WO2016128797A1

WO2016128797A1 - Cooling element for drinks can, self-cooling drinks can, and method for the same

Info

Publication number: WO2016128797A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/051085
Authority: WO
Inventors: Uwe Kampmeyer; Frank Bartels
Original assignee: Do-Tech Gmbh
Priority date: 2015-02-13
Filing date: 2015-02-13
Publication date: 2016-08-18

Abstract

Cooling element (2) which can be introduced into a drinks can (1) in order to cool the contents thereof, comprising a reaction chamber (4) which is enclosed by liquid-tight outer walls and in which a first reactant can be kept, and a storage chamber (5), in which a second reactant can be stored, wherein the reaction chamber (4) and the storage chamber (5) are separated from one another by way of a mechanically destructible diaphragm (7), and the storage chamber (5) is arranged completely in the interior of the reaction chamber (4), characterized in that the diaphragm (7) consists of a liquid-tight elastic material or comprises the latter, and can be set under tensile stress upon storage of the second reactant. The method is characterized in that the diaphragm is destroyed mechanically in order to achieve a cooling reaction, and active thorough mixing of the reaction chamber takes place by means of a device for thorough mixing.

Description

Cooling element for beverage can, self-cooling beverage can and

Method

introduction

The invention relates to a cooling element for a beverage can. In particular, the invention relates to a cooling element which cools the contents of the can quickly. The invention further relates to a self-cooling beverage can and a method for cooling a beverage can.

PRIOR ART AND DISCONTINENCE Beverage cans (hereinafter also referred to as "cans" for short) have long been known from the prior art and are used for storing and transporting "still" or else carbonated, that is to say pressurized, beverages. Typically, the beverage is taken out of the can. For this purpose, the same is opened by means of a closure by the user. This closure is typically designed as a single closure, but there are also concepts for reclosability known. An example of such a concept is shown in EP 2 614 010 AI. The closure is integrated exclusively in the lid of the can. The remaining body of the can ("body", usually cylindrical side wall with bottom) is unchanged compared to conventional, non-resealable cans, which is advantageous for manufacturing.

The base material for beverage cans is usually an aluminum alloy. The body is deep-drawn, the top edge crimped (bent outward), the lid is prepared separately and attached gas-tight and liquid-tight, for example by means of Auffalzen on the body. Because canned beverages are predominantly preferentially consumed chilled, but transport and storage take place at normal ambient temperatures, it is desirable to sufficiently cool the can before consumption. This can be done in the simplest case by means of longer storage in a refrigerator. However, because of their high stability and low weight, cans are often brought to places where such refrigerators are not available (in the car, on walks, ...). Thus, there is a desire for a can, which nevertheless provides a sufficiently cool content regardless of known, in particular current-driven cooling devices. It is particularly desirable that the cooling takes place sufficiently fast.

From this need, a variety of concepts have been developed to cool a can by means of an integrated, preferably energy self-sufficient, cooling device.

The cooling principles are in particular the adiabatic expansion of a gas (Joule-Thompson effect), adiabatic cooling (evaporation cooling), and the use of salt mixtures into consideration.

An example of a self-cooling can with salt mixture is shown in the document EP 0 286 382 A2. Accordingly, inside the can is a shielded from the drink, but accessible from the outside cylindrical container (cooling element). In this, a salt (eg ammonium nitrate) or a solvent (eg water) are stored separated by a membrane in two chambers. In a channel which is accessible from the outside through the lid of the can, and which is preferably initially closed with a protective cover, a needle is arranged. This passes through a first chamber limiting the outward end and ends in the rest position just before the membrane in the first chamber. To initiate the cooling, the needle is actuated by pressing from the outside. She breaks through the separating Membrane so that salt and solvent can mix and extract heat from the environment. This leads to the desired cooling effect.

Two other examples of a self-cooling box are disclosed in the document DE 2 150 305 AI. Even after one of these solutions, the interior of the cooling element is accessible from the outside to actuate the cooling mechanism and thus trigger. According to another solution, an actuatable from the bottom of the can forth, designed as a "double bottom" designed cooling element, in which the membrane is severed by means of a mandrel which is movable by pressing the outer bottom in the direction of the membrane.

