Device and holder for keeping cut flowers in condition

Abstract

A device for keeping cut flowers in condition comprises a holder ( 10 ) for receiving the cut flowers therein in a suitable medium, in particular water. Cooling means comprise a cooling body ( 30 ) which is capable of heat-exchanging contact with at least a part of a wall of the holder for the purpose of cooling the medium therein. By means of at least one cooling conduit ( 361, 362, 381, 382 ) and a cooling medium flowing therein during operation, the cooling body ( 30 ) is thermally coupled to a cooling device ( 35 ) separated from the cooling body ( 30 ).

1 . Device for keeping cut flowers in condition, comprising a holder for receiving the cut flowers therein in a suitable medium, in particular water, and comprising cooling means with at least one cooling body which is capable of heat-exchanging contact with the medium, characterized in that the cooling means comprise a cooling device which is separated from the cooling body and which is in heat-exchanging contact with the at least one cooling body by means of at least one cooling conduit and a cooling medium flowing at least during operation therein. 
   
   
       2 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one cooling conduit comprises a primary cooling conduit in which, at least during operation, a primary cooling medium flows and a secondary cooling conduit which, at least during operation, carries a secondary cooling medium, and that the primary and secondary cooling conduits are in heat-exchanging contact by means of a heat exchanger. 
   
   
       3 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the cooling conduit is at least partly flexible. 
   
   
       4 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one cooling body extends at least practically all around a substantially cup-shaped inner space for at least partly receiving the holder therein for removal and in heat-exchanging contact. 
   
   
       5 . Device as claimed in  claim 4 , characterized in that at least the at least one cooling body is arranged in a top of a piece of furniture, in particular a tabletop or a top of a sideboard. 
   
   
       6 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that a number of cooling bodies are coupled to a shared cooling device by means of an optionally shared cooling conduit, and that the cooling bodies are in heat-exchanging contact with a number of holders. 
   
   
       7 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the cooling device comprises a compressor cooling which is able and adapted to cause alternate expansion and compression of a cooling medium. 
   
   
       8 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the cooling device comprises a Peltier element, a cold side of which is in heat-exchanging contact with the cooling medium and a warm side thereof with a forced airflow of ambient air during operation. 
   
   
       9 . Holder for application in the device as claimed in  claim 1 .