Vehicle Cooler

Abstract

The cooler includes a peripheral wall that defines a chamber configured to maintain food in a temperature-controlled environment. The cooler can be removably inserted into or integrated into the trunk, front trunk or frunk, or side compartment of a vehicle. The cooler can optionally include a divider that divides the chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The cooler can optionally include a refrigeration system that charges a phase change material in the peripheral wall of the cooler.

Description

[Technical Field] 【0001】 (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) All applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet of this application as an application filed contemporaneously with this application are hereby incorporated by reference pursuant to 37 CFR 1.57. 【0002】 The present invention relates to cooler containers, and more particularly to cooler containers for vehicles (e.g., electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles). [Background technology] 【0003】 Customers often transport food (e.g., groceries, prepared meals) in their vehicles (e.g., from the supermarket). Some foods (e.g., dairy, meat, poultry, fish) are temperature sensitive and can spoil if exposed to high temperatures during transport in a vehicle. This is a concern on hot days or when food is being transported long distances (e.g., on a picnic or camping trip). Summary of the Invention 【0004】 According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle cooler is provided, which may include a peripheral wall defining a chamber in which food items can be maintained in a temperature controlled environment. 【0005】 According to another aspect, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle may include a temperature-controlled compartment integrated into a compartment of the vehicle, the temperature-controlled compartment including a peripheral wall and a cover, the peripheral wall may form a chamber in which food can be maintained in a temperature-controlled environment, and the cover is movable between an open position and a closed position. 【0006】 According to another aspect, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle can include a recess capable of removably receiving one or more coolers, each of the one or more coolers including a peripheral wall and a cover, the peripheral wall can form a chamber capable of maintaining food in a temperature controlled environment, and the cover is movable between an open position and a closed position. 【0007】 According to another aspect, a cooling system for a temperature-controlled compartment of a vehicle is provided, the cooling system may include a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a first flow path through the first and second heat exchangers, and a second flow path through the second heat exchanger. The first coolant in the first flow path may cool air delivered to a passenger compartment of the vehicle via the first heat exchanger. Heat from the second coolant in the second flow path may be transferred to the first coolant via the second heat exchanger. The second flow path may extend through a phase change material in the temperature-controlled compartment, so that the second coolant can charge the phase change material. 【0008】 According to another aspect, a cooling system for a temperature-controlled compartment of a vehicle is provided, the cooling system can include a conduit and a cooling fluid within the conduit, a portion of the conduit extending through a peripheral wall of the temperature-controlled compartment and capable of charging a phase change material in the peripheral wall. [Brief explanation of the drawings] 【0009】 [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooler in the front trunk or frunk of a vehicle, with the cooler cover in the closed position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the cooler of FIG. 1 with the cover in an open position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a cooler for use in a vehicle with the cover in a closed position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the cooler of FIG. 3 with the cover in an open position. [Figure 5A]FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a vehicle trunk with a cooler compartment, with the compartment cover in a closed position. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic view of the trunk of FIG. 5A with the compartment cover in an open position and showing one or more (eg, two) coolers in the cooler compartment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of the trunk of FIG. 5A with the compartment cover in the open position, showing one or more (e.g., two) coolers in the cooler compartment, one cooler with its lid in the open position. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a schematic perspective view of a cooler for use in a vehicle with the cover or lid of the cooler in a closed position. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5E is a schematic perspective view of the cooler of FIG. 5D with the cover or lid of the cooler in an open position. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of a cooler for use in a vehicle with the cover or lid of the cooler in a closed position. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of the cooler of FIG. 6A with the cover or lid of the cooler in an open position. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of the cooling circuit of a cooler in a vehicle. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of the cooling circuit of the cooler in the vehicle. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a cooling circuit of a cooler used in a vehicle. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a removable cooler for electrical coupling and operation in a vehicle. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of wireless communication between a mobile electronic device and a cooler used in a vehicle. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of the electronics of a cooler used in a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 【0010】 1-2 illustrate a portion of a vehicle 1000 (e.g., an electric vehicle, such as a car, SUV, truck, or van) having a front trunk or frunk 1010. The frunk 1010 includes a temperature-controlled compartment 1020 (e.g., a cooler, a heating chamber, or a cooler and heating chamber). The temperature-controlled compartment 1020 can include a lid or cover 1030 movable between open and closed positions for a chamber 1040 that can store and transport (e.g., from a takeout restaurant or a grocery store) food (e.g., groceries, prepared foods) and maintain the food in a temperature-controlled environment (e.g., cooled, heated, cooled and heated). The chamber 1040 receives food for storage and transportation (e.g., from a takeout restaurant or a grocery store) and maintains the food in a temperature-controlled environment (e.g., cooled, heated, cooled and heated) during use of the electric vehicle (e.g., returning home from a takeout restaurant or a grocery store, traveling to a campsite or picnic, etc.). The temperature control compartment 1020 (e.g., cooler) is shown in the front trunk or frunk 1010, but may also be located in the rear trunk of the vehicle 1000 or in a side compartment of the vehicle 1000, as described further below. 