Device with cooling function

Abstract

The invention relates to a device with a cooling function. It is therefore an object of the invention to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device with a cooling function, wherein the device with a cooling function is characterized by a rotating element which causes both a horizontal and vertical mixing of a beverage, but is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean. This problem is solved by the features listed in the claims.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device with a cooling function, as it is kept ready in the private, but especially in the commercial sector, for the provision of chilled drinks such as thick fruit juices or milk-containing liquids, e.g. at buffets or bars.

[0002] Commercial buffets offer an increasingly broad range of food and beverages. In addition to coffee, tea, and juices, refrigerated milk-based drinks and, in particular, thick fruit juices are increasingly being offered. The latter often contain a high proportion of solid ingredients from fruit and its peel. These beverages, in particular, require special refrigeration to prevent them from losing their flavor or spoiling, at least throughout the day.

[0003] The disclosure DE 201 09 481 U1 shows a juice cooler comprising a cooling device in a base and a storage container mounted on the base. An aluminum plate is proposed as the upper end of the base and support for the storage container. This plate is cooled by the cooling device and cools the storage container mounted on top and its contents. It is considered problematic that only the lowest area of the storage container is cooled. This cooling effect does not reach the upper area of the storage container because the contents of the storage container are not mixed.

[0004] EP 2 085 353 B1 discloses a beverage dispenser with a housing, a cooling unit arranged in the housing, which interacts with a cooling area of the housing, a beverage storage container arranged adjacent to or adjacent to the cooling area in the housing, and a dispensing unit below the beverage storage container.

[0005] US 8182137 B2 discloses an assembly for intended use in connection with a system for pumping or mixing a liquid using a drive device, wherein the drive device comprises a magnetic fluid stirring element.

[0006] AT 286246 B discloses a stirring rod which is characterized in that the stirring rod, which lies on the bottom of the container in a manner known per se, has circular discs at its ends which are arranged transversely to its longitudinal direction and whose diameter is a multiple of the rod diameter and which are designed to be aerodynamic in cross section.

[0007] Devices for beverages, particularly milk-based beverages, are also known in the art, in which the contents are moved by means of a rotating element. However, these elements generally only cause the contents of the storage container to rotate around the rotational axis of the rotating element; mixing of the contents at the bottom of the storage container with the contents higher up does not occur, or only occurs insufficiently. Furthermore, these rotating elements are generally driven by a drive that acts directly on the rotating element in the storage container via an axis. Such devices are difficult to clean.

[0008] Considering the aforementioned disadvantages, DE 10 2022 104 767 B3 discloses a device with a cooling function that enables thorough mixing of the beverage to be cooled in the storage container over an extended period of time. A disadvantage here is that the rotating element responsible for the mixing is a mixing screw, which is complex and costly to manufacture and, due to its multiple windings, is also difficult to clean.

[0009] It is therefore desirable to have a device with a cooling function, which is characterized by a rotating element that causes both horizontal and vertical mixing of a beverage, but is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean. Description of the invention

[0010] The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device with a cooling function, wherein the device with a cooling function is characterized by a rotating element which causes both a horizontal and vertical mixing of a beverage, but is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean.

[0011] This problem is solved by the features listed in the claims.

[0012] Known devices with a cooling function for foodstuffs comprise a housing with at least one side wall and a cover plate, and a storage container in contact with the cover plate of the housing. A motor and at least one cooling device operatively connected to the storage container are arranged in the housing. The motor and cooling device have a power supply. A magnetic holder is also arranged in the housing. The magnetic holder has at least one holding magnet. The magnetic holder can be set in a rotational movement by the motor. A rotating element is arranged in the storage container. The rotating element can be rotated about an axis by the motor. According to the invention, the device with a cooling function is characterized in that the rotating element has a base body and at least one mixing element. The at least one mixing element is arranged outside a rotational axis of the rotating element.The at least one mixing element protrudes from a top side of the base body. The base body is magnetically connected to the at least one holding magnet of the magnetic holder of the housing in such a way that the rotational movement of the magnetic holder is transferred to the rotating element. The storage container has a lid. The lid has at least one wing. The at least one wing protrudes into an interior of the storage container. The at least one wing is operatively connected to the at least one mixing element of the rotating element.