However, the solutions known from the prior art have the disadvantage that the cooling process can take a considerable amount of time.

Object of the invention and solution

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a cooling element for a beverage can, with which a faster cooling effect can be achieved.

The object of the invention is also to provide a beverage can with a disadvantage of the prior art avoiding cooling element.

The object is achieved by a cooling element according to claim 1 or a beverage can according to claim 11, as well as a method for cooling a beverage can according to claim 13. Preferred embodiments are defined in the subclaims, the description and the figures.

description

The cooling element according to the invention will first be described below. Subsequently, a description of a Beverage can with the cooling element according to the invention. Finally, a description of the method according to the invention is given.

The cooling element is intended to be introduced into a beverage can for cooling its contents.

The cooling element comprises a reaction space enclosed by liquid-tight outer walls, in which a first reactant can be stored, and a reservoir, in which a second reactant can be stored, wherein the reaction space and reservoir are separated by a mechanically destructible membrane. The spaces are preferably filled with a liquid and / or a solid. Particularly preferably, the reaction space is filled with a solid, in particular a salt, and the storage space is filled with a solvent, in particular water. By mixing the two substances, a chemical reaction is initiated, in the course of which heat is removed from the environment.

In addition, the storage space is arranged completely in the interior of the reaction space. In other words, the separation of the two reactants is not achieved by a two half-spaces separating planar membrane, but the reservoir consists essentially of the membrane, which is closed on all sides, and so a cavity, namely the reservoir, enclosing and thus provides.

According to the invention, the membrane is made of a liquid-tight elastic material or comprises such a material, and can be put under tension when storing the second reagent. Both materials with linear behavior and a non-linear behaving (rubbery) material such as an elastomer, rubber, rubber (= vulcanized rubber), silicone rubber, or elasticity comparable materials, which Elizitätsmo ^¬ modules preferably in the range of 10 ⁷ to 10 ⁸ N / m ² are suitable. The material should also be liquid-tight; Accordingly, porous or even textile materials are not suitable, since otherwise undesired premixing of the liquid with the solid reactant can occur.

The advantage of a membrane made of an elastic material lies in the particularly effective possibility of the mechanical destructibility of the same, which will be discussed later.

According to a preferred embodiment, the storage space is formed by a balloon or bag that can be filled with the second reagent. In other words, a bag made of an elastic material is filled with the second reactant, whereby the bag expands elastically according to the amount of the filled agent. It is clear that a limit must not be exceeded, from which an inadvertent tearing of the bag becomes too probable. However, it is also clear that the bag is to have after the filling on all sides a tensioned surface, said smaller ^¬ not smooth or non-elastic regions such as a Verschlussbe- are rich unproblematic.

After filling, the balloon preferably has a volume which is at least 1.2, preferably at least 1.5, and particularly preferably at least 2 times greater than the volume in the unfilled state. Accordingly, the material is capable of withstanding strains of 20%, 50%, or more preferably more than 100% without tearing.

The advantage of a storage space designed as a balloon lies in its ease of manufacture and filling. The advantage of a storage space stretched in the way of filling lies in a further improvement of the easy destructibility of the membrane (and thus of the walls of the storage space), since such a storage space starts after a slight initial Damage practically automatically further spontaneously destroyed (tears).

Particularly preferably, the balloon-like storage space has an elongated shape. It therefore has a longitudinal axis which is significantly larger than a transverse axis perpendicular thereto. It may therefore preferably have the form of an oblong cylinder closed on both sides, the two ends being e.g. hemispherical or otherwise rounded, or may be configured flat conclusion. The shape of an elongated cushion, which optionally has a peripheral connecting seam, is conceivable.

The advantage of this form lies in the easy filling. In addition, beverage cans usually have an elongated, cylindrical shape, so that a correspondingly shaped cooling element with a correspondingly shaped storage space on the one hand allows particularly good space utilization, and on the other hand provides a particularly large area for heat transfer, resulting in a stronger, faster cooling of the can contents leads.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the cooling element, the volume of the reservoir is filled next to the second reagent with a pressurized gas. This means that a gas such as an air bubble is contained in the interior of the storage space, which is compressed due to the tension of the membrane, thus therefore is under pressure.

