Active cooling and heating insulated box

The insulated box with a modular heat exchanger system addresses the lack of active temperature control in conventional boxes, providing stable cooling/heating and flexible use by actively managing airflow and waste air discharge.

JP3253294UActive Publication Date: 2025-10-17CHILLBEE INC
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025002857U
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-08-21
Publication Date
2025-10-17
Estimated Expiration
2035-08-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional insulated boxes lack active cooling/heating functions, leading to reduced heat retention over time and limited temperature control, especially below 0°C, restricting their use for certain items.

Method used

An insulated box with a modular heat exchanger system connected to an external power source, featuring a first and second case, air supply and exhaust ports, and circulation lines with a working medium, allowing for active cooling or heating through controlled airflow and waste air discharge.

Benefits of technology

The system achieves stable temperature control, extending heat retention, and enables flexible use by actively cooling or heating to below 0°C, surpassing the limitations of conventional methods while reducing energy consumption.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0003253294000001_ABST
    Figure 0003253294000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a heat insulation box that performs active cooling and heating, preventing obstruction of convection, helping to enhance heat insulation effect, and improving flexibility and convenience in use. [Solution] The system comprises an outer box (31) having an auxiliary hole (314) drilled therein, and a heat exchanger (32) mounted within the outer box (31). The heat exchanger (32) comprises an air supply section mounted between the first case (321) and the second case, an exhaust section mounted within the second case, and a circulation pipe connecting the exhaust section and the air supply section. The first case (321) comprises a space (3213), an air inlet (3214), and an air outlet (3216). The air supply section comprises a second heat exchanger and a blower, and the exhaust section comprises the second heat exchanger and a first heat exchanger (3232). The first heat exchanger (3232) fits into the auxiliary hole (314). Air drawn in through the air inlet (3214) is heat exchanged in the second heat exchanger and is discharged from the air outlet (3216) into the storage space (315) of the outer box (31), and waste air is discharged to the outside through the auxiliary hole (314).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal device, and more particularly to a thermal box that performs active cooling and heating. [Background technology]

[0002] Insulated boxes currently on the market are made by combining different materials in layers, with the inner and outer layers made of different materials and insulating material filled in between, giving the box an excellent airtight seal. This isolates items placed inside the insulated box from the outside, reducing internal energy loss and preventing quality deterioration due to temperature changes, thereby maintaining the freshness and safety of the items. Consumers can use the insulated box to keep things cold or warm depending on their actual purpose, and it is highly convenient for a wide range of uses, including travel, camping, picnics, everyday shopping, as well as transporting and storing medical supplies.

