Device for containing fresh produce and packaging

Abstract

Device for containing fresh produce, particularly fruit, comprising a cup-shaped receptacle with a space (4) bounded by a wail and provided over at least a part of a height thereof with ventilation openings (45). Conditioning means control a spatial climate in the space and comprise for this purpose a first fan (50) for maintaining a first airflow (L1) which is guided via the ventilation openings into the space. A second fan (60) is also provided for generating and maintaining a second airflow (L2) outside the space (4). The conditioning means comprise a cooling device (30, 35) which enters on a cool side into heat-exchanging contact with the first airflow (L1) upstream of the ventilation openings (45) and extracts heat therefrom. The cooling device (30, 35) is with a warm side in heat-exchanging contact with the second airflow (L2) and at least partially relinquishes the extracted heat thereto. The cooling device comprises a liquid channel with an inlet (55) which opens on the cold side of the cooling device and with an outlet which debouches in a flow path of the second airflow (L2) downstream of the cooling device.

Description

[0001] Device for containing fresh produce, and packaging

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for containing fresh produce, particularly fruit, comprising a cup-shaped receptacle with a space bounded by a wall for receiving the fresh produce therein, which wall is provided over at least a part of a height thereof with a system of ventilation openings, and comprising conditioning means which at least partially control a spatial climate in the space during operation, wherein the conditioning means comprise at least a first fan for generating and maintaining in the receptacle a first airflow which is guided via the ventilation openings through the space, wherein at least a second fan is provided for generating and maintaining a second airflow outside the space, and wherein the conditioning means comprise a cooling device which enters with a cool side into heat-exchanging contact with the first airflow upstream of the ventilation openings and extracts heat therefrom, which cooling device enters with a warm side into heat-exchanging contact with the second airflow and at least partially relinquishes the extracted heat thereto.

[0003] In a further aspect the invention relates to a packaging for a device, which is particularly intended and configured to contain a device according to the invention, comprising a bottom for receiving the device thereon and a box body which is releasable from the bottom and is combined dose-fittingly with the bottom and encloses a product space together therewith. Such a device is described in International patent application WO 2022 / 070081 by applicant, the content of which is referred to and deemed as included herein. The device known therefrom comprises a conditioned fruit bowl provided with conditioning means wherein a cooled airflow is guided through the space in which the fresh produce is contained. This delays a normal ageing process of the fresh produce, whereby the fresh produce can be stored and remains fresh for longer. The cooled airflow is generated and maintained by a fan and cooled by a cooling device which lies concealed in a base of the device.

[0004] In practice, this setup has been found in some circumstances to result in formation of condensation on the surface of the cooling device. This causes moisture to remain in the flow path of the cooled airflow, which may after some time result in mould formation and, on the other hand, proliferation of microorganisms.

[0005] The present invention therefore has for its object, among others, to provide a conditioning receptacle for fresh produce in which an accumulation of moisture, particularly condensation at the cooling device, is prevented.

[0006] In order to achieve the stated object a device of the type described in the preamble has the feature according to the invention that the cooling device is in heat-exchanging contact with a heat exchange-enhancing cooling body on the cold side, that the cooling body enters into heat-exchanging contact with the first airflow on a first side and there comprises a first surface, that the cooling body comprises a liquid channel extending through the cooling body from the first surface to an opposite surface of the cooling body, that the liquid channel opens with an inlet at the first surface, and that the liquid channel debouches via an outlet in a flow path of the second airflow on the warm side of the cooling device.

[0007] The cooling body provides for an increase of heat-exchanging contact of the cooling device with the first airflow and is for this purpose generally characterized by a large number of cooling fins with passages for the airflow therebetween. Condensation which may develop on the cold side of the cooling device and precipitates on the cooling body can here escape directly from the first surface and be evacuated via the liquid channel to the warm side of the cooling device. The higher temperature there enhances a rapid evaporation of the liquid, which is here entrained in the second airflow and guided out of the device.

[0008] For an effective conditioning of the fresh produce and discharge of any moisture which may escape therefrom a particular embodiment of the device has the feature according to the invention that the wall forms part of an inner bowl which is separated from an outer shell by a thermally insulating cavity, and that the inner bowl comprises in a bottom thereof a blow-in opening which is in open communication with the first fan.

