U.S. patent application number 14/211314 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-20 for thermally-conditioned beverage holders and bins.
This patent application is currently assigned to Gentherm Incorporated. The applicant listed for this patent is Gentherm Incorporated. Invention is credited to Martin Adldinger, David Bruce Kueterman, Marco Ranalli.
Application Number | 20140338366 14/211314 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50628950 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140338366 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adldinger; Martin ; et
al. |
November 20, 2014 |
THERMALLY-CONDITIONED BEVERAGE HOLDERS AND BINS
Abstract
According to some embodiments, thermally-conditioned device
comprises a receptacle configured to receive an item, the
receptacle comprising a wall, the wall comprising an exterior
surface, wherein the receptacle comprises at least one thermally
conductive material. The thermally-conditioned device further
comprises a thermoelectric device secured to the exterior surface
of the wall of the receptacle, and a liquid-loop heat exchange
system comprising a cold plate adjacent the thermoelectric device,
wherein the thermoelectric device is positioned between the wall of
the receptacle and the cold plate, wherein the thermoelectric
device is thermally conductive with both the receptacle and the
cold plate.
Inventors: |
Adldinger; Martin;
(Holzheim, DE) ; Ranalli; Marco; (Augsburg,
DE) ; Kueterman; David Bruce; (Monroe, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gentherm Incorporated |
Northville |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Gentherm Incorporated
Northville
MI
|
Family ID: |
50628950 |
Appl. No.: |
14/211314 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61798022 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/3.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 3/104 20130101;
F25D 31/002 20130101; F25B 2321/02 20130101; F25B 21/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/3.6 |
International
Class: |
F25B 21/02 20060101
F25B021/02; F25D 31/00 20060101 F25D031/00 |
Claims
1. A thermally-conditioned cup holder device comprising: a cup
holder member for receiving a beverage container, at least one
thermoelectric device having a main side in thermal communication
with the cup holder and a waste side; a liquid loop heat exchange
system in thermal communication with the waste side of the at least
one thermoelectric device, the liquid loop heat exchange system
being configured, when in use, to remove heat away from the waste
side.
2. The cup holder device of claim 1, wherein the cup holder member
comprises a thermally conductive plastic.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/798,022, filed
Mar. 15, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] This application relates generally to thermally-conditioned
devices, and, more specifically, to thermally-conditioned beverage
holders and bins.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Vehicles can include one or more thermally-conditioned
beverage holders and/or bins. Such devices receive and store
beverages (e.g., contained in cups, bottles, cans, other
containers, etc.), food and the like, and selectively cool and/or
heat such items.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to some embodiments, thermally-conditioned device
comprises a receptacle configured to receive an item, the
receptacle comprising a wall, the wall comprising an exterior
surface, wherein the receptacle comprises at least one thermally
conductive material. The thermally-conditioned device further
comprises a thermoelectric device secured to the exterior surface
of the wall of the receptacle, and a liquid-loop heat exchange
system comprising a cold plate adjacent the thermoelectric device,
wherein the thermoelectric device is positioned between the wall of
the receptacle and the cold plate, wherein the thermoelectric
device is thermally conductive with both the receptacle and the
cold plate.
[0007] According to some embodiments, the device comprises a
beverage holder or cupholder for receiving a beverage container. In
other embodiments, the device comprises a bin. In one embodiment,
the receptacle is at least partially open to the surrounding
environment. In some embodiments, the receptacle is configured to
define an enclosed space (e.g., comprises one or more doors and/or
other closable features). According to some embodiments, the wall
of the receptacle comprises at least one of a side wall and a
bottom wall.
[0008] According to some embodiments, the cold plate includes an
inlet and an outlet, and a liquid channel extending between the
inlet and the outlet. In some embodiments, the cold plate comprises
a unitary or monolithic construction. In one embodiment, the cold
plate comprises at least two portions that are configured to mate
with one another. In one embodiment, the cold place includes a lid
or cover as part of a multi-piece construction or design.