[0013] An operative connection between the wing of the lid and the at least one mixing element of the rotating element is created in that the contents of the storage container transported "upwards" by the at least one mixing element are passed on to a side surface of the at least one wing and flow further upwards along this. This creates an upward fluid flow beyond the at least one mixing element, specifically along the at least one wing of the lid in the region of the center of the storage container. Along the wall of the storage container, however, a downward fluid flow is created due to a negative pressure that develops there. The at least one wing of the lid of the storage container thus enables vertical mixing of the contents of the storage container across its entire height.

[0014] A magnetic operative connection between the at least one holding magnet of the magnetic holder and the base body of the rotating element can be achieved by the base body itself being formed from magnetic metal / as a magnet, or by having magnetic metal / at least one magnet, for example in the form of at least one metal plate / a magnetic plate. A magnetic effect can then be generated between the base body and the at least one holding magnet of the magnetic holder by arranging both elements in physical proximity, which enables the formation of a corresponding magnetic effect. A rotational movement of the rotating element then follows a rotational movement of the at least one holding magnet of the magnetic holder, by magnetically connecting the two.Advantageously, a rotation axis of the at least one holding magnet of the magnet holder is arranged centrally with respect to the storage container.

[0015] The action of a magnetic connection ensures thorough mixing of the contents of the reservoir without the need for a drive shaft to penetrate the housing cover plate or the reservoir. This facilitates cleaning of the reservoir, as a smooth wall and a flat bottom allow for this.

[0016] The base body of the rotating element is advantageously designed as a disc as thin as possible, in order to allow the at least one mixing element to originate as low as possible in the storage container. This is advantageous in that as much of the beverage located in the lower, cooled area of the storage container as possible is subjected to constant circulation. Beverage located in the upper, uncooled area of the storage container is thus continuously transported to the lower, cooled area of the storage container. This results in essentially uniform cooling of the entire contents of the storage container.

[0017] Designing the rotating element as a disc that is as thin as possible also maximizes the volume available for the beverage in the storage container.

[0018] The at least one mixing element protrudes from the upper surface of the base body. "Protruding" here means protruding above a physical plane, namely the surface of the base body. The at least one mixing element thus protrudes upwards (towards the sky) from the surface of the base body. The purpose of the at least one mixing element is to create both horizontal and vertical mixing of the beverage within the storage container. The at least one mixing element has a shape corresponding to this purpose.

[0019] According to various embodiments, the at least one mixing element of the rotating element is designed as a circular arc. A concave front side of the circular arc is arranged in the direction of rotation of the rotating element.

[0020] Configuring the at least one mixing element as a circular arc has the advantage that the beverage is displaced by the at least one mixing element in two directions, viewed horizontally: both toward a wall and toward the center of the storage container. Configuring the at least one mixing element as a circular arc therefore maximizes horizontal mixing.

[0021] According to various embodiments, a first angle between the upper side of the main body of the rotating element and the at least one mixing element is obtuse in the direction of rotation of the rotating element.

[0022] At least one mixing element angled at an obtuse angle in the direction of rotation essentially generates a vertical thrust on the beverage, i.e., "upward." At least one mixing element configured in this way therefore maximizes vertical mixing.

[0023] According to various embodiments, a second angle between the upper side of the main body of the rotating element and the at least one mixing element is acute in the direction of the side facing away from the axis of rotation.

[0024] A mixing element that is angled at an acute angle towards the side facing away from the axis of rotation generates a thrust on the beverage in the direction of the wall of the storage container, i.e. "outwards". Since more beverage is then pushed "outwards" in the lower region of the at least one mixing element than in the upper region of the at least one mixing element, an essentially upward thrust on the beverage is created. Furthermore, the outward inclination creates a suction from bottom to top. At least one mixing element designed in this way therefore also maximizes vertical mixing.

[0025] According to various embodiments, the rotating element further comprises at least one centering element. The at least one centering element is configured to position the rotational axis of the rotating element centrally in the storage container.

[0026] The at least one centering element makes it possible to arrange the rotational axis of the rotating element centrally within the storage container after it has been inserted into the storage container. This can be achieved by centering it in the storage container along the rotational axis, for example on the base and / or on a lid of the storage container, or by guiding it along an outer edge of the rotating element, or a combination thereof. The rotating element is then centrally connected to the storage container and / or a corresponding lid by means of the at least one centering element, such that it can rotate along its rotational axis, for example by means of a positive connection. Precise, central rotation around the rotational axis improves the mixing of the contents of the storage container by ensuring homogeneous mixing on all sides of the rotational axis, i.e. around the rotational axis.Preferably, the rotating element is guided by two stainless steel components. One is a pin mounted centrally at the bottom of the storage container along the rotation axis. It has a certain length to ensure stable rotation and is hemispherically shaped at the tip. The hemispherical shape reduces resistive friction and mitigates long-term abrasion. The second stainless steel component is a complementary sleeve and is inserted into the at least one centering element of the rotating element in such a way that it can be pushed onto the pin when the rotating element is inserted into the storage container. The pin and sleeve can be easily removed for cleaning.

