Cooled beverage distribution system

Abstract

The cooled liquid distribution system has a container having a phase-change material that can be charged by a thermoelectric module via a first heat sink. The liquid (e.g., beverage) is pumped through a conduit immersed in the phase-change material and cooled to a temperature lower than the ambient temperature. The liquid can be injected with a gas (e.g., nitrogen, air) to provide bubbles or enhance the flavor of the liquid. The cooled liquid distribution system can be incorporated into a liquid distribution machine (e.g., a beverage distribution machine).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) In the application data sheets filed together with this application, all applications in which foreign or domestic priority claims are identified are incorporated herein by reference under 37 CFR 1.57 of the United States Patent Rules.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a beverage dispensing system, and more particularly, to a cooled beverage dispensing system.

Background Art

[0003] The popularity of cooled brewed beverages (e.g., tea, coffee) is increasing. In many cases, those beverages are prepared by pouring brewed hot beverages (e.g., coffee, tea) into a container filled with ice and cooling the beverage. However, this can be a flawed process in that the ice can dilute the beverage and affect its flavor.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an improved cooled beverage dispensing system is provided that can cool a beverage without diluting the beverage.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a beverage dispensing machine having a cooled beverage dispensing system that can cool a beverage provided by the beverage dispensing machine before dispensing the beverage from the beverage dispensing machine is provided.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cooled beverage dispensing system has a thermal regulation unit having a phase - change material that can be charged by a heat engine having one or more thermoelectric elements. The beverage can be pumped through a loop in the thermal regulation unit to cool the beverage to a temperature below ambient temperature. The cooled beverage dispensing system can be incorporated into a beverage dispensing machine.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cooled beverage distribution system is provided. The system includes a reservoir that receives a beverage and a beverage-air heat exchanger that receives the beverage from the reservoir and is operable to cool the beverage to a certain temperature by flowing air from one or more fans through a loop through which the beverage flows. The system also includes a thermal conditioning unit having an insulated container having a phase change material and a loop for flowing the beverage through the phase change material to cool the beverage to a cooled beverage temperature, including a temperature below ambient temperature, and a loop for flowing a refrigerant through the phase change material to cool the phase change material and charge the phase change material. The refrigerant is cooled by a thermoelectric element through the heat exchanger, the thermoelectric element is in thermal communication with the heat exchanger and a heat sink.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a beverage dispensing machine. The machine comprises a housing, a beverage unit disposed within the housing, and a cooled beverage dispensing system disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the beverage unit. The cooled beverage dispensing system comprises a reservoir that receives beverage from the beverage unit, and a beverage-air heat exchanger that receives beverage from the reservoir and is operable to cool the beverage to beverage temperature by flowing air from one or more fans through a loop through which the beverage flows. The system also comprises a thermal conditioning unit having an insulated container having a phase change material, a loop for flowing beverage through the phase change material to cool the beverage to a cooled beverage temperature, including a temperature below ambient temperature, and a loop for flowing a coolant through the phase change material to cool and charge the phase change material.

[0009] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a cooling liquid distribution system comprising: an insulated container having a chamber having a phase change material; a conduit disposed within the chamber of the insulated container, the conduit having a portion immersed in the phase change material, the phase change material being in thermal contact with the outer surface of the portion of the conduit, the conduit receiving a liquid at a first temperature higher than the ambient temperature, the liquid being cooled as it flows through the conduit, the heat being transferred to the phase change material, and the liquid being cooled to a second temperature lower than the ambient temperature; a first heat sink disposed within the chamber of the insulated container and immersed in the phase change material, the phase change material being in thermal contact with the outer surface of the first heat sink; a thermoelectric module having one side in thermal communication with the first heat sink; and a second heat sink disposed outside the chamber of the insulated container and having thermal communication with the other side of the thermoelectric module, wherein the thermoelectric module charges or freezes the phase change material by discharging heat from the phase change material through the first heat sink and sending it to the second heat sink.

[0010] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which air flows through a second heat sink to remove heat from the second heat sink.

[0011] In some embodiments, the technology described herein further comprises one or more fans capable of operating to direct air through a second heatsink to remove heat from the second heatsink.

[0012] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which the conduit has a continuous helical tube having a plurality of spaced-apart tubular loops, the continuous helical tube extending circumferentially around a first heat sink in a chamber.

[0013] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to systems in which the insulated container is a double-walled vacuum insulated container.

[0014] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system further comprising a second insulated container surrounding an insulated container.

[0015] In some embodiments, the technology described herein further comprises a cover configured to close an insulating container, and a second heat sink extends through the cover.

[0016] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which the inlets and outlets of a conduit extend through a cover.

[0017] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system further comprising an insulating cover configured to cover the cover.

[0018] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system having one or more heat pipes in which a first heat sink is immersed in a phase change material.

[0019] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which one or more heat pipes are two spaced-apart heat pipes.

[0020] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which a first heat sink has one or more fins extending from one or more heat pipes, and one or more fins are immersed in a phase change material.

[0021] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which one or more fins are multiple fins extending perpendicularly to one or more heat pipes.

[0022] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which one or more fins extend radially from one or more heat pipes along the length of one or more heat pipes.

[0023] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a system further having a heat spreader attached to a first heat sink, disposed within a chamber, and extending circumferentially about an axis of a heat insulating container.

[0024] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a system in which the heat spreader extends circumferentially about a conduit, and the conduit has a continuous spiral tube having a plurality of spaced-apart tube loops.

[0025] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a system in which the heat spreader has a plurality of folded fins.

[0026] In some aspects, the technology described herein further relates to a system having a reservoir for receiving a liquid at a first temperature higher than an ambient temperature, and a heat exchanger operable to receive the liquid from the reservoir and flow air through a second conduit upstream of an inlet of a conduit through which the liquid flows, thereby cooling the liquid to a second temperature higher than the ambient temperature and lower than the first temperature.