[0009] The blow-in opening in the bottom of the inner bowl guides a part of the first airflow into the chamber. On one hand this provides for a part of the cooled airflow which provides for conditioning of the fresh produce. On the other hand this enhances evaporation and evacuation of moisture, particularly condensation, coming from the fresh produce.

[0010] In order to screen the fan via the blow-in opening, both from bodily contact with the user and from parts of the fresh produce and / or dirt, a further embodiment of the device has the feature according to the invention that the bottom comprises at the position of the blow-in opening a recess which is covered by a grid mesh recessed therein, which grid mesh is fixed blindly in the recess but can be released, particularly lifted, therefrom by a rotation about a central axis. Owing to the recessed positioning, the grid mesh can be arranged flush with a surrounding part of the bottom. Owing to the blind fixation, the grid thus appears to form one whole with the bottom, yet a simple rotation suffices for removing the grid.

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention has the feature here that the cooling body has in the first surface a slope running toward the inlet of the liquid channel. The thus provided slope imparts a flow direction to the liquid depositing on the surface. The liquid will hereby automatically flow to the inlet of the liquid channel and then be discharged therethrough. In a further preferred embodiment the device according to the invention has the feature here that the first surface is hydrophobic, particularly in that the first surface is provided with a hydrophobic top layer or coating. The hydrophobic top layer or coating provides here for a water- repellent effect, whereby condensation will cling to lesser extent and will instead run off more readily. An antimicrobial effect can optionally be added thereto or be provided as additional coating.

[0012] In a particular embodiment the device according to the invention has the feature that the cooling device comprises between the cold side and the warm side at least one active cooling element, particularly a Peltier element, which is able and configured to forcibly transport heat from the cold side to the warm side. The forced heat transport provided for by such an active cooling element, particularly by a Peltier element, generally results in a relatively strong temperature gradient between the cold side and warm side thereof, which has a positive effect on the desired moisture discharge.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment the device according to the invention has the feature that a liquid reservoir is provided in a flow path of the second airflow, into which liquid reservoir the liquid channel debouches, and that the reservoir comprises a bottom which inclines upward in a flow direction of the second airflow. Moisture which may have run off from the cold side is thus collected locally in a liquid reservoir intended for the purpose. The upward inclining bottom increases the overall liquid surface and thus enhances evaporation and dissipation in the second airflow. An additional buffer and evaporation surface can otherwise also be realized by providing an absorbent material in situ, such as for instance an open foam or an optionally non- woven textile.

[0014] For the cooling body a monolithic metal body is preferably opted for, owing to the excellent thermal conductivity of metals. It is noted here that, although such a body is usually referred to as cooling body and a cooling effect will actually be imparted to the first airflow thereby on the cold side thereof, such a body will however conversely warm up the second airflow on the opposite side, while the cooling device relinquishes its heat thereto and is therefore cooled. In this respect the prefix 'cooling' must therefore be given a secondary individual definition, or even no individual definition at all, in the context of the cooling body.

[0015] With a view to rapid drying of the device a further particular embodiment of the device has the feature according to the invention that switchable heating means are provided in the flow path of the second airflow in order to impose an increased temperature thereon. Such an accelerated drying is particularly desirable if the device must be taken up, for instance in order to be displaced. With a brief warming in and close to the second airflow any condensation moisture that may remain is brought into the vapour phase and absorbed into the second airflow so as to be discharged instead of leaking away and, when doing so, possibly damaging the electronic components present there.

[0016] The heating means can here particularly be formed by the cooling device, which is in that case operated in reverse.

[0017] For the purpose of generating the second airflow the device comprises at least one second fan, which will usually be motor-driven and thereby entails the risk that it will create a sound pressure on the surrounding area. This is undesirable in for instance a living room or other quiet area. In order to damp any noise nuisance a further preferred embodiment of the device has the feature according to the invention that at least the at least one second fan lies enclosed between a first flexible layer and a second flexible layer, these each being able and configured to absorb vibrations. Any vibrations, which could otherwise be transmitted via the housing of the device to the surrounding area, are thus absorbed as much as possible into the flexible material of the first and second layer. A quieter device is obtained by thus removing the vibration energy. A particular embodiment of the device according to the invention has the feature here that the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer are each formed from an optionally synthetic elastomer or foam, particularly a thermoplastic polyurethane layer or an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) foam.

