JP2016519274A - Temperature-controlled beverage holder and container - Google Patents

Abstract

A temperature-regulated device having a receptacle 20 configured to receive an item and having a wall having an outer surface, the receptacle including at least one thermally conductive material. The temperature controlled device further includes a thermoelectric device 100 secured to the outer surface of the receptacle wall and a liquid loop heat exchange system 150d having a cooling plate 260 adjacent to the thermoelectric device, the thermoelectric device being connected to the receptacle wall. Located between the cold plate, the thermoelectric device is thermally conductive to both the receptacle and the cold plate.

Description

  This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119 (e), a provisional US application filed on March 15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  The present application relates generally to temperature controlled devices, and more particularly to temperature controlled beverage holders and containers.

  The vehicle may have at least one of one or more temperature controlled beverage holders and one or more temperature controlled beverage containers. Such devices contain and store beverages, food, etc. (eg, in cups, bottles, cans, and other containers) and / or selectively cool and heat those items. I do.

  According to some embodiments, the temperature controlled device is configured to receive an item and has a receptacle having a wall with an outer surface, the receptacle including at least one thermally conductive material. The temperature controlled device further includes a thermoelectric device secured to the outer surface of the receptacle wall and a liquid loop heat exchange system having a cooling plate adjacent to the thermoelectric device, the thermoelectric device comprising: the receptacle wall and the cooling plate; And the thermoelectric device is thermally conductive to both the receptacle and the cold plate.

  According to some embodiments, the device has a beverage holder or cup holder that houses a beverage container. In other embodiments, the device has a container. In one embodiment, the receptacle is at least partially open to the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the receptacle is configured to define a sealed space (eg, having one or more doors and other sealable features). According to some embodiments, the wall of the receptacle has at least one of a side wall and a bottom wall.

  According to some embodiments, the cold plate includes an inlet and an outlet and a liquid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. In some embodiments, the cooling plate has a unitary or unitary configuration. In one embodiment, the cold plate has at least two portions configured to fit together. In one embodiment, the cold plate includes a lid or cover as part of a multi-part configuration or multi-part design.

  According to some embodiments, the liquid flow path has a serpentine shape or a bent shape. In some embodiments, the liquid flow path has a non-linear shape. In one embodiment, the liquid loop heat exchange system further comprises at least one of a secondary heat exchanger, a pump, a fluid conduit, a blower or other fluid transfer device. In one embodiment, the secondary heat exchanger is separated from the cooling pack. In some embodiments, the secondary heat exchanger has a pneumatic heat exchanger.

  According to some embodiments, the thermoelectric device is secured directly to the outer surface of the receptacle wall. According to some embodiments, the thermoelectric device is indirectly secured to the outer surface of the receptacle wall, the at least one intermediate member is disposed between the thermoelectric device and the receptacle wall, and the at least one intermediate member is It has thermal conductivity. In one embodiment, the at least one intermediate member includes at least one of heat dissipating grease, heat transfer foil, heat transfer pad, and solder. In one embodiment, the at least one intermediate member has a thermally conductive spacer block or other thermal coupling member or thermal coupling mechanism.

  According to some embodiments, the thermal insulation layer is disposed along at least a portion of the exterior of the wall. In one embodiment, the thermal insulation layer is disposed around the spacer block along at least a portion of the exterior of the wall, and the spacer block is in thermal contact between the thermoelectric device and the receptacle wall despite the presence of the thermal insulation layer. Make it possible to do.

  According to some embodiments, the wall has at least one mechanism for securing at least one of the thermoelectric device and the cooling pack directly to the wall. In some embodiments, the at least one mechanism is at least one opening (eg, screw or bolt opening, indentation, etc.) or mechanism (eg, tab, clamp, other protruding member) that houses the fastener. Have In one embodiment, the cooling pack is directly coupled to the wall using at least one attachment method, and the thermoelectric device is disposed between the wall and the cooling pack when the cooling pack is coupled to the wall. In some embodiments, the at least one attachment method includes at least one of a screw, bolt, another fastener, another mechanical connection, and an adhesive.