[0009] According to some embodiments, the liquid channel comprises
a serpentine or tortious shape. In some embodiments, the liquid
channel comprises a non-linear shape. In one embodiment, the
liquid-loop heat exchange system additionally comprises a secondary
heat exchanger, a pump, a fluid conduit and/or a blower or other
fluid transfer device. In one embodiment, the secondary heat
exchanger is separate from the cold pack. In some embodiments, the
secondary heat exchanger comprises an air-type heat exchanger.
[0010] According to some embodiments, the thermoelectric device is
secured directly to the exterior surface of the wall of the
receptacle. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric device is
secured indirectly to the exterior surface of the wall of the
receptacle, wherein at least one intermediate member is positioned
between the thermoelectric device and the wall of the receptacle,
the at least one intermediate member being thermally conductive. In
one embodiment, the at least one intermediate member comprises a
thermal grease, a thermal foil, a thermal pad and/or solder. In one
embodiment, the at least one intermediate member comprises a
thermally conductive spacer block or other thermally connecting
member or feature.
[0011] According to some embodiments, a thermal insulation layer is
positioned along at least a portion of the exterior of the wall. In
one embodiment, a thermal insulation layer is positioned along at
least a portion of the exterior of the wall around the spacer
block, wherein the spacer block allows the thermal contact between
the thermoelectric device and the wall of the receptacle despite
the presence of the thermal insulation layer.
[0012] According to some embodiments, the wall comprises at least
one feature for securing at least one of the thermoelectric device
and the cold pack directly to the wall. In some embodiments, the at
least one feature comprises at least one opening (e.g., screw or
bolt opening, recess, etc.) or feature (e.g., tab, clamp, other
protruding member, etc.) for receiving a fastener. In one
embodiment, the cold pack is directly coupled to the wall using at
least one attachment method, wherein the thermoelectric device is
positioned between the wall and the cold pack when the cold pack is
coupled to the wall. In some embodiments, wherein the at least one
attachment method comprises at least one of a screw, a bolt,
another fastener, another mechanical connection and an
adhesive.
[0013] According to some embodiments, the device further comprises
at least one blower configured to pass air across or near a portion
of the secondary heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the at least
one thermally conductive material of the receptacle comprises a
metal, an alloy, a thermally conductive thermoplastic and/or any
other thermally conductive material. In some embodiments, the at
least one thermally conductive material comprises aluminum, copper
or steel. In some embodiments, the at least one thermally
conductive material comprises thermally-conductive plastic.
[0014] According to some embodiments, a thermally-conditioned
beverage holder comprises a receptacle configured to receive a
beverage container, the receptacle comprising sidewalls and a
bottom wall, wherein the sidewalls and the bottom wall form a
monolithic structure, and wherein the receptacle comprises at least
one thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum, copper, highly
conductive plastic, etc.). The beverage holder additionally
comprises a recess located within a portion of the sidewalls or the
bottom wall of the receptacle, and a thermoelectric device secured
within the recess, wherein the thermoelectric device is configured
to conductively cool or heat the receptacle.
[0015] According to some embodiments, the beverage holder further
comprises at least one heat exchange assembly configured to
transfer heat away from the thermoelectric device. In one
embodiment, the heat exchange assembly is incorporated within the
monolithic structure of the receptacle. In one embodiment, the heat
exchange assembly comprises an air-based heat exchange system. In
some embodiments,
[0016] the heat exchange assembly comprises a plurality of fins,
pins or similar heat exchangers. In some embodiments, the fins are
formed from the monolithic structure of the receptacle along the
bottom wall or along the sidewall of the receptacle.
[0017] According to some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly
comprises a liquid-loop heat exchange system. In some embodiments,
the heat exchange assembly comprises at least one liquid
channel,
[0018] wherein the at least one liquid channel is configured to
receive a liquid for removal of heat from the thermoelectric device
during use, and wherein the at least one liquid channel comprises
an opening located within a wall of the receptacle.
