs of customers. Traditionally, ice is used for cooling. However, ice is susceptible to bacterial contamination during the manufacturing process, leading to hygiene problems.

[0003] KR 10 1 551 473 B1 describes a draft beer cooling and dispensing device and in particular a draft beer cooling and dispensing device which can be continuously cooled by cooling to a temperature below freezing, corresponding to the alcohol content contained in the beer.

[0004] US 2007 / 0204884A1 also describes beverage dispensing devices such as cup-based vending machines and beverage dispensers, and in particular beverage dispensing devices for providing super-chilled water.

[0005] JP 2011 - 31 918 A describes beverage dispensing devices such as cup-based vending machines and beverage dispensers, and in particular beverage dispensing devices for providing super-chilled water.

[0006] JP 2019 - 210 039 A describes a cleaning device for a beverage dispenser.

[0007] For this reason, some manufacturers and developers have combined a cooling line with a coolant, so that the beverage is quickly cooled by flowing through the cooling line immersed in the coolant. This not only reduces energy loss from the cooling compressor and saves energy, but also prevents the beverages from freezing in the cooling line. The beverages are thus kept at a constant temperature, preserving hygiene and flavor. However, if no beverages are dispensed for an extended period, residues remaining in the cooling line can easily contaminate the line or lead to bacterial growth. Furthermore, since the cooling line is located inside the unit, it is difficult to directly check the cleanliness of the interior.In the past, the pipes in most shops were flushed manually, regularly or irregularly, with a cleaning solution similar to water. This method was not only tedious and time-consuming, but could also lead to hygiene problems if staff neglected to clean them regularly.

[0008] The inventor has endeavored to develop a beverage cooling device in which the cooling lines can be cleaned automatically in order to automate the cleaning process and save labor.

[0009] The present invention provides for a beverage cooling device according to main claim 1.

[0010] In one embodiment, the aforementioned second line has a coiled configuration. The inlet end is suitable for filling with a beverage whose temperature is higher than that of the second cooling fluid.

[0011] In one embodiment, the aforementioned first line has a coiled configuration. The number of turns in the second line is greater than that of the first line. Furthermore, the temperature of the beverage is higher than that of the first cooling liquid.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first cooling tank is equipped with a first temperature sensor, and the second cooling tank is equipped with a second temperature sensor. Furthermore, an inlet valve and an outlet valve are arranged on both the first and second cooling tanks. The inlet valve of the first cooling tank is connected to a first coolant source, and the inlet valve of the second cooling tank is connected to a second coolant source. In addition, the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, the respective inlet valves, and the respective outlet valves are electrically connected to the control unit.If the first temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the first coolant is above a first temperature threshold, the control unit opens the inlet and outlet valves of the first coolant reservoir until the temperature of the first coolant is below or equal to the first temperature threshold. If the second temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the second coolant is above a second temperature threshold, the control unit opens the inlet and outlet valves of the second coolant reservoir until the temperature of the second coolant is below or equal to the second temperature threshold.

[0013] In one embodiment, the beverage cooling device further comprises a second coolant source tank, wherein the second coolant source is arranged in the second coolant source tank. The second coolant source tank is equipped with a heat exchanger and a pump, which are electrically connected to the control unit. Furthermore, the inlet valve and the outlet valve of the second cooling tank are connected to the second coolant source tank.

[0014] In one embodiment, the beverage cooling device further comprises a beverage container which is arranged in the second cooling tank and is located either between the first line and the second line or between the second line and the outlet end and is connected to them.

[0015] In one embodiment, the beverage cooling device further comprises an ice-making tank equipped with an additional cooling unit. Furthermore, the first or second line is connected to the ice-making tank.

[0016] In one embodiment, the beverage cooling device further comprises a compressor and a cooling unit, the compressor being electrically connected to the control unit. The first cooling tank and the second cooling tank are connected to each other. Furthermore, the cooling unit is located between the compressor and the second cooling tank, or is connected to them.