[0027] According to various embodiments, a bottom side of the rotating element further comprises at least one elongated elevation. The at least one elongated elevation extends from the rotation axis to an outer side of the rotating element.

[0028] The at least one elongated element is designed to transport the beverage located between the bottom of the storage container and the underside of the rotating element, preventing it from remaining there. The rotational forces generated by the rotating element transport the beverage toward the wall of the storage container, i.e., "outward," and thus provide continuous mixing. The at least one elongated element can be made of stainless steel, plastic, and / or rubber, as long as the material used is legally food-safe.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with a cooling function for food, the storage container can be partially inserted into the housing through the cover plate, wherein the part of the storage container inserted into the housing is at least partially enclosed by a cooling collar arranged below the cover plate. Unlike cooling the contents of the storage container via the cooled base of the storage container, in the proposed embodiment, cooling occurs not from below, but from the side.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the device with a cooling function for food, the cooling collar is connected to at least one electrothermal transducer in a cold-conducting manner by means of at least one connecting element, wherein the at least one connecting element is arranged flatly on the electrothermal transducer and the at least one connecting element is integrally formed on the cooling collar. In order to ensure the cooling of the contents of the storage container with the electrothermal transducer in the housing, it is essential that the cold is transferred to the cooling collar with as little loss as possible. This is achieved by transferring the cold from the electrothermal transducer to the connecting element, further conducting it through the connecting element, and transferring it to the cooling collar via the largest possible connection. In order to make this connection as large as possible, the connecting element follows the shape of the cooling collar.

[0031] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention with a cooling function for food, the electrothermal converter is a Peltier element. A Peltier element creates a temperature difference when current flows through it. Thus, these elements can be used for heating or, as in the present case, for cooling. These elements are low-maintenance and inexpensive to operate, yet have a performance that is perfectly adequate for the application.

[0032] According to a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with a cooling function for food, the cooling device is at least partially insulated from other parts of the device with a cooling function. Insulation between the cooling device and the other components of the device according to the invention not required for cooling ensures lower-loss operation of the device, which is accompanied by energy savings. The generated cold is thus transferred to the cooling collar to a significantly greater extent.

[0033] According to a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with a cooling function for food, at least one sensor with contact to the storage container is arranged in the housing. The cooling is preferably switched on and off by a temperature sensor. The rotating element can continue to move during this process. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a sensor can be installed that switches off the cooling and the rotating element when the container is removed. After the storage container is emptied, when cooling and juice transport are no longer required, the system must be switchable off using a switch at the power input.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with a cooling function for food, the storage container has stabilizing elements on its inside in the area of the cooling collar and / or beyond. These are preferably wing-like and evenly distributed over the entire circumference of the storage container. State-of-the-art storage containers consistently have a constant wall thickness, which is unsuitable for adequate cooling. Therefore, a reduction in wall thickness must be achieved in the area of the cooling collar, which is compensated for by increasing stabilization by means of other elements. These wings or ribs have the additional task of preventing the contents of the storage container from being carried along by the rotating element and of promoting mixing of the contents of the storage container.To increase robustness, the wall thickness at the top edge of the storage container can be increased.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the device with a cooling function for food according to the invention, the storage container has a tap, wherein the tap is designed such that even thick foods can be dispensed from the storage container to the outside. Since the device is intended in particular for foods that may, for example, also be thick, it is important that the tap, through which the user removes the liquid from the storage container, has a suitable dimension to ensure rapid dispensing of the liquid without clogging.

[0036] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the device with a cooling function for food according to the invention, a drip tray is arranged on the housing. Below the tap, the housing has a drip tray that collects any residue dripping from the tap after the food has been removed from the storage container. This makes it easier to keep the surface of the device clean.

[0037] Finally, in a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with a cooling function for food, the drip tray is removable from the housing. This allows for easy cleaning should food accidentally spill from the tap without a container placed underneath.

[0038] The housing of the device can be designed so that, for example, the four outer sides of the housing have a square base and are printed with a motif or advertising on behalf of the customer. The corporate design of the catering establishment in which the device is installed can also be used.