[0003] However, since the conventional heat-retaining boxes mentioned above do not have an active cooling / heating function, the only way to delay the occurrence of heat exchange and extend the heat-retaining time is to pre-cool or pre-heat the inside in advance, reduce the number of times the box is opened and closed during use, or place sufficient cooling or heating agents inside. While it is true that the internal temperature can be maintained at first, the heat retention effect gradually decreases over time, making it unsuitable for long-term use. Furthermore, the use of ice packs or heat generating agents not only takes up storage space within the insulated box, but also only maintains the internal temperature at its original value, without changing it, making their effectiveness unclear. Furthermore, when using an insulated box for the purpose of keeping something cold, the minimum temperature that can be achieved using the above methods is 0°C, which cannot meet the temperature requirements for certain items, limiting the range of use and leaving room for improvement. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by this invention is to provide an active cooling and heating insulation box that helps prevent convection from being obstructed, improves the heat preservation effect, and has a modular design that improves flexibility and convenience in use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an insulated box for active cooling and heating, comprising an outer box and a heat exchanger, the outer box comprising a box body, an opening formed on the box body, and a lid for covering the opening, the lid controlling the opening and closing state of the opening, the box body having a plurality of auxiliary holes, the heat exchanger installed within the outer box and connected to an external power source, the heat exchanger comprising an exhaust port, an air supply port, and circulation lines respectively connected to the exhaust port and the air supply port, the circulation lines being filled with a working medium, the heat exchanger comprising a hollow first case and a second case installed relative to the first case, the exhaust port being located within the second case, and the air supply port being located between the first case and the second case, the heat exchanger having a modular design, the first case comprising a peripheral wall, a bottom wall connected to the peripheral wall, and an air space surrounded by the peripheral wall and the bottom wall. a space between the box body and the heat exchanger, a plurality of air inlet holes formed in the bottom wall, an air outlet plate extending from the bottom wall and installed corresponding to the air supply unit, and a plurality of air outlet holes formed on the air outlet plate, the air supply unit having a second heat exchanger near the bottom wall and a blower provided below the second heat exchanger, the exhaust unit having a compressor connected to the second heat exchanger and a first heat exchanger attached to one side of the compressor, and the heat exchanger is fixed within the box body. In this state, the first heat exchanger of the exhaust section is positioned to fit into the auxiliary hole, and the inside of the box body is divided into a storage space that communicates with the first case, and the air sucked in through the air inlet hole by the blower is heat exchanged by the second heat exchanger, and the heat-exchanged air is further discharged into the storage space through the air outlet hole, and the waste air generated during the heat exchange is discharged to the outside through the auxiliary hole by the first heat exchanger, thereby smoothing convection and stabilizing heat retention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In the insulated box for active cooling and heating of the present invention, the space formed by the first case of the heat exchanger allows air to pass through the air inlet holes without obstruction, and after heat exchange by the second heat exchanger, it enters the storage space through the air outlet holes. This improves the convection effect, achieves active cooling and heating effects, and improves functionality and practicality. At the same time, waste air generated during the heat exchange process can be discharged to the outside through the auxiliary holes, preventing the disadvantage of waste air backflow affecting the internal temperature. Furthermore, the modularization of the heat exchange device allows for various combinations and arrangements, further enhancing flexibility and convenience in use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an external appearance of a heat insulation box for active cooling and heating according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a main part of a heat insulation box for active cooling and heating according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a heat insulation box for active cooling and heating according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a front view of a main part of a heat insulation box for active cooling and heating according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a thermal insulation box for active cooling and heating according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the active cooling and heating box according to the first embodiment of the present invention in use; FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing another use state of the thermal insulation box with active cooling and heating according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a thermal insulation box for active cooling and heating according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be modified as desired without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0009] 1 and 7 show a first embodiment of the present invention. The heat insulation box 3 that performs active cooling and heating includes an outer box 31 and a heat exchanger 32 installed inside the outer box 31. The heat exchanger 32 is connected to an external power source 4, and the operation of the heat exchanger 32 is maintained via the external power source 4. The external power source 4 may be a DC power source of a vehicle, a mobile battery, or the like.

[0010] In this embodiment, a control panel 33 connected to the heat exchanger 32 is provided on the outer box 31, and necessary information is controlled or displayed through the control panel 33. The outer box 31 also comprises a box body 311, an opening 312 provided on the box body 311, a lid body 313 that covers the opening 312, and a plurality of auxiliary holes 314 provided on one side of the box body 311, and the open / closed state of the opening 312 is controlled by the lid body 313.

[0011] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the heat exchange device 32 comprises a hollow first case 321, a second case 322 installed below the first case 321, an exhaust section 323 attached within the second case 322, an air supply section 324 attached between the first case 321 and the second case 322, and a circulation pipe 325 connected to the exhaust section 323 and the air supply section 324, respectively. The circulation line 325 is filled with a working medium, which will be described below as a refrigerant.

[0012] Referring to Figure 3, the first case 321 comprises a surrounding wall 3211, a bottom wall 3212 connected to the surrounding wall 3211, a space 3213 surrounded by the surrounding wall 3211 and the bottom wall 3212, a plurality of air inlet holes 3214 formed on the bottom wall 3212, an air outlet plate 3215 extending from the bottom wall 3212 toward the second case 322, and a plurality of air outlet holes 3216 formed on the air outlet plate 3215. 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the air discharge plate 3215 is further provided with a plurality of straightening pieces 3217, which can guide and stabilize the airflow. In addition, both the surrounding wall 3211 and the air discharge plate 3215 are provided with air inlet holes 3214, which can further help introduce air and improve the convection effect.

[0013] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5, the air supply section 324 includes a second heat exchanger 3241 arranged at a distance from the bottom wall 3212, and a blower 3242 attached below the second heat exchanger 3241. The exhaust section 323 includes a compressor 3231 connected to a second heat exchanger 3241, and a first heat exchanger 3232 attached to one side of the compressor 3231. The first heat exchanger 3232 has a fan 3232A and a fin portion 3232B attached to one side of the fan 3232A. In this embodiment, the compressor 3231 is a DC motor-type compressor, and is driven and operated by a direct current supplied from an external power supply 4 (see FIGS. 1 and 7).

