Beverage container with active temperature control

Abstract

A beverage container with active temperature control has an insulated vessel body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage therein, and a cooling or heating unit. The cooling or heating unit includes: a thermoelectric element in thermal communication with the chamber; a solid state fan operable to draw air into the cooling or heating unit via one or more inlet openings in the cover of the cooling or heating unit and to discharge the air via one or more outlet openings in the cover; a power storage device; and circuitry configured to control operation of the thermoelectric element and the solid state fan. The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise or lower or maintain a temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to draw heat from or input heat to the chamber.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480028500.8 (22) Application Date 2024.03.12 (30) Priority Data 63 / 490,189 2023.03.14 US (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2025.10.27 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / US2024 / 019493 2024.03.12 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2024 / 191976 EN 2024.09.19 (71) Applicant: Embry Technologies, Inc. Address: USA (72) Inventors: Clayton Alexander, Rahul Mulintidaran, John Lismiko, Yuhani Timperi, Christopher Thomas Wickham, Rob Lawson-Shanks, Edward Sebert, Morris Shelton, Lorraine Nacker (74) Patent Agency: Beijing J&J Intellectual Property Agency Co., Ltd. 11227 Patent Attorney: Wang Yanjiang (51) Int.Cl. A47J 41 / 00 (2006.01) B65D 85 / 72 (2006.01) B65D 25 / 20 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title: Beverage Container with Active Temperature Control (57) Abstract: A beverage container with active temperature control, the beverage container having an insulated vessel body and a cooling or heating unit, the insulated vessel body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage therein. The cooling or heating unit includes: a thermoelectric element in thermal communication with the chamber; a solid-state fan operable to draw air into the cooling or heating unit through one or more inlet openings in the cover of the cooling or heating unit and to exhaust the air through one or more outlet openings in the cover; a power storage device; and circuitry configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element and the solid-state fan. The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to absorb heat from or input heat into the chamber.Claims 2 pages, Description 23 pages, Drawings 12 pages, CN 121152588 A 2025.12.16 CN 1 21 15 25 88 A 1. A beverage container system with active temperature control, the system comprising: an insulated container body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage within the insulated container body; a cooling or heating unit comprising: a base in thermal communication with the chamber; a thermoelectric element having a first side in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber via the base; a heat diffuser in thermal communication with a second side of the thermoelectric element; a thermal mass block disposed around and in thermal communication with a radiator, and housed in an insulated cap; and an electrical storage device. 1. A circuit configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element, and one or more sensors, including a first temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of a beverage in the chamber and a second temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the thermal mass, wherein the cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to absorb heat from or input heat into the chamber. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cooling or heating unit is detachable from the insulated vessel body. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the insulated cover defines a cavity housing the thermoelectric element, the heat diffuser, the thermal mass, the power storage device, and the circuit. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the insulated cap is a double-walled vacuum insulated cap. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the insulated vessel body is a double-walled vacuum insulated vessel body. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuit is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote electronic device. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the cooling or heating unit further comprises a wireless power receiver configured to receive power from a wireless power transmitter to perform one or both of operating the thermoelectric element and charging the power storage device. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric element is annular in shape. 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second heat diffuser in thermal communication with the hot mass and disposed within the heat-insulating cap and positioned opposite the heat diffuser. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the heat-insulating cap has a recessed wall spaced apart from the distal edge of the heat-insulating cap to suppress heat loss from the hot mass in the heat-insulating cap via the recessed wall when the vessel body is placed on a surface such that the heat-insulating cap contacts the surface.11. The system of claim 1, wherein the thermal mass block is a phase change material. 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a charging module including a fan, a heat sink, a heat pipe in thermal communication with the heat sink and a thermoelectric element, and a thermal mass block module in thermal communication with the thermoelectric element, the charging module being operable to cool the thermal mass block in the heat insulation cap when the vessel body is placed on the charging module such that the heat insulation cap contacts the charging module. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the thermal mass block module is a flexible capsule filled with a heat transfer fluid, the thermal mass block module being configured to extend into a recess in the heat insulation cap for thermal contact with the thermal mass block in the heat insulation cap. 14. A beverage container with active temperature control, the container comprising: an insulated vessel body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage within the insulated vessel body; a cooling or heating unit comprising: a thermoelectric element having a first side in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber; a solid-state fan operable to draw air into the cooling or heating unit via one or more inlet openings of a cover of the cooling or heating unit, and to exhaust the air via one or more outlet openings of the cover; an energy storage device; and circuitry configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element and the solid-state fan, wherein the cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to absorb heat from or input heat to the chamber. 15. The container of claim 14, wherein the cooling or heating unit is detachable from the insulated vessel body. 16. The container of claim 14, wherein the thermal insulation cover defines a cavity for receiving the thermoelectric element, the solid-state fan, the power storage device, and the circuitry. 17. The container of claim 16, wherein the thermal insulation cover is a double-walled vacuum insulated cover. 18. The container of claim 14, wherein the insulated vessel body is a double-walled vacuum insulated vessel body. 19. The container of claim 14, wherein the circuitry is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote electronic device.Claims 2 / 2 Page 3 CN 121152588 A Beverage Container with Active Temperature Control

[0001] Incorporation of References to Any Priority Applications

[0002] Any and all applications that identify foreign or domestic priority claims in the application data sheet filed with this application are incorporated herein by reference in accordance with 37 CFR 1.57 and shall be considered part of this application document. Background of the Invention Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to beverage containers, and more particularly to beverage containers with active temperature control in which beverages can be contained. Background Art

[0005] Many beverages (e.g., soft drinks, beer) are packaged in metal (e.g., aluminum) cans for personal consumption (e.g., at parties, picnics, outdoor activities, etc.). Such beverages are typically consumed in a chilled or frozen state (e.g., by placing the can in a refrigerator or on ice, such as in a cooler). However, once the can is removed from the refrigerator or ice, the temperature of the can and its contents changes over time due to the heat from the user's hands when handling the can and because the can is exposed to ambient air. Insulating sleeves made of flexible or deformable fabrics or foam (often called "koozies") are commonly used to hold cans (e.g., soda cans, beer cans) in place to insulate the beverage inside and keep it cool for an extended period of time. However, such koozies do not keep the beverage cool for an extended period of time. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved standalone portable cooler that can receive a metal (e.g., aluminum) container (e.g., a can) to cool the metal can and its contents (e.g., a beverage). The standalone portable cooler can be sized to receive at least partially a single metal container (e.g., a soda can, beer can, such as one made of aluminum) within the cooler's chamber. The cooler can keep the metal can and / or its contents in a cooled state for an extended period of time (e.g., 1 / 2 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc.). In one example, the cooler can maintain a metal can and / or its contents at a desired temperature or temperature range.

[0007] It has active temperature control, enabling it to receive a metal (e.g., aluminum) container (e.g., a can) to cool the metal can and its contents.

[0008] According to one aspect, a separate portable cooler container with an active temperature control system is provided. In one example, the active temperature control system is operated to cool the chamber of the cooler's vessel that receives the metal container or can.

[0009] According to another aspect, a cooler container with active temperature control is provided. The container includes a container body having a chamber defined by a base and an inner peripheral wall of the container body.The container also includes a temperature control system comprising one or more thermoelectric elements and circuitry, the thermoelectric elements being configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber, and the circuitry being configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range. The chamber is sized to receive at least a portion of a metal container (e.g., an aluminum can), and the temperature control system is configured to operate to raise or lower the temperature of the metal container and its contents (e.g., a beverage) or to maintain the temperature at or within a predetermined temperature or temperature range for an extended period of time (e.g., 1 / 2 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc.). Specification 1 / 23 page 4 CN 121152588 A

[0010] Optionally, the container may include one or more batteries configured to provide power to one or more of the circuitry and thermoelectric elements.

[0011] Optionally, the circuitry is also configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone).

[0012] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a container with active temperature control is provided. The container includes: an insulated vessel body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage therein; and a cooling or heating unit. The cooling or heating unit includes: a thermoelectric element having a first side thermally connected to at least a portion of the chamber; a module made of a thermomass or phase change material thermally connected to a second side of the thermoelectric element opposite to the first side; an electrical storage device; and a circuit configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element. The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to absorb heat from the chamber and transfer said heat to the module made of the thermomass or phase change material.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a container system with active temperature control is provided. The system includes: an insulated vessel body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage therein; and a cooling or heating unit. The cooling or heating unit includes: a thermoelectric element having a first side in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber; a module made of a thermomass or phase change material, the module being in thermal communication with a second side of the thermoelectric element opposite to the first side; a power storage device; and a circuit configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element. The system also includes a charging module for charging the cooling or heating unit. The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to absorb heat from the chamber and transfer said heat to the module made of the thermomass or phase change material.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a beverage container with active temperature control is provided. The container includes: an insulated vessel body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage therein; and a cooling or heating unit. The cooling or heating unit includes: a thermoelectric element having a first side in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber; a solid-state fan operable to draw air into the cooling or heating unit via one or more inlet openings of a cover of the cooling or heating unit, and to exhaust the air via one or more outlet openings of the cover; a power storage device; and circuitry configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element and the solid-state fan. The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise or lower or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to absorb heat from the chamber or to input heat into the chamber.

[0015] FIG1 is a cross-sectional view of a cooler container.

[0016] FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of another cooler container.

[0017] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of another cooler container.

[0018] FIG4 is a schematic block diagram showing communication between the cooler container and the remote electronic device.

[0019] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of the cooler container.

[0020] FIG6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage container and the cooling unit.

[0021] FIG7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling unit of FIG6 disposed on the charging module.

[0022] FIG8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage container and the cooling unit disposed on the charging module.

[0023] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the charging module for use with the beverage container.

[0024] FIG10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage container and the cooling unit.

[0025] FIG11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage container in FIG10, showing the operating state. Specification 2 / 23 pages 5 CN 121152588 A

[0026] FIG12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage container and the cooling unit.

[0027] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of the beverage container of FIG12 and the charging module for the beverage container.

[0028] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a charging module used with the beverage container of FIG12. Detailed Description

[0029] FIG1 illustrates a cooler container assembly 100 (“cooler”). The cooler 100 may include an insulated cylindrical vessel 10 having an open top end and a closed bottom end having an opening (e.g., a central opening) therethrough. In one implementation, the vessel 10 may be double-walled, wherein an outer peripheral wall (e.g., an outer cylindrical wall) and an inner peripheral wall (e.g., an inner cylindrical wall) are spaced apart by a gap. In one example, the gap may be filled with air. In another example, the gap may be filled with an insulating material (e.g., foam).In another example, the gap may be under vacuum. Advantageously, the inner and outer peripheral walls are thermally insulated (e.g., so that heat from a user's hand gripping the cooler 100 is not transferred to the inner peripheral wall to inhibit heat transfer to the metal can and its contents within the cooler). In another implementation, the vessel 10 may be single-walled. In one implementation, the vessel 10 is made of a thermally insulating material (e.g., plastic, other polymeric materials, other non-metallic materials).