[0019] According to some embodiments, the at least one liquid
channel is oriented in a serpentine pattern. In some embodiments,
each of the recess and the at least one liquid channel is located
within a bottom wall of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the at
least one thermally conductive material comprises a metal, an
alloy, a thermally conductive thermoplastic and/or the like. In
some embodiments, the at least one thermally conductive material
comprises aluminum, copper or steel. In some embodiments, the at
least one thermally conductive material comprises
thermally-conductive plastic.
[0020] According to some embodiments, the thermoelectric device is
permitted to expand and retract within the recess in response to
temperature variations. In one embodiment, the heat exchange
assembly is manufactured by removed portions of the monolithic
structure of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the removed
portions are in the shape of fins or an internal channel.
[0021] According to some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly is
a different member from the monolithic structure of the receptacle,
wherein the heat exchange assembly is at least partially embedded
within the receptacle. In some embodiments, the heat exchange
assembly comprises a metal, and the receptacle comprises a
thermally conductive plastic.
[0022] According to some embodiments, a thermally-conditioned
beverage holder comprises a receptacle configured to receive a
beverage container, the receptacle comprising at least one sidewall
and a bottom wall, wherein the sidewalls and the bottom wall form a
monolithic structure, wherein the receptacle comprises at least one
thermally conductive material and thermoelectric device secured to
an exterior surface of the receptacle along the sidewall or the
bottom wall.
[0023] According to some embodiments, the beverage holder further
comprises a liquid-loop heat exchange system, the liquid-loop heat
exchange system comprises a cold plate adjacent the thermoelectric
device, wherein the thermoelectric device is positioned between the
receptacle and the cold plate, wherein the thermoelectric device is
thermally conductive with both the receptacle and the cold plate.
In some embodiments, the cold plate includes an inlet and an
outlet, and a liquid channel extending between the inlet and the
outlet. In one embodiment, the liquid channel comprises a
serpentine shape. In one embodiment, the liquid channel comprises a
non-linear shape. In some embodiments, the liquid-loop heat
exchange system additionally comprises an air-type heat exchanger,
a pump and a fluid conduit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present application are described with reference to drawings of
certain embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to
limit, the concepts disclosed herein. The attached drawings are
provided for the purpose of illustrating concepts of at least some
of the embodiments disclosed herein and may not be to scale.
[0025] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a thermally-conditioned
beverage holder according to one embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a thermally-conditioned
beverage holder according to another embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a thermally-conditioned
beverage holder according to one embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a thermally-conditioned
beverage holder according to another embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 5a schematically illustrates a thermally-conditioned
beverage holder comprising a liquid-loop heat exchange system
according to one embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 5b schematically illustrates a thermally-conditioned
beverage holder comprising an air-based heat exchange system
according to one embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 5c schematically illustrates a detailed view of a
portion of a beverage holder according to one embodiment;
[0032] FIGS. 6a and 6b schematically illustrate different
embodiments of thermally-conditioned beverage holders;
[0033] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a
thermally-conditioned beverage holder comprising a liquid-loop heat
exchange system;
[0034] FIG. 8a illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of
a thermally-conditioned beverage holder comprising a liquid-loop
heat exchange system;
[0035] FIGS. 8b to 8d illustrate embodiments of various components
of the liquid-loop heat exchange system used in the beverage holder
of FIG. 8a;
[0036] FIG. 9a illustrates a perspective bottom view of one
embodiment of a beverage holder;
[0037] FIG. 9b illustrates one embodiment of a cold plate of a
liquid-loop heat exchange system secured to the bottom of the
beverage holder of FIG. 9a;
[0038] FIG. 9c illustrates embodiments of a heat exchanger unit and
a cold plate of a liquid-loop heat exchange system;
[0039] FIGS. 10a and 10b illustrate top and perspective views,
respectively, of a dogbone-shaped thermally-conditioned beverage
holder;
[0040] FIG. 11a illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a
thermally-conditioned beverage holder comprising a single
thermoelectric device;
[0041] FIG. 11b illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a
thermally-conditioned beverage holder comprising two thermoelectric
devices;
[0042] FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate different views of a
thermally-conditioned bin comprising a liquid-loop heat exchange
system according to one embodiment; and
[0043] FIGS. 13a to 13c illustrate different views of a
thermally-conditioned bin comprising a liquid-loop heat exchange
system according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a
thermally-conditioned beverage holder 10 comprising two adjacent
beverage receptacles 20. As shown, the container 10 can include a
cover or housing 30. A thermoelectric device 100 is positioned
below each beverage receptacle 20 to heat or cool the corresponding
receptacle (and any container or other item positioned therein). In
the depicted embodiment, the beverage holder 10 comprises a thermal
conduction element 110 (e.g., a heat spreader) that is positioned
between the thermoelectric devices 100 and the vehicle body 120. As
schematically represented by the arrows in FIG. 1, the thermal
conduction element 110 can help transfer heat away from the
thermoelectric devices 100 through at least a portion of the
vehicle body 120 (or other base member) without the use of a fan or
other fluid transfer device. In some embodiments, the thermal
conduction element 110 includes a relatively large area to help
dissipate heat through vehicle body 120. The thermal conduction
element 110 can comprise one or more thermally conductive
materials, including, but not limited to, metals or alloys (e.g.,
aluminum, steel, etc.), thermally conductive plastics and/or
like.