【0011】 Chamber 1040 can be divided into a first chamber 1050 and a second chamber 1060 by a divider 1070. In one embodiment, divider 1070 is adjustable within chamber 1040 to change the relative sizes of first chamber 1050 and second chamber 1060 (e.g., if a larger first chamber 1050 is desired, divider 1070 is moved to the right in FIG. 2 ; if a larger second chamber 1060 is desired, divider 1070 is moved to the left in FIG. 2 ). In one implementation, divider 1070 is moved (e.g., laterally) within chamber 1040 without being removed from chamber 1040. In one embodiment, the divider 1070 can heat a surface of the divider 1070 facing one of the first and second chambers 1050, 1060 and simultaneously cool an opposite surface of the divider 1070 facing the other of the first and second chambers 1050, 1060, thereby allowing one of the first and second chambers 1050, 1060 to be heated and the other of the first and second chambers 1050, 1060 to be cooled (e.g., simultaneously). The other of the chambers 1050, 1060 can be cooled (e.g., simultaneously). In another embodiment, the thermal energy module of the temperature control compartment 1020 can heat both the first and second chambers 1050, 1060 (e.g., simultaneously) or can cool both the first and second chambers 1050, 1060 (e.g., simultaneously). In another embodiment, the thermal energy module (eg, thermoelectric module, Peltier element) is omitted and the temperature control compartment 1020 acts simply as a cooler, as further described below. 【0012】 In one embodiment, the temperature controlled compartment 1020 (e.g., cooler) is integrated into the vehicle 1000 (e.g., the flank 1010 of the vehicle 1000) and is not removable. For example, the walls of the flank 1010 may comprise an insulated wall (e.g., a double-walled panel lining the inside of the flank 1010) comprising (e.g., encases, surrounds) a phase change material (PCM). Optionally, the walls of the flank 1010 may comprise a vacuum insulated wall or panel lining the inside of the flank 1010. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3-4 , the temperature controlled compartment 1020′ (e.g., cooler) may be a separate component that removably fits into a cavity or recess in the flank 1010 of the vehicle 1000 (or the rear trunk or side compartment of the vehicle 1000). The temperature controlled compartment 1020′ is similar to the temperature controlled compartment 1020 of FIGS. 1-2. Accordingly, the reference numbers used to designate the various components of temperature control compartment 1020' are identical to the numbers used to identify the corresponding components of temperature control compartment 1020 in Figures 1-2, except for the addition of a "'" to the numeric identifier. Accordingly, the construction and description of the various features of temperature control compartment 1020 in Figures 1-2, and the methods of operation and control thereof, will be understood to also apply to the corresponding features of temperature control compartment 1020' in Figures 3-4, except as described below. 【0013】 The temperature controlled compartment 1020' differs from the temperature controlled compartment 1020 in that it is removably installable in the frunk 1010 (or rear trunk or side compartment) of the vehicle 1000. Additionally, the lid or cover 1030' is provided with a handle 1035' for facilitating opening and closing of the lid or cover 1030'. Optionally, the lid or cover 1030' can be insulated (e.g., made of an insulating material such as foam or includes a double-walled construction such as a vacuum-insulated double-walled construction). The temperature controlled compartment 1020' has a perimeter wall 1025', which can include one or more insulated walls (e.g., double-walled panels) comprising a PCM. The perimeter wall 1025' can optionally include vacuum-insulated walls or panels. The temperature controlled compartment 1020' (e.g., a cooler) includes an on-board or integrated temperature control unit, as described further below. 【0014】 5A-5C show a rear trunk 1015 of a vehicle 1000 having a recessed compartment C and a cover 1017 operable between an open position to access compartment C and a closed position to enclose compartment C. Compartments C are adjacent to each other and can house (e.g., removably house) one or more (e.g., two) temperature-controlled compartments 1020'' (e.g., coolers), each capable of receiving food and maintaining the food in a temperature-controlled environment, such as a warmed or cooled state. In another embodiment, compartment C and temperature-controlled compartment(s) 1020'' can be located in the front trunk or frunk of vehicle 1000. In another embodiment, compartment C and temperature-controlled compartment(s) 1020'' can be located in a side compartment of vehicle 1000. 【0015】 5D-5E illustrate a temperature control compartment 1020''. The temperature control compartment 1020'' is similar to the temperature control compartment 1020' of FIGS. 3-4. Accordingly, the reference numbers used to designate various components of the temperature control compartment 1020'' are identical to the numbers used to identify corresponding components of the temperature control compartment 1020' of FIGS. 3-4, except for the addition of a "'" to the numeric identifier. Accordingly, the structure and description of various features of the temperature control compartment 1020' in FIGS. 3-4, as well as their operation and control methods, will be understood to also apply to corresponding features of the temperature control compartment 1020'' in FIGS. 5D-5E, except as described below. 【0016】 Temperature-controlled compartment 1020'' differs from temperature-controlled compartment 1020' in that chamber 1040 is a single chamber (e.g., there are no separate first and second chambers). Temperature-controlled compartment 1020'' is also cube-shaped and has a handle 1035'' on its peripheral wall 1025''. 【0017】 6A-6B illustrate a temperature control compartment 1020'''. The temperature control compartment 1020''' is similar to the temperature control compartment 1020' of FIGS. 3-4. Accordingly, the reference numbers used to designate various components of the temperature control compartment 1020''' are the same as those used to identify corresponding components of the temperature control compartment 1020' of FIGS. 3-4, except that a "'" has been added to the numeric identifier. Accordingly, the construction and description of various features of the temperature control compartment 1020' in FIGS. 3-4, and their operation and control methods, will be understood to also apply to corresponding features of the temperature control compartment 1020''' in FIGS. 6A-6B, except as described below. 【0018】 Unlike temperature controlled compartment 1020', temperature controlled compartment 1020' has a rectangular shape, includes a handle 1035'' on peripheral wall 1025'', and first chamber 1050''' and second chamber 1060''' are sized with uniform width and length. In one embodiment, temperature controlled compartment 1020''' can be the same size as two of temperature controlled compartments 1020'' of FIGS. 5D-5E, thereby allowing temperature controlled compartment 1020''' (e.g., a cooler) to be used in place of two temperature controlled compartments 1020'' in compartment C of trunk 1015 (or flank or side compartment) of vehicle 1000. 【0019】 FIG. 7A illustrates one embodiment of a cooling system 2000 for charging a PCM in a temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020′, 1020′, 1020′″ (e.g., cooling the chamber 1040 of the temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020′, 1020′, 1020′″, such as by cooling the PCM to solidify or freeze so that the PCM can absorb heat relative to the ambient temperature). Once the PCM is charged, the chamber 1040 (e.g., the first chamber 1050 and / or the second chamber 1060) can be maintained in a cooled state (e.g., a temperature of approximately 5° C.) for a period of time, such as 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, etc. 