[0030] The cooler 100 may optionally have an inner peripheral liner 20 (“liner”) that is in thermal communication (e.g., in thermal contact with the beverage container, in direct contact with the beverage container) with a chamber inserted into the liner 20. The liner 20 will optionally contact the inner peripheral wall (e.g., an inner cylindrical wall) of the vessel 10. The liner 20 may optionally extend substantially to the top end of the vessel 10. The liner 20 may extend substantially co-exist with the vessel 10. Liner 20 may extend from an open top end to a closed bottom end having an opening therethrough (e.g., a central opening). Optionally, the opening in the bottom end of liner 20 may be aligned with the opening in the bottom end of vessel 10 (e.g., having the same width and the same diameter).

[0031] Liner 20 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity. In one example, liner 20 may be made of aluminum. In another example, liner 20 may be made of another material with high thermal conductivity. Liner 20 defines a chamber sized to receive at least a portion of a metal can (e.g., a soft drink can, a beer can, etc.) 200 therein. The chamber may have a nominal diameter of 65.5 mm ± 2 mm. However, the chamber may have other suitable dimensions to accommodate beverage containers of different sizes.

[0032] Cooler may optionally have a thermally conductive septum plug 30 (“septum plug”) disposed at the bottom of the chamber. In one example, septum plug 30 may have a convex shape facing the open end of vessel 10. In one implementation, once inserted into the vessel 10, the convex shape of the septum 30 substantially matches the concave base of the metal can 200, thereby allowing the septum 30 to substantially contact the entire area of ​​the concave base of the metal can 200. This advantageously facilitates heat transfer between the septum 30 and the metal can 200 (e.g., heat transfer from the metal can 200 to the septum 30 to cool the metal can 200).

[0033] In one implementation, the septum 30 is in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with at least a portion of the liner 20. In one example, the septum 30 and the liner 20 are separate components attached together. In another example, the septum 30 and the liner 20 are integral (e.g., single piece, manufactured or molded as a single seamless piece). The septum 30 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity. In one example, the septum 30 is made of the same material as the liner 20. In one example, the septum 30 is made of aluminum.

[0034] At least a portion of the septum plug 30 may extend at least partially through an opening (e.g., a central opening) in the liner 20 and / or the vessel 10. Optionally, the septum plug 30 substantially seals the opening (e.g., a central opening) in the liner 20 and / or the vessel 10.

[0035] The bottom end of the septum plug 30 may contact the top side of a thermoelectric element (e.g., a Peltier element) 40. In one example, the thermoelectric element 40 contacts the septum plug 30 but not the liner 20. In another example, the thermoelectric element 40 contacts both the septum plug 30 and the liner 20. In yet another example, the septum plug 30 is excluded and the thermoelectric element 40 contacts at least a portion of the liner 20. Thermoelectric element specification 3 / 23 page 6 CN 121152588 A 40 may be a plurality of thermoelectric elements. The bottom side of the thermoelectric element 40 may optionally contact a radiator 50. Optionally, the radiator 50 may have one or more (e.g., multiple) fins.

[0036] The housing located below the vessel 10 may have a cavity housing at least a portion of the thermoelectric element 40, circuitry, a battery 60 (e.g., multiple batteries, rechargeable batteries), and a fan 70. The housing may have one or more ventilation openings 80 therein to allow air to flow between the cavity and the external environment. Optionally, the circuitry may operate the thermoelectric element 40 and / or the fan 70 to raise or lower, or maintain, the temperature of the metal can and its contents (e.g., a beverage) at a set point (e.g., a user-selected temperature, a predetermined temperature) or a temperature range. Optionally, the circuitry may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with a remote electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, etc.). For example, as discussed further below, the circuitry may receive a temperature setpoint from the remote electronic device and operate the thermoelectric element 40 and / or the fan 70 to raise or lower, or maintain, the temperature of the metal can and its contents (e.g., a beverage) at the set point.

[0037] In operation, a user can insert a metal can 200 (e.g., a soft drink can, a beer can) into the chamber of liner 20 such that the outer wall of the metal can 200 is close to liner 20 (e.g., adjacent to liner 20, in contact with liner 20) to facilitate thermal communication between liner 20 and metal can 200. As described above, the metal can 200 can be inserted such that the septum 30 contacts the concave base of the metal can 200. In one implementation, the circuitry operates the thermoelectric element 40 (e.g., automatically operated upon sensing, for example, that the metal can 200 has been inserted into the chamber of liner 20) to draw heat from the septum 30 and from liner 20 (e.g., via the septum 30 in thermal contact with liner 20). Liner 20 and septum 30 draw heat from metal can 200, and metal can 200 draws heat from its contents (e.g., a beverage), thereby cooling metal can 200 and / or the beverage. The heat is transferred from the thermoelectric element 40 to the radiator 50 for heat dissipation.Optionally, the circuit operates the fan 70 to draw air through the radiator 50 to dissipate heat from the radiator 50. The air can be drawn into the cavity through one or more of the ventilation openings 80 and drawn through at least a portion of the radiator 50 to remove heat from the radiator, and the heated air can be discharged from the cavity through the fan 70 via one or more of the ventilation openings 80. Advantageously, the cooler 100 can raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of the metal can 200 over an extended period of time (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc.).

[0038] FIG2 shows a cross-sectional view of the cooler container assembly 100A (“cooler”). Some features of the cooler 100A are similar to those of the cooler 100 in FIG1. ​​Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various components of the cooler 100A are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of the cooler 100 in FIG1, except for the addition of an “A” in the numerical identifier. Therefore, in addition to the following description, the structure and description of the various features of the cooler 100 in FIG. 1 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the cooler 100A in FIG. 2.

[0039] The cooler 100A differs from the cooler 100 in that the bottom side of the thermoelectric element 40A is in thermal contact (e.g., direct contact) with the heat transfer block 50A located below the thermoelectric element 40A. The heat transfer block 50A may have a plate shape. However, the heat transfer block 50A may have other shape factors. In one implementation, the heat transfer block 50A may extend together with the thermoelectric element 40A (e.g., have the same contact area). In another implementation, the heat transfer block 50A may have a larger area than the area of ​​the thermoelectric element 40A. The heat transfer block 50A may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity (e.g., a metal such as aluminum, copper, etc.). In another implementation, the heat transfer block 50A may have a phase change material (PCM) enclosed within an enclosure to suppress thermal fluctuations caused by the operation of the thermoelectric element 40A.

[0040] The cooler 100A may optionally have a heat pipe 65A that is in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with at least a portion of the heat transfer block 50A at a portion of the heat pipe 65A. In one implementation, the heat pipe 65A and the heat transfer block 50A are separate components attached together. In another implementation, the heat pipe 65A and the heat transfer block 50A are a single piece (e.g., integral, molded, or manufactured as a single seamless piece). The heat transfer pipe 65A may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity (e.g., a metal such as aluminum, copper, etc.). In another implementation, the heat transfer tube 65A can be a hollow heat pipe having an internal wicking structure and a heat transfer fluid for heat transfer (see quick specification page 4 / 23, 7 CN 121152588 A).The heat pipe 65A may optionally be in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with at least a portion of the radiator 68A at another portion of the heat pipe 65A. The radiator 68A may optionally have one or more fins. In one implementation, the heat transfer block 50A, the heat pipe 65A, and the radiator 68A may be a single structure (e.g., integral, single seamless piece). In another implementation, the heat transfer block 50A, the heat pipe 65A, and the radiator 68A may be separate components in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with each other. The cooler 100A may have a fan 70A near at least a portion of the radiator 68A (e.g., near the fins).

[0041] As shown in FIG2, the heat pipe 65A may extend generally parallel to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the vessel 10A and at least a portion of the outer surface of the vessel 10, but spaced apart from at least a portion of the bottom surface of the vessel 10A and at least a portion of the outer surface of the vessel 10. However, the heat pipe 65A may be positioned in other locations along the bottom and / or side surfaces of the vessel 10. Although not shown, the container 100A may have an outer enclosure or vessel surrounding the vessel 10 and the heat pipe 65A, radiator 68A, and fan 70A. The outer enclosure may define a housing and cavity below the vessel 10 that can accommodate electronic devices (e.g., circuits, batteries, sensors, etc.) of the container 100A.

[0042] In operation, a user may insert a metal can 200 (e.g., a soft drink can, a beer can) into the chamber of the liner 20A of the container 100A such that the outer wall of the metal can 200 is close to the liner 20A (e.g., adjacent to the liner 20A, in contact with the liner 20A) to facilitate thermal communication between the liner 20A and the metal can 200. As described above, the metal can 200 may be inserted such that the septum 30A contacts the concave base of the metal can 200. In one implementation, the circuit operates a thermoelectric element 40A (e.g., automatically operated upon sensing, for example, insertion of the metal can 200 into the chamber of the liner 20A) to absorb heat from the slug 30A and from the liner 20A (e.g., via the slug 30A in thermal contact with the liner 20A). The liner 20A and the slug 30A absorb heat from the metal can 200, which in turn absorbs heat from its contents (e.g., a beverage), thereby cooling the metal can 200 and / or the beverage. The heat is transferred by the thermoelectric element 40A to a heat transfer block 50A, which then transfers the heat to a heat pipe 65A. The heat pipe 65A transfers the heat to a radiator 68A for dissipation. Alternatively, the circuit operates a fan 70A to draw air through the radiator 68A for dissipation.Although not shown, the air can be drawn in through one or more ventilation openings in the outer enclosure of container 100A and drawn through at least a portion of radiator 68A to remove heat from radiator 68A, and the heated air can be discharged from the enclosure through one or more ventilation openings via fan 70A. Advantageously, cooler 100A can raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of metal can 200 over an extended period of time (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc.).

[0043] FIG3 shows a cross-sectional view of cooler container assembly 100B (“cooler”). Some features of cooler 100B are similar to those of cooler 100 in FIG1. ​​Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate various parts of cooler 100B are the same as those used to identify corresponding parts of cooler 100 in FIG1, except for the addition of “B” in the numerical identifiers. Therefore, except as described below, the structure and description of the various features of cooler 100 in FIG1 are also understood to apply to the corresponding features of cooler 100B in FIG3.

[0044] The cooler 100B differs from the cooler 100 in that the thermoelectric element 40B and the radiator 50B are annular at the top of the container 100B. This annular element can be removably attached to the top of the container 100B (e.g., the annular element may have a threaded portion 90B that threadedly engages with a threaded portion 95B of the container 100B. The threaded portion 95B may optionally be defined by one or more surfaces of the liner 20B).

[0045] The container 100B may have an outer shell defining a cavity located below the vessel 10B, which houses a fan 70B, one or more batteries 60B, and other electronic devices (e.g., circuitry, sensors, etc.). The outer shell may define a gap between the outer surface of the vessel 10B and the outer surface of the outer shell, providing an airflow path 80B toward the top of the container 100B.

[0046] When the annular member is attached to the top of the container 100B, one side of the thermoelectric element 40B may be in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with at least a portion of the liner 20B (e.g., via threaded connections 90B, 95B). The radiator 50B may be in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with the opposite side of the thermoelectric element 40B. Although not shown, the thermoelectric element 40B may be powered via electrical contacts that are in contact with each other between the annular member and the top of the container 100B. The electrical contacts in the top of the container may optionally be connected via one or more wires to a circuit and / or a battery 60B below the container 10B.

