DE202005002736U1 - Modular cooling arrangement for stored in storage containers refrigerated goods - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular cooling arrangement for stored in storage containers refrigerated goods, such as stored in boxes beverage containers, beverage kegs or transport boxes for chunky refrigerated goods, consisting of
a) at least one bottom open, inherently rigid heat-insulating jacket module (10A) for at least partially wrapping or complete receiving at least one storage container and
b) at least one opening (15) of the heat-insulating jacket module (10A) receiving a cooling element (20; 30);
wherein a lower edge of the bottom open jacket module (10A) directly on a storage container supporting pad and / or on at least one other inherently rigid, in particular designed as a floor module or as a receiving module heat-insulating jacket module (10B) is placed.

Description

The The invention relates to a modular cooling arrangement for in storage containers stored refrigerated goods, like in boxes preserved beverage containers, beverage kegs or transport boxes for chunky chilled goods.

To the Cool larger quantities of drinks, especially at smaller events where professional Large appliances are not be available and the use of refrigerators for lack of mobility and missing Possibility, to accommodate larger containers, excretes are thermally insulated boxes known, their capacity are tuned to the inclusion of a whole beer box.

From the DE 75 19163 U1 Such a cold box made of rigid foam is known, which consists of two identical half-boxes, whose edges are designed for pairwise assembly. Another beer box cooler is from the DE 203 14 592 U1 according to which an open-top box made of insulating material has the internal size for receiving a beer crate, with a corresponding lid closes the cooler and allows both the loading of a whole beer crate and the removal of beer bottles. Finally, under the name "IsoTitan" a cool box according to DE 203 14 592 U1 known, in which the box base has a so-called inliner known for coolers and in which in the pivotable lid in addition a thermoelectric cooling element is arranged in a corresponding cover opening.

While the non-cooled boxes make the use of cooling batteries or the like necessary, as for example from the DE 200 12 229 U1 are known, the on-market actively coolable beer crate coolers are relatively expensive and otherwise completely inflexible, since they are designed for a single beer crate of specific size.

From that Based on the object of the invention, a particularly inexpensive cooling arrangement for beverage crates, beverage kegs or Transport crates for lumpy refrigerated and the like. Preferably, one is as versatile as possible usable cooling arrangement.

Is solved This object is achieved by a modular cooling arrangement of the aforementioned Kind, which from at least one below open, in itself rigid heat-insulating Sheath module for at least partial coverage or complete recording at least a storage box and further comprising at least one cooling element receiving opening of the heat-insulating Sheath module having a lower edge of the bottom open Sheath module indirectly on a storage container carrying Underlay and / or on at least one other inwardly rigid, as a floor module or as a receiving module designed heat-insulating Sheath module can be placed.

By the modular structure of the cooling arrangement is an exceptionally inexpensive production possible. The bottom open jacket module, which also accommodates the cooling element, is just over that to be cooled storage container slipped.

It is now possible in various ways to design modular cooling arrangements on the basis of the aforementioned basic idea:
In a first embodiment, a one-piece or multi-part downwardly rigid, heat-insulating sheath module in the form of an upside down box, wherein the cooling element is located in the top "box bottom" and with its lower edge directly on a The use or non-use of such a further jacket module depends, on the one hand, on the degree of cooling desired and, on the other hand, on the need to accommodate / accommodate further elements of the modular cooling arrangement from.

at another embodiment, which also in combination with the first-mentioned embodiment is usable, the cooling arrangement is made a plurality of inherently rigid heat-insulating jacket modules, which are stackable so that a usable space of variable size is created. This can be done by adding further jacket modules of the refrigerator for accommodating a second or further Aufbawahrungsbehältnisse, e.g. Beverage boxes, size-adjusted expanded become.

Around the modular cooling arrangement even without an external electrical power source to operate can, can at least one accumulator in an opening of a jacket module be housed. additionally can a device for recharging the accumulator in the same or another Be arranged recess. As a result, a self-sufficient cooling arrangement created that despite pleasing Shape design of the thermal conditions of accumulators does justice.