[0014] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the heat exchanger 32 is modularized, including the first case 321, second case 322, exhaust section 323, air supply section 324, and circulation line 325, each of which has a different independent function and can be assembled in various combinations as needed. This modular design allows for quicker and easier adjustment of the overall layout and manufacturing process, which is advantageous for automated production. Furthermore, when performing maintenance on the heat exchanger 32, only the necessary components can be removed and replaced or updated, effectively reducing costs and improving flexibility and convenience in use.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 6, and 7, this embodiment will be described using an example in which the heat insulation box 3 is used for cooling purposes. After the manufacturing and assembly of the heat exchanger 32 is completed, the heat exchanger 32 is placed inside the box body 311 of the outer box 31 so that the heat exchanger 32 is closely fitted to one side of the interior of the box body 311. At the same time, the first heat exchanger 3232 of the exhaust part 323 is positioned so as to be closely fitted to the auxiliary hole 314.

[0016] In the following, an example will be described in which the fan 3232A of the first heat exchanger 3232 and the auxiliary hole 314 are combined so as to be closely spaced from each other. The fin portion 3232B is disposed between the fan 3232A and the compressor 3231. As a result, the heat exchanger 32 separates the interior of the box body 311 from the storage space 315. Because the first heat exchanger 3232 and the auxiliary hole 314 are in close contact with each other, the storage space 315 does not communicate with the outside through the auxiliary hole 314. However, the storage space 315 communicates with the space portion 3213 of the first case 321 through the air inlet hole 3214 and the air outlet hole 3216, and a closed-loop circulation is formed between the storage space 315 and the first case 321.

[0017] Next, the article to be refrigerated is placed into the storage space 315 through the opening 312, and the opening 312 is closed with the lid 313. Thereafter, when power is supplied from the external power source 4 and drive control is performed using the control panel 33, the compressor 3231 is activated and the working medium begins to circulate through the circulation pipe 325. At the same time, the air in the storage space 315 is sucked in by the fan 3242 through the air inlet 3214. At this time, the air is sucked in without any obstruction due to the combination of the space 3213 formed by the first case 321. In other words, the wide space formed in the space 3213 allows the airflow generated by the air sucked in by the fan 3242 to flow smoothly and without obstruction.

[0018] In addition, the wind discharge plate 3215 is also provided with wind inlet holes 3214, so that air is also introduced through the wind inlet holes 3214 of the wind discharge plate 3215. Therefore, when the storage space 315 is insufficient to store items, the space portion 3213 can also be used as a storage space. In addition, the air is drawn in through the air inlet holes 3214 of the air outlet plate 3215, so the storage space can be expanded without affecting the convection effect. The air then undergoes further heat exchange with the second heat exchanger 3241, and the thermal energy in the air is absorbed by the working medium, resulting in a cooling and temperature reduction effect.

[0019] The cooled, temperature-reduced air is then returned to the storage space 315 through the air outlet holes 3216, and the above-mentioned circulation achieves an active cooling effect, reliably preventing the temperature in the storage space 315 from rising over time. In addition, the closed-loop circulation formed by the storage space 315 and the first case 321 prevents the cold air from leaking out, helping to maintain a low temperature environment inside. Furthermore, when the air passes through the rectifying pieces 3217, the airflow is guided by the rectifying pieces 3217, which reduces the formation of turbulent airflow and maintains the stability of the airflow.

[0020] Thereafter, the working medium that has absorbed the thermal energy moves to the compressor 3231 through the circulation pipe 325. At this time, heat exchange with the working medium takes place via the fin portion 3232B of the first heat exchanger 3232, and the thermal energy of the working medium is absorbed. Fan 3232A then discharges the thermal energy absorbed by fin portion 3232B to the outside through auxiliary hole 314. This not only cools the working medium, lowering its temperature and helping to start a new circulation, but also causes the thermal energy generated during the cooling process to be discharged to the outside of box body 311 through auxiliary hole 314 without returning to storage space 315, thereby reducing the energy consumption of heat exchanger 32 without being affected by the temperature inside storage space 315. Furthermore, the temperature in the storage space 315 can be lowered to below 0°C according to actual usage needs, thereby expanding the range of use. In addition, although the actual space occupied by the heat exchanger 32 is equivalent to that occupied by conventional ice packs or heat generating agents, the usage effect of the heat exchanger 32 is clearly superior to that of ice packs or heat generating agents.

[0021] FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment includes the components described in the first embodiment, and the purpose and effects thereof are similar to those of the first embodiment, so a description of the common parts will be omitted here.

[0022] The features of this embodiment are as follows. The exhaust section 323 has a switching valve 3233 connected to the circulation line 325 . The following description will be given taking as an example the application of the heat insulation box 3 to heating purposes. The switching valve 3233 causes the working medium to flow in the reverse direction, and at the same time, the working medium moved by the compressor 3231 circulates through the circulation pipe 325. As a result, when the blower 3242 draws air from the storage space 315 through the air inlet 3214, heat exchange occurs within the second heat exchanger 3241. In addition, the working medium removes cold air from the air, resulting in a heating and temperature increase effect.

