초록 ▼

A water cooler is provided with a thermoelectric heat transfer module for chilling water within a cooler reservoir. The water cooler includes a sensor mounted in a position to detect build-up of an ice bank within the cooler reservoir, and to provide a signal to a controller which regulates the ther

A water cooler is provided with a thermoelectric heat transfer module for chilling water within a cooler reservoir. The water cooler includes a sensor mounted in a position to detect build-up of an ice bank within the cooler reservoir, and to provide a signal to a controller which regulates the thermoelectric module to prevent excessive ice bank growth. The water cooler further includes an air filter for filtering air drawn by a fan to circulate over a heat sink associated with the thermoelectric module, wherein the air filter is adapted for quick and easy access and removal for periodic cleaning or replacement. The thermoelectric module and air filter are included as part of a chiller subassembly adapted for quick and easy assembly with a water cooler housing for use in chilling water within the reservoir, and also for quick and easy disassembly from the water cooler housing for service or replacement, if required.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [60.] A water cooler, comprising:a housing;a reservoir mounted within said housing for receiving and storing a supply of water;faucet means coupled to said reservoir for dispensing water therefrom;a chiller subassembly mounted as a preassembled unit on said housing, said chill

[ What is claimed is:] [60.] A water cooler, comprising:a housing;a reservoir mounted within said housing for receiving and storing a supply of water;faucet means coupled to said reservoir for dispensing water therefrom;a chiller subassembly mounted as a preassembled unit on said housing, said chiller subassembly comprising a chiller probe mounted in heat exchange relation with water within said reservoir, a heat sink, a thermoelectric heat transfer module sandwiched between said chiller probe and said heat sink with a cold side thereof in thermal contact with said chiller probe and a hot side thereof in thermal contact with said heat sink, fan means for circulating a cooling air flow in heat transfer relation with said heat sink, and frame means having said fan means mounted thereon and defining an air inlet duct and an air outlet duct to permit flow through passage of the cooling air flow past said heat sink; andcontrol means for regulating said thermoelectric module to produce an ice bank of regulated size within said reservoir, said control means including sensor means mounted within said reservoir for detecting the size of the ice bank, and a controller responsive to said sensor means for operating said thermoelectric module to maintain the ice bank within a predetermined size range;said chiller probe being positioned within said reservoir in contact with water therein, and further wherein said sensor means comprises a sensor mounted on said chiller probe and protruding therefrom for contacting water within said reservoir, said control means regulating said thermoelectric module to form the ice bank on said chiller probe within said reservoir.