A removal of cooled Good from the cooling arrangement can be achieved by a separate removal opening in a sheath module, for example in the form of another opening of the heat-insulating jacket module, which if desired is also designed to be closed.

A particularly high application flexibility is achieved when the cooling element, an accumulator and / or removal closure releasably in an opening a heat-insulating Sheath module is used. If this is the openings optional at least two of the modules cooling element, Accumulator or removal lock can record, the flexibility of use even further elevated.

The the aforementioned and the claimed and in the embodiments described to be used according to the invention Components are subject in size, shape design, Material selection and technical conception no special exceptions, So that the in the field of application known selection criteria unrestricted application can find

Further Details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention emerge from the subclaims, and from the following description of the accompanying drawings and Table, in which - by way of example - several embodiments are shown. In the drawing show:

1A : A drum cooler in vertical section (section along the line IA-IA according to 1B );

1B : The same drum cooler in a 90 ° rotated vertical section (section along the line IB-IB according to 1A );

1C : same barrel cooler in view - from below without pedestal and without barrel (view AA according to 1A );

2A : The same drum cooler in side view (view CC according to 2 B );

2 B : the same drum cooler in front view (view DD according to 2A );

2C : the same drum cooler in top view (view BB according to 1B );

3 an alternative embodiment of the drum cooler after 1A in the same sectional view as there;

4 An alternative embodiment of the drum cooler (double drum cooler) in the view as in 1C ;

5A : another double drum cooler in an alternative embodiment too 4 in vertical section (section along the line VA-VA according to 5B );

5B : the same drum cooler in top view (view FF according to 5C );

5C : same drum cooler in rear view (view EE according to 5B );

6A A further alternative embodiment of a drum cooler (four-drum cooler) in the same view as in 1C and 4 ;

6B : same four-barrel cooler in top view;

7A a further alternative of a modular cooling arrangement (box cooler) in vertical section for two beverage crates;

7B : The same box cooler in side view (narrow side as in 7A )

8A an alternative embodiment of the box cooler after 7A for three crates in vertical section;

8B : the same box cooler in side view (broadside);

9A : another box cooler in broadside view for a beverage case;

9B : the same box cooler in vertical section;

9C : the same box cooler in top view (view GG according to 9A );

10 an accumulator module for use in one of the box coolers according to 9A to 14 in top view;

11 : an alternative embodiment to the box cooler after 7A in narrow side view;

12 : Another alternative embodiment of the box cooler after 8A in broadside view;

13 : Another alternative embodiment of the box cooler after 8A in broadside view;

14 : Another alternative embodiment of the box cooler after 9A for a drinks box as well

15 an alternative embodiment of a lowermost shell module 10B for recording min at least one of the cooling module.

The invention will first be described for a first group of embodiments with reference to FIGS 1A to 6B described in which various versions of drum coolers are provided, and then with reference to a second group of embodiments according to 7A to 14 , in which different versions of beverage cooler are illustrated explained.

Both groups consist of modular cooling arrangements - as will become clear below:
1A shows in vertical section a modular cooling arrangement for refrigerated goods stored in storage containers in the form of a drum cooler, wherein the storage container is a drum, in particular for drinks. The upright, in side view slightly crowned beverage barrel 1 is from a first jacket module pushed over it 10A wrapped up to its footprint from above and on the side. It rests on a base-like, designed as a floor module or as a receiving module further, inherently rigid, heat-insulating second sheath module 10B , on the surrounding slightly raised edge strip 11 on which the circumferential lower edge strip 12 of the first jacket module 10A seated. A suitable, in the embodiment dome-shaped edge recess 13 allows access to a bunghole of the beverage keg 1 and the outlet of an associated tap 14 , In the ceiling area of the first jacket module 10A there is an opening 15 , which is designed circular-cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment. It serves to accommodate a cooling element, such as an active cooling module 20 or a passive cooling module 30 corresponding cross-section which, for example, with the aid of a circumferential flange on the first sheath module 10A can be supported so that outside air is kept substantially away from the interior of the jacket module and the cooling module is held in a position in which a, usually only a small distance from the beverage barrel top is met. The active cooling module 20 can be operated electrically via batteries, a mains rectifier or other mains supply and causes the cooling by means of per se known thermoelectric elements or a compression-driven refrigerant circuit or an absorber cooling unit. A handle 20A allows easy exchange, as he said on the basis of 4 to 6B will be explained in more detail. - Such an exchangeable active cooling module is of independent inventive importance, regardless of the remaining cooling arrangement.