  According to some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one blower configured to cause air to cross or pass near a portion of the secondary heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the at least one thermally conductive material of the receptacle includes at least one of a metal, an alloy, a thermally conductive thermoplastic material, and another thermally conductive material. In some embodiments, the at least one thermally conductive material includes aluminum, copper, or steel. In some embodiments, the at least one thermally conductive material includes a thermally conductive plastic.

  According to some embodiments, the temperature controlled beverage holder is configured to receive a beverage container and has a receptacle having a side wall and a bottom wall, the receptacle comprising at least a thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum, Copper, highly conductive plastics, etc.). The beverage holder has a recess disposed within a portion of the receptacle sidewall or bottom wall and a thermoelectric device secured within the recess, wherein the thermoelectric device is configured to conductively cool or heat the receptacle. The

  According to some embodiments, the beverage holder further comprises at least one heat exchange assembly configured to release heat from the thermoelectric device. In one embodiment, the heat exchange assembly is incorporated into the integral structure of the receptacle. In one embodiment, the heat exchange assembly has a pneumatic heat exchange system. In some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly has a plurality of fins, pins, or similar heat exchangers. In some embodiments, the fins are formed from a unitary structure of the receptacle along the bottom wall or sidewall of the receptacle.

  According to some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly has a liquid loop heat exchange system. In some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly has at least one liquid flow path, wherein the at least one liquid flow path is configured to contain liquid to remove heat from the thermoelectric device in use, and at least One liquid flow path has an opening disposed in the wall of the receptacle.

  According to some embodiments, the at least one liquid flow path is oriented as a serpentine pattern. In some embodiments, each of the indentation and the at least one liquid flow path is disposed in the bottom wall of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the at least one thermally conductive material includes at least one of a metal, an alloy, a thermally conductive thermoplastic, and the like. In some embodiments, the at least one thermally conductive material includes aluminum, copper, or steel. In some embodiments, the at least one thermally conductive material includes a thermally conductive plastic.

  According to some embodiments, the thermoelectric device can expand and contract within the recess in response to temperature variations. In one embodiment, the heat exchange assembly is manufactured by the removed portion of the monolithic structure of the receptacle. In some embodiments, the portion to be removed is in the form of a fin or internal channel.

According to some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly is a different member derived from an integral structure of the receptacle, and the heat exchange assembly is at least partially embedded within the receptacle. In some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly includes a metal and the receptacle includes a thermally conductive plastic.

  According to some embodiments, the temperature controlled beverage holder is configured to receive a beverage container and has a receptacle having at least one side wall and a bottom wall, the side wall and the bottom wall forming a unitary structure. The receptacle then has at least one thermally conductive material and a thermoelectric device secured to the outer surface of the receptacle along the side wall and the bottom wall.

  According to some embodiments, the beverage holder further comprises a liquid loop heat exchange system, the liquid loop heat exchange system has a cold plate adjacent to the thermoelectric device, the thermoelectric device being between the receptacle and the cold plate. The thermoelectric device is thermally conductive to both the receptacle and the cold plate. In some embodiments, the cold plate includes an inlet and an outlet, and a liquid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. In one embodiment, the liquid flow path has a serpentine shape. In one embodiment, the liquid flow path has a non-linear shape. In some embodiments, the liquid loop heat exchange system includes a pneumatic heat exchanger, a pump, and a fluid conduit.