[0045] Likewise, each of the beverage holders 10 schematically
depicted in FIGS. 2 to 4 includes a thermal conduction element or
heat spreader 110 to transfer heat away from the thermoelectric
devices 100 to a base member 120 (e.g., a vehicle body) without the
use of fluid transfer devices or liquid-loop heat exchange systems.
As shown, the size, shape and/or other characteristics of the
thermal conduction element 110 can vary. For example, the thermal
conduction elements 110 of FIGS. 3 and 4 also serve, at least in
part, as a beverage container stand or support member. Further, the
thermal conduction element 110 of FIG. 4 includes a split design
comprising two different portions.
[0046] The various features and concepts included in the beverage
holder embodiments disclosed herein can be incorporated into
thermally-conditioned bins (and vice versa). Additional details
regarding thermally-conditioned beverage holders and bins are
provided in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/669,117, filed Jan. 30,
2007 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,104,295 on Jan. 31, 2012, the
entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein and made a
part of the present application. In addition, although the various
beverage holder and configurations provide herein use
conduction-based thermal conditioning, one or more of the disclosed
concepts may be incorporated into convection-based holders and
bins.
[0047] The beverage holder 10a schematically illustrated in FIG. 5a
includes a beverage receptacle 20a that comprises one or more
thermally-conductive materials. In any of the embodiments disclosed
herein, thermally conductive materials can include, but are not
limited to, metals or alloys (e.g., aluminum, copper, steel, etc.),
thermally conductive plastics and/or like. As shown, the receptacle
20a comprises a recess or other opening 30a within its bottom wall.
The recess 30a can be shaped, sized and otherwise configured to
receive a thermoelectric device 100. In other embodiments, such a
recess 30a for receiving a thermoelectric device 100 can be
positioned along a side wall or any other portion of the
receptacle. For any of the embodiments disclosed herein that
comprise a recess 30, 30a, the thermoelectric device 100 can be
secured within such recess 30, 30a using one or more attachment
methods, devices or substances, such as, for example, thermal
grease, thermal pad or foil, solder, other adhesives, fasteners,
press-fit or friction-fit connections and/or the like. In some
embodiments, the relatively thin region of monolithic material of
the receptacle 20a surrounding the recess 30, 30a can provide
additional advantages and benefits to the beverage holder 10a,
including, by way of example, forming an elastic (or a partially
elastic) connection between an upper portion of the beverage
receptacle 20a (e.g., an area above the recess 30a) and a lower
portion of receptacle 20a (e.g., an area below the recess that
forms and/or includes heat exchange members). This design feature
can alleviate or otherwise reduce problems caused by any
inaccuracies, tolerance issues and/or other inconsistencies
associated with manufacturing of such devices. In addition, the
elastic connection can allow for thermal expansion of a
thermoelectric device 100 positioned within the recess 30a, can
facilitate insertion and maintenance of the thermoelectric device
100 within the recess 30a, can create a defined pressing force on
the thermoelectric device (see, e.g., the pressed or pinched ends
of the thermoelectric device illustrated in FIG. 5c) and/or the
like.