[0018] Such a luxurious device requires a packaging that does justice thereto. With a view thereto a packaging of the type described in the preamble has the feature according to a further aspect of the invention that in the product space a number of mutually separated flaps are connected to the bottom for free pivoting and support on an inner wall of the box body at an angle of at least 90 degrees relative to the bottom, preferably at an obtuse angle greater than 90 degrees. The flaps which support here on the inner wall of the box body will lose this support when the box body is removed and, owing to their freely pivotable attachment, will descend under the influence of their weight. Opening of the packaging thus gives the impression of a blooming flower whose petals open to reveal the product to the user. This sensation once again confirms the added value of the product for the user. A particular embodiment of the packaging has the feature according to the invention that the flaps are formed on the bottom as an integral whole and form a film hinge with the bottom. The impression that is created during unfolding is therefore not interrupted by anything owing to the packaging in all its simplicity. Unimpeded pivoting action is here enhanced by a preferred embodiment of the packaging according to the invention, characterized in that the film hinge is formed by an incision between the bottom and each of the flaps.

[0019] In order to enhance outward folding of the flaps a preferred embodiment of the packaging has the feature that a spring member, particularly a leaf spring or a torsion spring, preferably of a natural and sustainable materials such as bamboo, is tensioned under bias between each of the flaps and the bottom. The bias of the spring member will be released as soon as the lid is lifted and then forces the flap coupled thereto outward.

[0020] In order to allow the flaps to spread out to a completely flat position a further preferred embodiment of the packaging has the feature according to the invention that the bottom comprises a plate body of a first thickness, that the flaps comprise plate bodies of a second thickness, which second thickness is smaller than the first thickness, and that the flaps extend from the bottom in freely pivotable manner on an upper surface thereof. The flaps thus have the freedom to pivot beyond the upper surface of the bottom and to fall downward completely flat or even sloping slightly downward for an optimal presentation of the contents of the packaging. A particular embodiment of the packaging according to the invention has the feature that the bottom and the box body have a polygonal section and that the flaps extend from the bottom on all sides. The straight sides of such a polygonal section are optimally suited to a linear hinge between the bottom and each of the flaps, while the presence of the flaps on all sides results in a particularly attractive presentation.

[0021] The packaging is preferably composed wholly of reused and / or reusable material. For this purpose a further particular embodiment of the packaging has the feature according to the invention that the bottom, the flaps and the box body are made of cardboard.

[0022] The invention will be further elucidated hereinbelow with reference to an exemplary embodiment and an accompanying drawing. In the drawing:

[0023] Figure 1 shows a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a device for containing fresh produce according to the invention;

[0024] Figure 2 shows a cut-away second isometric view of the device of figure 1;

[0025] Figure 3 once again shows the cut-away second isometric view of figure 2 with a liquid flow therein;

[0026] Figure 4 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a packaging according to the invention for the device of figure 1, in closed position;

[0027] Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the packaging of figure 4 in a first stage of making the content thereof accessible; Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the packaging of figure 4 in a second stage of making the content accessible;

[0028] Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the packaging of figure 4 in a final stage of making the content accessible;

[0029] Figure 8 shows an isometric view of only the bottom of the packaging of figure 4;

[0030] Figure 9 shows a top view of a first filter device for application in the device of figure 1;

[0031] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an inner bowl of the device of figure 1 with a grid mesh recessed into a bottom thereof;

[0032] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the grid mesh of figure 10 in a state in which it has been lifted from the bottom;

[0033] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the grid mesh of figure 10 in a state in which it has been released wholly from the bottom;

[0034] Figure 13 shows a bottom view of the cooling body applied in the device of figure

[0035] 1; and

[0036] Figure 14 shows a cross-section of the cooling device with the cooling body of figure 13, as applied in the device of figure 1.

[0037] It is otherwise noted here that the figures are purely schematic and not always drawn to (the same) scale. Some dimensions in particular may be exaggerated to greater or lesser extent for the sake of clarity. Corresponding parts are designated in the figures with the same reference numeral. The apparatus of figures 1 and 2 comprises a hollow pedestal 10 on which a cup- shaped bowl 20 rests. The bowl takes a multi-walled form comprising an inner bowl 4, an outer shell 2 and an intermediate wall 3. The inner bowl 4 surrounds chamber in which fresh produce, particularly fruit, can be received. For this purpose the inner bowl

[0038] 4 is accessible over its full cross-section on an upper side via an opening which is bounded by an inward projecting edge 5 of outer shell 2. In order to be able to clean inner bowl 4 in simple manner if desired, inner bowl 4 is wholly removable to enable it to be cleaned in for instance a dishwasher. The edge 5 is also wholly removable. For fixation of edge 5 over inner bowl 4 and outer shell 2 protrusions (not shown) are provided thereon all around, which protrusions are received in clamping and optionally snapping manner in the insulation between the two walls 2, 4 so that the ring 5 is secured well but can nevertheless be removed at any time.