[0047] In operation, a user can insert a metal can 200 (e.g., a soft drink can, a beer can) into the chamber of the liner 20B of the container 100B, such that the outer wall of the metal can 200 is close to the inner surface 22B of the liner 20B (e.g., adjacent to, in contact with, the inner surface 22B of the liner 20B) to facilitate thermal communication between the liner 20B and the metal can 200. As described above, the metal can 200 can be inserted such that the slug 30B contacts the concave base of the metal can 200. An annular member can be attached to the top of the container 100B before or after the can 200 is inserted into the chamber. In one implementation, the circuitry operates the thermoelectric element 40B to (e.g., automatically operated when, for example, the metal can 200 is sensed to be inserted into the chamber of the liner 20B) draw heat from the liner 20B (and via the liner 20B from the slug 30B). Liner 20B and septum 30B absorb heat from can 200, which in turn absorbs heat from its contents (e.g., a beverage), thereby cooling can 200 and / or the beverage. The heat is transferred to radiator 50B by thermoelectric element 40B. Optionally, the circuitry operates fan 70B to draw air through one or more vents in the outer casing of container 100B and directs the air along airflow path 80B toward the top of container 100B. The airflow passes through at least a portion of radiator 50B to dissipate heat from radiator 50B and exits from one or more exhaust openings in container 100B. In one implementation, the exhaust openings, as shown in FIG. 3, are defined at the top of container 100B. However, in other implementations, the exhaust openings may be located in other locations within container 100B. Advantageously, cooler 100B can raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of can 200 over an extended period of time (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc.).

[0048] Referring to containers 100, 100A, 100B, the circuitry may optionally operate thermoelectric elements 40, 40A, 40B to cool the beverage in metal can 200 and / or metal can 200 to a desired temperature (e.g., a temperature setpoint). In one implementation, the desired temperature is a predetermined temperature (e.g., a predetermined temperature stored in a memory located in containers 100, 100A, 100B and in communication with the circuitry). In another implementation, the desired temperature is a user-selected temperature. Optionally, the user-selected temperature may be manually provided by the user via a user interface on containers 100, 100A, 100B. In yet another implementation, as further discussed below, the user-selected temperature may be provided wirelessly by the user via a remote electronic device.Optionally, containers 100, 100A, 100B may have one or more sensors communicating with circuitry, which operates at least in part on one or both of thermoelectric elements 40, 40A, 40B, 40D and fans 70, 70A, 70B based on sensing information provided by one or more sensors. Sensors may include temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of liners 20, 20A, 20B and / or slugs 30, 30A, 30B and / or the temperature of beverage container 200 and / or the temperature of the surrounding environment. Sensors may include pressure sensors, contact sensors, proximity sensors, load sensors, or other suitable sensors for sensing the presence of a metal container (e.g., a metal can) in the chamber of containers 100, 100A, 100B.

[0049] Batteries 60, 60B may be rechargeable batteries. In one implementation, batteries 60, 60B can be recharged by placing containers 100, 100A, 100B on a power base (not shown). In one implementation, containers 100, 100A, and 100B may have electrical contacts on their bottoms that contact electrical contacts on a power supply base, thereby transferring power from the power supply base to batteries 60 and 60B. In another implementation, batteries 60 and 60B may be wirelessly recharged via inductive coupling while containers 100, 100A, and 100B are mounted on the base (e.g., the circuitry of containers 100, 100A, and 100B may have wireless power receivers that receive power from a wireless power transmitter in the power supply base). In yet another implementation, cooler container assemblies 100, 100A, and 100B may have connectors to which power cables can be connected, the other end of which can be connected to a power source (e.g., a wall socket, etc.). In one implementation, batteries 60 and 60B (see page 6 / 23 of CN 121152588 A) can be in the form of a removable set, thereby allowing batteries 60 and 60B to be exchanged with and / or recharged with another set, thus allowing cooler containers 100, 100A, and 100B to have extended temperature control performance.

[0050] FIG5 shows a cross-sectional view of cooler container assembly 100C (“cooler”). Some features of cooler 100C are similar to those of cooler 100 in FIG1. ​​Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various parts of cooler 100C are the same as those used to identify the corresponding parts of cooler 100 in FIG1, except that a “C” is added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, except as described below, the structure and description of the various features of cooler 100 in FIG1 are to be understood to also apply to the corresponding features of cooler 100C in FIG5.

[0051] The cooler 100C may include an insulated cylindrical vessel 10C (e.g., an outer vessel) having an open top end and a closed bottom end, the closed bottom end having an opening therethrough (e.g., a central opening). In one implementation, the vessel 10C may be double-walled, wherein an outer peripheral wall (e.g., an outer cylindrical wall) and an inner peripheral wall (e.g., an inner cylindrical wall) are spaced apart by a gap. In one example, the gap may be filled with air. In another example, the gap may be filled with an insulating material (e.g., foam). In another example, the gap may be under vacuum. Advantageously, the inner peripheral wall is insulated from the outer peripheral wall (e.g., so that heat from a user's hand gripping the cooler 100C is not transferred to the inner peripheral wall, thus inhibiting heat transfer between the inner and outer peripheral walls). In another implementation, the vessel 10C may be single-walled. In one implementation, the vessel 10C is made of a thermally insulating material (e.g., plastic, other polymeric materials, other non-metallic materials).

[0052] A vessel 10C defines a chamber therein, and an inner circumferential lining 20C (“lining”) may be configured to be in thermal communication with the inner circumferential wall of the vessel 10C (e.g., in thermal contact with the inner circumferential wall of the vessel 10C, in direct contact with the inner circumferential wall of the vessel 10C). The lining 20C may optionally extend substantially to the top end of the vessel 10C (e.g., just below the top end, such as extending to 70% or 80% or 90% of the height of the inner circumferential wall, or between 70% or 80% or 90%). The lining 20C may extend substantially co-located with the vessel 10C. The lining 20C may extend from an open top end to a closed bottom end 21C. At least a portion of the lining wall 22C of the lining 20C may have a ribbed shape.

[0053] The lining 20C may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity. In one example, the lining 20C may be made of aluminum. In another example, the liner 20C is made of another material with high thermal conductivity. The liner 20C defines a chamber sized to receive at least a portion of the beverage container 25. The beverage container 25 may be in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the liner 20C (e.g., in thermal contact with at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the liner 20C, or in direct contact with at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the liner 20C). The beverage container 25 may be made of glass. However, the beverage container 25 may be made of another suitable material. In one implementation, the beverage container 25 may protrude from the top end of the vessel 10C and the liner 20C. In one implementation, the beverage container 25 may have a lip or shoulder 26, which may be positioned on the edge of the vessel 10C (e.g., such that the top end wall of the beverage container 25 is substantially aligned with the wall of the vessel 10C). In one implementation, for example, the beverage container 25 may be removed from the vessel 10C so that the beverage container 25 can be washed.In another implementation, the beverage container 25 cannot be removed from the liner 20C.

[0054] The cooler 100C may optionally have a thermally conductive septum plug 30C (“septum plug”) that extends through an opening (e.g., a central opening) in the bottom of the vessel 10C and is in thermal communication with the liner 20C (e.g., in thermal contact with the liner 20C, in direct contact with the liner 20C). In one implementation, the septum plug 30C is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the liner 20C (e.g., in thermal contact, in direct contact). In one example, the septum plug 30C and the liner 20C are separate components attached together. In another example, the septum plug 30C and the liner 20C are integral (e.g., a single piece, manufactured or molded as a single seamless piece). The septum plug 30C may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity. In one example, the septum plug 30C is made of the same material as the liner 20C. In one example, the septum plug 30C is made of aluminum.

[0055] At least a portion of the septum plug 30C may extend at least partially through an opening in the vessel 10C (e.g., a central opening). Optionally, the septum plug 30C substantially seals the opening in the vessel 10C (e.g., a central opening).

[0056] The bottom end of the septum plug 30C may contact the top side of a thermoelectric element (e.g., a Peltier element) 40C. In one example, the thermoelectric element 40C contacts the septum plug 30C but not the liner 20C. In another example, the septum plug 30C is excluded and the thermoelectric element 40C contacts at least a portion of the liner 20C. The thermoelectric element 40C may be a plurality of thermoelectric elements. The bottom side of the thermoelectric element 40C may optionally contact a radiator 50C. Optionally, the radiator 50C may have one or more (e.g., multiple) fins.

[0057] The housing located below the vessel 10 may have a cavity 90 that houses at least a portion of the thermoelectric element 40C, the circuit EM, the battery 60C (e.g., multiple batteries, rechargeable batteries), and the fan 70C. The housing may have one or more ventilation openings 80C therein to allow airflow between the cavity 90 and the external environment, said one or more ventilation openings 80C including an inlet opening 82 and an outlet opening 84 (e.g., an inlet opening 82 and an outlet opening 84 separated by a separator, such as a flat structure 85). Optionally, the circuit EM may operate the thermoelectric element 40C and / or the fan 70C to raise or lower the temperature of the beverage container 25 and its contents (e.g., the beverage) or maintain it at a temperature setpoint (e.g., a user-selected temperature, a predetermined temperature) or within a temperature range. Optionally, the circuit EM may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with a remote electronic device (e.g., with a mobile phone, tablet computer, smartwatch, etc.).For example, as discussed further below, the circuit EM can receive a temperature setpoint from a remote electronic device and operate the thermoelectric element 40C and / or the fan 70C to raise or lower or maintain the temperature of the beverage container 25 and its contents (e.g., the beverage) at the setpoint.

[0058] In operation, a user can pour a beverage into the beverage container 25. If the beverage container 25 is removable, the user can pour the beverage into the container 25 before or after it is inserted into the vessel 10C to make it thermally connected to the liner 20C. In one implementation, the circuit operates the thermoelectric element 40C (e.g., automatically operated when, for example, the beverage container 25 is sensed to be inserted into the chamber of the liner 20C) from the septum 30C and from the liner 20C (e.g., via the septum 30C in thermal contact with the liner 20C). Liner 20C and stopper 30C absorb heat from beverage container 25, which in turn absorbs heat from its contents (e.g., beverage), thereby cooling beverage container 25 and / or the beverage. The heat is transferred by thermoelectric element 40C to radiator 50C for heat dissipation. Optionally, the circuitry operates fan 70C to draw air through radiator 50C for heat dissipation. The air can be drawn into cavity 90 through one or more air inlets 82 and drawn through at least a portion of radiator 50C to remove heat from the radiator, and the heated air can be discharged from cavity 90 through fan 70 via one or more exhaust outlets 84. Advantageously, cooler 100C can raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of beverage container 25 over an extended period of time (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc.).

[0059] The ribbed portion 22C of the liner 20C provides a longer thermal bridge (e.g., path) from the (e.g., cold) septum 30C to the main thermal junction between the liner 20C and the beverage container 25 (e.g., near the top center of the container 25). This longer path inhibits (e.g., prevents) the beverage from heating up as the cold side of the thermoelectric element 40C slowly begins to warm up over time when the thermoelectric element 40C is not activated. Therefore, the ribbed portion 22C of the liner 20C facilitates maintaining a longer cold beverage temperature in the beverage container 25.