[0027] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a beverage dispensing machine having a cooling liquid distribution system.

[0028] In some aspects, the technology described herein further relates to a beverage dispensing machine having a housing and a high-temperature beverage overflow unit disposed within the housing, wherein the cooling liquid distribution system is disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the high-temperature beverage overflow unit.

[0029] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a beverage dispensing machine in which the cooling liquid distribution system is removable as a unit.

[0030] In some aspects, the technology described herein is a cooling liquid distribution system comprising a heat-insulated container having a chamber with a phase change material, a conduit disposed within the heat-insulated container, the conduit having a portion immersed in the phase change material, the phase change material being in thermal contact with an outer surface of the portion of the conduit, the conduit receiving a liquid at a first temperature higher than the ambient temperature and being cooled as the liquid flows through the conduit such that heat is transferred to the phase change material to cool the liquid to a second temperature lower than the ambient temperature, a first heat sink disposed within the chamber of the heat-insulated container and immersed in the phase change material, the phase change material being in thermal contact with an outer surface of the first heat sink, a thermoelectric module having one side in thermal communication with the first heat sink, a second heat sink disposed within the chamber of the heat-insulated container and in thermal communication with the other side of the thermoelectric module, and an inlet portion of the conduit upstream of the chamber or an outlet portion of the conduit downstream of the chamber connected to a gas source via a first valve, the first valve being operable to inject gas through the conduit into the liquid flowing through the conduit, and relates to a system in which the electric module discharges heat from the phase change material through the first heat sink and sends it to the second heat sink to charge or freeze the phase change material.

[0031] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a system in which the conduit has a continuous spiral tube having a plurality of spaced tube loops.

[0032] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a system in which the continuous spiral tube extends circumferentially around the first heat sink within the chamber and is spaced from the first heat sink.

[0033] In some aspects, the technology described herein further relates to a system having a second valve connected to an outlet portion of the conduit downstream of the chamber and one or more return lines connected to the second valve and an inlet portion of the conduit upstream of the chamber to facilitate recirculation of the liquid through the chamber.

[0034] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system further comprising a reservoir hydraulically connected to a first return line extending between a valve and a reservoir, and a second return line extending between the reservoir and the inlet portion of a conduit.

[0035] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to systems in which the gas is nitrogen or air.

[0036] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which the gas source is a gas-filled canister or cartridge.

[0037] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which air flows through a second heat sink to remove heat from the second heat sink.

[0038] In some embodiments, the technology described herein further comprises one or more fans capable of operating to direct airflow through a second heatsink to remove heat from the second heatsink.

[0039] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to systems in which the insulated container is a double-walled vacuum insulated container.

[0040] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system further comprising a second insulated container surrounding an insulated container.

[0041] In some embodiments, the technology described herein further comprises a cover configured to close an insulating container, and a second heat sink extends through the cover.

[0042] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which the inlets and outlets of a conduit extend through a cover.

[0043] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system further comprising an insulating cover configured to cover the cover.

[0044] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system having one or more heat pipes in which a first heat sink is immersed in a phase change material.

[0045] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which one or more heat pipes are two spaced-apart heat pipes.

[0046] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which a first heat sink has one or more fins extending from one or more heat pipes, and one or more fins are immersed in a phase change material.

[0047] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which one or more fins are a plurality of fins extending perpendicularly to one or more heat pipes.

[0048] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which one or more fins extend radially from one or more heat pipes along the length of one or more heat pipes.

[0049] In some embodiments, the technology described herein further comprises a system having a heat spreader mounted on a first heat sink, which is located within a chamber and extends circumferentially around the axis of an insulated container.

[0050] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which a heat spreader extends circumferentially around a conduit, and the conduit has a continuous helical tube having a plurality of spaced-apart tubular loops.

[0051] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a system in which the heat spreader has a plurality of folding fins.

[0052] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a beverage dispensing machine having a cooled liquid dispensing system.

[0053] In some embodiments, the technology described herein further comprises a housing and a high-temperature beverage dispensing unit disposed within the housing, and relates to a beverage dispensing machine in which a cooled liquid dispensing system is disposed within the housing and is in fluid communication with the high-temperature beverage dispensing unit.

[0054] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a beverage dispensing machine in which the cooled liquid dispensing system is removable as a unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram of a cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the cooled beverage distribution system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a beverage dispensing machine incorporating the cooled beverage dispensing system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view of the beverage dispensing machine shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a top view of the beverage dispensing machine shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the beverage dispensing machine shown in Figure 3, with the outer housing of the machine shown transparent to illustrate the refrigerated beverage dispensing system inside the machine. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of the cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of the cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of the cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows a schematic end view of the low-temperature side heat sink used in conjunction with the cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 17A] Figure 17A shows a schematic diagram of the cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 17B] Figure 17B shows a schematic diagram of the cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 18A] Figure 18A shows a schematic diagram of the cooled beverage distribution system. [Figure 18B] Figure 18B shows a schematic diagram of the cooled beverage distribution system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] Figures 1 and 2 show a cooled beverage distribution system 100 (hereinafter referred to as "System 100") capable of operating to cool (e.g., chill) a hot beverage 2 directed towards the cooled beverage distribution system 100. System 100 has a thermal control unit 25 which may have an insulated container 26 containing a phase change material (PCM) 28. In one example, the PCM 28 may be water or ice, a water-based PCM, or a material having a lower melting point (e.g., a melting point of about -5°C to about 5°C, e.g., a melting point of about -5°C, a melting point of about 5°C, etc.). In one implementation example, the insulated container 26 may be a double-walled container with a gap between two walls. In one example, the gap is a vacuum. In another example, the gap is filled with an insulating material (e.g., foam). In yet another example, the gap is filled with air. One or more temperature sensors S1 are capable of communicating thermally with the PCM28, monitoring the temperature of the PCM28, and communicating the sensed temperature to a controller (not shown) that controls the operation of the system 100.