Experiments have surprisingly shown that the presence of a gas bubble in the reservoir, which claims approximately between 3% and 50%, preferably between 10% and 30%, and more preferably between 15% and 25% of the volume of the reservoir, bursting the membrane promotes or even makes possible. Thus, a mechanical penetration of the membrane, which is indeed associated with a deformation of the same, easier to achieve when the deformation of less resistance is opposed. This is easier in the area of a gas bubble than in solid filled areas. Also, the solid surrounding the membrane on the membrane such a high friction that the membrane without said gas bubble does not necessarily tear, but only perforated or cut, so that the liquid then exits only slowly. By contrast, with gas bubble and membrane tension, the balloon bursts clearly more reliably, as could be shown in experiments.

According to another embodiment, the cooling element has an externally operable device for mixing the reaction space. "Outside" means that the means for mixing is operable by a user holding the box in hand, for example, without opening the can, and in particular without the food space provided for storing the beverage.

The device is accordingly suitable for generating turbulences in the interior of the reaction space by means of mechanical action, wherein the energy required for actuation can be provided by the user.

The advantage of such a device is the fact that by actively mixing the two reactants they can react better and more completely than would be the case with a mere diffusion. In fact, it has been found that a pure diffusion mixture may take several days, with no useful cooling effect being observable, whereas active mixing results in minute reaction times within which a correspondingly high cooling is achievable. According to one embodiment, the device for mixing has a stirring hook which is mounted rotatably around an axis of rotation in an outer wall of the reaction space and passes through it, on whose distal end lying outside the beverage can a manually operable handle is attached or attachable.

"Hook" here means any type of geometry that can be achieved by a possibly repeatedly bent rod, and which runs through the cooling element at least in sections parallel to the direction of its longitudinal axis Preferably, the device passes through the reaction space almost completely in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and has at least one, preferably two or more, mixing arms which run parallel or at least partially parallel and are bent straight or helically in order to achieve the best possible mixing, optionally additional mixing aids such as wing surfaces, for example of foils, can be attached to the mixing arms.

The advantage of such a stirring hook is the same in the space-saving operation, since the typically associated with its outer end handle for actuating only needs to be rotated, which does not or only slightly changed the length of the can.

Preferably, the rotatable means for mixing is also rotatably mounted on the opposite end of the reaction space to the passage. This can be done in a simple manner in that the device has an extension there, which is supported on the inner wall of the reaction space, said inner wall at the support point, a storage, for example, a circular recess, which cooperates with the extension.

It is clear that, if the cooling element is completely housed in the can, the can must also have a corresponding passage for the axis of rotation of the means for mixing. According to a preferred imple mentation of the handle shape of this button or plate-like and has recesses or corrugations on its peripheral edge to improve the handling, and / or has on its side facing away from the can outside one or more finger hollows, which also improve the handling. According to another embodiment, the handle is designed to be foldable, so that it can be folded out of the recessed bottom area of the box if necessary, in order to allow a comfortable rotation of the device for mixing. Of course, any other known from the prior art for this purpose constructions are usable.

According to another disclosed embodiment of the means for mixing this has a along a longitudinal axis axially slidably mounted in an outer wall of the reaction chamber and passing through this rod, at the proximal end of a preferably approximately perpendicular to the axis of the rod arranged mixing structure is attached, and at whose distal end a manually operable handle is attached or attachable.

Accordingly, this embodiment is not actuated by rotation but by alternating axial movements of the mixing structure. The mixing structure is sized and designed so that it can be pushed while moving through the liquid-solid mixture and this causes turbulence. In this case, the mixed structure separates the reaction space into two variable-volume half-spaces, the two half-spaces, of course, not being separated in a liquid-tight manner, but rather a flow through the mixing structure being possible, leading to the desired turbulence. The mixing structure may be configured, for example, as a perforated plate or as a not too fine grid, which or which is approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement and thus to the longitudinal axis. The mixing structure can be fixed or flexible. A flexible mixed structure has the advantage that one does not have to completely raise a surrounding solid (salt) in order to destroy the membrane with a lancing device (see below) which may be attached to it (this would, however, be necessary in the case of a solid mixed structure).