[0060] FIG6 shows a cross-sectional view of the beverage container assembly 100D (“container” or “beverage container”). Some features of the container 100D are similar to those of the container 100 in FIG1. ​​Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various parts of the container 100D are the same as those used to identify the corresponding parts of the container 100 in FIG1, except for the addition of a “D” in the numerical identifier. Therefore, except as described below, the structure and description of the various features of container 100 in FIG1 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of container 100D in FIG6.

[0061] Container 100D has an insulated cylindrical vessel 10D having a chamber 12D. In one implementation, the vessel 10D is insulated using an insulating material in its wall 2D. In another implementation, the vessel 10D is insulated via a vacuum portion in its wall 2D, as described on page 8 / 23 of the specification (CN 121152588 A); for example, the wall of the vessel 10D may be a double-wall structure, wherein the inner wall 11D and the outer wall 13D are separated by a gap 14D, which is under vacuum. In another implementation, the gap 14D is not under vacuum but is filled with an insulating material (e.g., foam). In one implementation, the insulated vessel 10D may be made of glass. In another implementation, the vessel 10D may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In another implementation, wall 2D may be a single wall (i.e., not a double-walled structure) whose thickness inhibits heat transfer through wall 2D (e.g., wall 2D has an R value above a threshold).

[0062] Container 100D includes a cooling or heating unit 200D (e.g., a cooling unit 200D). In one implementation, the cooling unit 200D is detachable from the vessel 10D. In one example, the cooling unit 200D may be removably coupled to the bottom end of the vessel 10D via a coupling mechanism 210D. In one embodiment, the coupling mechanism 210D includes one or more magnets 211D (e.g., one or more magnets 211D located on one or both of the vessel 10D and the cooling unit 200D), which allow the cooling unit 200D to be magnetically coupled to the bottom end of the vessel 10D. In other implementations, the coupling mechanism 210D may be other suitable mechanisms (e.g., keyway mechanisms, threaded mechanisms, press-fit mechanisms, etc.).

[0063] The cooling or heating unit 200D includes a base 240D. In one implementation, the base 240D may be made of glass. In another implementation, the base 240D may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one implementation, the vessel 10D is open at both ends, and when the vessel 10D is attached to the cooling unit 200D, the base 240D defines the bottom of the chamber 12D. In another implementation, the vessel 10D is closed at its bottom end (e.g., having a base), and when the vessel 10D is attached to the cooling unit 200D, the base 240D operatively contacts or directly contacts the base of the vessel 10D.

[0064] The cooling or heating unit 200D may include a base 240D, a thermoelectric element 40D (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, multiple Peltier elements) in contact with the surface of the base 240D, a module 220D made of a thermomass (having heat capacity) or phase change material (PCM) in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with the thermoelectric element 40D, and an energy storage device 60D (e.g., one or more energy storage devices, one or more batteries, one or more rechargeable batteries), and a circuit EM. Continuing to refer to FIG6, the circuit EM, the energy storage device 60D, the module 220D made of a thermomass or PCM, and the thermoelectric element 40D are disposed in a cavity of a bottom cap or cover 230D, wherein the base 240D defines an end of the cooling unit 200D. In one implementation, the module 220D, composed of a thermal mass block or PCM, may have a melting temperature close to the expected overall fluid temperature of the fluid intended for use with a liquid or beverage (e.g., a melting temperature between about 5°C and 6°C or about 5.5°C). In one implementation, the PCM of the module 220D may be a solid-to-liquid PCM. In another implementation, the PCM of the module 220D may be a solid-to-solid PCM.

[0065] In one implementation, at least a portion of the cover 230D may be thermally insulated. In one example, the cover 230D may be made of a metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one example, the cover 230D may be single-walled. In another implementation, the cover 230D may be a double-walled structure, wherein the inner wall 231D and the outer wall 232D are separated by a gap 233D, which is under vacuum. In another implementation, the gap 233D is not under vacuum but is filled with an insulating material (e.g., foam). In another implementation, the cover 230D may be single-walled (i.e., not a double-walled structure) and its thickness may suppress heat transfer through the cover 230D (e.g., the cover 230D has an R value above a threshold).

[0066] Optionally, the container 100D may have one or more sensors S communicating with a circuit EM, which operates one or both of the thermoelectric elements 40D based at least in part on sensing information provided by one or more sensors S. In one implementation, one or more sensors S may be located near the base 240D. The sensors S may include a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the liquid in the chamber 12D. The sensors S may include a pressure sensor, contact sensor, proximity sensor, load sensor, or other suitable sensor for sensing the presence of liquid in the chamber 12D of the container 100D.

[0067] In operation, when the cooling or heating unit 200D is operated as a cooling unit, the thermoelectric element 40D is operated (e.g., via circuit EM, via power from the power storage device 60D) to absorb heat from the liquid in the chamber 12D through the base 240D (e.g., the base 240D acts as a cold-side heat sink), and transfers the heat to the module 220D, which is made of a thermomass or phase change material, and absorbs the heat (e.g., by changing from a solid material to a liquid material, or by changing from one solid material to another). Advantageously, this allows the cooling unit 200D to cool the liquid (e.g., a beverage) in the vessel 10D (e.g., to a temperature of 2°C to 3°C). In one example, the cooling unit 200D can cool a liquid poured into the chamber 12D at a temperature of 8°C to a temperature of approximately 6°C. Beverages at temperatures between 2°C (e.g., cold coffee, iced tea, beer) and 18°C ​​(e.g., red wine) can be cooled by about 2°C to 3°C (e.g., cooled to a temperature about 2°C to 3°C lower than the temperature of the poured liquid) when poured into chamber 12D. In one implementation, where cooling unit 200D is used to maintain the liquid (e.g., beverage) in chamber 12D at the temperature at which the liquid was poured, module 220D of cooling unit 200D can advantageously maintain the liquid in a cooled state for about 2 hours at an ambient temperature of 25°C or for about 1 hour at an ambient temperature of 35°C. In another implementation, where the cooling unit 200D is used to cool the liquid (e.g., beverage) in chamber 12D to a temperature 3°C lower than the temperature at which the liquid was poured, module 220D of the cooling unit 200D can advantageously cool the liquid by 3°C and keep the liquid in a cooled state for a period of about 1.3 hours at an ambient temperature of 25°C or for a period of about 0.75 hours at an ambient temperature of 35°C.

[0068] In operation, when the cooling or heating unit 200D is operated as a heating unit, the thermoelectric element 40D is operated (e.g., via the circuit EM, via power from the power storage device 60D) to absorb heat from the module 220D, which is composed of a thermal mass block or PCM, and transfers the heat to the liquid in the chamber 12D via the base 240D (e.g., the base 240D acts as a hot-side radiator), causing the module 220D, which is composed of a thermal mass block or PCM, to release heat (e.g., by changing from a liquid material to a solid material, or by changing from one solid material to another). Advantageously, this allows the heating unit to heat the liquid (e.g., a beverage) in the vessel 10D.

[0069] FIG7 shows a cooling unit 200D detached from a vessel 10D and removably coupled to a charging module 300D via a coupling mechanism 210D (e.g., one or more magnets 211D of the cooling or heating unit 200D). In one implementation, the charging module 300D may optionally have one or more magnets 311D capable of engaging with the magnets 211D of the coupling mechanism 210D. The charging module 300D may have a heat sink 50D and a fan 70D that draws air into the charging module 300D via one or more air intake openings 82D and exhausts air from the charging module 300D via one or more exhaust openings 84D. The charging module 300D may have a power source (e.g., one or more batteries) or be connected to a power source (e.g., a wall power supply), and electrical contacts 320D between the charging module 300D and the cooling unit 200D may transfer power from the power source to one or more power storage devices 60D (e.g., one or more batteries). When the cooling unit 200D is connected to the charging module 300D, a power source can supply power to (one or more) power storage devices 60D to charge them, and / or the circuit EM can operate the thermoelectric element 40D to absorb heat from the module 220D to charge the thermal mass block or PCM (e.g., to allow the thermal mass block to absorb heat) and transfer said heat to the radiator 50D. The fan 70D is operated to dissipate heat from the radiator 50D to allow more heat to be removed from the module 220D (via the thermoelectric element 40D).

[0070] Advantageously, the module 220D of multiple cooling units 200D, consisting of thermal mass blocks or PCMs, can be charged by the charging module 300D to provide digital ice cubes, which can be (e.g., one after another, if desired) connected to the same vessel 10D to keep the liquid or beverage in the vessel 10D in a cooled state for an extended period of time. Therefore, a user can exchange one cooling unit 200D attached to the vessel 10D—where the module 220D or power storage device 60D of the cooling unit 200D has been depleted—with another cooling unit 200D (e.g., to continue cooling the liquid or beverage in the vessel 10D).

[0071] In another implementation, the cooling unit 200D and the vessel 10D are a single unit (e.g., the cooling unit 200D is non-removable). In such an implementation, the module 220D, which is composed of a thermal mass block or PCM, can be charged on a support as discussed further below.Although unit 200D is described above as a cooling unit, those skilled in the art will recognize that unit 200D can also be operated as a heating unit by operating thermoelectric element 40D with opposite polarities, and thus can be either a heating or cooling unit.

[0072] FIG8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of container 100E, cooling unit 200E, and charging module 300E. Some features of container 100E, cooling unit 200E, and charging module 300E are similar to those of container 100D, cooling unit 200D, and charging module 300D in FIGS. 6 and 7. Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various components of container 100E, cooling unit 200E, and charging module 300E are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of container 100D, cooling unit 200D, and charging module 300D in FIGS. 6 and 7, except that “E” is added instead of “D” in the numerical identifier. Therefore, in addition to the following description, the structures and descriptions of various features of the container 100D, cooling unit 200D and charging module 300D in Figures 6 and 7 based on the features of the container (e.g., cooler) 100 in Figure 1 are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the container 100E, cooling unit 200E and charging module 300E in Figure 8. Although not shown in Figure 8, the charging module 300E may also have a power source (e.g., an electrical connector connected to a wall power supply, one or more power storage devices such as batteries, rechargeable batteries, etc.).

[0073] The container 100E has a vessel 10E having a chamber 12E, which may have the same structure as the vessel 10D (e.g., the vessel 10E is an insulated vessel, a single-walled vessel with a thickness or R value that inhibits heat transfer through the wall, or a double-walled vessel with a gap under vacuum or filled with insulating material). The cooling unit 200E may be integral with the vessel 10E (e.g., the cooling unit 200E cannot be detached from the vessel 10E). The cooling unit 200E has a base 240E, which in one implementation defines the bottom of the chamber 12E. In another implementation, the vessel 10E is closed at its bottom end (e.g., having a base), and the base 240E of the cooling unit 200E operatively or directly contacts the base of the vessel 10E.