[0039] In particular, the parts of the device that may come into direct contact with food are preferably made of a food-safe material, which should also be robust enough to withstand long-term cleaning, for example in a dishwasher, even a commercial dishwasher.

[0040] The device can also have feet, which are preferably designed to prevent slipping even on smooth surfaces. Increased clearance from the floor can facilitate cooling. Adequate clearance from the floor is particularly important when a fan draws cooler air in from the top of the housing, guides it along the cooling fins of an electrothermal converter, and expels it downwards out of the housing.

[0041] In order to increase the comfort for the user, a control unit can be arranged in the device with which, for example, the fan and motor can be controlled, data from the sensor can be recorded and processed and / or other elements requiring control can be controlled. Implementation of the invention

[0042] The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 1 Storage container and rotating element in schematic exploded view, Fig. 2 Cover and rotating element in schematic view, Fig. 3 Cover and rotating element in schematic view.

[0043] In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which, by way of illustration, specific embodiments are shown in which the arrangement according to the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the described drawings. The directional terminology is for illustrative purposes and is in no way limiting.

[0044] It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless specifically stated otherwise. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0045] In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference numerals where appropriate.

[0046] The device with cooling function according to the invention is Fig. 1. Known devices with a cooling function for foodstuffs comprise a housing (not shown) with at least one side wall and a cover plate and a storage container 1 in contact with the cover plate of the housing. A motor and at least one cooling device with an operative connection to the storage container 1 are arranged in the housing. The motor and cooling device have a power supply. A magnetic holder is also arranged in the housing. The magnetic holder has at least one holding magnet. The magnetic holder can be set in a rotational movement by the motor. A rotating element 2 is arranged in the storage container 1. The rotating element 2 can be rotated about an axis by the motor. According to the invention, the device with a cooling function is characterized in that the rotating element 2 has a base body 3 and at least one mixing element 4.The at least one mixing element 4 is arranged outside a rotation axis 5 of the rotating element 2. The at least one mixing element 4 protrudes from an upper side 31 of the base body 3. The base body 3 is magnetically connected to the at least one holding magnet of the magnetic holder of the housing in such a way that the rotational movement of the magnetic holder is transferred to the rotating element 2. The storage container 1 has a lid 8. The lid 8 has at least one wing 81. The at least one wing 81 protrudes into an interior of the storage container 1. The at least one wing 81 is operatively connected to the at least one mixing element 4 of the rotating element 2.

[0047] For this purpose, the at least one wing 81 can be angled, as shown, in order to direct the contents of the storage container 1 towards the center of the storage container 1.

[0048] The at least one mixing element 4 of the rotating element 2 can be designed as a circular arc, as in Fig. 1. A concave front side 41 of the circular arc is then advantageously arranged in the direction of rotation 51 of the rotating element 2.

[0049] A first angle 42 between the upper side 31 of the base body 3 of the rotating element 2 and the at least one mixing element 4 can be obtuse in the direction of rotation 51 (here clockwise) of the rotating element 2.

[0050] A second angle 43 between the upper side 31 of the base body 3 of the rotating element 2 and the at least one mixing element 4 can be acute in the direction of the side facing away from the rotation axis 5 (better visible in Fig. 2).

[0051] The rotating element 2 may further comprise at least one centering element 6. The at least one centering element 6 is designed to arrange the rotation axis 5 of the rotating element 2 centrally in the storage container 1. According to the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the at least one centering element is designed as a sleeve, which extends along the rotational axis of the rotating element. The centering element 6 designed as a sleeve is designed on its underside to receive a detachable sleeve, which in turn is designed to be plugged onto a pin mountable in the center of the storage container 1, so that the rotating element can be arranged centrally in the storage container 1. The centering element 6 designed as a sleeve is designed on its upper side for positive reception in a corresponding part of the lid 8 (better visible in Fig. 2).

[0052] The storage container 1 can have stabilizing elements 11.

[0053] Fig. Figure 2 shows the rotating element of the device according to the invention with a cooling function together with an advantageous lid 8 of the storage container 1. In particular, the second angle 43 can be seen, which can be formed between the at least one mixing element 4 and the upper side 31 of the base body 3. Also visible is an optional lid 8, which can have a structure corresponding to the at least one centering element 6, as shown here. This can, for example, consist of a form-fitting connection within which the rotating element 3 is mounted for rotational movement.

[0054] A bottom side 32 of the rotating element 2 can further comprise at least one elongated elevation 7. The at least one elongated elevation 7 extends from the rotation axis 5 to an outer side of the rotating element 2, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 3 is evident.