[0017] In one embodiment, the beverage cooling device further comprises a heat dissipation unit, wherein the heat dissipation unit is connected to the compressor or electrically connected to the control unit.

[0018] In one embodiment, the walls of the aforementioned first and second cooling tanks are made of an insulating material.

[0019] In this way, the valve in the beverage cooling device according to the invention can be opened by means of the control unit when no beverage is being dispensed. Furthermore, the cleaning fluid is introduced from the inlet end through the cleaning line and the cooling line is cleaned, thereby automating the cleaning process and saving labor.

[0020] To make the aforementioned features and advantages of the invention more obvious and understandable, the following embodiments are presented together with the accompanying drawings for a detailed description. Fig. 1 Perspective schematic view of a beverage dispenser with the beverage cooling device according to the invention in one embodiment Fig. 2 Schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to Fig. 1 Fig. 3 Schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the invention, based on the second embodiment Fig. 4 Schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the invention, based on the third embodiment Fig. 5 Schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the invention, as per the fourth embodiment Fig. 6 Schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the invention, as per the fifth embodiment Fig. 7 Schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the invention, as described in the sixth embodiment Fig. 8 Schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the invention, based on the seventh embodiment Fig. 9 Schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the invention, as described in the eighth embodiment

[0021] The aforementioned and other technical aspects, features, and effects of the invention are clearly illustrated in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the directional designations mentioned in the following embodiments, such as top, bottom, left, right, front, or back, refer only to the direction with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of directional designations therefore serves only for illustration and does not limit the invention. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, identical or similar components are provided with identical or similar designations.

[0022] See Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective schematic view of a beverage dispenser with the beverage cooling device according to the invention in one embodiment, wherein in Fig. 2 a schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to Fig. Figure 1 shows the beverage cooling device 1. According to this embodiment, the beverage cooling device 1 is suitable for installation in a beverage dispenser for cooling beverages. Furthermore, the beverage cooling device 1 comprises a housing 100, a first cooling tank 200, a second cooling tank 300, a cooling line 400, a cleaning module 500, and a control unit 600. The first cooling tank 200 is arranged in the housing 100 and filled with a first cooling liquid L1. The second cooling tank 300 is arranged in the housing 100 and filled with a second cooling liquid L2. The cooling line 400 comprises a first line 410 and a second line 420. The first line 410 is arranged in the first cooling tank 200 and connected to an inlet end 412, and the second line 420 is arranged in the second cooling tank 300 and connected to the first line 410 and an outlet end 422. The cleaning module 500 is arranged in the housing 100 and includes a cleaning line 510 and a valve 520.The cleaning line 510 is connected to a cleaning fluid source and the inlet end 412, or the valve 520 is connected to the cleaning line 510. The control unit 600 is electrically connected to the valve 520.

[0023] In detail, the beverage cooling device 1 uses a two-stage cooling process to cool the beverage. The user can pour a beverage at a high temperature (e.g., above 70 °C) into the inlet end 412. The beverage is cooled successively through the first line 410 and the second line 420 and finally flows out of the outlet end 422 at a low temperature (e.g., -5 °C). In this embodiment, the first cooling liquid L1 and the second cooling liquid L2 are, for example, water, with the temperature of the first cooling liquid L1 being at room temperature (approximately 25 °C), while the temperature of the second cooling liquid L2 is maintained between -5 °C and -15 °C. In other words, the temperature of the second cooling liquid L2 is lower than that of the first cooling liquid L1. Furthermore, the first cooling tank 200 and the second cooling tank 300 in the beverage dispenser can each be, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the cooling tanks can be arranged on the left and right sides. This allows for the addition of different beverages to offer a wider selection. Alternatively, the number of cooling tanks can be increased to three or more to create a multi-beverage dispenser. The invention is not limited to this.