  These features, aspects, and advantages of this application, as well as other features, aspects, and advantages, should be referred to the drawings of the specific embodiments that illustrate, but are not limited to, the concepts disclosed herein. While explaining. The accompanying drawings are provided to illustrate at least some concepts of the embodiments disclosed herein and may not be to scale.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a temperature-controlled beverage holder according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a temperature-controlled beverage holder according to another embodiment. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a temperature-controlled beverage holder according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a temperature-controlled beverage holder according to another embodiment. 1 schematically illustrates a temperature-controlled beverage holder with a liquid loop heat exchange system according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 schematically shows a temperature-controlled beverage holder with a pneumatic heat exchange system according to one embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 schematically shows a detailed view of a part of a beverage holder according to one embodiment. It is a figure which shows roughly one implementation form of a temperature-control drink holder. It is a figure which shows roughly one implementation form of a temperature-control drink holder. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates one implementation of a temperature controlled beverage holder having a liquid loop heat exchange system. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one implementation of a temperature controlled beverage holder having a liquid loop heat exchange system. FIG. 8b illustrates one embodiment of various components of a liquid loop heat exchange system used in the beverage holder of FIG. 8a. FIG. 8b illustrates one embodiment of various components of a liquid loop heat exchange system used in the beverage holder of FIG. 8a. FIG. 8b illustrates one embodiment of various components of a liquid loop heat exchange system used in the beverage holder of FIG. 8a. It is a perspective bottom view of one embodiment of a beverage holder. Fig. 9b shows an embodiment of the cold plate of the liquid loop heat exchange system fixed to the bottom of the beverage holder of Fig. 9a. It is a figure which shows each embodiment of the heat exchanger unit and cooling plate of a liquid loop heat exchange system. It is a top view of a dog bone type temperature control type drink holder. It is a perspective view of a dog bone type temperature control type drink holder. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a temperature controlled beverage holder having a single thermoelectric device. FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a temperature-controlled beverage holder having two thermoelectric devices. FIG. 2 is a temperature controlled vessel having a liquid loop heat exchange system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a temperature controlled vessel having a liquid loop heat exchange system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a temperature controlled vessel having a liquid loop heat exchange system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a temperature controlled vessel having a liquid loop heat exchange system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a temperature controlled vessel having a liquid loop heat exchange system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a temperature controlled beverage holder 10 having two adjacent beverage receptacles 20. As illustrated, the container 10 may include a cover or housing 30. Thermoelectric device 100 is positioned below each beverage receptacle 20 and heats or cools the corresponding receptacle (and any container or other item contained in the container).
In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage holder 10 has a heat conducting member 110 (eg, a heat spreader) disposed between the thermoelectric device 100 and the vehicle body 120. As schematically illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 1, the heat transfer member 110 transfers heat from the thermoelectric device 100 to the vehicle body 120 (or other base member) without the use of a fan or other fluid transfer device. Missing through at least part of can be facilitated. In some embodiments, the heat conducting member 110 includes a relatively large area to facilitate the release of heat through the vehicle body 120. The heat conducting member 110 has one or more heat conducting materials including, but not limited to, metals or alloys (eg, aluminum, steel, etc.), heat conducting plastics, etc. Also good.

  Similarly, the beverage holder 10 shown schematically in FIGS. 2-4 allows heat to be transferred from the thermoelectric device 100 to the base member 120 (eg, the vehicle body) without using a fluid transfer device or liquid loop heat exchange system. A heat conducting member or heat spreader 110 for escape is included. As indicated, at least one of the size, shape and other characteristics of the heat transfer member 110 can be varied. For example, the heat conducting member 110 of FIGS. 3 and 4 also functions, at least in part, as a beverage container stand or support member. In addition, the heat conducting member 110 of FIG. 4 includes a split design having two different portions.

  Various features and concepts included in the beverage holder embodiments disclosed herein may be incorporated into temperature controlled containers (also, various features and concepts included in temperature controlled container embodiments). May be incorporated into the beverage holder). Further details regarding temperature controlled beverage holders and containers are filed on Jan. 30, 2007 and incorporated on Jan. 31, 2012, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and made a part of this application. It is described in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 669,117, issued as US Pat. No. 8,104,295. Further, although the various beverage holders and configurations provided herein use conduction type temperature regulation, one or more of the disclosed concepts are incorporated into convection type holders and containers. May be.

The beverage holder 10a shown schematically in FIG. 5a includes a beverage receptacle 20a having one or more thermally conductive materials. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the thermally conductive material is not limited,
Metals or alloys (eg, aluminum, copper, steel, etc.), thermally conductive plastics, etc. may be included. As shown, the receptacle 20a has a recess or other opening 30a in its bottom wall. The indentation 30a may have a shape, size and other configuration that can accommodate the thermoelectric device 100. In other embodiments, such indentations 30a for housing the thermoelectric device 100 may be located along the sidewalls of the receptacle or any other portion. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein having indentations 30, 30 a, the thermoelectric device 100 may include, for example, heat dissipation grease, heat transfer pads or heat transfer foil, solder, other adhesives, fasteners, press-fit connections. One or more attachment methods, devices, or materials, such as sections or friction spring connections, etc. may be used to secure in such depressions 30, 30a. In some embodiments, the relatively thin region of integral material of the receptacle 20a that surrounds the recesses 30 and 30a is, by way of example, the upper portion of the beverage receptacle 20a (eg, the region above the recess 30a) and the lower portion of the receptacle 20a (eg, Providing the beverage holder 10a with further advantages and benefits, including forming an elastic (or partially elastic) connection between the heat exchange member and the region below and including the heat exchange member) Can do. This design feature can mitigate or otherwise reduce problems caused by inaccuracies, tolerance problems and / or other inconsistencies associated with the manufacture of such devices. Further, the elastic connecting portion thermally expands the thermoelectric device 100 disposed in the recess 30a, facilitates insertion and maintenance of the thermoelectric device 100 in the recess 30a, and presses the thermoelectric device 100 with a predetermined push. Allowing at least one of generating pressure (see eg the pressed or pinched end of the thermoelectric device shown in FIG. 5c).

