WO2014151493A1

WO2014151493A1 - Thermally-conditioned beverage holders and bins

Info

Publication number: WO2014151493A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/025846
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Adldinger; Marco Ranalli; David Bruce KUETERMAN
Original assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
Priority date: 2013-03-15
Filing date: 2014-03-13
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Also published as: JP2016519274A; CN105121224A; US20140338366A1; KR20150127276A; DE112014001421T5

Abstract

A thermally-conditioned device comprising a receptacle (20) 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 (100) secured to the exterior surface of the wall of the receptacle, and a liquid-loop heat exchange system (150d) comprising a cold plate (260) 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.

Description

THERMALLY-CONDITIONED BEVERAGE HOLDERS AND BINS

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/798,022, filed March 15, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Background

Field

[0002] This application relates generally to thermally-conditioned devices, and, more specifically, to thermally-conditioned beverage holders and bins.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] 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

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the liquid channel comprises a serpentine or tortious shape. In some embodiments, the liquid channel comprises a nonlinear 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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,

[0014] 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. [0015] 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,

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 nonlinear 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

[0022] 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.

[0023] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a thermally-conditioned beverage holder according to one embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a thermally-conditioned beverage holder according to another embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a thermally-conditioned beverage holder according to one embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a thermally-conditioned beverage holder according to another embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 5a schematically illustrates a thermally-conditioned beverage holder comprising a liquid-loop heat exchange system according to one embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 5b schematically illustrates a thermally-conditioned beverage holder comprising an air-based heat exchange system according to one embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 5c schematically illustrates a detailed view of a portion of a beverage holder according to one embodiment;

[0030] FIGS. 6a and 6b schematically illustrate different embodiments of thermally-conditioned beverage holders;

[0031] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a thermally- conditioned beverage holder comprising a liquid-loop heat exchange system; [0032] FIG. 8a illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a thermally-conditioned beverage holder comprising a liquid-loop heat exchange system;

[0033] FIGS. 8b to 8d illustrate embodiments of various components of the liquid-loop heat exchange system used in the beverage holder of FIG. 8a;

[0034] FIG. 9a illustrates a perspective bottom view of one embodiment of a beverage holder;

[0035] 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;

[0036] FIG. 9c illustrates embodiments of a heat exchanger unit and a cold plate of a liquid-loop heat exchange system;

[0037] FIGS. 10a and 10b illustrate top and perspective views, respectively, of a dogbone- shaped thermally-conditioned beverage holder;

[0038] FIG. 11a illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a thermally- conditioned beverage holder comprising a single thermoelectric device;

[0039] FIG. l ib illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a thermally- conditioned beverage holder comprising two thermoelectric devices;

[0040] FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate different views of a thermally-conditioned bin comprising a liquid-loop heat exchange system according to one embodiment; and

[0041] 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

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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. Appl. No. 11/669,117, filed January 30, 2007 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,104,295 on January 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.

[0045] The beverage holder 10a schematically illustrated in FIG. 5 a 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] FIGS. 6a and 6b schematically illustrate embodiments of a thermally- conductive unitary receptacle 20c, 20d of a beverage holder 10c, lOd 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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. l ib, each beverage receptacle comprises a dedicated thermoelectric device 100.

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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."

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A thermally-conditioned device, comprising:

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;

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.

2. The device of Claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a beverage holder for receiving a beverage container.

3. The device of Claim 1, wherein the device comprises a bin

4. The device of Claim 1 , wherein the receptacle is at least partially open to the surrounding environment.

5. The device of Claim 1, wherein the receptacle is configured to define an enclosed space.

6. The device of Claim 1, wherein the wall of the receptacle comprises at least one of a side wall and a bottom wall.

7. The device of Claim 1, wherein the cold plate includes an inlet and an outlet, and a liquid channel extending between the inlet and the outlet.

8. The device of Claim 1, wherein the cold plate comprises a unitary or monolithic construction.

9. The device of Claim 1, wherein the cold plate comprises at least two portions that are configured to mate with one another.

10. The device of Claim 7, wherein the liquid channel comprises a serpentine or tortious shape.

11. The device of Claim 7, wherein the liquid channel comprises a non-linear shape.

12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid- loop heat exchange system additionally comprises a secondary heat exchanger, a pump and a fluid conduit.

13. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the secondary heat exchanger is separate from the cold pack.

14. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the secondary heat exchanger comprises an air-type heat exchanger.

15. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the thermoelectric device is secured directly to the exterior surface of the wall of the receptacle.

16. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein 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.

17. The device of Claim 16, wherein the at least one intermediate member comprises at least one of a thermal grease, a thermal foil and a thermal pad.

18. The device of Claim 16, wherein the at least one intermediate member comprises a thermally conductive spacer block.

19. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein a thermal insulation layer is positioned along at least a portion of the exterior of the wall.

20. The device of Claim 18, wherein 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.

21. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the wall comprises at least one feature for securing at least one of the thermoelectric device and the cold pack directly to the wall.

22. The device of Claim 21, wherein the at least one feature comprises at least one opening for receiving a fastener.

23. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein 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.

24. The device of Claim 23, wherein the at least one attachment method comprises at least one of a screw, a bolt, another fastener, another mechanical connection and an adhesive.

25. The device of Claim 12, further comprising at least one blower, the blower being configured to pass air across or near a portion of the secondary heat exchanger.

26. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one thermally conductive material comprises at least one of a metal, an alloy and a thermally conductive thermoplastic.

27. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one thermally conductive material comprises aluminum, copper or steel.

28. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one thermally conductive material comprises thermally-conductive plastic.

29. A thermally-conditioned beverage holder, comprising:

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;

wherein the receptacle comprises at least one thermally conductive material;

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.

30. The beverage holder of Claim 29, further comprising at least one heat exchange assembly configured to transfer heat away from the thermoelectric device.

31. The beverage holder of Claim 30, wherein the heat exchange assembly is incorporated within the monolithic structure of the receptacle.

32. The beverage holder of Claim 31, wherein the heat exchange assembly comprises an air-based heat exchange system.

33. The beverage holder of Claim 32, wherein the heat exchange assembly comprises a plurality of fins.

34. The beverage holder of Claim 33, wherein the fins are formed from the monolithic structure of the receptacle along the bottom wall or along the sidewall of the receptacle.

35. The beverage holder of Claim 31, wherein the heat exchange assembly comprises a liquid- loop heat exchange system.

36. The beverage holder of Claim 30, wherein the heat exchange assembly comprises at least one liquid channel,

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.

37. The beverage holder of Claim 36, wherein the at least one liquid channel is oriented in a serpentine pattern.

38. The beverage holder of Claim 36, wherein each of the recess and the at least one liquid channel is located within a bottom wall of the receptacle.

39. The beverage holder of Claim 29, wherein the at least one thermally conductive material comprises at least one of a metal, an alloy and a thermally conductive thermoplastic.

40. The beverage holder of Claim 29, wherein the thermoelectric device is permitted to expand and retract within the recess in response to temperature variations.

41. The beverage holder of Claim 30, wherein the heat exchange assembly is manufactured by removed portions of the monolithic structure of the receptacle.

42. The beverage holder of Claim 41, wherein the removed portions are in the shape of fins or an internal channel.

43. The beverage holder of Claim 30, wherein 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.

44. The beverage holder of Claim 43, wherein the heat exchange assembly comprises a metal, and the receptacle comprises a thermally conductive plastic.