[0057] The tubular loop 13 (e.g., refrigerant loop) extends at least partially into the PCM 28. As shown in Figure 2, the tubular loop 13 can be a coiled tube. The tubular loop 13 can have a series of tubes connected to one another. A liquid flows through the tubular loop 13 and can function as a refrigerant. In one example, the liquid may be a mixture of glycol and water. In another example, the liquid may be an alcohol. The tubular loop 13 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 12, the pump 14, and the cold plate or heat exchanger 16. The cold plate or heat exchanger 16 may be a heat exchanger with a large heat transfer area (e.g., a microchannel). During operation, the liquid (e.g., refrigerant) is pumped by the pump 14 through the cold plate or heat exchanger 16, which is operable to cool the liquid, and then flows into the thermal conditioning unit 15 and the PCM 28. The liquid exits the thermal conditioning unit 15 and enters the reservoir 12, where the pump 14 pumps the liquid again, and the liquid passes through a cold plate or heat exchanger 16. The cold plate 16 is in thermal communication (e.g., operably in contact, direct contact) with a thermoelectric module 18 (e.g., one or more Peltier elements). The cold plate 16 and the thermoelectric module 18 provide a thermal engine 17. The thermoelectric element 18 is positioned between the cold plate or heat exchanger 16 and the heat sink 20 and is in thermal communication with them. The heat sink 20 may have a heat pipe 21 extending from the thermoelectric module 18 to one or more fins 23. A fan 22 can blow air through one or more fins 23 and / or the heat pipe 21 to dissipate heat to the ambient environment.

[0058] During the adjustment phase of the system 100's operation, the thermoelectric module 18 operates to remove heat from the cold plate or heat exchanger 16 and transfer the heat to the heat sink 20 (e.g., operated by the controller at the cost of power), and the heat may be dissipated through the airflow as described above. The pump 14 operates to circulate the liquid through the cold plate 16 to cool the liquid (e.g., operated by the controller at the cost of power), and the liquid then flows through the PCM 28 in the thermal conditioning unit 15. The liquid leaves the thermal conditioning unit 15 and enters the reservoir 12, from which the pump 14 again pumps the liquid back through the cold plate 16 to the thermal conditioning unit 15. The operation of the system 100 during this adjustment phase continues until the PCM 28 achieves a desired thermal state measured by one or more sensors S1 (e.g., until it is completely solidified or frozen and reaches a desired temperature setpoint). Continue.

[0059] Once the PCM28 reaches the desired thermal state, the system 100 can operate in maintenance mode, during which closed-loop control maintains the temperature of the PCM28 substantially constant for a period of time, while the system 100 is in standby mode ready to cool hot beverages. In one implementation configuration, the thermoelectric module 18 and / or pump 14 do not operate during maintenance mode.

[0060] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, a tube loop 11 (e.g., a hot beverage loop) extends at least partially within the PCM 28. As shown in Figure 2, the tube loop 11 can be a coiled tube. The loops of the tube loop 11 can optionally be scattered between the loops of the tube loop 13. The tube loop 11 can have a continuous tube or multiple tubes connected to one another. The hot beverage flows through the tube loop 11, as will be further described below, and is cooled by the PCM 28 as the beverage flows through the tube loop 11 within the heat conditioning unit 15. The system 100 has a reservoir 4 that receives the hot beverage (e.g., a hot brewed beverage such as hot coffee or hot tea). The reservoir 4 is in fluid communication with a pump 6 which is in fluid communication with the tube loop 11 via a valve 10. The return branch of the tube loop 11 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 4. The system 100 also optionally has a heat exchanger 32 (e.g., a beverage-to-air heat exchanger) which has a tube loop 7 through which the hot beverage flows. The heat exchanger 32 may have one or more (e.g., multiple) fins 9 that are in thermal communication with the tube loop 7 to facilitate heat transfer (e.g., heat dissipation) from the hot beverage flowing through the tube loop. One or more fans 34, 36 can circulate air through the tube loop 7 and / or fins 9 to dissipate heat. In one implementation, one or more fans 34, 36 may be a pair of fans. In another implementation, one or more fans may be a single fan. The return branch of the tube loop 7 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 4, and the inlet branch of the tube loop 7 is in fluid communication with the downstream end of the pump 6 via a valve 8. In another implementation, the heat exchanger 32 is excluded from the system 100.

[0061] During the beverage cooling phase of the operation of system 100 (for example, after the adjustment phase of PCM28 is completed), the hot beverage (for example, after the brewing process) enters reservoir 4. One or more temperature sensors S2 in reservoir 4 can sense the temperature of the beverage in reservoir 4. Although not shown, the system may have a temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature. Valve 8 is opened, valve 10 is closed, and pump 6 is activated so that the hot beverage flows from reservoir 4 through the tube loop 7 of heat exchanger 32. One or more fans 34, 36 operate to blow air through the tube loop 7 to cool the hot beverage, and the hot beverage is returned to reservoir 4 and then pumped again through the tube loop 7 via valve 8 by pump 6. The hot beverage is circulated through heat exchanger 32 until the temperature (sensed by temperature sensors S2) reaches a desired temperature setpoint (for example, a few degrees Celsius higher than the ambient temperature, e.g., 2°C, 3°C higher), thereby making the hot beverage a warm beverage. When the desired temperature setpoint is reached in the reservoir 4, the pump 6 turns off, the valve 8 closes, and the valve 10 opens. The pump 6 then operates to circulate the hot beverage from the reservoir 4 through the valve 10 and into the tube loop 11, where the hot beverage is cooled by the PCM 28 as described above. The pump 6 operates to circulate the beverage through the tube loop 11 between the reservoir 4 and the thermal control unit 25 until the temperature sensor S2 indicates that the beverage has cooled to a desired temperature (e.g., below ambient temperature). Once the desired temperature is reached, the cooled beverage can be dispensed from the reservoir 4 into beverage containers (e.g., cups, mugs, glasses, etc.). The system 100 can operate to dispense the cooled beverage a predetermined number of times until the PCM 28 needs to be recharged. When a charge is needed, system 100 operates again during the adjustment phase of the operation described above. In one implementation, as further described below, instead, during the beverage cooling phase of the operation, the beverage is simply allowed to flow through the tube loop 11 between the reservoir 4 and the thermal adjustment unit 25 until the temperature sensor S2 indicates that the beverage has cooled to a desired temperature (e.g., below ambient temperature), at which point the cooled beverage is distributed from the reservoir 4 to beverage containers (e.g., cups, mugs, glasses, etc.). In other words, during the cooling phase, the beverage does not initially flow to the beverage-air heat exchanger 32 (e.g., the beverage-air heat exchanger 32 and valves 8 and tube loop 7 are excluded). In one example, the reservoir 4 is excluded, and the beverage flows directly to the thermal adjustment unit 25 through the tube loop 11 via an inlet (e.g., from the beverage dispensing unit).