It is clear that, if the cooling element is completely housed in the can, the can must also have a corresponding passage for the longitudinal axis of the means for mixing.

The advantage of such a device for mixing is the very good and rapid mixing of the two reactants and the ability to create a stable means by simple means, since no torsional, but essentially only axial forces act on the device.

According to another embodiment of the cooling element, this further comprises a lancing device for mechanically destroying the membrane. A lancing device is therefore a component which is suitable for effecting the destruction of the membrane by means of concentration of forces. This is achieved in that the lancing device has one or more tips, which can be brought into contact with the membrane of the storage space, as soon as the desired cooling effect is to be caused. It is clear that the lancing device must be constructed and arranged in such a way that it can not previously interact with the membrane in such a way that it is destroyed even with stronger movements of the can.

The advantage of the lancing device is the simplification of the destruction of the membrane, since due to the concentration of force less external forces are to be provided. In addition, the destruction of the membrane is controlled possible as without lancing device. According to one embodiment of the lancing aid, the latter passes through an outer wall of the reaction space and can be actuated directly from the outside. This means that the forces required to actuate the lancing device, for example for moving them into the vicinity of the membrane or even into it, are transmitted to the tip by an actuating device which is mechanically directly connected to the tip. Such an actuator is, for example, an externally accessible lever, a tear thread or a needle.

It is clear that, if the cooling element is completely housed in the box, the box must also have a corresponding passage for the lancing device.

The advantage of an externally accessible lancing device lies in the possibility of being able to apply relatively high forces to the membrane due to the direct mechanical coupling.

According to another embodiment of the lancing device, it is arranged completely inside the reaction space, and it can be actuated directly or indirectly by means of the device for mixing from the inside. This means that the lancing device itself does not have its own mechanically accessible externally accessible actuator, but is housed entirely inside the reaction chamber.

For actuation, the lancing device can be actuated directly by means of the mixing device. This means that the lancing device, for example in the form of a needle, is attached directly to the device for mixing and, when moving the device, is carried along by it and pierced into the membrane.

To operate the lancing device but also be indirectly actuated. This means that it is not connected to the means for mixing, but is, for example, on the inner wall of the reaction chamber. By pressing the Means for mixing either the pantry is moved so that it is pressed against the lancing device, or the first flat fitting against the inner wall lancing device, for example, due to a hinge-like attachment, entrained by the onset of movement of the device for mixing of this and so in the The interior of the reaction chamber unfolded, where it finally comes into contact with the membrane and destroys it.

The advantage of an internal lancing device is to be seen in the simpler design, since no penetrations through the reaction space and possibly the can are required for the lancing device. The provision and operation of a separate actuator omitted, since the lancing device is activated together with the means for mixing. In other words, the means for mixing serves as an actuator.

It is clear that all mentioned embodiments are only exemplary illustrations of the basic idea according to the invention, and represent no limitation of the invention. It is also clear that the examples, as far as technically possible and reasonable, can also be combined with one another without departing from the inventive idea.

The invention also relates to a self-cooling beverage can.

Preferably, the cooling element is fixed with at least one of its outer walls on at least one of the inner walls of the can, so that it can not move freely inside the can. Preferably, can and cooling element can also have a common wall. This is particularly preferably the underside of the can, which is formed by a correspondingly adapted outer wall of the cooling element.

A designed according to the invention type can has the advantage of particularly fast to a desired temperature cool down. Incidentally, the above

Explanations referenced to avoid repetition.

The invention also relates to a method for cooling a beverage can, wherein the latter comprises a cooling element which has a reaction space with a first reaction agent and a reservoir arranged completely in the reaction space with a second reaction medium, wherein the reaction space and reservoir are provided by a mechanically destructible, elastic and prestressed membrane are separated from each other. For an explanation of the mechanical structure and relationships, reference is made to the above explanations in order to avoid repetition.