  With continued reference to FIG. The liquid loop heat exchange system is fully or partially provided within the receptacle 20a. For example, one or more liquid flow paths 24a may be disposed through the body of the receptacle 20a and formed in the body. Thus, in some embodiments, a single or integral receptacle structure is thermally coupled to both the main side and the waste side of the thermoelectric device 100. As illustrated, the flow path 24a is disposed adjacent to the recess 30a (eg, directly below the recess 30a) to promote heat transfer between the thermoelectric device 100 and the liquid circulating in the flow path 24a. May be.

  The beverage holder 10a shown in FIG. 5b also has a heat exchange assembly 24b formed by a unitary structure of the receptacle. However, the heat exchange assembly 24b of FIG. 5b is pneumatic and not liquid. The heat exchange assembly 24b has a plurality of fins or other members through which heat can be diffused whether or not a blower or other fluid transfer device is used to pass air along the assembly 24b. May be. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the heat exchange assemblies 24a, 24b may be incorporated into the cup receptacles 20a, 20b having a unitary or unitary structure.

  Accordingly, in some embodiments, the integral receptacles 20a, 20b double as a main heat exchanger and a waste exchanger. In conventional thermoelectric systems, the targeted level of temperature regulation that occurs along the main side of the thermoelectric device is not offset or otherwise negatively affected by reverse temperature regulation that occurs along the waste side As such, it has a thermal gap or other thermal discontinuity. However, in the beverage holder embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the indentation or other opening 30a, 30b in which the thermoelectric device 100 is located is partly between the upper region and the lower region. Help form a typical thermal conductive barrier. For example, in some embodiments, the side walls of the beverage receptacles 20a, 20b form an integral connection with the bottom wall of the receptacle only along a relatively thin portion of the receptacles 20a, 20b that surrounds the recesses 30a, 30b. .

  6a and 6b schematically illustrate an embodiment of a thermally conductive unit receptacle 20c, 20d of a beverage holder 10c, 10d that incorporates independent heat transfer assemblies 150c, 150d at least partially within the structure of the receptacle. Show. For example, in FIG. 6a, the heat exchange assembly 150c has a pneumatic heat exchange system that extends through the bottom wall of the cup receptacle 20c. Similarly, in FIG. 6b, receptacle 20d incorporates or otherwise incorporates a liquid loop heat exchange system 150d within its structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchange system 150d is completely encapsulated or surrounded by the receptacle 20d. However, in other embodiments, the heat exchange system 150 is only partially surrounded by the receptacle 20d.

  One embodiment of a temperature controlled beverage holder 210 having a liquid loop heat exchange system is schematically illustrated in FIG. As shown, one or more thermoelectric devices 100 may be placed in thermal contact with the receptacle 220. For example, as described with reference to other configurations disclosed herein, thermoelectric device 100 may be disposed along a wall (eg, bottom wall, sidewall, etc.) of thermally conductive cup receptacle 220. .