[0048] With continued reference to FIG. 5a, a liquid-loop heat
exchange system can be positioned, completely or partially, within
the receptacle 20a. For example, one or more liquid channels 24a
can be routed through and formed within the body of the receptacle
20a. Thus, in some embodiments, a unitary or monolithic receptacle
structure is thermally coupled to both the main side and waste side
of a thermoelectric device 100. As shown, the channels 24a can be
positioned adjacent (e.g., immediately below) the recess 30a to
facilitate heat transfer between the thermoelectric device 100 and
liquid circulating through the channels 24a.
[0049] The beverage holder 10b illustrated in FIG. 5b also
comprises a heat exchange assembly 24b formed by the unitary
structure of the receptacle. However, the heat exchange assembly
24b of FIG. 5b is air-based, not liquid based. The heat exchange
assembly 24b can comprise a plurality of fins or other members
along which heat may dissipate, either with or without the use of a
blower or other fluid transfer device moving air through the
assembly 24b. Thus, in some embodiments, a heat exchange assembly
24a, 24b can be incorporated into a cup receptacle 20a, 20b
comprising a monolithic or unitary structure.
[0050] Accordingly, in some embodiments, a monolithic receptacle
20a, 20b is both the main side heat exchanger and the waste side
exchanger. Traditional thermoelectric systems have thermal gaps or
other thermal discontinuities to ensure that the targeted level of
thermal conditioning occurring along the main side of a
thermoelectric device is not offset or otherwise negatively
impacted by opposite type of thermal conditioning occurring along
the waste side. However, in the beverage holder embodiments
disclosed in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the recess or other opening 30a, 30b
in which the thermoelectric device 100 is located helps to create a
partial thermal conductive barrier between the areas above and
below the recess 30a, 30b. For example, in some embodiments, the
sidewalls of the beverage receptacles 20a, 20b form a monolithic
connection with the bottom wall of the receptacles only along a
relatively thin portion of the receptacle 20a, 20b that surrounds
the recess 30a, 30b.
[0051] FIGS. 6a and 6b schematically illustrate embodiments of a
thermally-conductive unitary receptacle 20c, 20d of a beverage
holder 10c, 10d that incorporates, at least partially within the
receptacle's structure, a separate heat transfer assembly 150c,
150d. For example, in FIG. 6a, the heat transfer assembly 150c
comprises an air-based heat exchange system that extends through
the bottom wall of the cup receptacle 20c. Similarly, in FIG. 6b,
the receptacle 20d houses or otherwise incorporates within its
structure a liquid-loop heat exchange system 150d. In the depicted
embodiment, the heat exchange system 150d is completely
encapsulated or surrounded by the receptacle 20d. In other
arrangements, however, the heat exchange system 150d is only
partially surrounded by the receptacle 20d.
[0052] One embodiment of a thermally-conditioned beverage holder
210 comprising a liquid-loop heat exchange system is schematically
illustrated in FIG. 7. As shown, one or more thermoelectric devices
100 can be placed in thermal contact with a receptacle 220. For
example, as discussed with reference to other arrangements
disclosed herein, a thermoelectric device 100 can be placed along a
wall (e.g., bottom wall, side wall, etc.) of a thermally-conductive
cup receptacle 220.
