WO2003105640A1 - Appareil pour modifier la temperature du contenu d'un recipient - Google Patents

Appareil pour modifier la temperature du contenu d'un recipient Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003105640A1
WO2003105640A1 PCT/IE2003/000092 IE0300092W WO03105640A1 WO 2003105640 A1 WO2003105640 A1 WO 2003105640A1 IE 0300092 W IE0300092 W IE 0300092W WO 03105640 A1 WO03105640 A1 WO 03105640A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
heat
thermal mass
receiving means
heat transfer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IE2003/000092
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Brian Michael Goulding
Original Assignee
Brian Michael Goulding
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Brian Michael Goulding filed Critical Brian Michael Goulding
Priority to AU2003253226A priority Critical patent/AU2003253226A1/en
Publication of WO2003105640A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003105640A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J36/00—Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
    • A47J36/24—Warming devices
    • A47J36/2444—Drinking cups with heating means
    • A47J36/2461—Drinking cups with heating means with electrical heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J36/00—Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
    • A47J36/24—Warming devices
    • A47J36/2483—Warming devices with electrical heating means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B21/00—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
    • F25B21/02—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect
    • F25B21/04—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect reversible
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
    • F25D31/006—Other cooling or freezing apparatus specially adapted for cooling receptacles, e.g. tanks
    • F25D31/007—Bottles or cans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2321/00—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
    • F25B2321/02—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effects; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effects
    • F25B2321/021—Control thereof
    • F25B2321/0212—Control thereof of electric power, current or voltage
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2321/00—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
    • F25B2321/02—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effects; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effects
    • F25B2321/025—Removal of heat
    • F25B2321/0251—Removal of heat by a gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
    • F25D2331/805—Cans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
    • F25D2331/809—Holders
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/16—Sensors measuring the temperature of products

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to apparatus for altering the temperature of the contents of a container, and in particular, the invention relates to apparatus for both heating and cooling the contents of a container.
  • Apparatus for heating the contents of a container are well known.
  • the hob of a gas cooker or an electrical cooker is suitable for heating the contents of a container by placing the container with the contents therein on the hob.
  • Apparatus for cooling the contents of a container is also well known, for example, a conventional domestic refrigerator.
  • apparatus for both heating and cooling the contents of a container where the apparatus selectively and alternately can heat or cool the contents of a container is not known.
  • it would be desirable to be able to both heat and cool as desired the contents of a container for example, the contents of a cup, mug, beverage can or the like.
  • it may be desired to heat or maintain a cup or a mug of tea or coffee hot while on the other hand, it may be desirable to cool or chill beverages, such as, for example, water, soft drinks and the like.
  • heating apparatus for example, a hob, an electrical kettle, and such cooling apparatus, for example, fridges and the like are of such a size as not to be suitable for locating on a desk or work station of an individual.
  • a beverage is cooled or chilled in a refrigerator, on removal from the refrigerator, over time the temperature of the beverage may rise to a level at which the beverage is no longer palatable.
  • tea and coffee tends to cool over a relatively short period of time to a temperature at which it is no longer palatable.
  • an individual at a desk, work station or the like is prepared to interrupt their work on many occasions throughout a day, they can readily become dehydrated due to lack of readily available palatable beverages at their desk or work station. There is therefore a need for apparatus which overcomes this problem.
  • the present invention is directed towards providing such apparatus.
  • apparatus for altering the temperature of the contents of a container, the apparatus comprising a receiving means of heat conductive material for receiving the container in heat transfer co-operation therewith, a thermal mass, and a first heat transfer means operably located between the receiving means and the thermal mass for transferring heat between the receiving means and the thermal mass, characterised in that the first heat transfer means is selectively and alternately operable for transferring heat from the thermal mass to the receiving means for operating the apparatus in a heating mode for heating the contents of the container, and for transferring heat from the receiving means to the thermal mass for operating the apparatus in a cooling mode for cooling the contents of the container.
  • the first heat transfer means is locatable between the receiving means and the thermal mass in a first orientation for operating the apparatus in the heating mode, and in a second orientation for operating the apparatus in the cooling mode.