【0020】 The system 2000 includes an AC unit 2010 of the vehicle 1000 used to cool the passenger compartment, and includes a first heat exchanger 2020 through which a refrigerant (e.g., a refrigerant such as Freon®) flows through a first flow path 2030 (e.g., a conduit, a pipe, etc.), which cools air that is then delivered to the passenger compartment. The system also includes a second heat exchanger 2040 through which the first flow path 2030 passes, and a second flow path 2050 through which a refrigerant (e.g., glycol, water) flows such that heat is transferred from the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path 2050 to the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path 2030, thereby cooling the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path 2050. The first heat exchanger 2020 and the first flow path 2030 can operate under pressurized conditions (eg, above atmospheric pressure), and the second heat exchanger 2040 and the second flow path 2050 can operate under unpressurized conditions (eg, operating at atmospheric pressure). 【0021】 In implementations in which the temperature control compartment 1020 (e.g., a cooler) is integrated into the flank 1010 or trunk 1015 (e.g., such that the temperature control compartment 1020 is not removable from the flank 1010 or trunk 1015), the second flow path 2050 extends into the temperature control compartment 1020 and passes through (e.g., adjacent to, surrounding, in heat transfer with, or contacting) the PCM within the temperature control compartment 1020, such that the coolant flowing through the PCM within the temperature control compartment 1020 charges the PCM (e.g., cools the PCM, enabling the PCM to absorb heat and cool the chamber 1040 of the temperature control compartment 1020 compared to ambient temperature). Once the PCM is charged, the chamber 1040 (e.g., the first chamber 1050 and / or the second chamber 1060) can be maintained in a cooled state (e.g., a temperature of approximately 5°C) for a period of time, such as, for example, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, etc. 【0022】 In embodiments where the temperature control compartment 1020', 1020'', 1020''' (e.g., cooler) is removable from the frunk 1010 or trunk 1015, the second flow path 2050 can be coupled to the temperature control compartment 1020', 1020', 1020''' via a connector 2060 (e.g., a quick-disconnect connector), providing a connection between the second flow path 2050 and the temperature control compartment 1020', 1020'', 10 Coolant flowing through the second flow path 2050 and one or more conduits for fluid communication with (e.g., adjacent to, surrounding, in heat transfer with, or in contact with) one or more conduits in the temperature controlled compartment 1020 that extend through the PCM in 20''' charges the PCM (e.g., cools the PCM to solidification or freezing so that the PCM can absorb heat and cools the chamber 1040 of the temperature controlled compartment 1020', 1020', 1020'''). Once the PCM is charged, the chamber 1040 (e.g., first chamber 1050 and / or second chamber 1060) can be maintained in a cooled state (e.g., a temperature of about 5° C.) for a period of time, such as, for example, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, etc. 【0023】 In one embodiment, the cooling system 2000 (e.g., AC unit 2010) operates to charge the PCM only when the vehicle 1000 (e.g., electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle) is connected to a power source (e.g., a power grid) to charge the battery of the vehicle 1000. When the vehicle 1000 is disconnected from the power source, the cooling system 2000 stops operating, and the PCM then maintains the chamber 1040 of the temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020′, 1020′, 1020″ in a cooled state (e.g., by absorbing heat such that the PCM transitions from a solid to a liquid). 【0024】 FIG. 7B illustrates a cooling system 2000′ for charging a PCM in a temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020′, 1020″, 1020′″. Cooling system 2000′ is similar to cooling system 2000 of FIG. 7A. Accordingly, the reference numbers used to designate various components of cooling system 2000′ are identical to the numbers used to identify corresponding components of cooling system 2000 of FIG. 7A, except for the addition of a “′” to the numeric identifier. Accordingly, the structure and description of various features of cooling system 2000 in FIG. 7A, and its operation and control methods, will be understood to also apply to corresponding features of cooling system 2000′ in FIG. 7B, except as described below. 【0025】 Unlike cooling system 2000, cooling system 2000' does not operate with an AC unit for the passenger compartment, but rather operates using a battery cooling unit 2010' that operates to cool the battery of vehicle 1000 (e.g., electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle). In one embodiment, cooling system 2000' (e.g., battery cooling unit 2010') operates to charge the PCM only when vehicle 1000 (e.g., electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle) is connected to a power source (e.g., a power grid) to charge the battery of vehicle 1000. When vehicle 1000 is disconnected from the power source, cooling system 2000 stops operating, and the PCM then maintains chamber 1040 of temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020', 1020', 1020'' in a cooled state (e.g., by absorbing heat that causes a solid-to-liquid transition). 【0026】 In another embodiment, the cooling system for charging the PCM in the temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020', 1020', 1020'" is a separate system within the vehicle 1000 and operates to charge the PCM in the temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020', 1020", 1020'" without utilizing the AC unit 2010 or the battery cooling unit 2010'. In one embodiment, the cooling system operates to charge the PCM only when the vehicle 1000 (e.g., an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle) is connected to a power source (e.g., the power grid) to charge the battery of the vehicle 1000. When the vehicle 1000 is disconnected from the power source, the cooling system stops operating, and the PCM then maintains the chamber 1040 of the temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020', 1020", 1020'" in a cooled state (e.g., by absorbing heat to change the PCM from a solid to a liquid). 【0027】 FIG. 8 illustrates a cooling system 2000'' for charging a PCM within a temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020', 1020'', 1020'''. The cooling system 2000'' is a closed-loop system that may optionally be incorporated into (e.g., housed, enclosed within) the temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020', 1020', 1020''. The cooling system 2000'' optionally includes a conduit 140'' through which a cooling fluid (e.g., a liquid coolant such as water, glycol, etc.) flows. In one embodiment, the cooling fluid may be water. In one embodiment, the cooling fluid may be a water mixture (e.g., a water-alcohol mixture, a water-ethylene glycol mixture, etc.). Cooling system 2000'' may optionally include one or more of a first heat sink 210'' (e.g., a solid-to-liquid heat exchanger), a thermoelectric module or TEC 220'', a second heat sink 230'', a fan 280'', a pump 146'', and a reservoir 148''. Conduit 140'' may include a first conduit portion 140A'' extending between first heat sink 210'' and one or more walls 130'' of vessel 100'' of temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020', 1020', 1020''. Conduit 140'' also includes a second conduit portion 140B'' extending through wall 130'' of vessel 100'' and in fluid communication with first conduit portion 140A''. Reservoir 148'' is in fluid communication with the opposite end of second conduit portion 140B''. The conduit 140'' also includes a third conduit portion 140C'' that extends between the reservoir 148'' and the pump 146''. The conduit 140'' also includes a fourth conduit portion 140D'' that extends between the pump 146'' and the first heat sink 210''. 