[0024] It should be noted that the inlet end 412 in this embodiment is funnel-shaped, allowing the beverage to flow easily into the first line 410 and reducing residue. Furthermore, the cooling line 400 is made of stainless steel, enabling the heat from the beverage flowing through the first line 410 and the second line 420 to be quickly transferred to the first cooling liquid L1 and the second cooling liquid L2 for cooling. In addition, the walls of the first cooling tank 200 and the second cooling tank 300 are made of insulating materials such as foam. Even when the second cooling liquid L2 is kept at a sub-zero temperature of below 0 °C, ice crystal nuclei do not form as readily on the smooth tank walls, thus preventing freezing and ensuring an unimpeded flow of the cooling liquid.

[0025] Furthermore, the first line 410 and the second line 420, for example, use two and a half tubes with an average inner diameter of 9 mm and have a coiled configuration, as shown in Fig. 2 shown. In other words, the first line 410 and the second line 420 can be arranged in a flat configuration like a mosquito coil or in a helical configuration, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the components are arranged in a three-dimensional space. Since the high-temperature beverage is primarily cooled by the second low-temperature cooling liquid L2 in the second cooling tank 300, the number of turns in the second line 420 is greater than that in the first line 410. In this embodiment, the number of turns in the first line 410 and the second line 420 is 9 and 14, respectively. However, the actual number of turns is not limited in the invention. In this way, beverages whose temperature is higher than that of the first cooling liquid L1 can be cooled down to cold drinks for guests in a very short time using ambient cooling and low-temperature cooling.

[0026] On the other hand, valve 520 is designed as an electromagnetic valve, while control unit 600 has an electronic control panel that can be operated by hand. If no beverages are dispensed for an extended period, residues remaining in cooling line 400 can easily contaminate the line or lead to bacterial growth. In this case, the user can operate control unit 600 to open valve 520, allowing cleaning fluid, such as water, to flow from the cleaning fluid source through cleaning line 510 and into inlet 412. It then flows sequentially through the first line 410 and the second line 420, and is finally discharged at outlet 422, thus cleaning the interior of the cooling line. This automates the cleaning process and eliminates the inconvenience of manual cleaning.

[0027] Of course, the valve 520 can also be designed as a mechanical liquid valve, like a tap. In this case, the control unit 600 is a mechanism that corresponds to the aforementioned mechanical liquid valve. Automatic cleaning can also be implemented here by connecting the control unit 600 to the valve 520.

[0028] Additionally, the control unit 600 can be equipped with a timer, allowing the user to enter a predefined automatic cleaning interval for the beverage cooling unit 1. In this way, the control unit 600 automatically opens the valve 520 and performs the cleaning process after a set time interval has elapsed. This prevents beverage residue from contaminating the lines or leading to bacterial growth if the user fails to initiate cleaning cycles.

[0029] Preferably, the beverage cooling system 1 further comprises a compressor 800 and a cooling unit 810, wherein the compressor 800 is electrically connected to the control unit 600. The cooling unit 810 is, for example, designed as a copper tube. The first cooling tank 200 and the second cooling tank 300 are connected to each other by lines or openings, etc. The cooling unit 810 is also located between the compressor 800 and the second cooling tank 300, or is connected to them. When the temperature of the first refrigerant L1 or the second refrigerant L2 gradually rises due to the cooling of the beverage, the compressor 800 compresses the refrigerant and pumps it into the cooling unit 810. This rapidly dissipates the heat from the second refrigerant L2 and the associated first refrigerant L1, thereby maintaining the cooling capacity of the beverage cooling system 1.Preferably, the beverage cooling device 1 further comprises a heat dissipation unit 900. The heat dissipation unit 900 is, for example, designed as a fan which is connected to the compressor 800 or electrically connected to the control unit 600. When the compressor 800 performs the aforementioned process and heat gradually accumulates, the control unit 600 activates the heat dissipation unit 900, thereby dissipating the heat from the compressor 800 to the external environment of the housing 100.