The second sheath module 10B is - in this embodiment - below open and encloses a bottom recess 16 , which is circular-cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment. The bottom recess 16 can accommodate one together with the second sheath module 10B on any floor surface 9 mounted memory module to provide cold energy, such as an accumulator for electrical energy or a cold storage (passive cooling module 30 ), which is expediently formed circular cylindrical. Passive cooling modules are known per se and may for example consist of a liquid-filled plastic container, wherein the liquid filling has a suitably fixed freezing point and after freezing, the latent heat required for defrosting the environment can escape. The shape of the passive cooling module is preferably chosen so that it can be exchanged as it is or used in a holder against the active cooling module. For this type of use, the passive cooling module 30 in waiting position of a heat protection cover 30A be covered to minimize the loss of cold as possible. Such passive cooling modules are of independent inventive importance and can also be used advantageously differently than in modular cooling arrangements such as drum coolers.

The second sheath module 10B is with a marginal recess 17 provided on the one hand as a viewing window so as to obtain a control over the presence or absence of a passive cooling module in the bottom recess. In addition, the Randaussparnung serves 17 with appropriate cross-sectional design as a tap aid, in particular for receiving a drinking vessel below the tap 14 , For this purpose, the cross section of the edge recess 17 on the lower cross section of the edge recess 13 of the first jacket module 10A tuned, like that 1A . 1C and 2 B removable. A drinking vessel can therefore be on the floor surface 9 be absorbed within the outwardly cross-sectional widening edge recess so that the drink from the tap 14 is caught without further ado.

In the alternative embodiment according to 3 it is a barrel cooler without floor module. The only jacket module 10A is a little bit longer than in the first embodiment, so that it with its lower edge strip 12 directly on a floor 9 can sit on which also the drinks barrel 1 seated. In this case, the ground becomes 9 preferably formed by a tap stool, so that for placing drinking vessels under the tap 14 enough space remains. As long as no drink is tapped and the modular cooling arrangement is only kept in readiness, beverage keg can 1 and sheath module 10A also stand on a non-elevated surface.

As can be seen, in both variants of a modular drum cooler, it is possible in a simple manner to transport the individual components, including the beverage keg, separately and then to join them together, because the sheath module 10A just needs the beverage barrel 1 to be put on. In a simple embodiment, it is therefore within the meaning of the invention also possible, the cooling element (active or passive cooling module) fixed, in particular permanently with the jacket module 10A connect to. Drum coolers of the type shown and described are thus independent of a modularity of the structure of independent inventive importance.

According to the embodiments 4 to 6B these are variants of the embodiments 1A to 3B for several storage containers of refrigerated goods, in particular for beverage kegs. As far as shows 4A in bottom view, a Zweifasskühlanordnung above each barrel receives an active or passive cooling element in corresponding openings, wherein for each beverage keg 1 . 2 an independent tap 14 in a corresponding edge recess 13 is provided. Thus it can be tapped from both beverage barrels, the Zapfstel len are arranged diametrically opposite each other in this embodiment.

5A to 5C show a two-way cooler in opposite 4A slightly modified way. The difference is essentially that the two taps side by side, so on a broad side of the jacket module 10A are arranged. In addition, this embodiment shows that the sheath module 10A instead of the same with unequal cooling elements can be provided - here an active cooling module 20 on the one hand and a passive cooling module 30 on the other hand, wherein in the second sheath module 10B a passive cooling module 30 in appropriate heat protection cases 30A and an electrical supply module, such as a recharging module 60 or a mains rectifier are housed. The recharging module may be an electric battery charger, while a mains rectifier directly supplies a DC powered cooling unit via an electrical power supply; or the recharge module has a dual function of serving as a charger for charging the passive cooling module or as a mains-powered DC power supply for the active cooling module.