According to the invention, the elastic and prestressed membrane is mechanically destroyed to achieve a cooling reaction, and an active mixing of the reaction space by means for mixing takes place. In other words, the at least partial destruction of the elastic membrane eliminates the separation between the reservoir and the reaction space, and the two reactants come into mutual contact. In order to bring about the fastest possible cooling down, it is necessary to achieve the fastest possible and uniform mixing of the two reactants, which takes place in an active manner. In this case, "active" means that turbulences are generated inside the reaction chamber by a mechanical aid, namely the means for mixing, and not only slow diffusion processes lead to a cooling reaction.

By active mixing a much faster cooling of the can is achieved.

According to a preferred embodiment, the membrane is put under tension by filling with the second reactant, so that it automatically during mechanical destruction continue to tear. In other words, the membrane which is elastic according to the invention expands by way of filling with the second reactant; In this case, the surface of the storage space, which is formed by the membrane, set under tensile stresses. This process is similar to the known filling of a balloon with gas or liquid. If the filled balloon is only slightly damaged at one point, it spontaneously ruptures (bursts) without further action. At the same time, the membrane, which can now relax again, contracts sharply and thus releases the volume of the storage space no longer surrounded by walls.

The advantage of a stretched in the way of filling storage space is therefore in a significant improvement of the easy destructibility of the membrane (and thus the walls of the storage space), since such a reservoir after a minor initial damage virtually automatically destroyed further (ruptures). The contact area between the two reactants is then significantly larger than in a conventional, incised separation membrane, since this provides an opening for the exchange of funds, the exchange but can be slow because it must run through the relatively small opening. In addition, the spontaneous rupture of the membrane releases the mechanical forces stored in it, which contribute significantly to a further mixing of the two reactants.

According to a preferred embodiment, the mechanical destruction is achieved by acting on the membrane by means of a lancing device mechanical forces which are provided directly or indirectly from the inside to the lancing device directly from the outside, or by means of the means for mixing the lancing device. In other words, the required initial minor damage to the membrane is achieved by means of the lancing device described above. This one can, like also already described above, directly from the outside, or activated directly or indirectly by means of the means for mixing, that is moved in the direction of the membrane, are to damage them. It is clear that hereby a relative movement is meant; Thus, the same effect of the damage is achieved in that the membrane of the storage space is moved in the direction of the lancing device, which is preferably done by manipulation with the means for mixing.

According to one embodiment of the beverage can, it can be re-closed, ie has a closure mechanism which can be operated from the outside and leads to an at least approximately liquid-tight closure of the spout. In this way, the drink can be cooled before opening and the can be closed again after opening.

Since such mechanisms have moving parts, it is advantageous to arrange these moving parts so that they do not interfere with the operation of the cooling element or. This is ensured by the arrangement of the closure on the upper side and the components of the cooling element on the underside of the can serving for the actuation.

As stated, the cooling element according to the invention solves the known from the prior art problem of slow cooling. This is achieved by optimizing the contact surfaces of the two reactants, which lead in contact with the cooling effect, by the reservoir of one of the two reactants is formed by an elastic and prestressed membrane which is disposed within the reaction space with the other reactant, wherein by a From the outside initiable tearing of the membrane a very good and fast mixing of the two reactants is possible. figure description

The invention will be explained in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS.

1 shows a beverage can with a first disclosed embodiment of a cooling element in a sectional view before Ini ^¬ tiieren the cooling process.

Figure 2 shows the beverage can according to FIG. 1 during insertion of the

Lancing device.

FIG. 3 shows the beverage can according to FIG

Membrane of the storage room.

FIG. 4 shows the beverage can according to FIG. 1 during the mixing of the

Reaction space.

Figure 5 shows a beverage can with a second embodiment ^¬ form of a cooling element in a sectional view prior to the initiation of the cooling process.

FIG. 6 shows the beverage can according to FIG. 5 during insertion of the beverage can

Lancing device.

FIG. 7 shows the beverage can according to FIG. 5 during the mixing of the

Reaction space. 8 shows a beverage can with a third execution ^¬ form of a cooling element in a sectional view prior to the initiation of the cooling process.

FIG. 9 shows the beverage can according to FIG

Lancing device. FIG. 10 shows the beverage can according to FIG. 8 during the mixing of the

Reaction space. 11 shows a beverage can with a fourth execution ^¬ form of a cooling element in a sectional view prior to the initiation of the cooling process.

FIG. 12 shows the beverage can according to FIG

Lancing.