[0030] See Fig. 3. In Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the invention, specifically the second embodiment. The beverage cooling device 1a in this embodiment is similar to the beverage cooling device 1 according to Figure 3. Fig. 2, the main difference between the two being that the first line 410a does not have a coiled configuration but a general straight line.

[0031] Some beverage manufacturers prepare their drinks by chilling them in other cooling devices, such as household refrigerators, before filling them into the beverage dispenser for sale. In this case, the temperature of the cold beverage being dispensed is higher than that of the second cooling liquid L2, but it no longer needs to be cooled by the first cooling tank 200. Therefore, the shape of the first line 410a is designed to be straight. This reduces the flow time of the beverage into the first line 410a, allowing it to quickly enter the second line 420 and be cooled by the second cooling liquid L2.

[0032] See Fig. 4. In Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the invention, specifically the third embodiment. The beverage cooling device 1b in this embodiment is similar to the beverage cooling device 1 according to [reference missing]. Fig. 2. The main differences are that the first cooling tank 200 is equipped with the first temperature sensor 210, and the second cooling tank 300 with the second temperature sensor 310. The first cooling tank 200 is equipped with an inlet valve 220 and an outlet valve 230, and the second cooling tank 300 with an inlet valve 320 and an outlet valve 330. Furthermore, the first temperature sensor 210, the second temperature sensor 310, the respective inlet valves 220 and 320, and the respective outlet valves 230 and 330 are electrically connected to the control unit 600.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first cooling tank 200 and the second cooling tank 300 maintain the temperature of the first coolant L1 and the second coolant L2 by exchanging the coolant. Specifically, the inlet valve 220 of the first cooling tank 200 is connected to a first coolant source. When the first temperature sensor 210 detects that the temperature of the first coolant L1 is above a first temperature threshold (e.g., 25 °C to 30 °C), the control unit 600 opens the inlet valve 220 and the outlet valve 230 of the first cooling tank 200, allowing the first coolant L1, at a lower temperature, to enter the first cooling tank 200 from the first coolant source.Furthermore, the first coolant L1 at an increased temperature is drained via the outlet valve 230, so that the temperature of the first coolant L1 is below or equal to the first temperature threshold, thereby maintaining the cooling capacity of the first cooling tank 200.

[0034] Similarly, the inlet valve 320 of the second cooling tank 300 is connected to a second coolant source. When the second temperature sensor 310 detects that the temperature of the second coolant L2 is above a second temperature threshold (e.g., -5 °C to 0 °C), the control unit 600 opens the inlet valve 320 and the outlet valve 330 of the second cooling tank 300, allowing the second coolant L2, at a lower temperature, to enter the second cooling tank 300 from the second coolant source. Simultaneously, the second coolant L2, at a higher temperature, is discharged through the outlet valve 330, ensuring that its temperature remains below or equal to the second temperature threshold, thus maintaining the cooling capacity of the second cooling tank 300.

[0035] Preferably, the first cooling tank 200 and the second cooling tank 300 are further equipped with an overflow opening to limit the level of the first coolant L1 and the second coolant L2 to a certain level so that not too much coolant is introduced via the inlet valves 220, 320.

[0036] See Fig. 5. In Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. The beverage cooling device 1c in this embodiment is similar to the beverage cooling device 1b according to Figure 5. Fig. 4. The main differences between them are that the first cooling tank 200 is still equipped with a first cooling unit 240 and the second cooling tank 300 is still equipped with a second cooling unit 340, with the first cooling unit 240 and the second cooling unit 340 each being designed, for example, as a compressor.