[0062] In one implementation, system 100 can be incorporated into a beverage dispensing machine 200, as shown in Figures 3 to 6. The beverage dispensing machine 200 can prepare hot beverages (e.g., hot coffee, hot tea), and the hot beverage then passes through system 100 and is dispensed from the dispensing nozzle 205 onto the drip pan or receiving section 220 of the machine 200, where it becomes a cooled beverage. The beverage dispensing machine 200 has a water reservoir 210 and a user interface 230, which allows the user to select the beverage to be dispensed, such as a hot beverage or a cooled beverage. Figure 6 shows an example of the arrangement of components within the beverage dispensing machine 200, which has a hot beverage unit HB, a heat adjustment unit 25, a heat exchanger 32, a heat engine 17, a fan 22, and a heat sink 20.

[0063] In another implementation, system 100 can be a standalone system that receives beverages at a higher temperature in the reservoir 4 and distributes the cooled beverages. System 100 can be used to cool various beverages (e.g., coffee, tea).

[0064] Figure 7 shows a cooled liquid distribution system 300 (e.g., a cooled beverage distribution system). The system 300 has a container 326. Only half of the container 326 is shown to illustrate its internal components. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the container 326 has another half not shown, and that the shape of the container 326 can be cylindrical. In one example, the container 326 is insulated (e.g., vacuum insulated). The container 326 can be a double-walled container 326. In one example, the container 326 is a double-walled vacuum insulated container 326 having a gap G defined between the double walls of the container 32, where the gap G is a vacuum. The container 326 (e.g., the chamber of the container 326) can be filled with a phase-change material (PCM). The PCM can be a liquid-solid PCM. The transition temperature of the PCM can be lower than the temperature at which the cooled beverage is supplied. The system 300 may optionally have a heat spreader 325 that can be placed in the container 326 and immersed in the PCM, and the heat spreader 325 can facilitate heat transfer with the PCM as will be further described below. In one example, the heat spreader 325 may be omitted.

[0065] A conduit or tube 313 (e.g., a tube loop or a continuous helical tube with multiple spaced-apart tube loops) through which the beverage circulates is placed inside a container 326 and immersed in the PCM (e.g., so that the PCM comes into contact with the tube 313). The beverage (which is a warm liquid) flows into the tube 313 via an inlet 314 (e.g., an inlet tube) and flows out of the tube 313 (as a cooled beverage) via an outlet (not shown, but similar to outlet 315' or the outlet tube shown in Figure 15). The tube 313 may extend around a heat sink 316 (e.g., a low-temperature side heat sink) immersed in the PCM. The heat sink 316 is connected to the PCM To facilitate heat transfer, the heatsink 316 may optionally have one or more (e.g., multiple) fins. Optionally, the heatsink 316 may also have one or more heat pipes to improve the rate of heat transfer (as further described below). The heatsink 316 may be in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, operating contact, direct contact) with the side of the thermoelectric module 318 (e.g., a thermoelectric cooler or TEC, one or more Peltier elements). The heatsink 316 may also be in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact) with the heat spreader 325 (e.g., if the heat spreader 325 is included in the cooled beverage distribution system 300). The heatsink 320 (e.g., a high-temperature side heatsink) may be in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, operating contact, direct contact) with the opposite side of the thermoelectric module 318. The heatsink 320 may optionally have one or more (e.g., multiple) fins to facilitate heat transfer. The system 300 may also have one or more (e.g., two) fans 322 capable of operating to blow air through the heatsink 320 to remove heat from the heatsink 320. The container 326 can be closed by a cover C, and the heatsink 320 extends through the cover C. In some examples, the fans are omitted, and the heatsink 320 is exposed to ambient air or an alternative moving air source. To facilitate the illustration of these components, only one or more fans 322, the heatsink 320, and a portion of the TEC 318 are shown.

[0066] During operation, in the adjustment phase, the thermoelectric module 318 operates such that the side of the thermoelectric module 318 adjacent to the heat sink 316 is cold, and the side of the thermoelectric module 318 adjacent to the heat sink 320 is hot. This allows the thermoelectric module 318 to dissipate heat from the PCM in the container 326 via the heat sink 316 (and optionally via the heat spreader 325) and charge the PCM (e.g., solidify, freeze) over a predetermined period of time. The heat spreader 325 can suitably facilitate (e.g., assist, enable) the uniform freezing or charging of the PCM. The heat spreader 325 extends circumferentially around the axis of the container 326 (for example, it may be a continuous sheet of thermally conductive material, for example, forming spaced channels or folded fin structures). The thermoelectric module 318 dissipates heat from the PCM to the heatsink 320, and the fan 322 operates to remove heat from the heatsink 320 and send it to the surrounding environment.