[0074] The cooling unit 200E has a thermoelectric element 40E (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, multiple Peltier elements) in contact with the surface of the base 240E. In one implementation, the thermoelectric element 40E is annular (as shown in Figure 8) and heat transfer can be achieved through the base 240E, but the portion of the base 240E aligned with the open space of the annular thermoelectric element 40E is not heated by the thermoelectric element 40E (e.g., not directly heated).In one implementation, the annular thermoelectric element 40E promotes liquid recirculation in chamber 12E (e.g., by allowing the formation of a plume due to the temperature difference between the location of the base 240E adjacent to the thermoelectric element 40E and the location of the base 240E not adjacent to the thermoelectric element 40E), which can advantageously suppress (e.g., prevent) temperature stratification of the liquid (e.g., beverage) in chamber 12E of the vessel 10E and promote substantially uniform cooling of the liquid in chamber 12E.

[0075] The cooling unit 200E also includes a heat diffuser 260E in thermal communication with the thermoelectric element 40E, a power storage device 60E (e.g., one or more power storage devices, one or more batteries, one or more rechargeable batteries), and a circuit EM. The cooling unit 200E also includes a second heat diffuser 270E and a module 230E consisting of a thermal mass block or PCM, which is in thermal contact with the heat diffuser 260E and the second heat diffuser 270E.

[0076] Continuing to refer to FIG8, the circuit EM, the power storage device 60E, the module 220E composed of a thermal mass block or PCM, the heat diffuser 260E, the second heat diffuser 270E, and the thermoelectric element 40E are disposed in a cavity of the bottom cap or cover 230E, in which the base 240E defines the end of the cooling unit 200E. In one implementation, at least a portion of the cover 230E may be thermally insulated. In one example, the cover 230E may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one example, the cover 230E may be a single wall. In another implementation, at least a portion of the cover 230E may be a double-walled structure, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are separated by a gap under vacuum (e.g., similar to cover 230D). In another implementation, the gap is not under vacuum but is filled with thermally insulating material (e.g., foam). In another implementation, the cover 230E may be a single wall (i.e., not a double-wall structure) having a thickness that inhibits heat transfer through the cover 230E (e.g., the cover 230E has an R value above a threshold). The cover 230E has a recessed wall 235E spaced apart from the bottom of the cover 230E to inhibit (e.g., prevent) contact between the recessed wall 235E and the surface when the container 100E is placed on it (e.g., a table, counter), thereby advantageously inhibiting (e.g., preventing) heat transfer through the recessed wall 235E to inhibit (e.g., prevent) the release (e.g., melting) of the module 220E, which is composed of a thermal mass block or PCM, due to heat transfer through the recessed wall 235E. As shown in FIG8, the second heat diffuser 270E may be in thermal communication with the recessed wall 235E.In one implementation, the bottom cap or cover 230E may be thermally insulated (as described above) except for the recessed wall 235E, thereby allowing heat to be transferred through the recessed wall 235E.

[0077] The cooling unit 200E may optionally include, for example, one or more magnets 210E located in the bottom cap or cover 230E, which allow the container 100E to be coupled to the charging module 300E, as further described below. The container 100E also includes one or more (e.g., a pair) electrical contacts 250E, through which power can be supplied to one or more of the circuit EM, the power storage device 60, and the thermoelectric element 40E. In one implementation, one or more electrical contacts 250E may extend circumferentially around the container 10E (e.g., completely around the container 10E), thereby allowing one or more electrical contacts 250E to contact electrical contacts 350E of the charging module 300E, regardless of the orientation of the container 100E when placed on the charging module 300E, thereby facilitating (e.g., making it simpler or easier) coupling of the container 100E to the charging module 300E.

[0078] Optionally, the container 100E may have one or more sensors S in communication with a circuit EM, which operates one or two thermoelectric elements 40E based at least in part on sensing information provided by one or more sensors S. In one implementation, one or more sensors S may be located close to the base 240E (e.g., at the center of the annular thermoelectric element 40E). The sensors S may include temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of the liquid in the chamber 12E. Sensor S may include a pressure sensor, contact sensor, proximity sensor, load sensor, or other suitable sensor for sensing the presence of liquid in chamber 12E of container 100E.

[0079] Continuing to refer to FIG8, charging module 300E includes a fan 70E, a heat sink 50E adjacent to the fan 70E, and a heat pipe 55E in thermal communication with the heat sink 50E and thermoelectric element 340E (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, multiple Peltier elements). Charging module 300E also includes a thermomass module 320E in thermal communication with thermoelectric element 340E. In one implementation, thermomass module 320E is a flexible capsule filled with a heat transfer fluid. Optionally, charging module 300E has an elastic member 310E, such as a bellows or a spring, and optionally has one or more magnets 330E.

[0080] In one implementation, the user can place the container 100E on the charging module 300E (e.g., coaster, charging coaster) during use, such as between sipping a beverage.When the container 100E is on the charging module 300E, the electrical contact 250E of the container 100E is in contact with the electrical contact 350E of the charging module 300E, and the magnet 210E (or magnetic material) of the container 100E and the magnet 330E (or magnetic material) of the charging module 300E exert a force (e.g., magnetic force) on each other, which holds the container 100E on the charging module 300E. Optionally, force (e.g., magnetic force) can also extend the thermal mass module 320E (e.g., via the elastic member 310E) into and fill the space on the bottom of the bottom cap or cover 230E to contact the recessed wall 235E (e.g., in the absence of any air gap between the thermal mass module 320E and the recessed wall 235E), thereby providing a dynamic thermal interface and good thermal contact between the thermal mass module 320E and the recessed wall 235E.

[0081] In operation, when the container 100E is located on the charging module 300E, the thermoelectric element 340E can be operated to cool the thermal mass module 320E or absorb heat from the thermal mass module 320E and guide the heat to the radiator 50E via the heat pipe 55E, and the fan 70E is operated to dissipate the heat from the radiator 50E. The cooled thermomass block module 320E can then absorb heat (e.g., cooling, charging) from the module 220E, which is composed of a thermomass block or PCM, via the recessed wall 235E and the second heat diffuser 270. Thermoelectric element 40E can be operated to absorb heat from the liquid in chamber 12E and transfer the heat to the module 220E, which is composed of a thermomass block or PCM, via heat diffuser 260E. Therefore, when container 100E is placed on charging module 300E (e.g., coaster, charging coaster), module 220E, which is composed of a thermomass block or PCM, absorbs heat from the liquid in chamber 12E, and the heat is dissipated from module 220E through thermomass block module 320E. In one implementation, when container 100E is located on charging module 300E, thermoelectric element 40E is not operated (only thermoelectric element 340E in charging module 300E is operated), and heat is passively absorbed from the liquid in chamber 12E via conduction through base 240E, thermoelectric element 40E (when not operated), heat diffuser 260E, module 220E composed of thermal mass block or PCM, and second heat diffuser 270E. Advantageously, when container 100E is located on charging module 300E, cooling unit 200E can keep the liquid in chamber 12E of container 10E in a cooled state for an extended period of time (e.g., 5 to 6 hours).Alternatively or additionally, the user may hold the container 100E on the charging module 300E to allow the charging module 300E to charge (e.g., fully charge) the module 220E, which is composed of a thermal mass block or PCM.

[0082] In another implementation, when the container 100E is not on the charging module 300E and the module 220E, which is composed of a thermal mass block or PCM, is fully charged, the cooling unit 200E may keep the liquid (e.g., a beverage) in the chamber 12E of the vessel 10E in a cooled state. For example, the cooling unit 200E may cool liquid poured into the chamber 12E at a temperature of 8°C to a temperature of about 6°C. Beverages at temperatures between 2°C (e.g., cold coffee, iced tea, beer) and 18°C ​​(e.g., red wine) may be cooled by about 2°C to 3°C (e.g., cooled to a temperature about 2°C to 3°C below the temperature of the liquid being poured) when poured into the chamber 12E. In one implementation, when the cooling unit 200E is used to maintain the liquid (e.g., a beverage) in chamber 12E at the temperature at which the liquid was poured, module 220D of the cooling unit 200E can advantageously maintain the liquid in a cooled state for about 2 hours at an ambient temperature of 25°C or for about 1 hour at an ambient temperature of 35°C. In another implementation, when the cooling unit 200E is used to cool the liquid (e.g., a beverage) in chamber 12E to a temperature 3°C below the temperature at which the liquid was poured, module 220E of the cooling unit 200E can advantageously cool the liquid by 3°C and maintain the liquid in a cooled state for about 1.3 hours at an ambient temperature of 25°C or for about 0.75 hours at an ambient temperature of 35°C. Although unit 200E is described above as a cooling unit, those skilled in the art will recognize that unit 200E can also be operated as a heating unit by operating the thermoelectric element 40E with opposite polarities, and therefore unit 200E can be either a heating or cooling unit.

[0083] As discussed above, in one implementation, the container 100D and the cooling unit 200D may be integrated (e.g., the cooling unit 200D cannot be detached from the container 10D). Furthermore, in one implementation, the container 100E can be charged without using the charging module 300E.For example, module 220D of cooling unit 200D (module 220D composed of a thermomass block or PCM) or module 220E of cooling unit 200E (module 220E composed of a thermomass block or PCM) can be charged by inverting containers 100D, 100E onto charging module 300F shown in FIG. 9 (e.g., such that the column or thermomass block module 320F of charging module 300F (e.g., a cold-side heat sink) extends into chambers 12D, 12E and contacts the base of chambers 12D, 12E (e.g., bases 240D, 240E)). The column or thermomass block module 320F is thermally coupled to one or more thermoelectric elements 340F (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, multiple Peltier elements). In one implementation, the column or thermal mass block module 320F may optionally have one or more volumes (e.g., multiple volumes) of phase change material (PCM) (e.g., similar to the PCM described above). The column or thermal mass block module 320F can function as a reservoir (e.g., a cold storage reservoir) via one or more volumes of PCM, thereby allowing the column or thermal mass block module 320F to sequentially (e.g., one after another) cool more than one container 100D, 100E. One or more thermoelectric elements 340F are thermally coupled to one or more heat sinks 50F (e.g., hot-side heat sinks). Optionally, the charging module 300F has one or more fans 70F, which are operable to dissipate heat from one or more heat sinks 50F together with heat dissipation via one or more fins of one or more heat sinks 50F. The charging module 300F may optionally include a power connector 58F that can be coupled to a wall outlet. Alternatively, the charging module 300F may be powered by one or more batteries.