[0053] With continued reference to FIG. 7, a cold plate 260 can be
placed in thermal contact with the waste side of the thermoelectric
device 100. Accordingly, heat generated by the thermoelectric
device 100 (e.g., when the thermoelectric device 100 cools the cup
receptacle) can be transferred to a liquid flowing through the cold
plate 260. As discussed in greater detail herein, the cold plate
260 can be thermally conductive and can comprise one or more
channels or passages. Thus, heat can be transferred from the waste
side of the thermoelectric device 100 to the water and/or other
liquid passing through the channels of the cold plate 260. Heated
liquid exiting the cold plate 260 can be transferred within pipes,
tubing or other conduit through one or more secondary heat
exchangers 280 (e.g., air heat exchangers, other heat radiators
280, etc.), liquid reservoirs and/or the like, using one or more
fluid pumps 270. In some embodiments, such circulation of liquid
through the liquid-loop heat exchange system removes heat from the
liquid exiting the cold plate 260. In any of the embodiments
disclosed herein, one or more fluid transfer devices (e.g.,
blowers, fans, etc.) can be provided to selectively provide air
and/or other fluid to, through and/or near a secondary heat
exchanger 280. In some embodiments, the use of such fluid transfer
devices can help improve the desired or required heat transfer
characteristics along such secondary heat exchangers 280.
[0054] FIGS. 8a to 8d illustrate an embodiment of a
thermally-conditioned cup holder 210 comprising a liquid-loop heat
exchange system similar to the one discussed above with reference
to FIG. 7. As shown, the cup holder 210 can include two cup
receptacles 220 and one or more of the following: thermoelectric
devices 100 (not shown) in thermal contact with at least a portion
of the receptacles 220, fluid pumps 270, air heat exchangers 280,
liquid reservoirs, fluid conduit 272 and/or the like for
circulating liquid through the system.
[0055] With reference to FIGS. 8d and 9b, the cold plate 260 can
include one or more internal channels 262, which in some
embodiments comprise a tortious, serpentine or sinusoidal shape.
Although not illustrated herein, a covering or plate can be placed
adjacent the channels 262 to enclose the channels 262 and permit
liquid to be transferred through the cold plate 260 (form an inlet
268 to an outlet 266). In other arrangements, the shape, size,
layout, orientation and/or other characteristics of the channels
262 can be different than depicted in FIGS. 8d and 9b.
[0056] FIG. 9a illustrates a bottom surface of a thermally
conductive beverage receptacle 220 configured to receive a
thermoelectric device 100. The thermoelectric device 100 can be
secured to an exterior surface of the beverage receptacle 200
(e.g., along the shaded area 102 in FIG. 9a), either directly or
indirectly. For example, the thermoelectric device 100 can be
positioned on the receptacle 220 using thermal grease, thermal foil
or pad, other adhesives and/or the like.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 9b, a cold plate 266 positioned adjacent
the waste side of the thermoelectric device 100 is secured to the
bottom wall of the beverage receptacle 220 (e.g., using one or more
screws, bolts or other fasteners). As noted above, a cover or other
sealing member (not shown) can be placed against the cold plate 260
to enclose the channels 262. Thus, in some embodiments, a cold
plate 260 and a thermoelectric device 100 can be directly
positioned along one or more surfaces of a monolithic or unitary
receptacle 220.
[0058] FIGS. 10a and 10b illustrate one embodiment of a beverage
holder 310 having two receptacles 320. In the depicted arrangement,
the beverage holder 310 comprises a dogbone shape. As with other
embodiments disclosed herein, the beverage receptacles 320 of the
holder 310 can include a monolithic or unitary structure comprising
one or more thermally conductive materials. In the depicted
arrangement, a single thermoelectric device 100 is positioned along
a portion of the sidewall (e.g., in the area located generally
between the two receptacles 320). Accordingly, a single
thermoelectric device 100 can be used to conductively cool or heat
two beverage receptacles 320. A side view of a similarly configured
beverage holder 310a with a single thermoelectric device 100 is
illustrated in FIG. 11a. In other embodiments, such as the beverage
holder 310b of FIG. 11b, each beverage receptacle comprises a
dedicated thermoelectric device 100.
[0059] A liquid-loop heat exchange system can be similarly
incorporated into a thermally-conditioned bin or other enclosed
container. One embodiment of such a bin 410 is illustrated in FIGS.