[0067] Once the PCM is charged, a beverage (e.g., a warm liquid) can be pumped through a tube 313 immersed in the charged PCM by a pump (not shown). As the beverage flows through the tube 313, the charged (e.g., frozen) PCM absorbs heat from the beverage, thereby cooling it. The heat absorbed by the charged (e.g., frozen) PCM causes the PCM to transition into a liquid (e.g., a molten material). After a predetermined volume of the beverage has cooled, the PCM completely melts and loses its heat capacity to further cool the beverage. At this point, the PCM can be recharged (e.g., frozen) by repeating the PCM conditioning steps.

[0068] In one implementation, the system 300 can be integrated into the beverage dispensing machine 200, as shown in Figures 3 to 6 (for example, the beverage can flow into tube 313 via inlet 314 (e.g., inlet tube) after leaving the dispensing unit of the beverage dispensing machine, and out via outlet at the opposite end of tube 313). In another implementation, the system 300 can be a separate, independent unit (e.g., a tabletop unit) for cooling beverages, separate from the beverage dispensing machine (e.g., a coffee maker, tea maker, etc.).

[0069] Figures 8 to 15 show the features of the cooled beverage distribution system 300' (hereinafter referred to as "system 300'"). The following are illustrations. Figure 8 shows a perspective view, and Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view. Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view with the outer insulator removed. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view with the container removed. Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view with the heat spreader removed. Figure 13 shows a perspective view with the tube or conduit 313' removed. Figure 14 is a front view of the heat pipe and fins of Figure 13, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side view with the outer insulator removed. System 300' is similar to system 300 in Figure 7 and has similar components, including, among several features, the tube 313', thermoelectric module 318', heat sink 320', and fan 322'. Therefore, the reference numbers used to indicate the various components of system 300' are the same as the reference numbers used to indicate the corresponding components of system 300 in Figure 7, but with a single quote ('') appended to the end of the numerical designation. Therefore, it is understood that the various features and components of system 300 in Figure 7, as well as the structure and description of these features and components, and how they operate and are controlled, apply to the corresponding features and components of system 300' in Figures 8 to 15, unless otherwise described below. It is also understood that the features and components of system 300', and how they operate and are controlled, apply to the corresponding features and components of system 300. Optionally, the cooled beverage dispensing system 300' can be incorporated into a beverage dispensing machine (e.g., beverage dispensing machine 200). In one example, the cooled beverage dispensing system 300' can be detachably located within the beverage dispensing machine (e.g., it can be removed as a unit from the beverage dispensing machine). In another example, the cooled beverage dispensing system 300' can be a separate, independent unit for cooling beverages (e.g., a tabletop unit) separate from a beverage brewing machine (e.g., a coffee maker, tea maker, etc.).

[0070] System 300' differs from System 300 in that the container 326' is surrounded by an insulated container 327' (e.g., made of foam, expanded polystyrene, or other suitable insulating material). Similarly, the cover C' is covered by an insulated cover CC' (e.g., made of foam, expanded polystyrene, or other suitable insulating material). In another implementation, one or both of the container 326' and the insulated container 327' can be replaced with a double-walled vacuum insulated container. As shown in Figure 11, the heat spreader 325' may have a folded fin structure extending around the tube 313' (e.g., a tube loop or continuous helical tube with multiple spaced-apart tube loops). As shown in Figure 13, the heat sink 316' may have fins F and one or more heat pipes HP to increase the heat transfer coefficient with the PCM. In another implementation, the fins can be omitted in the heat sink 316'. The heat pipes HP may, in one example, be made of aluminum (e.g., aluminumacetone). However, the heat pipe HP can be constructed from other suitable heat conductive materials. The beverage can flow into tube 313' (for example, as a warm liquid, such as after pouring the beverage) via inlet 314' (e.g., inlet tube) as shown in Figure 15, and out of tube 313' (for example, as a cooled liquid, such as a cooled beverage) via outlet 315' (e.g., outlet tube) (both extending through cover C').

[0071] Figure 16 shows a modified example of a heat sink 316'' surrounded by a tube 313'' (e.g., a tube loop or continuous helical tube having multiple spaced-apart tube loops). The heat sink 316'' can be an extruded part of a heat pipe HP'' having fins F'' extending from the heat pipe HP'' (e.g., radially) along the length of the heat pipe HP''. The heat sink 316'' can have the same cross-sectional shape along its length. The heat sink 316'' can be incorporated into system 300' or system 300 (e.g., inside its container).

[0072] Figure 17A shows the chilled beverage distribution system 400A (hereinafter referred to as "System 400A"). System 400A incorporates either System 300 in Figure 7 or System 300' in Figures 8-16. Therefore, it is understood that the various features and structures and descriptions of the components of Systems 300 and 300' in Figures 7-16, as well as how these features and components operate and are controlled, apply to the corresponding features and components of System 400A in Figure 17A, unless otherwise described below. It is also understood that the features and components of System 400A, as well as how these features and components operate and are controlled, apply to the corresponding features and components of Systems 300 and 300'. Optionally, the chilled beverage distribution system 400A can be incorporated into a beverage dispensing machine (e.g., beverage dispensing machine 200). In one example, the chilled beverage distribution system 400A can be detachably located within a beverage dispensing machine (e.g., it can be removed as a unit from the beverage dispensing machine). In another embodiment, the cooled beverage distribution system 400A may be a separate, independent unit (e.g., a tabletop unit) for cooling beverages, distinct from the beverage dispensing machine (e.g., a coffee maker, a tea maker, etc.).