  • the first heat transfer means is located within a main housing, the main housing being selectively and alternately locatable in the first and second orientations between the receiving means and the thermal mass.
  • the main housing comprises a first member of heat conducting material, and a second member of heat conducting material, the first heat transfer means being located for transferring heat from the second member to the first member.
  • the first member is selectively and alternately co-operable with the receiving means and the thermal mass in heat transfer co-operation therewith
  • the second member is selectively and alternately co-operable with the receiving means and the thermal mass in heat transfer co-operation therewith.
  • the first and second members define respective first and second major surfaces for selectively and alternately engaging corresponding heat transfer surfaces of the receiving means and the thermal mass with heat conductive engagement for transferring heat between the first member and the corresponding one of the receiving means and the thermal mass, and the second member and the corresponding one of the receiving means and the thermal mass.
  • the main housing is releasably engageable with the receiving means and the thermal mass.
  • the first heat transfer means is a heat pumping means.
  • the heat pumping means is an electrically powered heat pumping means.
  • the heat pumping means comprises at least one peltier cell.
  • the heat pumping means comprises a plurality of peltier cells.
  • an electrical connecting means is provided for supplying electrical power to the heat pumping means.
  • the electrical connecting means comprises a first electrical contact on the first member of the main housing, and a second electrical contact on the second member of the main housing, the first and second electrical contacts being engageable with a third electrical contact on one of the receiving means and the thermal mass, when the one of the first and second members of the main housing is in heat transfer co-operation with the one of the receiving means and the thermal mass on which the third electrical contact is provided.
  • each third electrical contact is provided on the thermal mass.
  • At least two mutually electrically insulated first electrical contacts are provided, and a corresponding number of mutually electrically insulated second electrical contacts and mutually electrically insulated third electrical contacts are provided.
  • each first and second electrical contact comprises a ring contact
  • each third electrical contact comprises a spring loaded contact for co-operating with the corresponding one of the first or second electrical contacts.
  • the ring contacts are concentric with each other.
  • the electrical connecting means comprises an electrical connector for connecting each third electrical contact to a computer.
  • the electrical connector is adapted for receiving a power supply from the computer.
  • the electrical connector is adapted for receiving the power supply from a computer through a firewire cable.
  • the electrical connecting means comprises a communicating means for communicating data between the apparatus and the computer.
  • the receiving means comprises a container engaging surface defining a portion of the container for engaging the container in heat conductive engagement for transferring heat between the receiving means and the container.
  • the container engaging surface of the receiving means defines a base of a container.
  • the container engaging surface of the receiving means defines the base of a standard beverage can.
  • a second heat transfer means for transferring heat between the thermal mass and ambient air.
  • the second heat transfer means comprises a fan.
  • the fan is an electrically powered fan.
  • the thermal mass is of a heat conductive material.
  • the thermal mass comprises a support housing for supporting the first heat transfer means thereon, the support housing defining a hollow interior region for housing the second heat transfer means therein.
  • the support housing comprises a cylindrical side wall which defines the hollow interior region.
  • a plurality of communicating openings extend through the side wall for facilitating air circulation between the hollow interior region and ambient air.
  • a plurality of heat exchange fins are located on the outer surface of the thermal mass for transferring heat therefrom to ambient air.
  • a temperature probe is located in the receiving means for contacting the container for monitoring the temperature of the container.
  • a control circuit for monitoring the temperature probe, the control circuit being responsive to the temperature probe for operating the first heat transfer means.
  • the apparatus further comprises a container, the container defining a hollow interior region for holding the contents the temperature of which is to be altered, and being engageable with the receiving means for transferring heat between the receiving means and the contents of the container.
  • the hollow interior region of the container is adapted for receiving the apparatus so that when the apparatus is not in use, the apparatus may be stored in the container.
  • At least the base of the container is of heat conducting material for transferring heat between the receiving means and the contents of the container.
  • the container is of a heat conducting material.
  • the container is a cup.
  • the container is for containing a beverage for drinking therefrom.