【0028】 During operation, TEC(s) 220'' operate to remove heat from first heat sink 210'' (e.g., a conduit portion through which a cooling fluid passes) and transfer the heat to second heat sink 230''. Fan(s) 280'' optionally operate to dissipate heat from second heat sink 230'', thereby enabling TEC(s) 220'' to remove additional heat from first heat sink 210'' (e.g., cool first heat sink 210''). Optionally, first heat sink 210'' (e.g., a solid-to-liquid heat exchanger) can at least partially define one or more flow paths (e.g., within the body of first heat sink 210'') that are in fluid communication with first conduit portion 140A'' and fourth conduit portion 140D''. The pump 146'' can be selectively activated (e.g., by a controller of the cooling system 2000'' or the temperature control compartments 1020, 1020', 1020', 1020''). It is selectively operated to flow a cooling fluid (e.g., a liquid) through the conduit 140'' in front of or through the first heat sink 210'' where the cooling fluid is cooled. The cooled cooling fluid then passes through the first conduit portion 140A'' and through the second conduit portion 140B'' into the wall 130'', where the cooling fluid removes heat from the PCM 135'' (disposed within the wall 130'', thereby charging the PCM 135'' (e.g., making the PCM 135'' available to absorb energy). The fluid then exits the wall 130'' of the vessel 100'' and flows into the reservoir 148''. From the reservoir 148'', the fluid flows through the third conduit portion 140C'' to the pump 146'', where the pump 146'' pumps the liquid again through the fourth conduit portion 140D'', and through or through the first heat sink 210''. 【0029】 Advantageously, the cooling fluid (e.g., liquid) rapidly cools and charges the PCM 135'' within the wall(s) 130''. Optionally, the second conduit portion 140B'' within the wall(s) 130'' extends in a coiled (e.g., spiral) manner through the wall(s) 130'', thereby increasing the surface area of ​​the second conduit portion 140B'' in contact with the PCM 135'' and increasing the amount of heat transfer between the cooling fluid and the PCM 135''. In another embodiment, the second conduit portion 140B'' may include multiple fins extending outward from the second conduit portion 140B'' into the PCM 135'' to increase the heat transfer area with the PCM 135''. This configuration of the second conduit portion 140B'' advantageously results in faster cooling / charging of the PCM 135''. In one embodiment, the chambers (e.g., 1040) of the temperature controlled compartments 1020, 1020′, 1020′, 1020′′ can be cooled to approximately 5° C. Optionally, the reservoir 148″ can include valves (e.g., bleed valves) that can drain cooling fluid from the cooling system 2000″ or valves that can introduce cooling fluid into the cooling system 2000″. The cooling system 2000″ (e.g., the fan 280″, the pump 146″, the TEC 220″) can be powered by a power source, such as one or more batteries of the vehicle 1000 (e.g., an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle), as described further below. 【0030】 FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a temperature controlled compartment 1020′, 1020″, 1020′″ (e.g., a cooler) having electrical contacts EC through which power is supplied to the cooling system 2000″ therein. The electrical contacts EC may be located on an exterior surface (e.g., side, back, bottom) of the temperature controlled compartment 1020′, 1020″, 1020′″ (e.g., a cooler). The electrical contacts EC may contact corresponding electrical contacts EC′ in a compartment C (e.g., the frunk 1010 or rear trunk 1015) of the vehicle 1000 that removably receives the temperature controlled compartment 1020′, 1020″, 1020′″ (e.g., a cooler). The electrical contacts EC′ can be connected to the vehicle's 1000 electronics and / or one or more batteries of the vehicle 1000, which power the cooling system 2000″ of the temperature controlled compartment 1020′, 1020″, 1020′″ (e.g., a cooler). In one embodiment, the cooling system 2000″ operates to charge the PCM only when the vehicle 1000 (e.g., an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle) is connected to a power source (e.g., a power grid, a household power source) to charge the vehicle's 1000 battery. When the vehicle 1000 is disconnected from the power source, the cooling system 2000″ stops operating, and the PCM then maintains the chamber 1040 of the temperature controlled compartment 1020′, 1020″, 1020′″ in a cooled state (e.g., by absorbing heat such that the PCM transitions from a solid to a liquid). 【0031】 In one embodiment, data (e.g., sensed temperature from one or more sensors S1-Sn in chambers 1040, 1050, 1060) and power are transmitted through electrical contacts EC, EC′. In one embodiment, one or more magnets are positioned in proximity to (e.g., adjacent to, surrounding) one or more of the electrical contacts EC, EC′ to facilitate alignment and connection between the electrical contacts EC, EC′. 【0032】 FIG. 10 illustrates wireless communication W between the temperature-controlled compartment 1020′, 1020″, 1020′″ and a remote electronic device ED (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer). The remote electronic device ED can include a user interface UI1 that can control the operation of the temperature-controlled compartment 1020′, 1020′, 1020′″. For example, if a user does not want to charge the PCM in the temperature-controlled compartment 1020′, 1020′, 1020′″, or if the user does not need the temperature-controlled compartment 1020′, 1020′, 1020′″ to be in a temperature-controlled state (e.g., the user does not plan to go grocery shopping), the user can turn off operation of the cooling system 2000, 2000′, 2000″ via the user interface UI1, even when the vehicle 1000 is connected to a power source (e.g., the power grid). Additionally or alternatively, operation of cooling system 2000, 2000′, 2000″ may be controlled via a user interface (e.g., on the dashboard) within vehicle 1000. For example, if the user does not want to charge the PCM in temperature controlled compartment 1020′, 1020′, 1020′″ because the user does not need the temperature controlled compartment 1020′, 1020′, 1020′″ to be in a temperature controlled state (e.g., because the user does not plan to go grocery shopping), the user can turn off operation of cooling system 2000, 2000, 2000 via user interface UI2 even when vehicle 1000 is connected to a power source (e.g., the power grid). The sensed temperatures from one or more sensors S1-Sn in the temperature control compartments 1020', 1020'', 1020''' may also be communicated to user interfaces UI1 and / or UI2 to display the temperature of the chambers 1040, 1050, 1060 to the user or to display the charge level of the PCM (e.g., to display the remaining time that the chambers 1040, 1050, 1060 can remain cooled before the PCM needs to be charged again). 【0033】 FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of a control system for (e.g., incorporated into) an apparatus described herein (e.g., temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020′, 1020′, 1020′″). In the illustrated embodiment, circuitry EM (e.g., control circuitry, microcontroller unit MCU, computer processor(s), etc.) can receive sensed information from one or more sensors S1-Sn (e.g., volume sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor). 【0034】 In one implementation, at least one of sensors S1-Sn is mounted to a wall of temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020', 1020'', 1020''' and senses the temperature within chamber 1040, 1040', 1040'', 1040''' and communicates it to circuit EM. In another embodiment, additionally or alternatively, at least one of sensors S1-Sn is a temperature sensor and is exposed outside temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020', 1020'', 1020''' (e.g., mounted to an outer surface of lid or cover 1030, 1030', 1030'', 1030''' and measures and communicates the ambient temperature to circuit EM). 