FIG. 13 shows the beverage can according to FIG. 11 during the mixing of the reaction space.

14 shows a beverage can with a fifth execution ^¬ form of a cooling element in a sectional view prior to the initiation of the cooling process.

FIG. 15 shows the beverage can according to FIG

Lancing device.

FIG. 16 shows the beverage can according to FIG. 14 during the mixing of the reaction space. Figure 17 shows a beverage can with a sixth

Embodiment of a cooling element in a sectional view before initiating the cooling process.

FIG. 18 shows the beverage can according to FIG. 17 in a plan view as a sectional view. FIG. 19 shows the beverage can according to FIG. 18 when triggering the

Lancing device during the mixing of the Reaktionsrau ^¬ mes.

FIG. 1 shows a beverage can with a first embodiment of a cooling element in a sectional view prior to initiating the cooling process.

The beverage can 1 initially resembles a conventional can, as it has been commercially available for a long time. It may have an internal volume of, for example, 500 ml, with 330 ml for the beverage (not shown), and the remainder Inner volume for the cooling element 2 are provided. The can is (as well as all cans shown below) with the closure (no reference) shown down.

The cooling element 2 comprises a reaction space 4 enclosed by liquid-tight outer walls 3, in which a first reagent can be stored (not shown). The first reactant is preferably a solid.

The cooling element 2 also comprises a storage space 5 in which a second reactant can be stored (not shown). This second reagent is preferably a liquid. Furthermore, the storage space 5 contains an optional gas bubble 6, which is formed for example by an inert gas or air.

Reaction space 4 and storage space 5 are separated from each other by a mechanically destructible membrane 7. Accordingly, the membrane 7 surrounds the volume of the presently elongated storage space 5 and essentially forms its spatial boundaries. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the storage space 5 is arranged completely in the interior of the reaction space 4. In other words, the reaction space 4 completely encloses the storage space 5.

The membrane 7 is made of a liquid-tight elastic material such as rubber or rubber. Thus, it can be put under tension when storing the second reagent, comparable to a balloon. This means that (possibly including the volume of the gas bubble 6) more second reactant can be filled into the storage space 5, as the volume of the storage space 5 allowed in the relaxed state. Due to the expandability of the membrane 7 according to the invention, it expands so that more second reactant can be introduced, the membrane 7 being increasingly subjected to tensile stress. Possibly. The tension can also be exclusive or additional are generated by the gas bubble 6 by a correspondingly large volume of gas is filled into the storage space 5 under pressure. It is clear that the storage space 5 must be sealed liquid and gas tight after filling.

Furthermore, the cooling element 2 has an externally operable means for mixing 8 of the reaction space. This has the task of allowing mechanical mixing of the interior of the reaction space 4. The illustrated execution ^¬ form for this purpose has a rotatably mounted in the above-side outer wall of the reaction chamber 4 and passing through this, in the present one-armed stirring hook. 9 At the distal end (top of the picture), a manually operable handle 10 is attached. It is clear that the storage must at least be liquid, preferably also pressure-tight, so that liquid contained in the reaction space can not escape to the outside at any time. For this purpose, a septum 11 made of elastic material is provided. According to the embodiment shown, this is arranged in a cavity between two plastic disks, which in turn form the outer closure of the cooling element 2 and terminate flush with its side walls.

In order to initiate the cooling process, the membrane 7 must first be destroyed so that the first and second reactants come into contact with each other and the cooling reaction can start. In Fig. 2 it is shown that for this purpose a lancing device 12, which is designed here as a needle, can be introduced into a channel 13 (small arrow, step 1). This channel 13 passes through both the handle 10, as well as in the image overhead outer end of the reaction space 4. This lancing device 12 as well as the other, described below, serves or serve the concentration of forces for the purpose of simplified destruction of the membrane.

Fig. 3 shows the situation with inserted lancing 12. This passage after insertion (step 2) now the handle 10th and the septum 11 and reaches through the reaction chamber 4, the storage space 5. There, they can damage the prestressed membrane 7. As shown, the lancing device 12 penetrates the location of the storage space 5 in which the gas bubble 6 is located. Subsequently, the lancing device 12 can be removed again from the channel 13 (step 3).