  • the apparatus is suitable for both heating and cooling the contents of a container, it is ideally suitable for heating or cooling as desired a beverage, in a cup, mug, can or the like.
  • the first heat transfer means as a heat pumping means, and in particular in the form of a peltier cell or cells, a relatively small compact unit which is suitable for standing on a desk, work station or the like is provided.
  • a further advantage of the invention is achieved when the first heat transfer means and other electrically powered components of the apparatus are powered by a computer, and particularly, when powered through the firewire outlet of the computer, since this provides a ready supply of power to the apparatus.
  • the apparatus may be controlled under the control of the computer.
  • the apparatus may be arranged to feed back data to the computer for display on the computer screen, for example, the mode of operation of the apparatus could be fed back through the firewire port of the computer and the mode of operation could be displayed on the computer screen.
  • the temperature of the contents of the container could be read from the temperature probe by the computer, and the temperature of the contents could be displayed on the computer screen.
  • an appropriate message could be displayed on the computer screen.
  • a particularly advantageous form of the apparatus is provided, in that heat transfer between the contents of the container and the apparatus can be efficiently carried out.
  • a further advantage of the invention is achieved when a second heat transfer means is provided for transferring heat from the thermal mass to ambient air, since this enhances the efficiency of operation of the apparatus.
  • a particularly advantageous form of the invention is provided when the apparatus is provided with a container, and in particular, when the container defines a hollow interior region for receiving the contents to be cooled, and additionally, where the hollow interior region of the container is adapted for receiving the apparatus, so that the apparatus can be stored in the container when not in use.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of apparatus for altering the temperature of the contents of a container
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in use
  • Fig. 3 is a partial transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ,
  • Fig. 4 is another partial transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ,
  • Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ,
  • Fig. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ,
  • Fig. 8 is another perspective view of the portion of the apparatus of Fig. 7,
  • Fig. 9 is a top plan view of another portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1 .
  • Fig. 10 is an underneath plan view of the portion of the apparatus of Fig. 9,
  • Fig. 11 is a partial transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of the apparatus of Fig. 9,
  • Fig. 12 is a top plan view of another portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1 .
  • Fig. 13 is an underneath plan view of the portion of Fig. 12,
  • Fig. 14 is a front elevational view of the portion of Fig. 12,
  • Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 12,
  • Fig. 16 is another side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 12, and
  • Fig. 17 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of another portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
  • apparatus according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 , for altering the temperature of the contents of a container, and in this embodiment of the invention the apparatus is selectively and alternately operable in a heating mode for heating the contents of a container, and in a cooling mode for cooling the contents of a container.
  • the apparatus 1 in this embodiment of the invention also comprises the container, which is indicated by the reference numeral 2, and is of size of a conventional mug for holding a beverage, for example, water, a soft drink, tea, coffee or the like.
  • the container 2 is of cylindrical construction having a base 5 which is of size and shape substantially similar to the base of a standard beverage can.
  • a cylindrical side wall 6 extends upwardly from the base 5 and terminates in an upper cylindrical portion 7 of slightly greater diameter than the cylindrical side wall 6 for a purpose to be described below.
  • the cylindrical side wall 6 and the upper cylindrical portion 7 define with the base 5 a hollow interior region 9 for holding a beverage therein.
  • the base 5 is of a heat conductive material, in this embodiment of the invention anodised aluminium, for facilitating rapid heat transfer through the base 5 to the beverage in the hollow interior region 9.
  • the cylindrical side wall 6 and the upper cylindrical portion 7 of the container 2 may be of any suitable material, however, typically, the cylindrical side wall 6 and the upper cylindrical portion 7 will be formed in one piece with the base 5 and will be of the same material.
  • a skin 10 of heat insulating material, in this embodiment of the invention cork, extends circumferentially around the cylindrical side wall 6 for minimising heat loss from the contents of the container 2 when the beverage in the container 2 is heated, and for minimising heat transfer into the beverage when the beverage in the container 2 has been cooled or chilled.