[0037] In some cases, the first and second coolants L1 and L2, which are introduced by the user via the inlet valves 220 and 320, may be at room temperature. In this case, the first coolant L1 and the second coolant L2 must be cooled by the first cooling unit 240 and the second cooling unit 340. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the first cooling unit 240 is equipped with a first cooling line 242 and the second cooling unit 340 with a second cooling line 342, both of which are filled with refrigerant. When the first cooling unit 240 and the second cooling unit 340 are in operation, causing the refrigerant to flow through the first cooling line 242 and the second cooling line 342, the first refrigerant L1 and the second refrigerant L2 are still able to maintain the refrigerant in the tank within a predetermined temperature range, even when supplied with room-temperature refrigerant. This ensures the cooling capacity of the first cooling tank 200 and the second cooling tank 300.

[0038] See Fig. 6. In Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the fifth embodiment of the invention. The beverage cooling device 1d in this embodiment is similar to the beverage cooling device 1b according to Figure 6. Fig. 4. The main difference between them is that the beverage cooling device 1d still includes a second source tank for the coolant 700. The second coolant source is S. L2 in the second source tank for the coolant 700. In addition, the inlet valve 320 and the outlet valve 330 of the second cooling tank 300 are connected to the second source tank for the coolant 700.

[0039] To reduce energy loss and waste of the second coolant L2, in this embodiment the temperature of the second coolant L2 is maintained by a circulation module. Specifically, the second coolant source tank 700 is equipped with a heat exchanger 710 and a pump 720. When the second temperature sensor 310 detects that the temperature of the second coolant L2 is above a second temperature threshold, the control unit 600 opens the inlet valve 320 and the outlet valve 330. This drives the pump 720, thereby circulating the second coolant source S L2 The coolant is pumped into the second cooling tank 300 via the inlet valve 320. The second high-temperature coolant L2 from the second cooling tank 300 is then routed through the outlet valve 330. The control unit 600 then activates the heat exchanger 710, thereby transferring heat from the second coolant source S L2is discharged to the outside, thus the temperature of the second coolant L2 and the temperature of the second coolant source S L2 can be maintained. In other embodiments, the second source tank for the coolant 700 can be cooled directly by the compressor 800, the cooling unit 810 and the heat dissipation unit 900 to achieve the same effect.

[0040] See Fig. 7. In Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the invention, specifically the sixth embodiment. The beverage cooling device 1e in this embodiment is similar to the beverage cooling device 1d according to Figure 7. Fig. 6. The main differences are that the inlet valve 220e and the outlet valve 230e of the first cooling tank 200 and the inlet valve 320e and the outlet valve 330e of the second cooling tank 300 are connected to the source tank for the coolant 700e.

[0041] Specifically, a coolant source S is arranged in the coolant source tank 700e, the temperature of which is lower than that of the second coolant L2. Therefore, if the coolant temperature in the first coolant tank 200 or the second coolant tank 300 exceeds the preset threshold, the control unit 600 opens the corresponding inlet valves 220e and 320e and the outlet valves 230e and 330e. This actuates the pump 720, which pumps the coolant source S into the first coolant tank 200 or the second coolant tank 300 to maintain the cooling capacity of both tanks.It should be noted that in other possible embodiments, the inlet valve 220e and the outlet valve 230e of the first cooling tank 200 and the inlet valve 320e and the outlet valve 330e of the second cooling tank 300 can each also be connected to separate cooling source tanks 700e. Such a configuration allows for more flexible circulation between the two cooling tanks.

[0042] See Fig. 8. In Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the seventh embodiment of the invention. The beverage cooling device 1f in this embodiment is similar to the beverage cooling device 1 according to Figure 8. Fig. 2. The main difference between them is that the beverage cooling device 1f further comprises a beverage container 350. The beverage container 350 is arranged in the second cooling tank 300. Furthermore, the beverage container 350 is located between and connected to the first line 410 and the second line 420, or it is located between and connected to the second line 420 and the outlet 422. In this latter embodiment, the connection is, for example, between the second line 420 and the outlet 422.