The embodiment according to 6A and 6B shows a four-barreled beverage cooler with taps on all four corners. Otherwise, the illustrations correspond to the aforementioned embodiments. Otherwise, in 6B a blind plug 40 to recognize, so that not all four openings of the jacket module 10A must be equipped with cooling elements.

According to the embodiments 7A to 14 it is a box cooler for coolable whole beverage crates 5 . 6 . 7 ,

Out 7A it can be seen that two stackable shell modules 10A and 10B cuboid interiors 19 enclose, each sufficient to a beverage box 5 respectively. 6 to record with sufficient play. The first jacket module 10A is divided into a lid area 10A ' and a sidewall area 10A '' , The second sheath module 10B is in a ground area 10B ' and a sidewall area 10B '' divided. These areas each represent independent components which can be joined together via edge fits. Two in plan roughly rectangular openings 15 in the lid area 10A ' each takes a form-fitting active cooling module 20 on, which in a suitable manner to the jacket module 10A supported to its cooling surface in the best possible position to the beverage box 5 bring to.

8A and 8B differ from the embodiment according to 7A . 7B only in that a third jacket module 10C between the jacket modules 10A and 10B is inserted. Because of the sidewall areas 10A '' and 10B '' separate embodiments of the lid area 10A ' and floor area 10B ' can the third jacket module 10C ' as well as the sidewall areas 10A '' and 10B '' be shaped. This is a multiple-stackability given the accommodation needs of one, two or three crates accordingly. Always the same elements for lid area 10A , Floor area 10B or the sidewall areas are used. A limit is set at best by the stability or the cooling capacity of the cooling elements.

9A and 9B show how the same in themselves rigid heat-insulating jacket modules, as in the embodiments according to 7A to 8B were used, even for a single beverage box 5 can be used. This - as in the previous embodiment after 3 - Even without having to use a bottom area, because in this case the beverage crate and the sheath module 10A on the surface (ground 9 ) get up. Out 9B It can also be seen that one of the preferably several openings on the top of the sheath module 10A from a sampling module 50 can be closed. This can be a simple lid with a handle 50A act, as well as the active cooling module 20 from the opening 15 is detachable and can be removed or has a frame with a flap. This will be the Content of the drinks box accessible from above and thus the removal of beverage containers such as bottles or cans easily possible. If one side of the drinks box is already emptied, the sheath module needs 10A only to be rotated 180 ° about a vertical axis on the beverage box as to be placed. Alternatively, the active cooling module 20 and the withdrawal module 50 be interchanged.

10 also shows a passive cooling module 30 with the same rectangular layout as the two aforementioned modules 20 and 50 , This cooling technology is given a further variant, as has also been explained in the barrel coolers.

The embodiment according to 11 is different from that 7A . 7B in that a third sheath module 10C provided and the second sheath module 10B is one piece, ie, an insulating bottom and an insulating side wall are integrally formed. And further, the second sheath module 10B not intended to accommodate a drinks box, but at least one module serving cooling, as befits 14 will be described in more detail.

The Ausführungsbeilspiel after 12 is different from that 8A . 8B essentially in that the first sheath module 10A is integrally formed. In the two-part second sheath module 10B is the floor area 10B ' with riot feet 21 Mistake.

According to the embodiment 13 which is a fourth jacket module 10D can, three beverage crates on top of each other and additionally at least one module serving cooling are accommodated. The first jacket module 10A is in two parts and the second sheath module 10B is one-piece and with riot control elements 21 Mistake. The third and fourth sheath module 10C and 10D are identical to the side wall area 10A '' of the first jacket module 10A ,

14 shows how a one-piece sheath module 10A as it is also in 12 used, can be used for the cooling of a single beverage box without heat-insulated floor, so as in 9A . 9B ,

15 shows an example of a second sheath module 10B for accommodating a cooling module, such as a passive cooling module 30 and / or a recharging module 60 in a floor recess 16 as they are already for barrel coolers - but with opening down - and in connection with 11 and 13 has been described. An insertable intermediate floor 22 can take up, among other things, rebellion forces of beverage crates.