  As can be seen with continued reference to FIG. 7, the cooling plate 260 may be placed in thermal contact with the disposal side of the thermoelectric device 100. Accordingly, heat generated by the thermoelectric device 100 (eg, when the thermoelectric device 100 cools the cup receptacle) may be transferred to the liquid flowing in the cooling plate 260. As described in detail herein, the cooling plate 260 may be thermally conductive and may have one or more flow paths or passages. Therefore, heat may be transferred from the disposal side of the thermoelectric device 100 to at least one of water and other liquids that pass through the flow path of the cooling plate 260. The heated liquid flowing out of the cold plate 260 may be used with one or more fluid pumps 270 to provide one or more secondary heat exchangers 280 (eg, air heat exchangers, other May be transported through a tube, tube or other conduit via at least one of a radiator 280, etc.), a liquid reservoir, or the like. In some embodiments, the circulation of liquid through such a liquid loop heat exchange system removes heat from the liquid flowing out of the cold plate 260. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more fluid transfer devices (e.g., a blower, a fan, etc.) transfer at least one of air and other fluid to the secondary heat exchanger 280. At least one of supply to the secondary heat exchanger 280 and supply in the vicinity of the secondary heat exchanger 280. In some embodiments, the use of such a fluid transfer device can help improve the desired or necessary heat transfer characteristics along such a secondary heat exchanger 280.

  FIGS. 8a-8d illustrate one embodiment of a temperature adjustable cup holder having a liquid loop heat exchange system similar to the liquid loop heat exchange system described above with reference to FIG. As shown, the cup holder 210 includes two cup receptacles 220 and one or more of the following: a thermoelectric device 100 (not shown) in thermal contact with at least a portion of the receptacle 220, a fluid pump. 270, an air heat exchanger 280, a liquid reservoir, one or more of fluid conduits 272 that circulate fluid through the system, and the like.

  Referring to FIGS. 8d and 9b, the cooling plate 260 may include one or more internal channels 262 having a bent shape, a serpentine shape, or a sinusoidal shape in some embodiments. Although not illustrated herein, the covering or plate seals the flow path 262 and allows the flow of liquid through the cold plate 260 (from inlet 268 to outlet 266). It may be arranged in the vicinity of H.262. In other configurations, at least one of the shape, size, layout, orientation, and other features of the flow path 262 may be different from that shown in FIGS. 8d and 9b.

  FIG. 9 a shows the bottom surface of a thermally conductive beverage receptacle 220 configured to house the thermoelectric device 100. The thermoelectric device 100 may be secured directly or indirectly to the outer surface of the beverage receptacle 200 (eg, along the shaded area 102 in FIG. 9a). For example, the thermoelectric device 100 may be disposed on the receptacle 220 using at least one of heat dissipating grease, heat transfer foil or heat transfer pad, and other adhesives.

  As shown in FIG. 9b, the cold plate 266 located adjacent to the disposal side of the thermoelectric device 100 (eg, uses one or more screws, bolts, or other fasteners). And fixed to the bottom wall of the beverage receptacle 220. As pointed out above, a cover or other sealing member (not shown) may be placed in contact with the cold plate 260 to seal the flow path 262. Thus, in some embodiments, the cold plate 260 and the thermoelectric device 100 may be placed directly along one or more surfaces of the unitary or unitary receptacle 220.

  FIGS. 10 a and 10 b show one embodiment of a beverage holder 310 having two receptacles 320. In the illustrated configuration, the beverage holder 310 has a dogbone shape. As with other embodiments disclosed herein, the beverage receptacle 320 of the holder 310 may include a unitary or unitary structure that includes one or more thermally conductive materials. In the illustrated configuration, a single thermoelectric device 100 is disposed along a portion of the sidewall (eg, generally in a region provided between two receptacles 320). Thus, a single thermoelectric device 100 may be used to conductively cool or heat the two beverage receptacles 320. A side view of a similarly configured beverage holder 310a that includes a single thermoelectric device 100 is shown in FIG. 11a. In other embodiments, such as the beverage holder 310b of FIG. 11b, each beverage receptacle has a dedicated thermoelectric device 100.