[0043] In contrast to the aforementioned methods of dispensing beverages and obtaining cold drinks within a very short timeframe, some beverage manufacturers sell drinks by first filling large quantities of beverages into the beverage dispenser to chill them, and then waiting until customers request the chilled beverages from the dispenser. In this case, the beverage cooling device 1f cools the filled beverage via the first line 410 and / or the second line 420. The beverage is initially held in the beverage container 350. Since the beverage container 350 is located inside the second cooling tank 300, the cold beverage can be stored in the container at a low temperature for an extended period, allowing the customer to obtain a cold beverage immediately when needed.

[0044] See Fig. 9. In Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic view of the internal components of the beverage cooling device according to the eighth embodiment of the invention. The beverage cooling device 1g in this embodiment is similar to the beverage cooling device 1f according to Figure 9. Fig. 8. The main difference between them is that the beverage cooling device 1g further comprises an ice-making tank 352. An additional cooling unit 820 is arranged on the ice-making tank 352, with the first line 410 or the second line 420 being connected to the ice-making tank 352.

[0045] If ice produced from the beverage itself is required during beverage preparation, it can be produced directly by the beverage cooling device 1g. Specifically, the user fills the beverage into the cooling line 400. In this embodiment, the end of the second line 420 located in the direction of flow is connected to both the ice-making tank 352 and the portion of the beverage container 350g in which the general beverage is stored. The auxiliary cooling unit 820 is connected, for example, to the compressor 800, which allows the temperature of the ice-making tank 352 to be maintained at a lower temperature (e.g., -30 °C) than that in the remaining portion of the beverage container 350g. Furthermore, ice-making molds are pre-prepared in the ice-making tank 352. Preferably, the ice-making tank 352 or the entire beverage container 350g is designed as a drawer that can be pulled out from the housing 100.In this way, the user can, if desired, serve cold drinks with ice made from the drink itself, produced in the ice-making tank 352, to enhance the taste of the drink and to keep it cold for a longer period. In other possible embodiments, the lines connected to the ice-making tank 352 can also be separate from the cooling line 400, and the invention is not limited in this respect. The invention is not limited thereto.

[0046] It should be noted that the user can choose the combination of components according to the aforementioned embodiments at their own discretion, based on the sales models, the initial temperature of the beverage, and the desired temperature control or circulation method. Furthermore, the aforementioned combinations nevertheless fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] As already mentioned, the invention is represented by the preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art should note that the invention is not limited to the embodiments mentioned, but is highly variable within the scope of the disclosure. In this context, all new individual and combination features disclosed in the description and / or drawings are considered essential to the invention. Only the following claims are valid for the scope of protection of the present invention. Reference symbol list 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g Cooling device for beverage 100) Housing 200) First cooling tank 210) First temperature sensor 220, 220e) Inlet valve 230, 230e) Exhaust valve 240) First cooling unit 242) First cooling line 300) Second cooling tank 310) Second temperature sensor 320, 320e) Inlet valve 330, 330e) Exhaust valve 340) Second cooling unit 342) Second cooling line 350, 350g) beverage containers 352) Ice production tank 400) Cooling line 410, 410a) First line 412) Admitting 420) Second line 422) Omissions 500) Cleaning module 510) Cleaning line 520) Valve 600) Control unit 700) Second source tank for the coolant 700e) Source tank for the coolant 710) Heat exchanger 720) Pump 800) Compressor 810) Cooling unit 820) Additional cooling unit 900) Heat dissipation unit L1) First coolant L2) Second coolant S) Coolant source S L2 ) Second coolant source