  • the apparatus 1 is suitable for placing on a desk, work station or the like with the container 2 supported thereon and comprises a receiving means, namely, a receiving member 12, for receiving the container 2 in heat transfer co-operation for transferring heat between the apparatus 1 and the container 2, as will be described below, for heating or cooling the contents of the container.
  • the receiving member 12 is supported on a main housing 14 which will also be described below, and a support housing 15 supports the main housing 14.
  • the support housing 15 is of cylindrical shape formed by a cylindrical side wall 17 having a bore 18 extending upwardly therein which is closed by an end plate 19.
  • the support housing 15 is of anodised aluminium and acts as a thermal mass.
  • the main housing 14 is in heat conducting engagement with the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15, and is releasably engageable with the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15, and is orientable through 180°, in other words, is invertable for determining the heating or cooling operating mode of the apparatus 1, as will be described below.
  • An annular base 16 of heat insulating material, namely, acrylic, supports the support housing 15, thereby minimising heat transfer from the apparatus 1 to a desk or work station on which the apparatus 1 is placed.
  • the receiving member 12 is circular in plan view and is of heat conductive material, in this embodiment of the invention anodised aluminium.
  • the receiving member 12 comprises a container engaging surface 20 which is sized and shaped to define the base of a standard beverage can, and also to define the base 5 of the container 2, so that when engaged on the receiving member 12, the base 5 of the container 2, or a beverage can, as the case may be, is in tight abutting heat transfer engagement with the container engaging surface 20 for efficiently transferring heat between the receiving member 12 and the container 2.
  • a skin 21 of heat insulating material, in this embodiment of the invention cork extends around the receiving member 12 for minimising heat transfer between the receiving member 12 and ambient air, and also for protecting a user from excessive heat or cold of the receiving member 12.
  • the main housing 14 comprises a first member, namely, a first plate member 23 and a spaced apart second member, namely, a second plate member 24 which are joined by and spaced apart by a cylindrical side wall 25.
  • the side wall 25 defines with the first and second plate members 23 and 24 a hollow interior region 27.
  • the first and second plate members 23 and 24 are of heat conducting material, in this embodiment of the invention anodised aluminium.
  • the side wall 25 is of translucent or transparent heat insulating material, in this embodiment of the invention acrylic.
  • a first heat transfer means, which in this embodiment of the invention is provided by a heat pumping means, namely, a heat pump, which comprises a peltier cell 28.
  • the peltier cell 28 is located within the hollow interior region 27, and is sandwiched between and in heat conducting engagement with the first and second plate members 23 and 24, so that the peltier cell 28 pumps heat from the second plate member 24 to the first plate member 23, when powered up.
  • the first and second plate members 23 and 24 are identical to each other.
  • the first plate member 23 defines a first major surface 29, while the second plate member 24 defines a second major surface 30, and both are shaped for releasably engaging a corresponding heat transfer major surface 32 of the receiving member 12 and a corresponding heat transfer major surface 33 of the support housing 15 for ensuring efficient heat transfer between the first and second plate members 23 and 24 on the one hand, and the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15 on the other hand with which they are in engagement, respectively.
  • the main housing 14 may be inverted between the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15. Accordingly, when it is desired to operate the apparatus 1 in the heating mode, the main housing 14 is located between the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15 in a first orientation with the first plate member 23 in engagement with the receiving member 12, and the second plate member 24 in engagement with the support housing 15, so that as the heat pump action of the peltier cell 28 transfers heat from the second plate member 24 to the first plate member 23, heat is transferred from the thermal mass of the support housing 15 to the receiving member 12, and in turn to the container 2.
  • the main housing 14 When it is desired to operate the apparatus 1 in the cooling mode, the main housing 14 is inverted into a second orientation with the first plate member 23 in engagement with the support housing 15, and the second plate member 24 in engagement with the receiving member 12, so that as the heat pump action of the peltier cell 28 transfers heat from the second plate member 24 to the first plate member 23, heat is transferred from the receiving member 12, and in turn from the container 2 to the thermal mass of the support housing 15.