  A liquid loop heat exchange system may be similarly incorporated in a temperature controlled container or other sealed container. One embodiment of such a container 410 is shown in Figures 12a-12b and 13a-13c. As shown, the container 410 may include an interior space 420 configured to contain at least one of food, beverages and any other items. The interior space 420 is defined by a sidewall 422 having a unitary or unitary configuration. Similar to the beverage holder configuration disclosed herein, the side wall 422 may be placed in thermal contact with one or more thermoelectric devices 100. As shown, a connecting member or spacer block 424 may be disposed between the sidewall 422 and the thermoelectric device 100 to position the thermoelectric device 100 in thermal contact with the container 410. This is particularly useful when it is not possible, difficult, or impractical to fix the thermoelectric device 100 directly on the side wall 422 of the container 410. For example, such a thermally conductive connecting member or spacer block 424 may be used in each embodiment of a container having one or more layers of thermal insulation material (eg, insulating layer 426 of FIG. 12a). See, only a small portion of the insulating layer 426 is shown for clarity of illustration, but in some embodiments, the insulating layer 426 may be a receptacle or container wall as desired or required. May extend along all or substantially the outer surface). The use of such a connecting member or spacer block 424 (eg, in the case where there is one or more layers or components around the holder or container wall, Any temperature-controlled beverage holder and container embodiment disclosed herein (to allow for thermal contact with the holder or container wall) may be incorporated.

  As shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b, the temperature controlled vessel 410 may have a liquid loop heat exchange system that draws heat from the thermoelectric device 100 in use. In some embodiments, the liquid loop heat exchange system includes a cold plate 460 that is provided in thermal contact with the thermoelectric device 100. As described herein with reference to other configurations, the cooling plate 460 may include one or more internal channels through which liquid can flow. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8d and 9b, the flow path 262 of the cooling plate 460 may include a serpentine shape or other bent shape.

  With continued reference to FIGS. 12 a and 12 b, liquid may be transferred between at least one of the tubes, tubes and other fluid conduits 472 of the cold plate 460. Similar to the beverage holder configuration disclosed herein, a liquid (eg, water) may be circulated through the interior of the cooling plate 460 to remove heat from the adjacent thermoelectric device 100. Also, the heated liquid can be used with one or more secondary heat exchangers or radiators (eg, air heat exchangers, liquid heat exchangers, any other type of heat exchanger, etc.) At least one of the one or more tanks and one or more other liquid loop heat exchange system components may be circulated. A similarly configured embodiment of a temperature controlled vessel 410 having a liquid loop heat exchange system is shown in FIGS. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more fluid transfer devices (eg, a blower, a fan, etc.) transfer at least one of air and other fluids to the secondary heat exchanger. At least one of supplying, supplying through the secondary heat exchanger, and supplying in the vicinity of the secondary heat exchanger is selectively performed. In some embodiments, the use of such a fluid transfer device can help improve the desired or necessary heat transfer characteristics along such a second heat exchanger.

  As an aid to the description of the disclosed embodiments, the above uses the terms upper, upper, bottom, lower, lower, rear, front, vertical, horizontal, upstream, downstream, etc. At least one of the drawings has been described. However, it will be appreciated that various embodiments may be arranged and oriented at various desired locations, whether or not illustrated.

  Although several embodiments and examples have been disclosed herein, the present application extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and uses of the present invention as well as modified embodiments of the present invention. And at least one of the equivalent embodiments. Various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of each embodiment may be made, and such combinations are still considered to be within the scope of the invention. Thus, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined or replaced with each other to form various aspects of the disclosed invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention disclosed herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments disclosed above, but should only be determined by reading the following claims fairly. is there.

  While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown and described in detail herein. However, the invention is not limited to the specific forms or methods disclosed, but, conversely, the invention is not limited to the various embodiments described above and all modifications and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. It should be understood that embodiments and alternative embodiments are directed. All methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order described. The ranges disclosed herein include any and all overlaps, subranges and combinations thereof. Terms such as “up to”, “at least”, “greater than”, “less than”, “between”, etc. include the stated number. The number following a word such as “about” or “approximately” includes the recited number. For example, “about 10 mm” includes “10 mm”. Words or phrases following a word such as “substantially” include the stated word or phrase. For example, “substantially parallel” includes “parallel”.