[0084] The column or thermal mass block module 320F may have an elongated body sized to extend into the chambers 12D, 12E of the containers 100D, 100E when the containers 100D, 100E are inverted and placed on the column or thermal mass block module 320F. In one implementation, the charging module 300F is operable to charge the modules 220D, 220E of the cooling units 200D, 200E that are made of thermal mass blocks or PCMs when the containers 100D, 100E are (inverted) placed on the column or thermal mass block module 320F. For example, one or more thermoelectric elements 340F can absorb heat from the column or thermal mass block module 320F and transfer the heat to one or more heat sinks 50F, wherein the heat can be dissipated via the fins of the heat sink 50F and / or the operation of one or more fans 70F.In one implementation, the column or thermal mass block module 320F may have one or more (e.g., multiple) heat pipes to facilitate heat transfer through the column or thermal mass block module 320F. The cooled column or thermal mass block module 320F can cool at least a portion of the containers 100D, 100E. For example, the cooled column or thermal mass block module 320F can cool at least the bases 240D, 240E by conduction. Alternatively, the cooled column or thermal mass block module 320F can charge the modules 220D, 220E, which are composed of thermal mass blocks or PCMs (e.g., to transition the modules 220D, 220E from one state to another, in which the modules 220D, 220E can later absorb heat when the liquid is poured into the chambers 12D, 12E, and cool or maintain the beverage at a cooled drinking temperature, as discussed above). In one implementation, the thermoelectric elements 40D and 40E of the cooling units 200D and 200E are not operational, while the thermoelectric element 340F is operated to charge the modules 220D and 220E, which are composed of thermal mass blocks or PCMs. In another implementation, the thermoelectric elements 40D and 40E of the cooling units 200D and 200E are operated to absorb heat from the modules 220D and 200E, which are composed of thermal mass blocks or PCMs, and transfer the heat to the column or thermal mass block module 320F, while the thermoelectric element 340F is operated to absorb heat from the column or thermal mass block module 320F and transfer the heat to the heat sink 50F.

[0085] In one implementation, the charging module 300F (e.g., a cooling rack) may be a device having multiple column or thermal mass block modules 320F that can be placed or stored on a counter (e.g., a kitchen counter, a coffee shop counter), and one or more containers 100D, 100E are disposed on the charging module 300F to keep one or more containers 100D, 100E in a cooled state for use.

[0086] Figures 10 and 11 show cross-sectional views of a beverage container assembly 100G (“container” or “beverage container”). Some features of container 100G are similar to those of container 100D in Figure 6. Therefore, the reference numerals used to designate the various parts of container 100G are the same as those used to identify the corresponding parts of container 100D in Figure 6, except that “G” is added instead of “D” to the numerical identifier. Therefore, in addition to the descriptions below, the structures and descriptions of the various features of container 100D in FIG. 6 should be understood to also apply to the corresponding features of container 100G in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0087] Container 100G includes an insulated vessel 10G having a chamber 12G. In one implementation, the vessel 10G is insulated with an insulating material in the wall 2G of the vessel 10G.In another implementation, the vessel 10G is insulated by a vacuum in the wall 2G of the vessel 10G; for example, the wall of the vessel 10G may be a double-wall structure, wherein the inner wall 11G and the outer wall 13G are separated by a gap 14G, which is under vacuum. In another implementation, the gap 14G is not under vacuum, but is filled with a material (e.g., foam, air) as specified in the thermal insulation specification 14 / 23 pages 17 CN 121152588 A. In one implementation, the insulated vessel 10G may be made of glass. In another implementation, the vessel 10G may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In another implementation, the wall 2G may be a single wall (i.e., not a double-wall structure) having a thickness that inhibits heat transfer through the wall 2G (e.g., the wall 2G has an R value above a threshold).

[0088] The container 100G includes a cooling or heating unit 200G (e.g., a cooling unit 200G). In one implementation, the cooling unit 200G can be detached from the vessel 10G. In one example, the cooling unit 200G can be removably attached to the bottom end of the vessel 10G via a coupling mechanism (e.g., a magnet, a press-fit connector, a twist-lock mechanism, a threaded connector). The cooling or heating unit 200G may have a cover 230G having one or more openings 235G in its surface (e.g., a side surface) that encloses a component of the cooling or heating unit 200G. In another implementation, the vessel 10G may be a single piece (e.g., a one-piece seamless piece) having the cooling unit 200G.

[0089] The cooling or heating unit 200G may optionally include a base 240G. In one implementation, the base 240G may be made of glass. In another implementation, the base 240G may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one implementation, the vessel 10G is open at both ends, and when the vessel 10G is connected to the cooling unit 200G, the base 240G defines the bottom of the chamber 12G. In another implementation, the vessel 10G is closed at its bottom end (e.g., having a base), and when the vessel 10G is connected to the cooling unit 200G, the base 240G operatively or directly contacts the base of the vessel 10G.

[0090] The cooling or heating unit 200G may include a base 240G, a thermoelectric element 40G (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, multiple Peltier elements) in contact with the surface of the base 240G, a thermal mass block (not shown) having a heat capacity (e.g., phase change material (PCM)) in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with the thermoelectric element 40G, and an energy storage device 60G (e.g., one or more energy storage devices, one or more batteries, one or more rechargeable batteries) and a circuit EM.The cooling or heating unit 200G may also include a fan 270G operable to remove heat from the cooling or heating unit 200G (e.g., remove heat from the thermoelectric element 40G). The fan 270G may be a solid-state fan (e.g., an active cooling chip). A suitable fan 270G is an active cooling chip manufactured by Froll Systems (e.g., the Airjet® mini active cooling chip). The fan 270G may be positioned near the thermoelectric element 40G (e.g., in thermal contact, operational contact, or direct mechanical contact with the thermoelectric element 40G). As shown in Figure 10, the fan 270G may be positioned between the thermoelectric element 40G and the power storage device 60G. The power storage device 60G may be positioned between the fan 270G and the circuit EM (e.g., a printed circuit board or PCB). In operation, the fan 270G is operable to draw air into the cooling or heating unit 200G via one or more openings 235G of the cover 230G, remove heat from the thermoelectric element 40G, the power storage device 60G, and / or the circuit EM, and subsequently exhaust the air via one or more other openings 235G of the cover 230G.

[0091] In one implementation, at least a portion of the cover 230G may be thermally insulated. In one example, the cover 230G may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one example, the cover 230G may be a single wall having a thickness that inhibits heat transfer through the cover 230G (e.g., the cover 230G has an R value above a threshold). In another implementation, the cover 230G may be a double-walled structure (e.g., where the gap between the walls is under vacuum, filled with air, or filled with an insulating material such as foam).

[0092] Optionally, the container 100G may have one or more sensors S communicating with the circuit EM, which operates one or both of the thermoelectric element 40G and the fan 270G based at least in part on sensing information provided by the one or more sensors S. In one implementation, one or more sensors S may be located near the base 240G. The sensors S may include a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the liquid in the chamber 12G. The sensors S may include a pressure sensor, contact sensor, proximity sensor, load sensor or other suitable sensor for sensing the presence of liquid in the chamber 12G of the container 100G.

[0093] In operation, when the cooling or heating unit 200G is operated as a cooling unit, the thermoelectric element 40G (e.g., powered by the circuit EM via power from the power storage device 60G) is operated to absorb heat from the liquid in the chamber 12G through the base 240G (e.g., which serves as a cold-side heat sink).The heat can be removed by fan 270G by circulating air through cooling or heating unit 200G, as described above. Optionally, the thermal mass block (e.g., PCM) in cooling or heating unit 200G can also absorb heat from thermoelectric element 40G. Advantageously, this allows cooling unit 200G to cool liquid (e.g., beverage) in container 10G (e.g., between 2°C and 3°C). In one example, cooling unit 200G can cool liquid poured into chamber 12G at a temperature of 8°C to a temperature of about 6°C. Beverages at temperatures between 2°C (e.g., cold coffee, iced tea, beer) and 18°C ​​(e.g., red wine) can be cooled by about 2°C to 3°C when poured into chamber 12G (e.g., to a temperature about 2°C to 3°C lower than the temperature of the poured liquid).

[0094] Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of beverage container assembly 100H (“container” or “beverage container”). Some features of container 100H are similar to those of container 100D in FIG. 6. Therefore, the reference numerals used to designate the various parts of container 100H are the same as those used to identify the corresponding parts of container 100D in FIG. 6, except that “H” is added to the numerical identifier instead of “D”. Therefore, except as described below, the structure and description of the various features of container 100D in FIG. 6 should be understood to also apply to the corresponding features of container 100H in FIG. 12.

[0095] Container 100H includes an insulated vessel 10H having a chamber 12H. In one implementation, vessel 10H is insulated with insulating material in the wall 2H of vessel 10H. In another implementation, vessel 10H is insulated via a vacuum in the wall 2H of vessel 10H; for example, the wall of vessel 10H may be a double-wall structure, wherein an inner wall 11H and an outer wall 13H are separated by a gap 14H, which is under vacuum. In another implementation, the gap 14H is not in a vacuum, but is filled with insulating material (e.g., foam, air). In one implementation, the insulated vessel 10H may be made of glass. In another implementation, the vessel 10H may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In another implementation, the wall 2H may be a single wall (i.e., not a double-wall structure) having a thickness that inhibits heat transfer through the wall 2H (e.g., the wall 2H has an R value above a threshold).

[0096] The container 100H includes a cooling or heating unit 200H. In one implementation, the cooling or heating unit 200H may be detachable from the vessel 10H. In one example, the cooling or heating unit 200H may be removably coupled to the bottom end of the vessel 10H via a coupling mechanism (e.g., a magnet, a press-fit connector, a twist-lock mechanism, a threaded connector).The cooling or heating unit 200H may have a cover 230H (e.g., a cap) that encloses the components of the cooling or heating unit 200H. In another implementation, the vessel 10H may be a single piece (e.g., a one-piece seamless piece) having the cooling or heating unit 200H.

[0097] The cooling or heating unit 200H may optionally include a base 240H. In one implementation, the base 240H may be made of glass. In another implementation, the base 240H may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one implementation, the vessel 10H is open at both ends, and when the vessel 10H is attached to the cooling unit 200H, the base 240H defines the bottom of the chamber 12H. In another implementation, the vessel 10H is closed at its bottom end (e.g., having a base), and when the vessel 10H is connected to the cooling or heating unit 200H, the base 240H operatively or directly contacts the base of the vessel 10H.

[0098] The cooling or heating unit 200H may include a base 240H, a thermoelectric element 40H (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, multiple Peltier elements) in contact with the surface of the base 240H, a heat insulation member 42H disposed around the periphery of the thermoelectric element 40H, a heat sink 260H in thermal communication with the thermoelectric element 40H, a thermal mass block 220H (e.g., phase change material or PCM) having heat capacity and in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with the heat sink 260H, and an energy storage device 60H (e.g., one or more energy storage devices, one or more batteries, one or more rechargeable batteries) and a circuit EM. The thermal mass block 220H may be housed in a container 280H. The container 280H may also house the heat sink 260H and surround the heat insulation member 42H and the thermoelectric element 40H. The vessel 280H may, in one implementation, be a double-walled vessel with an inner wall 281H and an outer wall 282H, and the gap between the walls 281H and 282H is, in one example, under vacuum. In another example, the gap may be filled with insulating material or air. The cooling or heating unit 200H may have a wireless charging coil 65H. The wireless charging coil 65H may be disposed between the vessel 280H and the cover 230H (e.g., adjacent to the base 240H).

[0099] In one implementation, at least a portion of the cover 230H may be insulating. In one example, the cover 230H may be made of metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum) or plastic. In one example, the cover 230H may be a single wall having a thickness that inhibits heat transfer through the cover 230H (e.g., the cover 230H has an R value above a threshold).In another implementation, the cover 230H may be a double-walled structure (e.g., wherein the gap between the walls is under vacuum, filled with air, or filled with an insulating material such as foam).