[0039] For an extra attractive appearance of the apparatus an LED ring (not shown), which is controllable in different colours, can optionally be arranged all around in edge 5. This

[0040] LED ring can be set via a suitable user interface such as an app of a smart phone. The ring is particularly controlled dynamically, wherein the ring appears to rotate in counter-clockwise direction as a sign that decay of the contained produce is being delayed. The pedestal 10 is composed of a bottom plate 101 and a housing 102 resting thereon, in which housing a number of components of the device is accommodated. In order to suppress transmission of vibrations and sound as a result of these components from housing 102 to the bottom plate a flexible synthetic rubber layer (not shown) is provided between the two parts. This can for instance be arranged from EPDM on the boundary surface of the two parts 101, 102 by overmoulding after these parts themselves were for instance manufactured from a suitable plastic, such as for instance

[0041] ABS, by injection moulding. Flexible feet (pads) 103, with which bottom plate 101 will rest on a ground surface, are also arranged on an underside of bottom plate 101 from the same material. These and other measures have the object of making operation of the device completely silent, or at least quiet, as far as possible.

[0042] Inner bowl 4 is advantageously formed at relatively low cost in the form of a single moulded part of a suitable plastic, such as ABS, by means of injection moulding.

[0043] Externally, bowl 20 has an aesthetically attractive or even luxurious outer shell 2. If desired, outer shell 2 of bowl 20 can for instance be provided with a metallic or high- gloss coating in order to give the apparatus an exclusive appearance. For this same purpose the outer shell 2 can also be partially or even wholly formed from or covered with metal or a natural product such as wood or textile.

[0044] Pedestal 10 can be provided outside the plane of the drawing with a main control switch with which the device can be switched on or off. Switching on and off alternatively takes place by optionally connecting an electric power supply. In this example use is made for this purpose of a standard port for a plug of a cable to an external power supply which provides the device with a 12 Volt direct current or another suitable voltage. Instead or in addition thereto the pedestal 10 can optionally also have a battery compartment in which an optionally rechargeable battery or accumulator can be received for wireless use of the apparatus. Just as bowl 20, pedestal

[0045] 10 can advantageously be constructed at relatively low cost from parts of a suitable plastic, such as ABS, and it is here also possible to opt for a more luxurious finish by providing at least the outer side of pedestal 10 with a metallic or high-gloss coating.

[0046] For this same purpose the outer side of pedestal 10 can also be partially or even wholly formed from or covered with metal or a natural product such as wood or textile.

[0047] The construction of the cooling device of the apparatus is further elucidated in the cross-section of figure 2. The outer shell 2 falls around the inner bowl 4 and here maintains a mutual cavity 7 relative to the inner shell. The two bowl parts 2, 4 are for this purpose held at a distance from each other by an insulating foam body of a high- grade thermally insulating polymer foam, such as for instance expanded polypropylene, which divides the cavity 7 into a number of successive air channels 8. These air channels

[0048] 8 are accessible via a surrounding gap 9 which opens under the edge 5 of outer shell 2 and is directed toward the interior space of inner bowl 4. At an opposite outer end the air channels 8 run to a cooling body 35 which is thermally coupled to a cold side of a cooling device 30 accommodated in pedestal 10.

[0049] In order to prevent dirt or dust from entering the channels 8 a filter device 100 is arranged all around and over edge 5, see figure 9. This covers the cavity 7 all around, but also comprises for each cavity channel 8 an inlet opening 105 over which is stretched a fine filter mesh 110, for instance of stainless steel or a suitable plastic, which allows for an adequate airflow but is sufficiently fine to stop dust and dirt. The cooling body 35 comprises a large number of radially running cooling fins 37 which maintain a mutual distance through which the airflow L1 is drawn in from air channels 8 through a centrally disposed fan 50, see also figures 13 and 14. Cooling body 35 is formed together with cooling fins 37 as an integral whole in the form of a monolithic workpiece of aluminium or other good thermal conductor. The cooling device 30 with which the cooling body 35 is in heat-exchanging contact comprises an active heat exchanger. In this embodiment the heat exchanger is formed by a set of

[0050] Peltier elements 30. The Peltier elements 30 are connected with their cold side to cooling body 35 and maintain a conductive thermal contact therewith. At its free surface the cooling body 35 comprises the cooling fins 37. The airflow drawn in by fan

[0051] 50 is thus cooled in effective manner and the thus cooled airflow L1 is guided into bowl

[0052] 4 by fan 50.