【0035】 In one embodiment, one or more of sensors S1-Sn may be a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may optionally sense ambient pressure, which may indicate the altitude of temperature controlled compartment 1020, 1020′, 1020″, 1020′″ (e.g., if the user is traveling in a mountainous region or a high-altitude city). Optionally, the pressure sensor communicates the sensed pressure information to circuit EM, which may optionally log or record data from the pressure sensor and / or operate one or more components of a cooling system, such as cooling system 2000″ (e.g., TEC 220″ and fan 280″ based at least in part on the sensed pressure information from the pressure sensor). 【0036】 In one implementation, circuitry EM can be housed in temperature control compartment 1020, 1020′, 1020′, 1020″. Circuitry EM can receive information from and / or transmit information (e.g., operate in heating and / or cooling modes, power off, power on, vary output power, etc.) one or more heating or cooling elements HC, such as TEC 220″. 【0037】 Optionally, the circuit EM may include a wireless transmitter, receiver, and / or transceiver for communicating (e.g., transmitting information such as sensed temperature and pressure data) and receiving or transmitting information via a) a user interface UI1 of the vehicle 1000 (e.g., on the dashboard of the vehicle 1000), b) a user interface UI2 of a remote electronic device ED (e.g., a portable electronic device such as a smartphone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, electronic watch remote server, cloud server, etc.), c) the cloud CL, or d) a wireless communication system such as WiFi, a broadband network, and / or Bluetooth BT. For example, the circuit EM may have a cellular radio antenna or cellular radio that can communicate information wirelessly (e.g., to the cloud CL, a remote electronic device such as a smartphone, etc.). 【0038】 Additionally or alternatively, the circuit EM may report data sensed by one or more sensors S1-Sn (e.g., sensed ambient temperature, sensed temperature in chamber 1040, 1040', 1040', 1040'', 1040'''', sensed pressure, sensed humidity outside chamber 1040, 1040', 1040', 1040'', 1040'''', sensed humidity inside chamber 1040, 1040', 1040', 1040'', 1040''''), for example wirelessly, to a user interface UI2 of the remote electronic device ED or to the cloud CL. 【0039】 Additional Embodiments In an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle cooler may comply with any of the following provisions. Item 1. A vehicle cooler, the cooler having a peripheral wall forming a chamber, the chamber configured to maintain food in a temperature-controlled environment. Item 2. A cooler according to item 1, wherein the peripheral walls are insulated. Item 3. A cooler as defined in any of the preceding items, the peripheral walls of which are vacuum insulated. Item 4. The cooler of any of the preceding items, further comprising a partition disposed in the chamber, the partition dividing the chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber, the partition having a first surface facing the first subchamber and a second surface facing the second subchamber. Clause 5. The cooler of clause 4, wherein the compartment is comprised of one or more thermal energy modules. Clause 6. The cooler of clause 5, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules heat the first surface of the partition. Item 7. The cooler of any one of items 5 to 6, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules cool the first surface of the partition. Item 8. The cooler according to any one of items 5 to 7, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules heat the second surface of the partition. Item 9. A cooler according to any one of items 5 to 8, wherein one or more thermal energy modules cool a second surface of the partition, the second surface facing the second subchamber. Item 10. A cooler according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cover movable between an open position and a closed position. Item 11. The cooler of item 10, wherein the cover is insulated. Item 12. The cooler according to any one of items 10 to 11, wherein the cover is vacuum insulated. Item 13. A cooler according to any of the preceding items, wherein the cooler is incorporated into a vehicle. Item 14. A cooler as set forth in any of the preceding items, wherein the cooler is incorporated into the front trunk of a vehicle. Item 15. The cooler of item 14, wherein the wall of the front trunk forms a perimeter wall. Item 16. The cooler according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the cooler is integrated into the trunk of a vehicle. Item 17. The cooler of item 16, wherein the trunk wall forms a perimeter wall. Item 18. The cooler according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the cooler is integrated into a side compartment of a vehicle. Item 19. The cooler of item 18, wherein the walls of the side compartments form a perimeter wall. Item 20. The cooler according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the cooler is removably inserted into a recess in a vehicle. Item 21. The cooler of item 20, wherein the recess is located in the front trunk of the vehicle. Item 22. The cooler of item 20, wherein the recess is located in the trunk of a vehicle. Item 23. The cooler of item 20, wherein the recess is located in a side compartment of the vehicle. Item 24. The cooler according to any one of items 20 to 23, wherein the cover is provided with a handle. Item 25. A cooler according to any preceding item, wherein the peripheral wall comprises a phase change material. Clause 26. The cooler of clause 25, wherein the phase change material is configured to maintain the chamber in a cooled state. Item 27. A cooler according to any one of items 4 to 24, wherein a portion of the peripheral wall forms a first sub-chamber and comprises a phase change material. Clause 28. The cooler of clause 27, wherein the phase change material is configured to maintain the first sub-chamber in a cooled state. Item 29. The cooler according to any one of items 4 to 24 and items 27 to 28, wherein a portion of the peripheral wall forming the second sub-chamber comprises a phase change material. Clause 30. The cooler of clause 29, wherein the phase change material is configured to maintain the second sub-chamber in a cooled state. Item 31. The cooler according to any one of items 25 to 30, wherein the phase change material is charged in the cooling system. Item 32. The cooler of item 31, wherein the cooler comprises an electrical contact for supplying power to the cooling system. Item 33. The cooler according to any one of items 31 to 32, wherein the cooling system is configured as an AC unit of a vehicle. Item 34. The cooler according to any one of items 31 to 33, wherein the cooling system is configured as a battery cooling unit of a vehicle. Item 35. A cooler according to any one of items 31 to 34, wherein the cooling system comprises a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a first flow path passing through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and a second flow path passing through the second heat exchanger, wherein the first coolant in the first flow path is configured to cool air led to the passenger compartment of the vehicle via the first heat exchanger, and heat of the second coolant in the second flow path is transferred to the first coolant via the second heat exchanger. Clause 36. The cooler of clause 35, wherein the second flow path is configured to extend through the phase change material, and the second coolant charges the phase change material. Item 37. The cooler of item 36, wherein the second coolant