[0100] Optionally, the container 100H may have one or more sensors S communicating with a circuit EM, which operates the thermoelectric element 40H based at least in part on sensing information provided by one or more sensors S. In one implementation, one or more sensors include temperature sensors. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more sensors S may include a temperature sensor S1 located in or on the base 240H and operable to sense the temperature of the liquid in the chamber 12H. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more sensors S may include a temperature sensor S2 disposed in or on the thermomass block 220H (e.g., in or on the PCM) and operable to sense the temperature of the thermomass block 220H (e.g., the temperature of the PCM). One or more sensors S may optionally include pressure sensors, contact sensors, proximity sensors, load sensors, or other suitable sensors for sensing the presence of liquid in chamber 12H of container 100H.

[0101] FIG13 illustrates a charging module 300H (e.g., a cooling rack) for charging the thermal mass block 220H and / or the power storage device 60H. Some features of the charging module 300H are similar to those of the charging module 300F in FIG9. Therefore, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of the charging module 300H are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of the charging module 300F in FIG9, except that “H” is added to the numerical identifier instead of “F”. Therefore, the structure and description of the various features of the charging module 300F in FIG9 and how to operate the charging module 300F are understood to also apply to the corresponding features of the charging module 300H in FIG13, except as described below.

[0102] The charging module 300H includes a column or thermal mass block module 320H, on which the container 100H is placed upside down, such that the column or thermal mass block module 320H extends into the chamber 12H, and the top end of the column or thermal mass block module 320H contacts the base 240H. In one implementation, the column or thermal mass block module 320H is made of metal and is thus capable of operating as a heat sink relative to the container 100H.

[0103] The column or thermal mass block module 320H is thermally coupled to one or more thermoelectric elements 40H (e.g., one or more Peltier elements, multiple Peltier elements).In one implementation, the column or thermal mass block module 320H may optionally have one or more volumes (e.g., multiple volumes) of phase change material (PCM) (e.g., similar to the PCM described above), via which the column or thermal mass block module 320H can function as a reservoir (e.g., a cold storage reservoir), thereby allowing the column or thermal mass block module 320H to sequentially (e.g., one after another) cool more than one container 100H. Optionally, the charging module 300H has one or more fans operable to dissipate heat from the charging module 300H. The charging module 300H may have a wireless power transmitter 382H at or near the top surface of the column or thermal mass block module 320H. The wireless power transmitter 382H is operable to wirelessly transmit power to the wireless power receiver 65H of the cooling or heating unit 200H when the container 100H is inverted on the column or thermal mass block module 320H, for example to charge the power storage device 60H and / or to supply power to the thermoelectric element 40H. The charging module 300H may optionally include a power connector that can be coupled to a wall outlet (e.g., to power a fan, wireless power transmitter 382H). Alternatively, the charging module 300H may be powered by one or more batteries.

[0104] The column or thermal mass block module 320H may have an elongated body that is sized to extend into the chamber 12H of the container 100H when the container 100H is flipped upside down and placed on the column or thermal mass block module 320H. In one implementation, the charging module 300H is operable to charge the thermal mass block 220H or PCM of the cooling or heating unit 200H when the container 100H is (inverted) placed on the column or thermal mass block module 320H. For example, one or more thermoelectric elements 40H can operate when the container 100H is inverted on the column or thermal mass block module 320H to absorb heat from the thermal mass block 220H via the radiator 260H and transfer the heat to the column or thermal mass block module 320H, thereby charging the thermal mass block 220H (e.g., PCM) (e.g., curing, freezing, so that the thermal mass block 220H changes from one state to another state in which the thermal mass block 220H can later absorb heat and cool or maintain the beverage at a cooled drinking temperature when the liquid is poured into the chamber 12H), such that when the container 100H is removed from the column or thermal mass block module 320H and receives the beverage in the chamber 12H, the thermal mass block 220H can operate as a cooling energy storage device for cooling the beverage.Heat can be passively dissipated from the column or hot mass block module 320H via one or more fins, or dissipated by operating a fan to remove heat from the column or hot mass block module 320H, which may optionally be located in the base 325H of the charging module 300H.

[0105] FIG14 shows a charging module 300H' (e.g., a cooling rack) for charging the hot mass block 220H and / or the power storage device 60H. Some features of the charging module 300H' are similar to those of the charging module 300H in FIG13. Therefore, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of the charging module 300H' are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of the charging module 300H in FIG13, except that an apostrophe is added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, except as described below, the structure and description of the various features of the charging module 300H in FIG13 and how to operate the charging module 300H are also understood to apply to the corresponding features of the charging module 300H' in FIG14'.

[0106] The charging module 300H' differs from the charging module 300H in that it includes a heat transfer plate P located at or near the top of the column or thermal mass block module 320H', which operatively or directly contacts the base 240H. When the thermoelectric element 40H (when the container 100H is inverted and disposed on the column or thermal mass block module 320H') is operated to charge (e.g., cure, freeze) the thermal mass block 220H (e.g., PCM), heat is removed from the thermal mass block 220H via the heat sink 260H and transferred to the heat transfer plate P. A heat pipe HP extends from the heat transfer plate P to the heat sink 50H', and heat flows from the heat transfer plate P along the heat pipe HP (e.g., the heat is removed from the thermal mass block 220H) to the heat sink 50H'. In one implementation, the charging module 300H' may optionally include a fan 70H' operable to allow air A to flow through a radiator 50H' to dissipate heat from the radiator 50H', the air being exhausted from the base 325H'.

[0107] In one implementation, before using the container 100H to drink a beverage, the container 100H may be (inverted) positioned on the charging modules 300H, 300H', wherein the charging modules 300H, 300H' charge the power storage device 60H as discussed above (e.g., via a wireless power transmitter 382H). Alternatively or additionally, as discussed above, when the container 100H is positioned on the charging modules 300H, 300H', the thermoelectric element 40H may be operated by the circuit EM to charge the thermomass block 220H, as discussed above. During the charging process, the thermoelectric element 40H pumps heat out from the thermal mass block (e.g., PCM) 220H.Once the desired setpoint (e.g., freezing setpoint) temperature of the thermomass block (e.g., PCM) 220H is reached (e.g., as measured by temperature sensor S2), the cooling or heating unit 200H operates to maintain the thermomass block (e.g., PCM) 220H at the desired setpoint temperature (e.g., until container 100H is used). Once container 100H is ready for use, it is removed from charging modules 300H, 300H', and the chilled beverage is poured into chamber 12H. Circuit EM (e.g., via temperature sensor S1) determines the current liquid temperature. To maintain the beverage temperature, thermoelectric element 40H operates using power from power storage device 60H. Based on the liquid setpoint temperature, the required polarity and power of thermoelectric element 40H are determined (e.g., circuit EM determines whether the liquid in chamber 12H needs to be heated or cooled to reach the setpoint). If the liquid needs cooling, the thermoelectric element 40H operates to remove heat from the liquid and transfer the heat to the thermal mass block (e.g., PCM) 220H via the radiator 260H. If the liquid needs heating, the thermoelectric element 40H operates to remove heat from the thermal mass block (e.g., PCM) 220H and transfer the heat to the liquid in the chamber 12H. This process continues until the desired set point temperature of the liquid is reached.

[0108] In one implementation, the charging module 300H (e.g., a cooling rack) may be a device having multiple column or thermal mass block modules 320H that can be placed or stored on a counter (e.g., a kitchen counter, a coffee shop counter), and one or more containers 100H are disposed on the charging module 300H to keep one or more containers 100H in a cooled state for use.

[0109] FIG4 shows a block diagram of a control system for the apparatus described herein (e.g., cooler container assemblies 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100G) (e.g., incorporated into the apparatus described herein). In the illustrated embodiment, a circuit EM (e.g., control circuitry, microcontroller unit (MCU), computer processor, etc.) can receive sensing information from one or more sensors S1 to Sn (e.g., temperature sensors, battery charging sensors, load sensors, RFID or RFID readers, etc.). The circuit EM can be housed in a cavity below the containers 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10G.The circuit EM can receive and / or send information (e.g., instructions) to one or more heating or cooling elements HC, such as thermoelectric elements 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, 40G (e.g., to operate the thermoelectric element in heating and / or cooling mode, turn it off, turn it on, change the power output of the thermoelectric element, etc.), and optionally send information to one or more power storage devices PS (e.g., batteries 60, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60G) to charge the batteries or manage the power supplied by the batteries to the thermoelectric elements.

[0110] Optionally, the circuit EM may include a wireless transmitter, receiver, and / or transceiver for communicating with one or more of the following (e.g., sending information, such as sensed temperature, to one or more of the following and receiving information, such as user instructions or temperature setpoints, from one or more of the following): a) a user interface UI1 on the unit (e.g., on the body of the container 10), b) an electronic device ED (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, smartwatch), c) via a cloud CL, or d) via a wireless communication system such as WiFi, broadband network, and / or Bluetooth BT. The electronic device ED may have a user interface UI2 that can display information associated with the operation of the cooler container assemblies 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, and 100G, and the user interface UI2 can receive information (e.g., instructions) from the user and transmit the information to the cooler container assemblies 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, and 100G. Additional Embodiments