[0053] The cup-shaped inner bowl 4 is covered in a bottom part 4A thereof with a system of ventilation openings 45 which are in open communication with an outlet of fan 50 so as to receive a cooled airflow L1 therefrom. The cooled airflow is received upstream of the openings 45 in a narrow cavity 55 between bottom part 4A of inner bowl 4 and an intermediate wall 3. The intermediate wall 3 is formed wholly from a thermal conductor such as a metal, for instance by deep drawing a sheet body of aluminium, and is thermally coupled to the cold side of cooling device 30, 35. On an upper side the cavity between inner bowl 3 and bottom part 4A is hermetically sealed all around by a rubber sealing profile 43. The cooled air flowing in can hereby escape only via the ventilation openings 45 provided for this purpose. Located centrally in a bottom of the intermediate wall 3 is a blow-out opening of fan 50 which guides the airflow L1 directly into the chamber in inner bowl 4. In order to prevent any dust or dirt from being able to penetrate to the bottom of the device via this opening a grid mesh 200 is arranged therein, see also figures 10-12, this having a fine-meshed filter gauze 220 of stainless steel or a suitable plastic for obstructing dirt and dust The filter gauze 220 is dimensioned such that the airflow L1 experiences sufficient aerodynamic resistance therefrom, such that the airflow L1 is guided mainly also to the cavity 55. The screen 200 falls into a recess 42 formed in the bottom of inner bowl 4. The screen is fixed therein by a set of magnets 44 in or close to the bottom of inner bowl 4 which exert an attraction on a circumferential ring of the screen in which a ferromagnetic material is incorporated. A blind fitting which connects to the surrounding course of inner bowl 4 can thus be achieved.

[0054] In order to be able to remove the screen as desired, protrusions 204 are arranged all around on the underside thereof, these in each case inclining upward gradually and lying between elevations 46 in the bottom of inner bowl 4. In this embodiment these latter elevations 46 comprise the heads of screw bolts with which inner bowl 4 is fastened to cooling body 35, although these can optionally also be provided in other manner and optionally as integral part of the bottom. A rotation of screen 200 will cause the protrusion 240 formed thereon to run up against such an elevation 46 and thus lift up automatically and remove itself from the magnetic attraction. This is shown schematically in figures 11 and 12. An alternative lifting and releasing of mesh 200 can be brought about by a screw thread or bayonet, although the shown embodiment has been found to be particularly user-friendly in practice. For the purpose of a good grip a relief, which moreover indicates a correct direction of rotation, is arranged in the upper side of the screen.

[0055] The conductive intermediate wall 3 provides for a more homogeneous thermal distribution of the low temperature over the cavity 55 leading to inner bowl 4. This is conducive for cooled airflow L1 entering the chamber via ventilation openings 45 with a more uniform temperature everywhere. In addition, the cavity 55 created between intermediate wall 3 and the bottom part 4A of inner bowl 4 provides a chamber in which a pressure buildup and balancing occurs between the air displacing means on one hand and the ventilation openings on the other. This functions as a plenum which is also conducive for the air pressure of the airflow through the different ventilation openings being substantially the same and being less dependent on the distance relative to the fan.

[0056] The system of ventilation openings 45 extends along roughly half the height of the inner wall and the ventilation openings are here placed in mathematically determined manner as points along mathematical curves imposed by a Fibonacci sequence. The curves thereby spiral radially outward from a centre, whereby the ventilation openings produce an optimal flow pattern. The cooled air L1 spreads via ventilation openings 45 over almost the whole surface of the bottom 4A of bowl 4 and thereby over the fresh produce, such as particularly fruit, placed in the bowl. A reduced temperature will thus prevail around the fresh produce in the bowl relative to the environment outside the bowl, which keeps the fresh produce in a fresh condition for longer.