[0023] The heated and temperature-increased air is then returned to the storage space 315 through the air outlet holes 3216 (see FIG. 1), thereby achieving an active heating effect. Furthermore, the working medium that has absorbed the cold air exchanges heat with the fin portion 3232B of the first heat exchanger 3232, raising its temperature and causing a new circulation of the working medium. At the same time, the cold air absorbed by the fin portion 3232B by the fan 3232A is discharged to the outside through the auxiliary holes 314, so that the cold air generated during the heating process does not return to the storage space 315, and the heating effect is greatly improved.

[0024] In this way, the thermal insulation box 3 has an active cooling and heating function, and can be used for a long time, and can be used for both cooling and heating depending on the characteristics of the item, providing a multi-purpose effect with just one unit and improving overall functionality and practicality.

[0025] The above describes the best mode for carrying out the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the invention. All changes and modifications that do not deviate from the scope of the utility model claims are included within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0026] 3. Active cooling and heating insulated box 31 outer box 32 Heat exchange equipment 33 Control Panel 311 Box body 312 Opening 313 Lid 314 Auxiliary hole 315 Storage Space 321 First Case 322 Second Case 323 Exhaust section 324 Air Supply Unit 325 Circulation pipeline 3211 Perimeter wall 3212 Bottom wall 3213 Space section 3214 Wind inlet hole 3215 Wind exhaust plate 3216 Air outlet hole 3217 Rectifier piece 3231 Compressor 3232 First heat exchanger 3232A Fan 3232B Fin section 3233 Switching valve 3241 Second heat exchanger 3242 Blower 4 External power supply

Claims

1. A heat-retaining box for active cooling and heating, comprising an outer box and a heat exchanger, the outer box includes a box body, an opening provided on the box body, and a lid body that covers the opening, and the lid body controls the open / closed state of the opening, A plurality of auxiliary holes are formed in the box body, the heat exchange device is installed in the outer box and connected to an external power source, and includes an exhaust unit, an air supply unit, and circulation lines connected to the exhaust unit and the air supply unit, respectively, and the circulation lines are filled with a working medium; The heat exchange device comprises a hollow first case and a second case disposed relative to the first case, the exhaust port is disposed within the second case, and the air supply port is disposed between the first case and the second case, and the heat exchange device has a modular design; The first case includes a peripheral wall, a bottom wall connected to the peripheral wall, a space surrounded by the peripheral wall and the bottom wall, a plurality of air inlet holes formed in the bottom wall, an air outlet plate extending from the bottom wall and installed corresponding to the air supply unit, and a plurality of air outlet holes formed on the air outlet plate, the air supply unit includes a second heat exchanger located near the bottom wall and a blower provided below the second heat exchanger, the exhaust unit includes a compressor connected to the second heat exchanger and a first heat exchanger attached to one side of the compressor, and the heat exchange device includes an active cooling / heating heat-retaining box, characterized in that when fixed inside the box body, the first heat exchanger of the exhaust section is positioned to fit into the auxiliary hole, and the inside of the box body is divided into a storage space communicating with the first case, air drawn in through the air inlet hole by the fan is heat-exchanged by the second heat exchanger, the heat-exchanged air is further discharged into the storage space through the air outlet hole, and waste air generated during the heat exchange is discharged to the outside by the first heat exchanger through the auxiliary hole, thereby smoothing convection and stabilizing heat retention.

2. 2. The heat insulation box for active cooling and heating according to claim 1, wherein the air inlet holes are formed in the peripheral wall of the first case.

3. 2. The heat insulation box for active cooling and heating according to claim 1, wherein the air inlet holes are formed in the air outlet plate of the first case.

4. The heat-insulating box for active cooling and heating according to claim 1, characterized in that the second heat exchanger and the bottom wall of the first case are arranged at a distance from each other, and the second heat exchanger is installed below the bottom wall of the first case.

5. The heat insulation box for active cooling and heating according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet plate is provided with a plurality of straightening pieces.

6. 2. The heat insulation box for active cooling and heating according to claim 1, wherein the first heat exchanger comprises a fan and a fin portion provided on one side of the fan.

7. The thermal insulation box for active cooling and heating according to claim 1, wherein the working medium is a refrigerant.

8. The heat insulation box for active cooling and heating according to claim 1, wherein the compressor is a DC motor-driven compressor.

9. 2. The heat insulation box for active cooling and heating according to claim 1, wherein the outer box is provided with a control panel connected to the heat exchanger.

10. 2. The heat insulation box for active cooling and heating according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust unit has a switching valve connected to the circulation line.