  • the first and second plate members 23 and 24 each comprise an inner central plate 34 and an outer annular plate 35 extending around the inner central plate 34 and in heat conductive engagement therewith.
  • the peltier cell 28 is in heat conductive engagement with the inner central plate 34 of the respective first and second plate members 23 and 24.
  • each first and second plate member 23 and 24 forms a recess 37 in the corresponding first and second plate members 23 and 24 for receiving a corresponding projection 38 from the receiving member 12 and a corresponding projection 39 from the support housing 15.
  • the co-operating action of the projections 38 and 39 with the recesses 37 in the first and second plate members 23 and 24 align and locate the main housing 14 with the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15.
  • Retaining means for retaining the main housing 14 in engagement with the support housing 15 and the receiving member 12 comprise magnets 40 and 41 which are located centrally in the inner central plates 34 of the first and second plate members 23 and 24, respectively, which co-operate with corresponding magnets 45 and 46 in the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15, respectively, depending on the orientation with which the main housing 14 is located between the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15.
  • a printed circuit board 48 extending around the peltier cell 28 comprises an electronic control circuit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the peltier cell 28.
  • a temperature probe 50 is slideably located in a heat insulating sleeve 51 of acrylic material which extends through the receiving member 12.
  • the temperature probe 50 is lightly spring urged, by a compression spring (not shown), into engagement with the base 5 of the container 2 for monitoring the temperature of the base 5 of the container 2 for determining the temperature of the contents of the beverage therein.
  • a releasable electrical connection (not shown) between the temperature probe 50 and the control circuit (not shown) on the printed circuit board 48 delivers electrical signals from the temperature probe 50, which are read by the control circuit, and the operation of the peltier cell 28 is controlled by the control circuit on the printed circuit board 48 in response to the temperature monitored by the temperature probe 50.
  • heat transfer fins 52 extend radially from and substantially longitudinally along the support housing 15 for transferring heat between the support housing 15 and ambient air for maintaining the support housing 15 substantially at the temperature of the ambient air.
  • a second heat transfer means in this embodiment of the invention an electrically powered fan 54, illustrated in block representation in Fig. 11 , is located in the bore 1.8 for circulating ambient air through the bore 18 through longitudinally extending slots 55 in the cylindrical side wall 17 of the support housing 15 for further facilitating in maintaining the temperature of the support housing 15 at the temperature of the ambient air.
  • the electrically powered fan 54 is operated under the control of the control circuit (not shown) on the printed circuit board 48 in response to the temperature monitored by the temperature probe 50. Releasable electrical connections (not shown) are provided between the fan 54 and the control circuit.
  • a counter-bore 58 into the bore 18 of the support housing 15 accommodates an annular ring 59 extending from the annular base 16 for locating and securing the annular base 16 and the support housing 15 together.
  • An electrical connecting means for providing electrical power to the printed circuit board 48, and in turn to the peltier cell 28 through the main housing 14 comprises first and second electrical contact means, namely, mutually electrically insulated concentric first and second electrically conductive contact rings 60 and 61.
  • the first contact rings 60 are provided on the outer annular plate 35 of the first plate member 23, while the second contact rings 61 are provided on the outer annular plate 35 of the second plate member 24.
  • two first contact rings 60 are provided on the first plate member 23, and two second contact rings 61 are provided on the second plate member 24.
  • the first and second contact rings 60 and 61 are illustrated only in Figs.
  • Two third electrical contact means namely, two electrically conductive contact pins 63 located in the support housing 15 and extending from the heat transfer major surface 33 thereof engage the corresponding two contact rings of the first and second contact rings 60 or 61, depending on whether the main housing 14 is located between the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15 in the first or second orientation.
  • the contact pins 63 are spaced apart and electrically insulated from each other and are also electrically insulated from the support housing 15 and are lightly spring urged through the heat transfer major surface 33 of the support housing 15 for engaging the corresponding pair of the first or second contact rings 60 or 61. Electrical connections (not shown) extend from the first and second contact rings 60 and 61 , respectively, through the first and second plate members 23 and 24, respectively, to the printed circuit board 48 for supplying electrical power to the control circuit from the first and second contact rings 60 and 61.