[0057] The cooled airflow L1 furthermore discharges any gases which may form during ripening of the fresh produce and might otherwise give a less fresh impression. This relates particularly to ethylene, which is released when some types of fruit ripen and which can affect the shelf life of a different fruit or fruits. Such gases, also referred to as ripening hormone, are evacuated from the device in effective manner by the cooled airflow L1. Because the cooled airflow L1 is carried almost directly from the cooling device to the perforated bottom 4A of the bowl, an energy loss (i.e. heating of the airflow) is limited to a minimum. Both effects together ensure that the fresh produce has a considerably longer shelf life and remains in good condition for a long time.

[0058] In order to adequately discharge the heat extracted from the airflow by the cooling device with the cooling body 35 and the cooling fins 37 a second airflow 12 is maintained over the warm side of the Peltier elements 30. This airflow is generated by a set of powerful, low-noise fans 60 in pedestal 10, which are placed between an air inlet

[0059] 61 and an air outlet 62. The Peltier elements 30 are each provided on their warm side with a thermal block 70 with cooling fins 75 for enhancing this heat transfer to the second airflow 12.

[0060] In order to damp audible vibrations and noise from the fans the two fans 60 lie enclosed between a first flexible layer 81 and a second flexible layer 82, these each being able and configured to absorb vibrations, see figure 1. For this purpose use is made for both layers 81, 82 of continuous sleeve 80 of an optionally synthetic elastomer or foam from which the layers are formed, particularly from a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), typically with a rubber hardness of 60 shore A or less.

[0061] Besides heat, any condensation having formed on the cold side of cooling device 30, 35 is likewise discharged by the second airflow 12. For this purpose the cooling body 35 comprises a liquid channel 90 which leads from the cold side downward to a liquid reservoir 65 in pedestal 10, see also figures 13 and 14. The liquid channel 90 extends from the cold surface 33 through cooling body 35 and comprises roughly centrally in cooling body 35 an inlet 95 which forms a condensation discharge. On this cold side the surface 33 of cooling body 35 has on all sides a slight slope tp, see figure 14, toward the inlet 95 of the condensation discharge in order to enhance expelling of condensation from the cold side. The whole cooling body is preferably provided with a microbial coating or the material thereof is geared to a microbial effect so that development and proliferation of microorganisms thereon is prevented. If desired, this surface 33 can take a hydrophobic form, for instance by a suitable material choice or by provision of a hydrophobic coating, to enhance expelling of condensation from surface

[0062] 33.

[0063] Downstream of fans 60, on the warm side 35 of the Peltier elements, outlet 96 of liquid channel 90 opens into the flow path of the second airflow 12 which is maintained over the warm side of the Peltier elements. Airflow 12 will thereby have already heated up to some extent before the airflow travels over reservoir 65. The condensation water collected therein can thus evaporate and be entrained via outlet 62 out of the apparatus by the warm airflow 12. In order to increase a contact surface of the liquid with the airflow 12 the reservoir 65 has a bottom 66 which inclines slightly upward toward air outlet 62. This moreover prevents condensation from the reservoir from being able to escape from the apparatus in liquid form. The flow path 99 to the collecting reservoir 65 can optionally be embodied in stepped manner and / or with a slight downward slope so as to thereby form a number of successive terraces on which the liquid is received, held and spread in order to enhance quicker evaporation thereof.

[0064] An absorbent body or cloth can also be applied in the flow path, for instance a non- woven textile, in order to temporarily hold the condensation and enhance evaporation thereof.

[0065] In order to achieve evaporation of condensation with the second airflow the device comprises switchable heating means (not shown) in the flow path of the second airflow. The second airflow and the surrounding area are heated by controlling the heating means. Owing to the thus increased air temperature at the bottom of the device, any moisture which may still be present therein will evaporate and be absorbed into the second airflow more quickly.

[0066] This blow dryer effect is particularly desirable if the device is physically taken up, for instance in order to be displaced. In this case this drying function can be activated optionally autonomously, for instance on the basis of an output signal of a motion sensor such as a gyroscope. The control device then controls fans 60 to a higher rotational speed and activates the heating means to thus blow the device dry before the device is taken up. The heating means can optionally be formed by the same Peltier elements that also provide for the cooling of the chamber but are in this mode operated in opposite manner by reversing the flow direction. This function is particularly present in the device in order to avoid water damage to the electronic components at the bottom of the device when the device is displaced as a whole.