Claims

[1] Cooling device for beverages (1), comprising: • one case (100) • a first cooling tank (200) which is arranged in the housing (100) and filled with a first cooling liquid (L1), • a second cooling tank (300) which is arranged in the housing (100) and filled with a second cooling liquid (L2), wherein the temperature of the second cooling liquid (L2) is lower than that of the first cooling liquid (L1), • a cooling line (400), comprising: . a first line (410) which is arranged in the first cooling tank (200) and connected to an inlet end (412), and . a second line (420), which is arranged in the second cooling tank (300) and is connected to the first line (410) and to an outlet end (422), • a cleaning module (500) which is arranged in the housing (100) and comprises the following: . a cleaning line (510) which is connected to a cleaning fluid source and the inlet end (412), and . a valve (520) which is connected to the cleaning line (510), and • a control unit (600) which is connected to or electrically connected to the valve (520), characterized bythat the first cooling tank (200) is equipped with a first temperature sensor (210) and the second cooling tank (300) is equipped with a second temperature sensor (310), wherein an inlet valve (220, 320) and an outlet valve (230, 330) are arranged on the first cooling tank (200) and on the second cooling tank (300), wherein the inlet valve (220) of the first cooling tank (200) is connected to a first coolant source (S) and the inlet valve (320) of the second cooling tank (300) is connected to a second coolant source (SL2), wherein the first temperature sensor (210), the second temperature sensor (310), the respective inlet valves (220, 320) and the respective outlet valves (230, 330) are electrically connected to the control unit (600), wherein • the control unit (600) opens the inlet valve (220) and the outlet valve (230) of the first cooling tank (200) until the temperature of the first coolant (L1) is below the first temperature threshold or equals the first temperature threshold if the first temperature sensor (210) detects that the temperature of the first coolant (L1) is above a first temperature threshold, wherein • the control unit (600) opens the inlet valve (320) and the outlet valve (330) of the second cooling tank (300) until the temperature of the second coolant (L2) is below the second temperature threshold or equals the second temperature threshold if the second temperature sensor (310) detects that the temperature of the second coolant (L2) is above a second temperature threshold. [2] Cooling device for beverages (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the second line (420) has a coiled configuration and the inlet end (412) is suitable for filling with a beverage whose temperature is higher than that of the second cooling liquid (L2), wherein the coiled configuration comprises a flat, spiral arrangement or a helical arrangement in three-dimensional space. [3] Cooling device for beverages (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the first line (410) has a coiled configuration, wherein the coiled configuration comprises a flat, spiral arrangement or a helical arrangement in three-dimensional space, and wherein the number of turns of the second line (420) is greater than that of the first line (410) and the temperature of the beverage is higher than that of the first cooling liquid (L1). [4] Cooling device for beverages (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the beverage cooling device further comprises a second source tank for the coolant (700), wherein the second coolant source (S L2 ) is arranged in the second source tank for the coolant (700), wherein the second source tank for the coolant (700) is equipped with a heat exchanger (710) and a pump (720) which are electrically connected to the control unit (600), wherein the inlet valve (320) and the outlet valve (330) of the second cooling tank (300) are connected to the second source tank for the coolant (700). [5] Cooling device for beverages (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that it further comprises a beverage container (350) which is arranged in the second cooling tank (300) and is located either between the first line (410) and the second line (420) or between the second line (420) and the outlet end (422) and is connected to them. [6] Cooling device for beverages (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that it further comprises an ice-making tank (352) wherein an additional cooling unit (820) is arranged on the ice-making tank (352), wherein the first line (410) or the second line (420) is connected to the ice-making tank (352). [7] Cooling device for beverages (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that it further comprises a compressor (800) and a first cooling unit (240), wherein the compressor (800) is electrically connected to the control unit (600), wherein the first cooling tank (200) and the second cooling tank (300) are connected to each other, wherein a cooling unit (810) is located between the compressor (800) and the second cooling tank (300) and is connected to them. [8] Cooling device for beverages (1) according to claim 7, characterized by, that it further comprises a heat dissipation unit (900), wherein the heat dissipation unit (900) is connected to the compressor (800) and electrically connected to the control unit (600). [9] Cooling device for beverages (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the walls of the first cooling tank (200) and the second cooling tank (300) are made of an insulating material.

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