[0055] Fig. 3 again shows the rotating element of the device according to the invention with cooling function together with an advantageous lid 8 of the storage container 1.

[0056] The subject matter of the invention can be briefly described as follows:

[0057] The base plate (basic body 3), including any magnets with the three attached vanes (mixing elements 4), as shown here, are arranged such that the contents of the storage container 1 are mixed horizontally in the direction of rotation 51 (clockwise - right), whereby the inclination of the mixing elements 4 "backwards" (in relation to the direction of rotation 51) generates the vertical thrust. Furthermore, the inclination of the mixing elements 4 "outwards" (towards the wall of the storage container 1) creates a suction from bottom to top. Stabilizing vanes (vanes 81), here four in this case, are connected to the attached lid 8 and are inserted vertically into the storage container 1. Their task is to interrupt the horizontal rotation of the contents of the storage container 1 and to direct the contents vertically. This means that the cooled contents with the solid components are transported from the bottom to the top.The mixing cycle occurs downward along the container walls. This ensures rapid mixing of the entire contents and occurs at any filling level of storage container 1. Reference symbol 1 storage container 11 stabilizing elements 2 rotating element 3 basic bodies 31 Top 32 bottom 4 Mixing element 41 concave front 42 first angle 43 second angle 5 Rotation axis 51 Direction of rotation 6 Centering element 7 elongated elevation 8 lids 81 wings

Claims

[1] Device with cooling function for food, comprising a housing with at least one side wall and a cover plate and a storage container (1) in contact with the cover plate of the housing, wherein a motor and at least one cooling device with an operative connection to the storage container (1) are arranged in the housing and the motor and cooling device have a power supply, wherein a magnet holder is further arranged in the housing, which has at least one holding magnet and which can be set into a rotational movement by the motor, and wherein a rotating element (2) is arranged in the storage container (1), which can be rotated about an axis by the motor, characterized by , that the rotating element (2) has a base body (3) and at least one mixing element (4), wherein the at least one mixing element (4) is arranged outside a rotation axis (5) of the rotating element (2) and protrudes from an upper side (31) of the base body (3), wherein the base body (3) is magnetically connected to the at least one holding magnet of the magnetic holder of the housing in such a way that the rotational movement of the magnetic holder is transmitted to the rotating element (2), wherein the storage container (1) has a lid (8), wherein the lid (8) has at least one wing (81) which projects into an interior of the storage container (1), wherein the at least one wing (81) is operatively connected to the at least one mixing element (4) of the rotating element (2). [2] Device with cooling function for food according to claim 1, characterized bythat the at least one mixing element (4) of the rotating element (2) is designed as a circular arc, wherein a concave front side (41) of the circular arc is arranged in the direction of rotation (51) of the rotating element (2). [3] Device with cooling function for food according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that a first angle (42) between the upper side (31) of the base body (3) of the rotating element (2) and the at least one mixing element (4) is obtuse in the direction of rotation (51) of the rotating element (2). [4] Device with cooling function for food according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a second angle (43) between the upper side (31) of the base body (3) of the rotating element (2) and the at least one mixing element (4) is acute in the direction of the side facing away from the axis of rotation (5). [5] Device with cooling function for food according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotating element (2) further comprises at least one centering element (6) which is designed to arrange the axis of rotation (5) of the rotating element (2) centrally in the storage container (1). [6] Device with cooling function for food according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an underside (32) of the rotating element (2) further comprises at least one elongated elevation (7), wherein the at least one elongated elevation (7) extends from the axis of rotation (5) to an outer side of the rotating element (2). [7] Device with cooling function for food according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the storage container (1) can be partially inserted into the housing through the cover plate, wherein the part of the storage container (1) inserted into the housing is at least partially enclosed by a cooling collar arranged below the cover plate. [8] Device with cooling function for food according to claim 7, characterized by that the cooling collar is connected in a cold-conducting manner to at least one electrothermal converter by means of at least one connecting element, wherein the at least one connecting element is arranged planarly on the electrothermal converter and the at least one connecting element is formed on the cooling collar. [9] Device with cooling function for food according to claim 8, characterized by that the electrothermal converter is a Peltier element. [10] Device with cooling function for food according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cooling device is at least partially insulated from other parts of the device with a cooling function. [11] Device with cooling function for food according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a sensor with contact to the storage container is arranged in the housing. [12] Device with cooling function for food according to claim 7, characterized by that the storage container (1) has stabilizing elements (11) on its inside in the area of the cooling collar and / or beyond.

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