[0067] It is possible to provide inside and outside the device sensors (not shown), such as an air humidity sensor and a temperature sensor, which continuously register the climate in chamber 4 and share this with the control device in pedestal 10. The control unit moreover receives measurement data from optional further sensors, such as the temperature sensors of the Peltier elements, a temperature sensor of cooling body 25 and a power sensor of the fans 50, 60 for indicating the current airflows LI, L2. On the basis of these measurement data exchanged with the control unit the control device is able to monitor the process and, where necessary, adjust it in order to maintain optimal conditions for the fresh produce in the chamber. A temperature in the chamber is here particularly monitored by the control device subject to the fresh produce and, if necessary, adjusted by ensuring an optimal air circulation over the fresh produce.

[0068] If desired, pedestal 10 can otherwise provide space for various accessories (not shown), such as for instance a loudspeaker / microphone combination which enables the apparatus to be used as audio player and recorder. In combination with a telecommunications module serving for this purpose, such as for instance a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi chip and antenna, a connection can be made to for instance a smart phone or

[0069] (tablet) computer. This moreover provides a means for exchanging the current status of the apparatus and the storage conditions of the product in the chamber with a user and optionally a Cloud service for monitoring and improving the device via an application serving for this purpose, which was installed on such an electronic device for this purpose and which can furthermore provide for a control of the device.

[0070] The range of sensors can also be expanded and comprise for instance a weight sensor which measures a weight of the actual fresh produce content in the bowl and generates this to the control device as a value. On the basis thereof the airflows can be adjusted and optionally be limited, and the user can thereby also be provided with current information regarding his / her fruit stock and an order can optionally be placed automatically in order to replenish the supply. The device can be expanded with one or more internal image recorders such as cameras and sensors in order to monitor a condition of the product and optionally perform image recognition of a hand of the user in order to monitor and optionally adjust his or her eating pattern.

[0071] All in all, the invention provides an interactive apparatus for fresh produce, such as particularly fruit, which keeps the produce fresh for longer and which optionally gives the user insight and control in respect of the condition and quantity of the produce kept therein. For the benefit of the apparatus the invention also provides an innovative packaging.

[0072] An exemplary embodiment thereof is shown in figures 4-8. Figure 4 shows here the packaging in a fully closed position. The packaging comprises a bottom 110 in combination with a box body 120 which falls close-fittingly onto or over the bottom

[0073] 110 so as to together contain an internal product space in which a device such as the apparatus of figures 1-3 can be received. Both parts 110, 120 of the packaging are composed substantially wholly of reused and / or reusable material, for which use is in this embodiment made of cardboard sheet As shown in the figure, both the box body and the bottom have a polygonal, that is square, section.

[0074] The bottom 110 has on each of the four sides of bottom 110 a flap 111..114 extending therefrom as an integral part, see figures 5-8. The flaps 111..114 are connected to the plate-like bottom 110 by a film hinge 115 and are thereby freely pivotable relative to bottom 110. Film hinge 115 can be formed in simple manner by an incision over a part of a thickness of the material. This weakening furthermore causes the flaps to rest against the inner side of the box body in the closed position shown in figure 4. In this position the flaps form an angle a of a maximum of 90 degrees with bottom 110.

[0075] As soon as box body 120 is removed, see figure 5, the flaps 111.. 114 lose their support so that they will descend due to their weight under the influence of the force of gravity, see figures 6 and 7. The weakening in the form of the film hinge 115 forces the flaps to do so. A wholly flat final position, see figure 7, is here further enhanced in that the bottom 110 has a greater wall thickness d1 than the flaps, which only have a wall thickness d2. Film hinges 115 form part of the upper surface of bottom 110 so that, toward the final position of figure 7, the flaps 111.. 114 even settle down slightly downward. This process takes place in mere seconds, but is thereby sufficiently slow to reveal the product to the user only gradually.

[0076] Optionally also formed on bottom 110 is a holder 116, see figure 8, for accessories such as a power adapter and a connecting cable for the mains electricity. The holder can also comprise a compartment 118, for instance for a user manual and / or cleaning cloth. All in all, the invention thereby provides an interactive packaging that reflects the luxuriousness and appearance aimed for with the apparatus.