absorbs heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material. Item 38. The cooler according to any one of items 31 to 34, wherein the cooling system comprises a conduit and a cooling fluid within the conduit. Item 39. The cooler of item 38, wherein the cooling fluid comprises a mixture of water and alcohol. Item 40. The cooler according to any one of items 38 to 39, wherein a portion of the conduit extends through the outer peripheral wall. Item 41. The cooler of item 40, wherein a portion of the conduit penetrates the peripheral wall in a coiled manner. Item 42. The cooler according to any one of items 40 to 41, wherein a portion of the conduit is provided with fins, the fins extending from the portion of the conduit. Item 43. The cooler according to any one of items 38 to 42, wherein the cooling fluid removes heat from the phase change material and charges the phase change material. Item 44. The cooler according to any one of items 38 to 43, wherein the cooling system further comprises a first heat sink configured to cool the cooling fluid. Clause 45. The cooler of clause 44, wherein the first heat sink comprises a flow passage in fluid communication with the conduit. Item 46. The cooler according to any one of items 44 to 45, wherein the cooling system further comprises a thermoelectric module. Clause 47. The cooler of clause 46, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to remove heat from the first heat exchanger. Item 48. The cooler according to any one of items 46 to 47, wherein the cooling system further comprises a second heat sink. Clause 49. The cooler of clause 48, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to transfer heat to a second heat sink. Item 50. The cooler according to any one of items 48 to 49, wherein the cooling system further comprises a fan. Item 51. The cooler of item 50, wherein the fan is configured to dissipate heat from the second heat sink. Item 52. The cooler of any one of items 38 to 51, wherein the cooling system further comprises a reservoir. Clause 53. The cooler of clause 52, wherein the reservoir comprises a valve configured to evacuate cooling fluid from the cooling system and / or introduce cooling fluid into the cooling system. Item 54. The cooler of any one of items 38 to 53, wherein the cooling system further comprises a pump configured to pump the cooling fluid through the conduit. Item 55. The cooler according to any one of items 31 to 54, wherein the vehicle is equipped with a cooling system configured to operate only when connected to a power source. Item 56. A cooler according to any preceding item, wherein the cooler comprises one or more temperature sensors. Item 57. The cooler of any preceding item, wherein the cooler is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote electronic device. Clause 58. The cooler of clause 57, wherein the remote electronic device controls one or more functions of the cooler. Item 59. A vehicle comprising a temperature-controlled compartment integrated into a compartment of the vehicle, the temperature-controlled compartment comprising a peripheral wall forming a chamber, the chamber configured to maintain food in a temperature-controlled environment, and a cover movable between an open position and a closed position. Item 60. The vehicle of item 59, wherein the compartment of the vehicle comprises a front trunk, a trunk, or a side compartment. Item 61. A vehicle according to any one of items 59 to 60, wherein one or more walls of the vehicle form a perimeter wall. Item 62. A vehicle according to any one of items 59 to 61, wherein the peripheral walls are insulated. Item 63. A vehicle according to any one of items 59 to 62, wherein the peripheral wall is vacuum insulated. Item 64. The vehicle of any of items 59 to 63, wherein the peripheral wall comprises a phase change material configured to maintain the chamber in a cooled state. Clause 65. The vehicle of clause 64, further comprising a cooling system configured to charge the phase change material. Clause 66. The vehicle of clause 65, wherein the cooling system comprises an AC unit of the vehicle. Clause 67. The vehicle of clause 65, wherein the cooling system comprises a vehicle battery cooling unit. Item 68. A vehicle as described in any of items 65 to 67, wherein the cooling system comprises a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a first flow path passing through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and a second flow path passing through the second heat exchanger, wherein the first coolant in the first flow path is configured to cool air sent to the passenger compartment of the vehicle via the first heat exchanger, and heat of the second coolant in the second flow path is transferred to the first coolant via the second heat exchanger. Clause 69. The vehicle of clause 68, wherein the second flow path is configured to extend through the phase change material, and the second coolant supplies heat to the phase change material. Clause 70. The vehicle of clause 69, wherein the second coolant absorbs heat from the phase change material and supplies heat to the phase change material. Item 71. A vehicle according to any one of items 65 to 67, wherein the cooling system comprises a conduit and a cooling fluid within the conduit. Item 72. The vehicle of item 71, wherein the cooling fluid comprises a mixture of water and alcohol. Item 73. A vehicle according to any one of items 71 to 72, wherein a portion of the conduit extends through the outer wall. Item 74. The vehicle of item 73, wherein a portion of the conduit extends through the peripheral wall in a coiled manner. Item 75. A vehicle according to any one of items 73 to 74, wherein a portion of the conduit is provided with fins, the fins extending from a portion of the conduit. Item 76. The vehicle according to any one of items 71 to 75, wherein the cooling fluid removes heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material. Item 77. The vehicle according to any one of items 71 to 76, wherein the cooling system further comprises a first heat sink configured to cool the cooling fluid. Clause 78. The vehicle of clause 77, wherein the first heat sink comprises a flow path in fluid communication with the conduit. Item 79. The vehicle according to any one of items 77 to 78, wherein the cooling system further comprises a thermoelectric module. Clause 80. The vehicle of clause 79, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to remove heat from the first heat exchanger. Item 81. A vehicle according to any one of items 79 to 80, wherein the cooling system further comprises a second heat sink. Item 82. The vehicle of item 81, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to transfer heat to a second heat sink. Item 83. A vehicle according to any one of items 81 to 82, wherein the cooling system further comprises a fan. Clause 84. The vehicle of clause 83, wherein the fan is configured to dissipate heat from the second heat sink. Item 85. The vehicle according to any one of items 71 to 84, wherein the cooling system further comprises a reservoir. Clause 86. The vehicle of clause 85, wherein the reservoir comprises a valve configured to vent cooling fluid from the cooling system and / or a valve configured to introduce cooling fluid into the cooling system. Item 87. The vehicle of any one of items 71 to 86, wherein the cooling system further comprises a pump configured to pump the cooling fluid through the conduit. Item 88. A vehicle as set forth in any one of items 65 to 87, wherein the cooling system is configured to operate only when the vehicle is connected to a power source. Item 89. A vehicle according to any one of items 59 to 87, wherein the temperature-controlled compartment further comprises a partition disposed within the chamber, the partition dividing the chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber, the partition having a first surface facing the first sub-chamber and a second surface facing the second sub-chamber. Clause 90. The vehicle of clause 89, wherein the partition comprises one or more thermal energy modules. Item 91. The cooler of item 90, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules heat a first surface of the partition. Item 92. A vehicle cooler according to any one of items 90 to 91, wherein the one or more thermal energy modules cool a first surface of the partition. Item 93. A vehicle cooler according to any one of items 90 to 92, wherein one or more thermal energy modules heat a second surface of the partition. Item 94. A cooler according to any one of items 90 to 93, wherein one or more thermal energy modules cool a second surface of the partition, the second surface facing the second subchamber. Section 95. A vehicle having a recess configured to removably receive one or more coolers, each of the one or more coolers having a peripheral wall forming a chamber, the chamber configured to maintain food in a temperature-controlled environment, and a cover movable between an open position and a closed position. Item 96. The vehicle of item 95, wherein the recess is located in the front trunk, trunk, or side compartment. Item 97. A vehicle according to any one of items 95 to 96, wherein one or more coolers have a phase change material on the peripheral wall. Clause 98. The vehicle of clause 97, wherein the one or more coolers comprise a cooling system configured to charge the phase change material. Clause 99. The vehicle of clause 98, wherein the recess comprises electrical contacts, the one or more coolers comprise electrical contacts, and connections between the electrical contacts of the recess and the electrical contacts of the one or more coolers are configured to transfer electrical power from the vehicle to the cooling system. Clause 100. A cooling system for a temperature-controlled compartment in a vehicle, the cooling system comprising: a first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger; a first flow path passing through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; and a second flow path passing through the second heat exchanger, wherein a first coolant in the first flow path is configured to cool air delivered to a passenger compartment of the vehicle through the first heat exchanger, heat of a second coolant in the second flow path is transferred to the first coolant through the second heat exchanger, and the second flow path extends through a phase change material in the temperature-controlled compartment such that the second coolant charges the phase change material. Clause 101. The cooling system of clause 100, wherein the second coolant absorbs heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material. Item 102. The cooling system of any one of items 100 to 101, wherein the cooling system comprises an AC unit of a vehicle. Item 103. The cooling system according to any one of items 100 to 101, wherein the cooling system comprises a vehicle battery cooling unit. Item 104. The vehicle of any one of items 100 to 103, wherein the cooling system is configured to operate only when the vehicle is connected to a power source. Section 105. A cooling system for a temperature controlled compartment in a vehicle, comprising a conduit and a cooling fluid within the conduit, a portion of the conduit extending through a peripheral wall of the temperature controlled compartment to charge a phase change material in the peripheral wall. Clause 106. The cooling system of clause 105, wherein a portion of the conduit extends through the peripheral wall in a coiled configuration. Item 107. The cooling system of any one of items 105 to 106, wherein a portion of the conduit is provided with fins, the fins extending from a portion of the conduit. Item 108. The cooling system of any one of items 105 to 107, wherein the cooling fluid removes heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material. Item 109. The cooling system according to any one of items 105 to 108, further comprising a first heat sink configured to cool the cooling fluid. Clause 110. The cooling system of clause 109, wherein the first heat sink comprises a flow passage in fluid communication with the conduit. Item 111. The cooling system according to any one of items 109 to 110, further comprising a thermoelectric module. Clause 112. The cooling system of clause 111, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to remove heat from the first heat exchanger. Item 113. The cooling system according to any one of items 111 to 112, further comprising a second heat sink. Clause 114. The cooling system of clause 113, wherein the thermoelectric module is configured to transfer heat to a second heat sink. Item 115. The cooling system according to any one of items 113 to 114, further comprising a fan. Clause 116. The cooling system of clause 115, wherein the fan is configured to dissipate heat from the second heat sink. Item 117. The cooling system according to any one of items 105 to 116, further comprising a reservoir. Clause 118. The cooling system of clause 117, wherein the reservoir comprises a valve configured to exhaust cooling fluid from the cooling system and / or a valve configured to introduce cooling fluid into the cooling system. Item 119. The cooling system of any one of items 105 to 118, further comprising a pump configured to pump the cooling fluid through the conduit. Item 120. A cooling system as described in any one of items 105 to 119, wherein the vehicle is configured to operate only when connected to a power source. 【0040】 While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications to the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the invention herein is defined solely by reference to the appended claims. 【0041】 It should be understood that any feature, material, characteristic, or group described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example is also applicable to all other aspects, embodiments, or examples described herein or elsewhere herein, except where incompatible. All features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except where combinations of at least some features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. Protection is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. Protection extends to any novel one or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel one or any novel combination of steps of any method or process disclosed. 【0042】 Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, while the features described above are described as working in particular combinations, in some cases one or more features can be deleted from the combination specified in the claims, and the combination can be claimed as a subcombination or a variation of the subcombination. 【0043】 Furthermore, although operations may be depicted or described in a particular order in the figures or in the specification, the operations do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown or sequential order, or all of the operations, to achieve desirable results. Other operations not depicted or described may be incorporated into the illustrated methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between the described operations. Moreover, in other implementations, these operations may be rearranged or reordered. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some implementations, the steps actually performed in the illustrated and / or disclosed processes may differ from those shown in the figures. In some implementations, some of the steps described may be omitted and other steps may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments described above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which are within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described components and systems may typically be integrated into a single product or packaged into multiple products. 