  • the electrical connecting means also comprises three electrical connectors 65, 66 and 67 which are located in the annular base 16.
  • the connector 65 is a mains electricity electrical connector 65 for supplying mains electricity to the apparatus 1.
  • the connector 66 is a firewire electrical connector 66 for receiving an electrical power supply from a firewire port of a computer
  • the connector 67 is a USB electrical connector 67 for receiving an electrical power supply from a USB port of a computer.
  • Electrical cables (not shown) extend through the bore 18 of the support housing 15 for connecting the three connectors 65, 66 and 67 to the appropriate ones of the contact pins 63 for in turn supplying power from the connectors 65, 66 and 67 to the printed circuit board 48, through the first and second contact rings 60 and 61, depending on the orientation of the main housing 14.
  • control circuit (not shown) on the printed circuit board 48 and a computer connected into either the firewire electrical connector 66 or the USB electrical connector 67, and in which case, additional first and second contact rings 60 and 61 and additional contact pins 63 will be provided for facilitating data communication between the control circuit on the printed circuit board 48 and the computer.
  • the apparatus 1 is illustrated in Fig. 2 powered from a computer 68 through a firewire cable 69.
  • Two light emitting diodes 70 and 71 are provided on the printed circuit board 48.
  • the light emitting diode 70 glows red while the light emitting diode 71 glows blue.
  • the light emitting diodes 70 and 71 are alternately operated under the control of the control circuit depending on the orientation of the main housing 14.
  • the red light emitting diode 70 is illuminated and thereby is visible through the cylindrical side wall 25 of the main housing 14, thus indicating that the apparatus 1 is being operated in the heating mode.
  • the blue light emitting diode 71 is operated when the peltier cell 28 is powered up and when the main housing 14 is located between the receiving member 12 and the support housing 15 in the second orientation for operating the apparatus 1 in the cooling mode.
  • the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2 is shaped to accommodate the apparatus 1 therein so that when the apparatus 1 is not in use, the apparatus 1 may be stored within the container 2.
  • the apparatus 1 is illustrated located within the container 2 in Fig. 4.
  • the upper cylindrical portion 7 of the container 2 accommodates the receiving member 12.
  • the apparatus 1 is withdrawn from the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2 and placed standing on a desk, work station or otherwise with the annular base 16 engaged on the desk or work station.
  • the receiving member 12 is removed from the main housing 14, and the main housing 14 is oriented and located on the support housing 15 in the appropriate first or second orientation, depending on whether the apparatus is to be operated in the first or the second mode.
  • the receiving member 12 is then replaced and engaged with the main housing 14.
  • the container 2 with the beverage contained therein is placed on the receiving member 12 with the base 5 of the container 2 engaging the container engaging surface 20 of the receiving member 12.
  • the apparatus 1 is then connected to a power supply, either a mains electricity power supply, or a power supply from a firewire port or a USB port of a computer.
  • an appropriate socket connector is connected into the appropriate one of the connectors 65, 66 and 67.
  • the apparatus 1 is then ready for use, and heating or cooling of the beverage in the container 2 commences. It is envisaged that the apparatus 1 may also be powered by a combination of all or any two of a mains supply, a USB or a firewire supply.
  • the temperature probe 50 abutting the base 5 of the container 2 monitors the temperature of the base and in turn the temperature of the beverage in the container 2.
  • the control circuit reads signals from the temperature probe 50 and determines the temperature of the beverage in the container 2 from the signals received therefrom.
  • the peltier cell 28 is operated until the temperature of the beverage in the container 2 is at the desired temperature.
  • a means is provided for inputting the desired temperature of the beverage into the control circuit, or alternatively, the desired temperature may be entered through the computer if the apparatus 1 is being powered either through a firewire or USB port of a computer.
  • the peltier cell 28 remains active until the temperature of the beverage in the container 2 is at the desired temperature.
  • the fan 54 is appropriately operated under the control of the control circuit on the printed circuit board 48.