By piercing the membrane 7 this tears on automatically, similar to a bursting balloon. The second reaction medium contained in the storage space 5 comes abruptly into contact with the first reaction medium located in the surrounding reaction space 4, and the cooling reaction begins.

In order to further accelerate the cooling reaction, as shown in Fig. 4, now the means for mixing 8 by rotation (step 4) is actuated about its axis of rotation. The small curved arrows at the bottom of the picture symbolize turbulence generated by the rotation inside the reaction space. Thus, its content is actively mixed, and the cooling reaction can be particularly fast and complete. After the beverage (not shown) has cooled sufficiently due to the heat transfer through the wall of the reaction space 4, the can 1 can be turned over and opened by means of the closure.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show a further embodiment according to which the lancing aid 12 remains permanently in the can 1. Her head is hidden under a deformable cover (no reference). By pressing on this cover (Fig. 6, step 1) it reaches the reservoir (not shown) and destroys the membrane (not shown). By actuating the mixing device 8 (FIG. 7, step 2), the reaction space 4 is mixed. At the same time breaks the tip of the lancing device 12 due to the movement of the stirring hook 9, so that this the further movement of the same is no longer in the way. The lancing device may preferably have a predetermined breaking point for this purpose. According to an alternative embodiment, the tip folds over, preferably also around a predetermined bending point. The advantage of this imple mentation form lies in the easier and safer operation, since the lancing device 12 does not have to be removed from the box 1.

FIGS. 8 to 10 show another embodiment in which the lancing aid 12 is configured as a pull cord with a retaining ring. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the ripcord accessible from the outside runs along the outside of the membrane 7. Pulling on the retaining ring (Figure 9, step 1) ruptures the membrane. By actuating the device for mixing 8 (FIG. 10, step 2), the reaction space 4 is mixed. Another embodiment of the lancing aid is shown in FIGS. 11 to 13. Accordingly, the lancing device 12 is designed as a lever. As can be seen in FIG. 11, the pivot point is arranged, for example, in the region of the septum 11. In handle 10, an elongated recess is introduced, from which a slider 14 protrudes.

By pressing the slider 14 in the direction of the arrow (FIG. 12, step 1), the lever tilts and the tip of the lancing device 12 penetrates the membrane 7, which tears. Subsequently, by means of the mixing device 8, the reaction space 4 can be mixed (FIG. 13, step 2). In the construction shown, the tip of the lancing device 12 is tilted to the vicinity of the axis of rotation of the means for mixing 8 after the operation of the slider 14 so that it does not hinder the rotation thereof. This is achieved by arranging the portion of the stirring hook 9, which runs in the direction of rotation axis, transverse to the longitudinal axis, further in the direction of the longitudinal axis than the tip of the Lancing device 12. A possible grinding of the tip on the axis of rotation, however, is unproblematic.

The advantage of this imple mentation form lies in the ease of use and the whereabouts of the lancing device 12 on the can 1. Another embodiment of the lancing aid is shown in FIGS. 14 to 16. According to this embodiment, the means for mixing 8 comprises an axially displaceably mounted in an outer wall of the reaction space 4 and passing therethrough rod 15, at the proximal (inner) end of a mixing structure 16 is attached, and at its distal (outer) end a manually operable handle 10 is attached.

According to this embodiment, the lancing device 12 is arranged completely inside the reaction space 4, and it can be actuated directly from the inside by means of the mixing device 8.

As can be seen in Fig. 14, the rod 15 passes through the sealing septum 11. The axial direction passes through the can 1 in the image in the vertical direction (longitudinal axis).

To destroy the membrane 7, the device for mixing 8 by means of the handle 10 is pulled parallel to the longitudinal axis in the axial direction of the can (Fig. 15, step 1). The lancing device 12, which is likewise arranged at its distal end, thus approaches the membrane 7 and destroys it. Due to the bias of the membrane 7 and its sudden relaxation, it takes up little space, so that it does not hinder the subsequent mixing process (FIG. 16, step 2). This is carried out by repeatedly moving the mixing device 8 back and forth in the axial direction. The mixing structure 16, which in the present case is designed as a perforated plate, allows a portion of the mixture of first and second reactants to pass through their openings, creating turbulences which favor the mixing in the desired manner. Another embodiment of the lancing aid is shown in FIGS. 17 to 19. According to this embodiment, the lancing device 12 is arranged completely inside the reaction space 4, and it can be actuated indirectly from the inside by means of the mixing device 8.