【0044】 For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages are achieved in accordance with a particular embodiment. Thus, for example, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be embodied or performed in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein. 【0045】 Conditional statements such as "can," "could," "may," or "will," unless otherwise specified or understood from the context in which they are used, are generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, but not other embodiments. Thus, such conditional language does not generally imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required by one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether those features, elements, and / or steps are included in or should be performed in a particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting. 【0046】 It is understood that conjunctions such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, are generally used to convey from context that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctions are not generally intended to imply that a particular embodiment requires the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. 【0047】 As used herein, terms expressing degrees, such as "about," "generally," "generally," and "substantially," refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that approximates a stated value, amount, or characteristic that performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms "about," "generally," "generally," and "substantially" can indicate an amount that is within 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.1%, or 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms "generally parallel" and "substantially parallel" refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that deviates from exactly parallel by no more than 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degrees. 【0048】 The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosure of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere herein, but may be defined by the claims presented or hereafter presented in this section or elsewhere herein. Claim language should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims and should not be limited to the examples described in this specification or during prosecution of the application. These examples should be construed as non-exclusive. 【0049】 Of course, the foregoing description is directed to specific features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention, to which various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the devices described herein need not possess all of the objects, advantages, features, and aspects discussed above. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention described herein can be embodied or practiced in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving or suggesting other objects or advantages taught herein. Moreover, while many variations of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, other modifications and uses within the scope of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure. It is contemplated that these specific features and aspects of the embodiments can be combined or subcombined in various ways and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another to form varying modes of the discussed devices.

Claims

[Claim 1] A vehicle cooler, which is detachably inserted into a recess in the front trunk or rear trunk of a vehicle, The aforementioned cooler is, A chamber is formed, comprising a phase change material and a peripheral wall having a shape corresponding to the shape of the recess, A heat insulating cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position is provided above the chamber, A cooling system capable of operating to charge the phase change material, A conduit extending through the peripheral wall, and a cooling fluid within the conduit, A first heat sink configured to cool the cooling fluid and having a flow path that communicates with the conduit, A thermoelectric module configured to remove heat from the first heat sink, The thermoelectric module is configured to transfer heat through a second heat sink, A fan configured to dissipate heat from the second heatsink, A pump configured to draw up the cooling fluid through the aforementioned conduit, The cooler comprises an electrical contact on the bottom surface configured to contact the corresponding electrical contact in the recess, The connection between the electrical contact in the recess and the electrical contact on the bottom surface of the cooler is configured to transmit power from the vehicle to the cooling system. A vehicle cooler, wherein the cooling system is configured to operate only when connected to a power source, and the chamber is configured to maintain food in a temperature-controlled environment. [Claim 2] The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is an electric vehicle. [Claim 3] The cooler according to claim 2, wherein the cooling system is configured to operate only when the electric vehicle is connected to a power source and one or more batteries of the electric vehicle are being charged. [Claim 4] The cooler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connection between the electrical contact in the recess and the electrical contact on the bottom surface of the cooler is configured to transmit power from the vehicle's battery to the cooling system. [Claim 5] The cooler according to claim 1, further comprising a partition disposed within the chamber, wherein the partition divides the chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber, and the partition comprises a first surface facing the first sub-chamber and a second surface facing the second sub-chamber. [Claim 6] The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the phase change material is housed within the peripheral wall, the conduit extends through the phase change material, and the cooling fluid absorbs heat from the phase change material to charge the phase change material. [Claim 7] The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the conduit extends through the peripheral wall in a coil shape. [Claim 8] The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the conduit comprises fins extending outward from the conduit toward the phase change material. [Claim 9] The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall has six sides. [Claim 10] The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the recess is located in the front trunk of the vehicle. [Claim 11] The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall is insulated. [Claim 12] The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall comprises a vacuum insulation panel. [Claim 13] The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the cooler comprises one or more temperature sensors. [Claim 14] The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the cooler is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote electronic device. [Claim 15] The cooler according to claim 14, wherein the remote electronic device controls one or more functions of the cooler. [Claim 16] The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the cooling fluid comprises a mixture of water and alcohol. [Claim 17] The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the cooling system further comprises a reservoir. [Claim 18] The cooler according to claim 17, wherein the reservoir comprises a valve configured to discharge the cooling fluid from the cooling system and / or introduce the cooling fluid into the cooling system.

Images