12a to 12b and 13a to 13c. As shown, the bin 410 can include an
interior space 420 configured to receive food, beverages and/or any
other items. The interior space 420 is defined by a sidewall 422
having a monolithic or unitary design. As with the beverage holder
configurations disclosed herein, the sidewall 422 can be placed in
thermal contact with one or more thermoelectric devices 100. As
shown, a connecting member or spacer block 424 can be positioned
between the bin's sidewall 422 and the thermoelectric device 100 to
place the thermoelectric device 100 in thermal contact with the bin
410. This can be particularly helpful where it is impossible,
difficult or impractical to secure the thermoelectric device 100
directly on the sidewall 422 of the bin 410. For example, such
thermally-conductive connecting members or spacer blocks 424 can be
used in embodiments of a bin that comprise one or more layers of
thermally insulating material (see, e.g., insulation layer 426 in
FIG. 12a; only a small portion of the insulation layer 426 is
illustrated for clarity; however, in some embodiments, the
insulation layer 426 can extend along all or a substantial exterior
surface of the wall of the receptacle or bin, as desired or
required). The use of such connecting members or spacer blocks 424
can be incorporated into any thermally-conditioned beverage holder
and bin embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., to permit a
thermoelectric device to come in thermal contact with a wall of
such a holder or bin in instances whether there are one or more
other layers or components around the wall of the holder or
bin).
[0060] As illustrated in FIGS. 12a and 12b, the
thermally-conditioned bin 410 can comprise a liquid-loop heat
exchange system for removing heat from the thermoelectric device
100 during use. In some embodiments, the liquid-loop exchange
system includes a cold plate 460 that is placed in thermal contact
with the thermoelectric device 100. As discussed herein with
reference to other arrangements, the cold plate 460 can include one
or more internal channels through which liquid can flow. In some
embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 8d and 9b, the channels 262 of
the cold plate 460 can include a serpentine or other tortious
configuration.
[0061] With continued reference to FIGS. 12a and 12b, liquid can be
transferred to and from the cold plate 460 pipes, tubing and/or
other fluid conduits 472. Similar to the beverage holder
configurations disclosed herein, liquid (e.g., water) can be
circulated through the interior of the cold plate 460 to remove
heat from the adjacent thermoelectric device 100. The heated liquid
can then be circulated through one or more secondary heat
exchangers or heat radiators (e.g., air-based heat exchanger,
liquid-based heat exchanger, any other type of heat exchanger,
etc.), reservoirs and/or other liquid-loop heat exchange system
components. A similarly configured embodiment of a
thermally-conditioned bin 410 comprising a liquid-loop heat
exchange system is illustrated in FIGS. 13a-13c. In any of the
embodiments disclosed herein, one or more fluid transfer devices
(e.g., blowers, fans, etc.) can be provided to selectively provide
air and/or other fluid to, through and/or near a secondary heat
exchanger. In some embodiments, the use of such fluid transfer
devices can help improve the desired or required heat transfer
characteristics along such second heat exchangers.
[0062] To assist in the description of the disclosed embodiments,
words such as upward, upper, bottom, downward, lower, rear, front,
vertical, horizontal, upstream, downstream have been used above to
describe different embodiments and/or the accompanying figures. It
will be appreciated, however, that the different embodiments,
whether illustrated or not, can be located and oriented in a
variety of desired positions.
[0063] Although several embodiments and examples are disclosed
herein, the present application extends beyond the specifically
disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses
of the inventions and modifications and equivalents thereof. It is
also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of
the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made
and still fall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, it
should be understood that various features and aspects of the
disclosed embodiments can be combine with or substituted for one
another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions.
Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions
herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed
embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a
fair reading of the claims that follow.
[0064] While the inventions are susceptible to various
modifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof
have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail.
It should be understood, however, that the inventions are not to be
limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but, to the
contrary, the inventions are to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the various embodiments described and the appended claims. Any
methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order
recited. The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all
overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as "up
to," "at least," "greater than," "less than," "between," and the
like includes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such
as "about" or "approximately" include the recited numbers. For
example, "about 10 mm" includes "10 mm." Terms or phrases preceded
by a term such as "substantially" include the recited term or
phrase. For example, "substantially parallel" includes
"parallel."
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