Heat transfer apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a heat transfer device ( 2 ), the heat transfer device comprising a heat exchanger ( 10 ) driven by movement of a fluid, a heat transfer cavity ( 6 ) and a fan ( 12 ) for creating a circulating gas flow between the heat exchanger and the heat transfer cavity. The heat transfer device ( 2 ) includes: a housing having an opening ( 14 ) for allowing an object to be inserted into the heat transfer cavity ( 6 ); an outlet valve ( 52 ) for exhausting gas and/or liquid from the heat transfer cavity ( 6 ); and a controller arranged to operate the outlet valve ( 52 ). The heat transfer device ( 2 ) may, for example, take the form of a cooling device for rapidly cooling a drinking vessel such as a beer glass.

1 . A heat transfer device comprising:
 a heat exchanger driven by movement of a fluid therein, a heat transfer cavity and a fan for creating a circulating gas flow between the heat exchanger and the heat transfer cavity;   a housing having an opening for allowing an object to be inserted into the heat transfer cavity;   an outlet valve for exhausting gas and/or liquid from the heat transfer cavity; and   a controller arranged to operate the outlet valve.   
     
     
         2 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 1 , wherein the heat transfer cavity comprises an outlet flow path arranged to direct liquid towards the outlet valve. 
     
     
         3 . A heat transfer device comprising:
 a heat exchanger, a heat transfer cavity and means for creating a circulating gas flow between the heat exchanger and the heat transfer cavity;   a housing having an opening for allowing an object to be inserted into the heat transfer cavity; and   an outlet valve for exhausting gas and/or liquid from the heat transfer cavity;   wherein the heat transfer cavity comprises an outlet flow path arranged to direct liquid towards the outlet valve.   
     
     
         4 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 2 , wherein the outlet flow path is inclined downwardly in a radial and/or circumferential direction so as to direct liquid towards the outlet valve. 
     
     
         5 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 2 , wherein the outlet flow path provides a helical incline towards the outlet valve. 
     
     
         6 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 1 , wherein the outlet valve comprises an outlet opening that is directed substantially tangential to the direction of the circulating gas flow. 
     
     
         7 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 6 , wherein the outlet opening is substantially positioned at a periphery of the fan. 
     
     
         8 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 1 , wherein the outlet valve comprises an outlet opening having a cross-sectional area of at least about 50 mm 2 . 
     
     
         9 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a funnel arranged adjacent to the outlet valve to collect liquid. 
     
     
         10 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 1 , wherein the heat transfer device is a cooling device and the heat exchanger is a thermal sink arranged to cool the circulating gas flow. 
     
     
         11 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 1 , wherein the controller is further arranged to control the fan. 
     
     
         12 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 1 , wherein in a (“defrost”) mode of operation the heat exchanger is no longer driven and the controller opens the outlet valve. 
     
     
         13 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 12 , wherein in the (“defrost”) mode of operation the controller operates the fan at an increased speed so as to circulate the gas flow more rapidly. 
     
     
         14 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 12 , further comprising a heater operating in the (“defrost”) mode of operation, and optionally wherein the heat exchanger acts as the heater. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 1 , wherein the outlet valve is arranged to automatically drain liquid from the heat transfer cavity upon loss of electrical power to the heat exchanger, or the controller operates to open the outlet valve in response to a power cut detection signal. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 1 , wherein the outlet valve is biased open but held closed by an electromechanical actuator. 
     
     
         19 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 1 , wherein the outlet valve is actively opened upon loss of electrical power. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A heat transfer device according to  claim 1 , comprising means for storing electrical power and/or means for generating electrical power so that the outlet valve can be opened in response to a power cut. 
     
     
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         68 . A method of drying a heat transfer device comprising a heat transfer cavity that can receive an object, the method comprising:
 creating a circulating gas flow in the heat transfer cavity;   ceasing to cool or heat the circulating gas flow; and   opening an outlet valve to exhaust gas and/or liquid from the heat transfer cavity.   
     
     
         69 . A method according to  claim 68 , further comprising:
 increasing the rate of the circulating gas flow.   
     
     
         70 . (canceled) 
     
     
         71 . (canceled)