[0111] In embodiments of the present invention, the container with active temperature control may be as described in any of the following clauses: Clause 1: A container with active temperature control, the container comprising: an insulated vessel body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage within the insulated vessel body; a cooling or heating unit comprising: a thermoelectric element having a first side in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber; a module made of a thermomass or phase change material in thermal communication with a second side of the thermoelectric element opposite to the first side; an electrical storage device; and a circuit configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element, wherein the cooling or heating unit is operable to raise or lower or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to absorb heat from the chamber and transfer the heat to the module made of the thermomass or phase change material.Clause 2: The container according to Clause 1, wherein the cooling or heating unit is detachable from the insulated vessel body. Clause 3: The container according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cooling or heating unit includes an insulated cover defining a cavity housing a thermoelectric element, a module made of a thermomass or phase change material, a power storage device, and circuitry. Clause 4: The container according to Clause 3, wherein the insulated cover is a double-walled vacuum insulated cover. Clause 5: The container according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the insulated vessel body is a double-walled vacuum insulated vessel body. Clause 6: The container according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cooling or heating unit further includes a heat diffuser at least partially embedded in the module made of a thermomass or phase change material. Clause 7: The container according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the thermoelectric element is annular in shape. Clause 8: The container according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the circuitry is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote electronic device. Clause 9: A container system with active temperature control, the container system comprising: an insulated container body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage within the insulated container body; a cooling or heating unit comprising: a thermoelectric element having a first side thermally connected to at least a portion of the chamber; a module made of a thermomass or phase change material thermally connected to a second side of the thermoelectric element opposite to the first side; an energy storage device; and circuitry configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element; and a charging module for charging the cooling or heating unit; wherein the cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to absorb heat from the chamber and transfer the heat to the module made of the thermomass or phase change material. Clause 10: The system according to Clause 9, wherein the cooling or heating unit is detachable from the bottom end of the insulated container body. Clause 11: The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 10, wherein the cooling or heating unit can be invertedly connected to the charging module upon disassembly, such that the heat sink of the charging module is in thermal communication with the base of the heating or cooling unit and the fan of the charging module can be operated to dissipate heat from the heat sink, and the thermoelectric element can be operated to transfer heat from the module made of a thermomass or phase change material to the heat sink, thereby charging the module made of the thermomass or phase change material. Clause 12: The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 11, wherein the cooling or heating unit includes a thermal insulation cover defining a cavity accommodating the thermoelectric element, the module made of a thermomass or phase change material, the power storage device, and the circuitry. Clause 13: The system according to Clause 11, wherein the thermal insulation cover is a double-walled vacuum thermal insulation cover.Clause 14: The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 13, wherein the insulated vessel body is a double-walled vacuum insulated vessel body. Clause 15: The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 14, wherein the cooling or heating unit further includes a heat diffuser at least partially embedded in a module made of a thermal mass block or phase change material. Clause 16: The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 15, wherein the thermoelectric element is annular in shape. Clause 17: The system according to any one of Clauses 12 to 16, wherein the insulated cover has a recessed wall spaced apart from the end of the cover such that when the cover contacts a surface, the recessed wall does not have thermal contact with the surface, thereby inhibiting heat transfer via the recessed wall. Clause 18: A system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 17, wherein the charging module includes a flexible bladder having a heat transfer fluid and a thermoelectric element operable to heat or cool the heat transfer fluid, the flexible bladder being configured to extend into a recess in a cover and contact a recess wall when the container is placed on the charging module, and the thermoelectric element of the charging module being operable to heat or cool a module of a cooling or heating unit made of a thermomass or phase change material when the container is placed on the charging module. Clause 19: A system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 17, wherein the charging module includes a column having a thermomass or phase change material or one or more heat pipes, a thermoelectric element in thermal communication with the column, a radiator in thermal communication with the thermoelectric element, and a fan operable to dissipate heat from the radiator, the column being configured to receive a chamber of the container on the column when the container is inverted and placed on the column, and the thermoelectric element of the charging module being operable to heat or cool a module of a cooling or heating unit made of a thermomass or phase change material when the container is inverted and placed on the column. Clause 20: A system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 19, wherein the circuitry is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote electronic device. Clause 21: A beverage container with active temperature control, the beverage container comprising: an insulated vessel body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage within the insulated vessel body; a cooling or heating unit comprising: a thermoelectric element having a first side in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber; a solid-state fan operable to draw air into the cooling or heating unit via one or more inlet openings of a cover of the cooling or heating unit and to exhaust the air via one or more outlet openings of the cover; an energy storage device; and circuitry configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element and the solid-state fan, wherein the cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to draw heat from or input heat into the chamber.Clause 22: The container according to Clause 21, wherein the cooling or heating unit is detachable from the insulated vessel body. Clause 23: The container according to any one of Clauses 21 to 22, wherein the cover defines a cavity for housing thermoelectric elements, a solid-state fan, a power storage device, and circuitry. Clause 24: The container according to any one of Clauses 21 to 23, wherein the insulated cover is a double-walled vacuum insulated cover. Clause 25: The container according to any one of Clauses 21 to 24, wherein the insulated vessel body is a double-walled vacuum insulated vessel body. Clause 26: The container according to any one of Clauses 21 to 25, wherein the circuitry is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote electronic device.

[0112] Although certain embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in various other forms as described on pages 21 / 23 of the specification. For example, although the above disclosure relates to metal containers inserted into containers 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and 100E, these containers do not need to be metal and can be made of other materials (e.g., plastic, such as plastic water bottles). Furthermore, although the components described above (e.g., batteries 60, 60B, 60C, 60D, and 60E; thermoelectric elements 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and 40E; fans 70, 70B, 70C, 70D, and 70E) may be described in the singular, those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure contemplates the use of multiple such components. Additionally, although the accompanying drawings show cross-sectional views, those skilled in the art will recognize that the shape factors of containers 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and 100E can be defined in one embodiment by rotating the cross-section shown in the drawings about a central axis (e.g., containers 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and 100E can be cylindrical). Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made to the systems and methods described herein without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover these forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

[0113] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example should be understood to be adaptable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described in this part or elsewhere in this application, unless incompatible therewith.All features disclosed in this application (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps in any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination except for combinations of at least some of these features and / or steps that are mutually exclusive. Protection is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. Protection extends to any novel feature or combination of novel features disclosed in this application (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel step or combination of novel steps in any method or process so disclosed.

[0114] Furthermore, certain features described in this disclosure in the context of individual implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple implementations. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, in some cases one or more features of the claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a sub-combination or a variation thereof

[0115] . Furthermore, although operations may be depicted in a specific order in the drawings or described in a specific order in the application, such operations do not need to be performed in the specific or sequential order shown, or all operations need not be performed to achieve the desired result. Other operations not depicted or described may be incorporated into the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the operations described. Furthermore, in other implementations, operations may be rearranged or reordered. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the illustrated and / or disclosed processes may differ from those shown in the drawings. Depending on the implementation, some steps described above may be removed, and other steps may be added. Furthermore, features and properties of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the separation of the various system components in the implementation described above should not be construed as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be combined together into a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0116] For the purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. Not all of these advantages may necessarily be achieved according to any particular implementation. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure may be practiced or performed in a manner that achieves one or a set of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily achieving other advantages as taught or suggested herein.

[0117] Unless otherwise expressly stated or otherwise understood in the context in which they are used, conditional language such as “may,” “can,” “may,” or “may” on pages 22 / 23 of the specification (CN 121152588 A) is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not include certain features, elements, and / or steps. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that one or more embodiments require features, elements, and / or steps in any way, or that one or more embodiments must include logic for determining whether such features, elements, and / or steps are included in or to be performed in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting.

[0118] Unless otherwise expressly stated, connective language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” is generally understood by context to mean that items, terms, etc., may be X, Y, or Z. Therefore, such connective language is generally not intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one X of X, at least one Y of Y, and at least one Z of Z.

[0119] The degree language used herein, such as the terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “roughly”, refer to values, quantities, or characteristics that are close to the stated value, quantity, or characteristic, while still performing the desired function or achieving the desired result. For example, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “roughly” may refer to quantities less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, and less than 0.01% of the stated quantity. As another example, in some embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “roughly parallel” refer to values, quantities, or characteristics that deviate from perfect parallelism by less than or equal to 15, 10, 5, 3, 1, or 0.1 degrees.

[0120] The scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosure of preferred embodiments in this part or elsewhere in this application, and may be defined by the claims set forth in this part or elsewhere in this application or to be made thereafter. The language of the claims will be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims and will not be limited to the examples described in this application or during the examination of this application, which will be interpreted as non-exclusive.Instruction manual page 23 / 23, 26 CN 121152588 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual figure 1 / 12 page, 27 CN 121152588 A, Figure 2; Instruction manual figure 2 / 12 page, 28 CN 121152588 A, Figure 3; Instruction manual figure 3 / 12 page, 29 CN 121152588 A, Figure 4; Instruction manual figure 4 / 12 page, 30 CN 121152588 A, Figure 5; Instruction manual figure 5 / 12 page, 31 CN 121152588 A, Figure 6; Figure 7; Instruction manual figure 6 / 12 page, 32 CN 121152588 A, Figure 8; Instruction manual figure 7 / 12 page, 33 CN 121152588 A, Figure 9; Instruction manual figure 8 / 12 page, 34 CN 121152588 A, Figure 10; Figure 11; Instruction manual figure 9 / 12 page, 35 CN 121152588 A Figure 12 Appendix to the Instruction Manual, Page 10 / 12, No. 36, CN 121152588 A Figure 13 Appendix to the Instruction Manual, Page 11 / 12, No. 37, CN 121152588 A Figure 14 Appendix to the Instruction Manual, Page 12 / 12, No. 38, CN 121152588 A.

Claims

1. A beverage container system with active temperature control, the system comprising: An insulated vessel body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage within the insulated vessel body; A cooling or heating unit, the cooling or heating unit comprising: The base is in thermal communication with the chamber. A thermoelectric element having a first side portion in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber via the base. A heat diffuser, which is in thermal communication with the second side of the thermoelectric element, A thermal mass block, which is arranged around and in thermal communication with the radiator, and is housed in a heat-insulating cap. Power storage devices Circuit, the circuit being configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element, and One or more sensors, including a first temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the beverage in the chamber and a second temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the thermal mass block. The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to absorb heat from the chamber or to input heat into the chamber.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling or heating unit can be detached from the heat-insulating vessel body.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal insulation cover defines a cavity for accommodating the thermoelectric element, the heat diffuser, the thermal mass block, the power storage device, and the circuit.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The heat-insulating cap is a double-walled vacuum heat-insulating cap.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The heat insulation vessel body is a double-walled vacuum heat insulation vessel body.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote electronic device.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling or heating unit also includes a wireless power receiver configured to receive power from a wireless power transmitter to perform one or both of operating the thermoelectric element and charging the power storage device.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermoelectric element is ring-shaped.

9. The system of claim 1 further includes a second heat diffuser, the second heat diffuser being in thermal communication with the thermal mass block and disposed in the heat insulation cap and positioned opposite to the heat diffuser.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The heat-insulating cap has a recessed wall spaced apart from the distal edge of the heat-insulating cap to suppress heat loss from the hot mass block in the heat-insulating cap via the recessed wall when the vessel body is placed on a surface such that the heat-insulating cap contacts the surface.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal mass block is a phase change material.

12. The system of claim 1 further includes a charging module, the charging module comprising a fan, a heat sink, a heat pipe in thermal communication with the heat sink and a thermoelectric element, and a thermal mass block module in thermal communication with the thermoelectric element, the charging module being operable to cool the thermal mass block in the heat insulation cap when the vessel body is placed on the charging module such that the heat insulation cap contacts the charging module.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The thermal mass block module is a flexible sac-like component filled with a heat transfer fluid, and the thermal mass block module is configured to extend into a recess in the heat insulation cap to make thermal contact with the thermal mass block in the heat insulation cap.

14. A beverage container with active temperature control, the container comprising: An insulated vessel body having a chamber configured to receive a beverage within the insulated vessel body; A cooling or heating unit, the cooling or heating unit comprising: A thermoelectric element having a first side portion in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber. A solid-state fan, operable to draw air into the cooling or heating unit through one or more inlet openings in the cover of the cooling or heating unit, and to exhaust the air through one or more outlet openings in the cover. Power storage devices, and A circuit configured to control the operation of the thermoelectric element and the solid-state fan. The cooling or heating unit is operable to raise, lower, or maintain the temperature of at least a portion of the beverage in the chamber by operating the thermoelectric element to absorb heat from the chamber or to input heat into the chamber.

15. The container according to claim 14, wherein, The cooling or heating unit can be detached from the heat-insulating vessel body.

16. The container according to claim 14, wherein, The thermal insulation cover defines a cavity for accommodating the thermoelectric element, the solid-state fan, the power storage device, and the circuitry.

17. The container according to claim 16, wherein, The heat insulation covering is a double-walled vacuum heat insulation covering.

18. The container according to claim 14, wherein, The heat insulation vessel body is a double-walled vacuum heat insulation vessel body.

19. The container according to claim 14, wherein, The circuit is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote electronic device.

Images