FIG. 17 shows that the lancing aid 12 is in the form of three cutting edges pointing in the direction of the interior of the reaction chamber and is attached to the inner wall of the reaction space 4. In the sectional view according to FIG. 18, it can be seen that the sheaths of the lancing aids 12 are initially folded against the wall of the reaction space 4. Preferably, two lancing devices 12 are present in the reaction space 4, which are folded in the opposite direction. Thus, the membrane 7 is protected against accidental damage. If the mixing device 8 is rotated as shown in FIG. 19 (step 1), then the stirring hook 9 with its longitudinally extending arms (in FIG. 19 perpendicular to the image plane) carries along the cutting edges of the lancing aid 12 that these protrude into the interior of the reaction space 4 and thereby destroy the membrane 7.

Reference sign list

1 soda can, can

2 cooling element

3 outer walls

4 reaction space

5 pantry

6 gas bubble

7 membrane

8 Mixing device 9 stirring hooks

10 handle

11 septum

12 lancing device

13 channel

14 slides

15 staff

16 mixed structure

Claims

claims

1. In a beverage can (1) for cooling its contents einbringbares cooling element (2), comprising a liquid ^¬ keitsdichten outer walls enclosed reaction space (4), in which a first reagent can be stored, and a storage space (5), in which a second Reaction medium is vorratbar, wherein reaction space (4) and storage space (5) by a mechanically destructible membrane (7) are separated from each other, and the storage space (5) is disposed completely inside the reaction space (4), characterized in that the membrane ( 7) consists of a liquid-tight elastic material or comprises this and can be placed in the storage of the second reagent under tension.

Second cooling element (2) according to claim 1, wherein the storage space (5) is formed by a balloon can be filled with the second reactant.

3. cooling element (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage space (5) has an elongated shape.

4. Cooling element (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the volume of the storage space (5) is also filled with a pressurized gas.

5. Cooling element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an externally operable means for mixing (8) of the reaction space (4).

6. cooling element (2) according to claim 5, wherein the means for mixing (8) rotatably mounted in an outer wall of the reaction space (4) and this passing through stirring hooks (9), attached to the distal end of a manually operable handle (10) or attachable. Cooling element (2) according to claim 5, wherein the means for mixing (8) has an axially slidably mounted in an outer wall of the reaction space (4) and passing through this rod (15), at the proximal end of a mixing structure (15) is mounted, and at the distal end of a manually operable handle (10) is attached or attachable.

Cooling element (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a lancing device (12) for mechanically destroying the membrane (7).

Cooling element (2) according to claim 8, wherein the lancing device (12) passes through an outer wall of the reaction space (4) and can be actuated directly from the outside.

Cooling element (2) according to claim 8, wherein the lancing device (12) is arranged completely inside the reaction space (4) and can be actuated directly or indirectly from the inside by means of the mixing device (8).

Self-cooling beverage can (1), comprising a cooling element (2) arranged and fastened in its interior according to one of the preceding claims.

A self-cooling beverage can (1) according to claim 11, wherein it is reclosable.

Method for cooling a beverage can (1), the latter comprising a cooling element (2) which has a reaction space (4) with a first reagent and a reservoir (5) arranged completely in the reaction space (4) with a second reagent, 4) and storage space (5) by a mechanically destructible, elastic and prestressed membrane (7) are separated from each other, characterized in that to achieve a cooling reaction, the membrane (7) is mechanically destroyed, and an active mixing of the reaction space by means for Mixing (8) takes place. The method of claim 13, wherein the membrane (7) is set under tension by the filling with the second reactant, so that it automatically ruptures during mechanical destruction.

The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the mechanical destruction is achieved by acting on the membrane (7) by means of a lancing device (12) mechanical forces which directly on the lancing device (12) from the outside, or by means for mixing (8 ) are provided directly or indirectly to the lancing device (12) from the inside.