[0073] The cooled beverage distribution system 400A has all the features of the systems 300 or 300' described above, but additionally has a gas source G that injects gas (e.g., nitrogen, air, etc.) into the liquid flowing through outlets 315, 315' (e.g., outlet conduits, tubes, or pipes) before the liquid is distributed (e.g., at outlet OUT). In one example, the gas source G may be a canister or cartridge of compressed gas (e.g., nitrogen, etc.). The canister or cartridge may be replaced after a single use or after multiple uses. In another example, if the gas is air, the gas source G may be the ambient environment. The gas may be injected into outlets 315, 315' via a valve V1. Valve V1 may be a solenoid valve. In one example, valve V1 may be a continuously adjustable solenoid valve that can operate to control the amount of gas injected into the beverage flowing through outlets 315, 315' (e.g., to adjust the amount of gas injected or aerated into the beverage). In one embodiment, valve V1 controls the amount or level of gas injection or aeration to a beverage (e.g., automatically) at least in part on the type of beverage (e.g., the type of beverage is selected via a user interface of the beverage dispensing machine 200, such as user interface 230, into which system 400A is incorporated or connected to system 400A). In another embodiment, valve V1 controls the amount or level of gas injection or aeration based on user preference (e.g., user preference provided via a user interface of the beverage dispensing machine 200, such as user interface 230, into which system 400A is incorporated or connected to system 400A).For example, such a user interface on the beverage dispensing machine 200, such as user interface 230, allows the user to select between different levels of gas injection or aeration of the beverage (e.g., via a pressable button, touch sensor, or touchscreen).

[0074] System 400A may have a pump P downstream of systems 300, 300' (e.g., downstream of outlets 315, 315'). In one example, pump P may be a self-priming pump or a gas-liquid mixing pump. Pump P draws liquid (e.g., beverages such as coffee or tea) into inlets 314, 314' (e.g., from a beverage preparation unit or beverage dispensing unit, or from a container such as a cup, mug, glass or liquid container) (e.g., via IN), through systems 300, 300' (e.g., through containers 326, 326'), and into outlets 315, 315', with valve V1 open. When this happens, gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, etc.) is drawn in from a gas source G, and the injected or aerated beverage (e.g., at outlet OUT) is distributed into a container (e.g., a cup, mug, glass, or liquid container). Advantageously, the injection of gas (e.g., nitrogen, air, etc.) into the beverage creates microbubbles and bubbles within the beverage volume (e.g., gas injection or aeration of the beverage), thereby improving the mouthfeel and flavor of the beverage. Turbulence in the injected gas (e.g., nitrogen, air, etc.) causes mixing within the liquid beverage, resulting in gas injection or aeration of the beverage.

[0075] In one embodiment, pump P optionally dispenses the injected or aerated beverage directly into a container (e.g., a cup, mug, glass, or liquid container) (e.g., into its interior). For example, the liquid beverage can be cooled to a desired temperature while passing through systems 300, 300' once. In another embodiment, shown by the dashed line in Figure 17A, pump P optionally, for example, by acting valve V2, sends the gas-injected or aerated beverage into inlets 314, 314' (e.g., inlet conduits, tubes, or pipes) via return lines R1, R2. Thus, the gas-injected or aerated beverage can pass through systems 300, 300' again (e.g., recirculate) (e.g., through tube 313 immersed in phase-change material) to further cool the beverage. Valve V2 may be a three-way valve. In one position, valve V2 is in fluid communication with pump P at outlet OUT, and in another position, valve V2 is in fluid communication with pump P at return line R1. The beverage, which has been gas injected or aerated, can be recirculated (for example, continuously) through systems 300, 300' (for example, through containers 326, 326') until it reaches a desired temperature, thereby activating valve V2 and distributing the beverage into containers (via outlet OUT). The desired temperature can be a temperature selected by the user (for example, a temperature selected by the user via the user interface of the beverage dispensing machine 200, such as the user interface 230, to which system 400A is incorporated or connected). Optionally, system 400A may have a reservoir or accumulator R hydraulically connected to return lines R1, R2, where return line R1 can deliver injected or aerated beverage to reservoir R, and the gas, after being accumulated for a predetermined period of time before entering return line R2, is sent to inlets 314, 314' and passes through systems 300, 300'.In one example, the return line R2 may be provided with a check valve that allows gas to flow into inlets 314 and 314', but prevents gas from flowing from inlets 314 and 314' into the return line R2.

[0076] Figure 17B shows the cooled beverage dispensing system 400B (hereinafter referred to as "System 400B"). System 400B is similar to System 400A, except as described below. Therefore, the structure and description of various features and components of System 400A, as well as how these features and components operate and are controlled, also apply to the corresponding features and components of System 400B and are considered part of the description of System 400B unless otherwise described below. Optionally, the cooled beverage dispensing system 400B can be incorporated into a beverage dispensing machine (e.g., beverage dispensing machine 200). In one example, the cooled beverage dispensing system 400B can be detachably located within the beverage dispensing machine (e.g., detachable as a unit from the beverage dispensing machine). In another embodiment, the cooled beverage dispensing system 400B can be a separate, independent unit for cooling beverages (e.g., a tabletop unit) separate from a beverage dispensing machine (e.g., a coffee maker, tea maker, etc.).

[0077] The cooled beverage distribution system 400B has all the features of system 300 or 300' and operates similarly to the above, except that pump P has outlet 315 as shown in Figure 17A. System 400A differs from System 400A in that instead of being connected to 315', it is connected to inlets 314, 314' (e.g., inlet conduit, tube, or pipe) and is located upstream of System 300, 300' (e.g., upstream of container 326, 326'). Pump P is operable to draw liquid (e.g., beverage such as coffee or tea) into inlets 314, 314' (e.g., from a beverage preparation unit or beverage dispensing unit, from a container such as a cup, mug, glass, or liquid container) (e.g., via IN). Pump P pumps the liquid through System 300, 300' to outlets 315, 315'. Valve V1 operates in the same manner as above to inject or aerate the beverage. Valve V2 can optionally operate in the same manner as above to recirculate the gas-injected or aerated beverage through System 300, 300'.