[0077] Although the invention has been further elucidated above with reference to only a single exemplary embodiment, it will be apparent that the invention is by no means limited thereto. On the contrary, many variations and embodiments are still possible within the scope of the invention for a person with ordinary skill in the art. The exemplary embodiments are thus based on a receptacle which is completely open from the top, but the chamber therein can also be wholly or partially covered with a lid or an optionally framed insect screen for the purpose of a further covering of the fresh produce received therein. It is particularly possible to apply a lid which keeps out infrared and / or ultraviolet radiation detrimental to the preservation of the fresh produce. In this respect an electrochromic or otherwise switchable coating in combination with a proximity sensor and optionally internal lighting is preferred in order to restore or ensure sufficient visibility of the fresh produce.

Claims

Claims:

1. Device for containing fresh produce, particularly fruit, comprising a cup-shaped receptacle with a space bounded by a wall for receiving the fresh produce therein, which wall is provided over at least a part of a height thereof with a system of ventilation openings, and comprising conditioning means which at least partially control a spatial climate in the space during operation, wherein the conditioning means comprise at least a first fan for generating and maintaining in the receptacle a first airflow which is guided via the ventilation openings through the space, wherein at least a second fan is provided for generating and maintaining a second airflow outside the space, and wherein the conditioning means comprise a cooling device which enters with a cool side into heat-exchanging contact with the first airflow upstream of the ventilation openings and extracts heat therefrom, which cooling device enters with a warm side into heat-exchanging contact with the second airflow and at least partially relinquishes the extracted heat thereto, characterized in that the cooling device is in heat-exchanging contact with a heat exchange-enhancing cooling body on the cold side, that the cooling body enters into heat-exchanging contact with the first airflow on a first side and there comprises a first surface, that the cooling body comprises a liquid channel extending through the cooling body from the first surface to an opposite surface of the cooling body, that the liquid channel opens with an inlet at the first surface, and that the liquid channel debouches via an outlet in a flow path of the second airflow on the warm side of the cooling device.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling device comprises between the cold side and the warm side at least one active cooling element, particularly a Peltier element, which is able and configured to forcibly transport heat from the cold side to the warm side.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cooling body has in the first surface a slope running toward the inlet of the liquid channel.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first surface is hydrophobic, particularly in that the first surface is provided with a hydrophobic and optionally also antimicrobial top layer or coating.

5. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a liquid reservoir is provided in a flow path of the second airflow, into which liquid reservoir the liquid channel debouches, and that the reservoir comprises a bottom which inclines upward in a flow direction of the second airflow and is optionally provided with an absorbent body or cloth.

6. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling body comprises a monolithic metal body.

7. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the at least one second fan lies enclosed between a first flexible layer and a second flexible layer, these each being able and configured to absorb vibrations.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer are each formed from an optionally synthetic elastomer or foam, particularly from a thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).

9. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that switchable heating means are provided in the flow path of the second airflow in order to impose an increased temperature thereon.

10. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall forms part of an inner bowl which is separated from an outer shell by a thermally insulating cavity, and that the inner bowl comprises in a bottom thereof a blow-in opening which is in open communication with the first fan.

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the bottom comprises at the position of the blow-in opening a recess which is covered by a grid mesh recessed therein, which grid mesh is fixed blindly in the recess but can be released, particularly lifted, therefrom by a rotation about a central axis.

12. Packaging for a device comprising a bottom for receiving the device thereon and a box body which is releasable from the bottom and is combined close-f ittingly with the bottom and encloses a product space together therewith, characterized in that in the product space a number of mutually separated flaps are connected to the bottom for free pivoting and support on an inner wall of the box body at an angle of at least 90 degrees relative to the bottom, preferably at an obtuse angle greater than 90 degrees.

13. Packaging according to claim 12, characterized in that the flaps are formed on the bottom as an integral whole and form a film hinge with the bottom.

14. Packaging according to claim 13, characterized in that the film hinge is formed by an incision between the bottom and each of the flaps.

15. Packaging according to claim 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that a spring member, particularly a leaf spring or a torsion spring, is tensioned under bias between each of the flaps and the bottom.

16. Packaging according to one or more of the claims 12-15, characterized in that the bottom comprises a plate body of a first thickness, that the flaps comprise plate bodies of a second thickness, which second thickness is smaller than the first thickness, and that the flaps extend from the bottom in freely pivotable manner on an upper surface thereof.

17. Packaging according to one or more of the claims 12-16, characterized in that the bottom and the box body have a polygonal section and that the flaps extend from the bottom on all sides.

18. Packaging according to one or more of the claims 12-17, characterized in that the bottom, the flaps and the box body are manufactured from cardboard.

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