The Material choice for All sheath modules are essentially free of restrictions except for the fact that the material should be heat-insulating, so will have a certain material thickness and that it is rigid in itself should be, so keeps its shape. For example, you can Polystyrene moldings or polyurethane foam molding be used - be it inside or outside coated or uncoated.

therefore allows the invention in the simplest way, inexpensive to manufacture cooling arrangements for large containers build in modular form and easily to the respective requirement adapt, the manufacturing cost is comparatively low can be kept.

If multiple storage containers are housed in a single modular cooling arrangement, so is the interior 18 . 19 form the jacket modules, preferably continuously, so that all interior areas can be cooled together.

1

beverage barrel

2

beverage barrel

3

beverage barrel

4

beverage barrel

5

crate

6

crate

7

crate

9

ground

10A

Coat module

10A '

cover region

10A ''

Sidewall region

10B

Coat module

10B '

floor area

10B ''

Sidewall region

10C

Coat module

10D

Coat module

11

edge strips

12

edge strips

13

edge recess

14

tap

15

perforation

16

floor recess

17

edge recess

18

inner space

19

inner space

20

Active cooling module

20A

handle

21

standing elements

22

false floor

30

Passive cooling module

30A

Heat protective cover

40

Blindstofpen

50

extraction module

50A

handle

60

Recharge module

Claims (15)

Modular cooling arrangement for refrigerated goods stored in storage containers, such as beverage containers stored in boxes, beverage barrels or transport boxes for chunky refrigerated goods, consisting of a) at least one internally rigid, heat-insulating sheath module ( 10A ) for at least partially enveloping or completely receiving at least one storage container and b) at least one cooling element ( 20 ; 30 ) receiving aperture ( 15 ) of the heat-insulating jacket module ( 10A ); wherein a lower edge of the bottom open jacket module ( 10A ) directly onto a support which carries the storage container and / or onto at least one further rigid, in particular designed as a floor module or as a receiving module heat-insulating jacket module ( 10B ) can be placed. Modular cooling arrangement, in particular according to claim 1, for cooling at least one beverage keg ( 1 ; 2 ; 3 ; 4 ). Modular cooling arrangement, in particular according to claim 1, for cooling at least one beverage crate ( 5 ; 6 ; 7 ). Modular cooling arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized by stackable jacket modules ( 10A . 10B . 10C . 10D ). Modular cooling arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a separate cover ( 10A ' ) Part of a jacket module ( 10A ). Modular cooling arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cooling element is an active cooling module ( 20 ) or a passive cooling module 30 is. Modular cooling arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized by a memory module for the provision of cold energy in the form of an accumulator for electrical energy or a cold storage (Passive cooling module). Modular cooling arrangement according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by a heat protection envelope ( 30A ) for the passive cooling module ( 30 ) to its availability. Modular cooling arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in an opening ( 15 ) a blind plug ( 40 ) can be used. Modular cooling arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in an opening ( 15 ), preferably a handle ( 50A ) removal module ( 50 ) can be used. Modular cooling arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by an electrical supply module such as recharging module ( 60 ), eg in the form of a charger for electric accumulators or as a mains rectifier for DC current supply or in dual function for one or optionally the other use. Modular cooling arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the of the opening ( 15 ) receivable modules ( 20 ; 30 ; 40 ; 50 ) detachable in the opening ( 15 ) and thus are interchangeable. Modular cooling arrangement according to claim (12), characterized in that at least two of the in an opening ( 15 ) usable modules ( 20 ; 30 ; 40 ; 50 ) are suitable for selective inclusion in the same opening. Modular cooling arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a bottom-side jacket module ( 10B ) a bottom or bottom open bottom recess ( 16 ) for receiving modules for cooling. Modular cooling arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one of the jacket modules an edge opening or edge recess ( 13 ; 17 ) for the passage of a tap ( 14 ) and / or receiving a dispensing vessel.