[0078] Figure 18A shows a cooled beverage distribution system 400C (hereinafter referred to as "System 400C"). System 400C is the same as System 400A, except as described below. Therefore, the structure and description of various features and components of System 400A, as well as how these features and components operate and are controlled, also apply to the corresponding features and components of System 400C and are considered part of the description of System 400C unless otherwise described below. Optionally, the cooled beverage distribution system 400C can be incorporated into a beverage dispensing machine (e.g., beverage dispensing machine 200). In one example, the cooled beverage distribution system 400C can be detachably located within the beverage dispensing machine (e.g., detachable as a unit from the beverage dispensing machine). In another embodiment, the cooled beverage distribution system 400C can be a separate, independent unit (e.g., a tabletop unit) for cooling beverages, separate from a beverage dispensing machine (e.g., a coffee maker, tea maker, etc.).

[0079] The cooled beverage distribution system 400C has all the features of system 300 or 300' and operates similarly to the above, except that system 400A differs in that the gas source G and valve V1 are connected to inlets 314, 314' (e.g., inlet conduits, tubes, or pipes) and are located upstream of system 300, 300' (e.g., upstream of containers 326, 326'). Valve V1 operates similarly to the above to inject gas or aerate the beverage. Valve V2 can optionally operate similarly to the above to recirculate the beverage that has been injected gas or aerated via system 300, 300'.

[0080] Figure 18B shows the cooled beverage dispensing system 400D (hereinafter referred to as "System 400D"). The various features and components of System 400A, as well as their structure and description, and how these features and components operate and are controlled, also apply to the corresponding features and components of System 400D and are considered part of the description of System 400D unless otherwise described below. Optionally, the cooled beverage dispensing system 400D can be incorporated into a beverage dispensing machine (e.g., beverage dispensing machine 200). In one example, the cooled beverage dispensing system 400D can be detachably located within the beverage dispensing machine (e.g., detachable as a unit from the beverage dispensing machine). In another embodiment, the cooled beverage dispensing system 400D can be a separate, independent unit for cooling beverages (e.g., a tabletop unit) separate from a beverage dispensing machine (e.g., a coffee maker, tea maker, etc.).

[0081] The cooled beverage distribution system 400D has all the features of system 300 or 300' and operates similarly to the above, except that the gas source G and valve V1 are connected to inlets 314, 314' (e.g., inlet conduit, tube or pipe) and are located upstream of system 300, 300' (e.g., upstream of container 326, 326'), and the pump System 400A differs in that P is connected to inlets 314, 314' (e.g., inlet conduits, tubes, or pipes) and is located upstream of systems 300, 300' (e.g., upstream of containers 326, 326'). Pump P is operable to draw liquid (e.g., beverages such as coffee or tea) into inlets 314, 314' (e.g., from a beverage preparation unit or beverage dispensing unit, from a container such as a cup, mug, glass, or liquid container) (e.g., via IN). Pump P pumps the liquid through systems 300, 300' to outlets 315, 315'. Valve V1 operates in the same manner as above to inject or aerate the beverage. Valve V2 can optionally operate in the same manner as above to recirculate the gas-injected or aerated beverage through systems 300, 300'. In some examples, one or more of the above conduits, tubes, or pipes (e.g., tubes 313, 313', inlets 314, 314', outlets 315, 315', return lines R1, R2) can be optionally made of a metal such as stainless steel. In other examples, one or more of the above conduits, tubes, or pipes (e.g., tubes 313, 313', inlets 314, 314', outlets 315, 315', return lines R1, R2) can be optionally made of a plastic material.

[0082] In some implementations, parts of system 100 can be combined with parts of systems 300, 300', 400A, 400B, 400C, or 400D. For example, in some implementations, systems 300, 300', 400A, 400B, 400C, or 400D can be combined with the drinking-air heat exchange loop of system 100. For example, a liquid such as a hot liquid can be cooled by flowing through a heat exchanger 32 (via pump 6, valve 8, and tube loop 7) which is cooled by one or more fans 34, 36 before passing through the inlet (IN) and / or inlet tubes 314, 314' of system 300, 300', 400A, 400B, 400C, or 400D. In some embodiments, the liquid may be recirculated through the heat exchanger 32 (e.g., optionally via the reservoir 4) until it reaches a desired temperature or temperature range before passing into systems 300, 300', 400A, 400B, 400C, or 400D.

[0083] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention. In fact, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms. For example, the system described above can be used to cool brewed beverages such as coffee or tea, but the system can also be used to cool other beverages such as wine, spirits (e.g., whiskey, vodka), and the disclosed system can be used with these other beverages (and any other beverages). Advantageously, the above system allows for (rapid) cooling of beverages without diluting the flavor of the beverage (e.g., as happens when ice is added to a beverage). Furthermore, various exclusions, substitutions, and modifications in the systems and methods described herein can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. These embodiments and their variations are included in the technical scope and essence of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. Thus, the technical scope of the invention is defined solely by reference to the appended claims.

[0084] Features, materials, properties, or groups described in relation to a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described in this section or other sections of this specification, provided they do not conflict. All features and / or all steps of any method or process disclosed herein (including the appended claims, abstract, and drawings) may be combined in any way, except where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not limited to the details of any embodiment described above. Furthermore, the protection extends to any novel feature or any novel combination disclosed herein (including the appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel method or process step or any novel combination disclosed herein.

[0085] Furthermore, several features described herein in the context of different implementations may be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may be implemented individually or in any suitable subcombination in multiple implementations. Moreover, while a feature may be described above as functioning in a particular combination, one or more features in a claimed combination may, in some cases, be excluded from that combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or a variation of a subcombination.