Claims (44)

A receptacle configured to receive an item and having a wall having an outer surface, the receptacle including at least one thermally conductive material;
A thermoelectric device fixed to the outer surface of the receptacle wall;
A liquid loop heat exchange system having a cooling plate adjacent to the thermoelectric device, wherein the system is disposed between the receptacle wall and the cooling plate and is thermally conductive to both the receptacle and the cooling plate. And a liquid loop heat exchange system.   The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a beverage holder that houses a beverage container.   The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a container.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is at least partially open to an ambient environment.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is configured to define a sealed space.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wall of the receptacle has at least one of a side wall and a bottom wall.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cold plate includes an inlet and an outlet and a liquid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cooling plate has a unitary configuration or an integrated configuration.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cold plate has at least two portions configured to mate with each other.   The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the liquid flow path has a meandering shape or a bent shape.   The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the liquid flow path has a non-linear shape.   The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the liquid loop heat exchange system further comprises a secondary heat exchanger, a pump, and a fluid conduit.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the secondary heat exchanger is separated from the cooling pack.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the secondary heat exchanger comprises a pneumatic heat exchanger.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the thermoelectric device is fixed directly to an outer surface of the wall of the receptacle.   The thermoelectric device is indirectly fixed to an outer surface of the receptacle wall, and at least one intermediate member is disposed between the thermoelectric device and the receptacle wall, and the at least one intermediate member is thermally conductive. 12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising:   The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one intermediate member comprises at least one of heat dissipating grease, heat transfer foil, and heat transfer pad.   The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one intermediate member comprises a thermally conductive spacer block.   12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thermal insulation layer is arranged along at least a part of the exterior of the wall.   A thermal insulation layer is disposed around the spacer block along at least a portion of the exterior of the wall, the spacer block being in thermal contact between the thermoelectric device and the receptacle wall despite the presence of the thermal insulation layer. The device according to claim 18, which makes it possible to do so.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wall has at least one mechanism for directly fixing at least one of the thermoelectric device and the cooling pack to the wall.   The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one mechanism has at least one opening for receiving a fastener.   The cooling pack is directly coupled to the wall using at least one attachment method, and the thermoelectric device is disposed between the wall and the cooling pack when the cooling pack is coupled to the wall. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein:   24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one attachment method includes at least one of a screw, bolt, another fastener, another mechanical connection, and an adhesive.   13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising at least one blower configured to cause air to traverse a portion of the secondary heat exchanger or pass near the portion.   The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one thermally conductive material comprises at least one of a metal, an alloy, and a thermally conductive thermoplastic material.   12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one thermally conductive material comprises aluminum, copper, or steel.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one thermally conductive material comprises a thermally conductive plastic. A receptacle configured to receive a beverage container, having a side wall and a bottom wall, wherein the side wall and the bottom wall form a unitary structure, the receptacle including at least a thermally conductive material;
A recess located within a portion of the side wall or bottom wall of the receptacle;
A thermoelectric device fixed in the recess, the thermoelectric device 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 dissipate heat from the thermoelectric device.   31. A beverage holder according to claim 30, wherein the heat exchange assembly is incorporated into the unitary structure of the receptacle.   32. A beverage holder according to claim 31, wherein the heat exchange assembly comprises a pneumatic heat exchange system.   The beverage holder of claim 32, wherein the heat exchange assembly has a plurality of fins.   34. A beverage holder according to claim 33, wherein the fins are formed from the integral structure of the receptacle along the bottom wall or side wall of the receptacle.   32. A beverage holder according to claim 31, wherein the heat exchange assembly comprises a liquid loop heat exchange system. The heat exchange assembly has at least one liquid flow path;
The at least one liquid flow path is configured to contain liquid to remove heat from the thermoelectric device in use;
31. A beverage holder according to claim 30, wherein the at least one liquid flow path has an opening disposed in a wall of the receptacle.   37. A beverage holder according to claim 36, wherein the at least one liquid flow path is oriented in a serpentine manner.   37. A beverage holder according to claim 36, wherein each of the recess and the at least one liquid flow path is disposed within a bottom wall of the receptacle.   30. 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.   30. A beverage holder according to claim 29, wherein the thermoelectric device is capable of expanding and contracting within the recess in response to temperature fluctuations.   32. A beverage holder according to claim 30, wherein the heat exchange assembly is manufactured by a removed portion of the monolithic structure of the receptacle.   42. A beverage holder according to claim 41, wherein the portion to be removed is in the shape of a fin or an internal flow path.   31. A beverage holder according to claim 30, wherein the heat exchange assembly is a member different from the unitary structure of the receptacle, and the heat exchange assembly is at least partially embedded within the receptacle.   44. A beverage holder according to claim 43, wherein the heat exchange assembly comprises a metal and the receptacle comprises a thermally conductive plastic.

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