  • the peltier cell 28 is deactivated by the control circuit on the printed circuit board 48, and the light emitting diode 70 or 71 which had been illuminated is switched off, thereby indicating that the temperature of the beverage in the container 2 is at the desired temperature.
  • the apparatus 1 may be operated continuously and as the temperature of the beverage in the container 2 drifts from the desired temperature, the peltier cell 28 would again be activated for appropriately transferring heat to or from the container 2.
  • the apparatus 1 When the apparatus 1 is not required, it can be stored in the container 2 as illustrated in Fig. 4.
  • the apparatus when the apparatus is not required for heating and cooling a beverage, it is envisaged that it may be placed on its side on a desk or worktop with the annular base 16 projecting towards an individual or an article to be heated or cooled, and with the fan operating a cool or warm air stream would be directed at the individual or article by the fan.
  • a tilt switch may be provided on the printed circuit board for switching power to the appropriate one of the light emitting diodes 70 and 71 depending on the orientation of the main housing 14.
  • apparatus 1 has been described for heating or cooling a beverage in the container 2 of the apparatus 1 , it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the apparatus 1 is also suitable for heating or cooling the contents of a beverage in a standard beverage can by placing the beverage can with its base engaged on the container engaging surface 20 of the receiving member 12.
  • first heat transfer means has been described as comprising a peltier ceil, any other suitable heat pumping means may be used, or indeed, any other suitable heat transfer means may be used.
  • heat pumping means has been described as comprising a single peltier cell, more .than one peltier cell may be provided.
  • a lid may be provided for the container for retaining the contents thereof at a desired temperature.
  • the light emitting diodes may be arranged to flash or twinkle when the contents of the container are at the desired temperature.
  • a vibrator may be mounted on the printed circuit board, and the vibrator would be responsive to the temperature of the contents of the container being at the desired temperature for indicating by way of vibration that the contents of the container are at the desired temperature.
  • main housing may be of other shape and construction, and indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the printed circuit board, or boards, may be arranged to be in direct electrical contact with the contact pins on the support housing, and with the temperature probe.
  • a thermistor may be located in the container, and the temperature probe 50 would be replaced by an electrical contact, which would relay signals from the thermistor to the control circuit on the printed circuit board through appropriate electrical connection between the receiving member and the main housing 14.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention a trait à un appareil (1) permettant le réchauffement ou le refroidissement d'une boisson dans un récipient (2) comportant un organe de réception (12) destiné à l'engagement et au support du récipient (2) dessus. Un boîtier principal (14) est porté sur un boîtier auxiliaire (15) et à son tour supporte l'organe de réception (12). Le boîtier auxiliaire (15) agit comme masse thermique. Une cellule à effet Peltier (28) est opérable pour le transfert de chaleur d'un deuxième élément de plaque (24) vers un premier élément de plaque (28) du boîtier principal (14) pour effectuer à son tour un transfert de chaleur entre l'organe de réception (12) et le boîtier auxiliaire (15). Le boîtier principal (14) est apte à être disposé entre l'organe de réception (12) et le boîtier auxiliaire (15) dans une première ainsi qu'une deuxième orientation. Dans la première orientation, le premier élément de plaque (23) est en prise avec l'organe de réception (12) et le deuxième élément de plaque (24) est en prise avec le boîtier auxiliaire (15) pour le transfert de chaleur du boîtier auxiliaire de support (15) vers l'organe de réception (12) pour réchauffer la boisson, et dans une deuxième orientation, le deuxième élément de plaque (23) est en prise avec l'organe de réception (12) pour le transfert de chaleur de l'organe de réception (12) vers le boîtier auxiliaire (15) pour refroidir la boisson.