[0086] Furthermore, while operations are shown in the drawings and described herein in a specific order, such operations do not need to be performed in the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result, nor do all operations need to be performed. Other operations not shown or described may be incorporated into exemplary methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or in between any of the operations described. Furthermore, operations may be rearranged or rearranged in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the actual steps performed in the illustrated and / or disclosed processes may differ from those illustrated. Depending on the embodiment, some of the above steps may be omitted, and other steps may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the particular embodiments disclosed above can be combined in different ways to constitute further embodiments, all of which fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the above implementations should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and the components and systems described can generally be integrated into a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0087] For the purposes of this disclosure, several aspects, advantages, and novel features will be described herein. Not all such advantages are necessarily achieved according to any particular embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, for example, this disclosure may be embodied or performed to achieve one or a group of advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0088] Conditional language such as “can,” “possible,” “potential,” or “may,” unless otherwise specifically stated or understood differently in the context in which they are used, is generally intended to indicate that some embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, but others do not. Therefore, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are somehow required in one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or steps should be included in or performed in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting.

[0089] Conjunctions such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z" are generally understood in context to indicate that an item, term, etc., can be X, Y, or Z, unless otherwise specifically stated. Therefore, such conjunctions are not intended to imply that, in any particular embodiment, at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z are required.

[0090] As used herein, terms indicating degree, such as “approximately,” “about,” “roughly,” and “substantially,” describe a value, quantity, or characteristic that is close to the stated value, quantity, or characteristic that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “roughly,” and “substantially” may refer to quantities that are 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 certain embodiments, the terms “roughly parallel” and “substantially parallel” describe values, quantities, or characteristics that deviate from exact parallelism by only 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degrees or less.

[0091] The technical scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited by any specific disclosure of preferred embodiments in this section or any other section of this specification, but may be defined by the claims presented in this section or any other section of this specification, or which may be presented in the future. The language of the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language adopted in the claims, and not limited to the examples described herein or in the proceedings of this application, and these examples should be construed as non-exclusive.

[0092] Naturally, the above description relates to certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the technical idea and technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the apparatus described herein does not need to feature all of the purposes, advantages, features, and aspects discussed above. Accordingly, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that, for example, the present invention may be embodied or performed to achieve or optimize one advantage or group of advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other purposes or advantages that may be taught or suggested herein. Furthermore, although several variations of the present invention are shown and described in detail, other modifications and uses that fall within the technical scope of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure. Various combinations or partial combinations of these particular features and aspects of the embodiments are possible and are still intended to fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Accordingly, various features and aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure can be combined or substituted for each other to constitute various aspects of the apparatus described herein.

Claims

1. A cooling liquid distribution system, An insulated container having a chamber containing a phase change material, A conduit disposed within the chamber of the insulated container, wherein the conduit has a portion immersed in the phase change material, the phase change material is in thermal contact with the outer surface of the portion of the conduit, and the conduit receives a liquid at a first temperature higher than the ambient temperature, and as the liquid flows through the conduit it is cooled, heat is transferred to the phase change material, and the liquid is cooled to a second temperature lower than the ambient temperature, A first heat sink is disposed within the chamber of the heat-insulating container and immersed in the phase change material, wherein the phase change material is in thermal contact with the outer surface of the first heat sink, One side of the thermoelectric module is in thermal communication with the first heat sink, A second heat sink is disposed outside the chamber of the insulated container and is in thermal communication with the other side of the thermoelectric module, An inlet portion of the conduit upstream of the chamber or an outlet portion of the conduit downstream of the chamber, connected to a gas source via a first valve, wherein the first valve is operable to allow gas to pass through the conduit and inject the gas into the liquid flowing through the conduit, It has, The thermoelectric module discharges heat from the phase change material through the first heat sink and sends it to the second heat sink, thereby charging or freezing the phase change material. A system characterized by the following features.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the conduit has a continuous spiral tube having a plurality of spaced-apart tube loops.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the continuous helical tube extends circumferentially around the first heat sink within the chamber and is spaced apart from the first heat sink.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a second valve connected to the outlet portion of the conduit downstream of the chamber for promoting the recirculation of the liquid passing through the chamber; and one or more return lines connected to the second valve and the inlet portion of the conduit upstream of the chamber.

5. The system according to claim 4, further comprising a reservoir, the reservoir being hydraulically connected to a first return line extending between the second valve and the reservoir, and a second return line extending between the reservoir and the inlet portion of the conduit.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas is nitrogen or air.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas source is a canister or cartridge filled with the gas.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that air flows through the second heat sink to remove heat from the second heat sink.

9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more fans capable of operating to remove heat from the second heatsink by directing air through the second heatsink.

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulated container is a double-walled vacuum insulated container.

11. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a second insulated container surrounding the aforementioned insulated container.

12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a cover for closing the insulated container, wherein the second heat sink extends through the cover.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that the inlet and outlet of the conduit extend through the cover.

14. The system according to claim 13, further comprising an insulating cover that covers the aforementioned cover.

15. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first heat sink has one or more heat pipes immersed in the phase change material.

16. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that the one or more heat pipes are two spaced-apart heat pipes.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein the first heat sink has one or more fins extending from one or more heat pipes, and the one or more fins are immersed in the phase change material.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the one or more fins are a plurality of fins extending perpendicularly to the one or more heat pipes.

19. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the one or more fins extend radially from the one or more heat pipes along the length of the one or more heat pipes.

20. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a heat spreader attached to the first heat sink, which is disposed within the chamber and extends circumferentially around the axis of the heat insulating container.

21. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the heat spreader extends circumferentially around the conduit, and the conduit has a continuous helical tube having a plurality of spaced-apart tube loops.

22. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that the heat spreader has a plurality of foldable fins.

23. A beverage dispensing machine characterized by having the cooling liquid dispensing system described in claim 1.

24. The system further comprises a housing and a high-temperature beverage dispensing unit located within the housing, The beverage dispensing machine according to claim 23, characterized in that the cooling liquid dispensing system is arranged inside the housing and is in fluid communication with the high-temperature beverage dispensing unit.

25. The beverage dispensing machine according to claim 23, characterized in that the cooling liquid dispensing system is removable as a unit.

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