PCT/IE2003/000092 2002-06-18 2003-06-18 Appareil pour modifier la temperature du contenu d'un recipient WO2003105640A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003253226A AU2003253226A1 (en) 2002-06-18 2003-06-18 "apparatus for altering the temperature of the contents of a co ntainer"

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IE20020498 2002-06-18
IES020498 2002-06-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003105640A1 true WO2003105640A1 (fr) 2003-12-24

Family

ID=29727014

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IE2003/000092 WO2003105640A1 (fr) 2002-06-18 2003-06-18 Appareil pour modifier la temperature du contenu d'un recipient

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2003253226A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2003105640A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120217772A1 (en) * 2010-09-25 2012-08-30 eMoMo Technology Co., Ltd. Multi-functional touch cooling cup holder
ITFR20120001A1 (it) * 2012-01-02 2013-07-03 Bellis Antonio De Termoregolatore per decanter od altro contenitore
CN105066506A (zh) * 2015-08-18 2015-11-18 胡海明 一种汽水杯的半导体制冷结构
CN105147111A (zh) * 2015-08-18 2015-12-16 胡海明 速制式自动制冷产气饮料杯
US10051968B2 (en) 2006-04-25 2018-08-21 Raffel Systems, Llc Lighted cup holder for seating arrangements
US10772464B1 (en) * 2018-02-10 2020-09-15 Magis Industries, Inc. Portable electric heating device for disposable hot beverage containers

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5042258A (en) * 1989-08-07 1991-08-27 Sundhar Shaam P Drinking container
WO1997026490A1 (fr) * 1996-01-18 1997-07-24 Angel Eloy Cuadrado Recio Refroidisseur-rechauffeur d'emballages
US5842353A (en) * 1996-12-13 1998-12-01 Kuo-Liang; Lin Apparatus for heating or cooling drinks
US6141969A (en) * 1998-03-10 2000-11-07 Rover Group Limited Beverage vessel holder

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5042258A (en) * 1989-08-07 1991-08-27 Sundhar Shaam P Drinking container
WO1997026490A1 (fr) * 1996-01-18 1997-07-24 Angel Eloy Cuadrado Recio Refroidisseur-rechauffeur d'emballages
US5842353A (en) * 1996-12-13 1998-12-01 Kuo-Liang; Lin Apparatus for heating or cooling drinks
US6141969A (en) * 1998-03-10 2000-11-07 Rover Group Limited Beverage vessel holder

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10806265B2 (en) 2006-04-25 2020-10-20 Raffel Systems, Llc Lighted cup holder for seating arrangements
US11778758B2 (en) 2006-04-25 2023-10-03 Raffel Systems, Llc Lighted cup holder for seating arrangements
US11357119B1 (en) 2006-04-25 2022-06-07 Raffel Systems, Llc Lighted cup holder for seating arrangements
US11089701B1 (en) 2006-04-25 2021-08-10 Raffel Systems, Llc Lighted cup holder for seating arrangements
US10051968B2 (en) 2006-04-25 2018-08-21 Raffel Systems, Llc Lighted cup holder for seating arrangements
US10299603B2 (en) 2006-04-25 2019-05-28 Raffel Systems, Llc Lighted cup holder for seating arrangements
US10537182B2 (en) 2006-04-25 2020-01-21 Raffel Systems, Llc Lighted cup holder for seating arrangements
US20120217772A1 (en) * 2010-09-25 2012-08-30 eMoMo Technology Co., Ltd. Multi-functional touch cooling cup holder
US9493102B2 (en) * 2010-09-25 2016-11-15 eMoMo Technology Co., Ltd. Multi-functional touch cooling cup holder
ITFR20120001A1 (it) * 2012-01-02 2013-07-03 Bellis Antonio De Termoregolatore per decanter od altro contenitore
CN105147111A (zh) * 2015-08-18 2015-12-16 胡海明 速制式自动制冷产气饮料杯
CN105147111B (zh) * 2015-08-18 2017-05-10 胡海明 速制式自动制冷产气饮料杯
CN105066506B (zh) * 2015-08-18 2017-03-15 胡海明 一种汽水杯的半导体制冷结构
CN105066506A (zh) * 2015-08-18 2015-11-18 胡海明 一种汽水杯的半导体制冷结构
US10772464B1 (en) * 2018-02-10 2020-09-15 Magis Industries, Inc. Portable electric heating device for disposable hot beverage containers

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