Patent Abstract:
A thermoelectric system which comprises two substrates spaced apart from each other to form a gap and a plurality of electrically-connected semiconductor elements disposed between the substrates in the gap. The thermoelectric system further comprises at least one sensor and a seal which extends between the substrates and encloses the sensor and at least one of the plurality of semiconductor elements. The sensor is disposed between the substrates at an interior location spaced from the peripheral edge of at least one of the substrates. Additionally, at least one of the semiconductor elements is disposed between the sensor and the peripheral edge.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 11/546,928, filed on Oct. 12, 2006, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to thermoelectric devices and, more particularly, to a Peltier circuit. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    A Peltier circuit is a thermoelectric device comprising two sides. When voltage is applied in one direction, one side creates heat while the other side absorbs heat. Switching polarity of the circuit creates the opposite effect. In a typical arrangement, the Peltier circuit comprises a closed circuit that includes dissimilar materials. As a DC voltage is applied to the closed circuit, a temperature change is produced at the junction of the dissimilar materials. Heat is either emitted or absorbed at the junction depending on the direction of current flow. The Peltier circuit can include several such junctions connected electrically in series. The junctions can be sandwiched between two ceramic plates, which form the cold side and the hot side of the device. The cold side can be thermally coupled to an object to be cooled and the hot side can be thermally coupled to a heat sink which dissipates heat to the environment. 
         [0006]    U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006-0130490 (filed Jan. 31, 2005 and published Jun. 22, 2006) discloses a vehicle seat ventilation system that utilizes a Peltier circuit to provide heated and/or cooled air to a vehicle seat for enhancing passenger comfort. Specifically, air can be passed over the cold and/or hot side of the Peltier circuit to heat or cool the air, which is then directed to the vehicle seat. Use of a Peltier circuit is particularly advantageous in this application because the Peltier circuit is compact and allows a single device to provide heated and cooled air to the vehicle seat. That is, the air may be directed over a single surface of the Peltier circuit, and the voltage can be reversed throughout the circuit depending on whether heated or cooled air is desired. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006-0130490 discloses a climate control system that can include a Peltier circuit for cooling and/or heating air supplied to a vehicle seat. A temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature of the air directed to the vehicle seat. Data from the temperature sensor can be used to control the amount and direction of voltage through the Peltier circuit. The temperature sensor should be reliable and provide accurate measurements. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a Peltier circuit with an improved arrangement for protecting the temperature sensor. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention comprises a thermoelectric device that includes a first and a second substrate spaced apart from each other to form a gap. A plurality of semiconductor elements are disposed between the first and second substrates within the gap. The plurality of semiconductor elements comprise a first group of semiconductor elements having a first set of electrical properties and a second group of semiconductor elements having a second set of electrical properties. A first set of electrical conductors is disposed between the plurality of semiconductors and the first substrate and a second set of electrical conductors are disposed between the plurality of semiconductors and the second substrate. The first set of electrical conductors and the second set of electrical conductors are arranged so the plurality of semiconductor elements are electrically coupled to each other in series with the first and second groups of semiconductor elements in an alternating arrangement. At least one sensor is disposed between the first and second substrates at a location spaced from a peripheral edge of the first and second substrates. A seal extends around the peripheral edge of the first and second substrates. 
         [0009]    Another aspect of the present invention comprises a thermoelectric system that includes a pair of opposing substrates, each substrate having a peripheral edge and a face that generally opposes a face of the other opposing substrate. A plurality of semiconductor elements is positioned between the opposing faces. The plurality of semiconductor elements includes at least two dissimilar semiconductor elements, the plurality of semiconductor elements electrically coupled in series by conductor elements arranged so the two dissimilar elements are connected in an alternating pattern. A sensor is positioned between the pair of opposing substrates at a location spaced from the peripheral edges of the opposing substrates. A seal extends around the plurality of semiconductor elements 
         [0010]    Another aspect of the present invention comprises a climate controlled seat assembly that includes a seat cushion having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant in a sitting position and a second side. An air passage extends from the second side into the seat cushion and is configured to deliver air to the first side of the seat cushion. A climate control system is in fluid communication with the air passage. The climate control system includes a thermoelectric device configured to heat and cool air deliver to the air passage. The thermoelectric device includes a pair of opposing substrates. A plurality of semiconductor and connection elements are disposed between the opposing substrates. A sensor is disposed between the pair of opposing substrates. A seal extends around the plurality of semiconductor and connection elements and the sensor. 
         [0011]    Yet another aspect of the present invention comprises a thermoelectric system that includes a pair of opposing substrates, each substrate having a peripheral edge and a face that generally opposes a face of the other opposing substrate. A plurality of semiconductor elements are disposed between the substrates elements. The plurality of semiconductor elements comprises at least two groups of dissimilar semiconductor elements that are alternately electrically coupled to each other in series. A sensor is positioned between the pair of opposing substrates at a location spaced from the peripheral edges of the opposing substrates. The system also includes means for sealing from moisture the plurality of semiconductor elements and the sensor positioned between the pair of opposing substrates. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1A  is an exploded side perspective view of an embodiment of a thermoelectric apparatus; 
           [0013]      FIG. 1B  is a side perspective view of the assembled thermoelectric apparatus of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of the thermoelectric apparatus of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2B  is an enlarged view of the portion labeled  2 B- 2 B in  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2C  is a cross-section view taken through line  2 C- 2 C of  FIG. 2A  with certain portions of the thermoelectric apparatus removed; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2D  is a modified embodiment of  FIG. 2C ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2E  is a modified embodiment of  FIG. 2C ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of a ventilation system that includes the thermoelectric apparatus of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of a conditioned assembly that includes the thermoelectric apparatus of  FIG. 1A ; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a conditioned assembly that includes the thermoelectric apparatus of  FIG. 1A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  2 A, and  2 B illustrate an embodiment of a thermoelectric device  10 .  FIG. 1A  is an exploded view of the thermoelectric device  10  with its various components separated vertically for ease of inspection.  FIG. 1B  is a side perspective view of the assembled thermoelectric device  10 .  FIG. 2A  is a side view of the thermoelectric device  10  with portions (as explained below) removed.  FIG. 2B  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 2A . 
         [0023]    With initial reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the thermoelectric device  10  can include a plurality of dissimilar conductive elements  22 ,  24 . As will be explained in more detail below, pairs of dissimilar conductive elements  22 ,  24  can be coupled together by a series  28  of opposing conductor tabs  28 , which are, in turn, disposed between a pair of opposing substrates  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, each substrate  32  is thermally coupled to a heat transfer member  38  through a thermal conductive element  34 . A sensor  50  can be positioned between the opposing substrates  32  and a seal  60  can be provided between the opposing substrates  32  to protect the sensor  50  and the elements between the substrates  32 . 
         [0024]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are side views of the thermoelectric device with the seal  60  omitted to allow inspection of the components  22 ,  24 ,  28  between the substrates  32 . In one embodiment, the dissimilar conductors  22 ,  24  comprise alternating N-type semiconductor elements  22  and P-type semiconductor elements  24 . The N-type semiconductor elements  22  and P-type semiconductor elements  24  can be composed of a bismuth-tellurium alloy (Bi 2 Te 3 ). Other doped or non-doped metals can also be used. The end of each of the N-type semiconductor elements  22  and P-type semiconductor elements  24  can be coated with a diffusion barrier (not shown). The diffusion barrier can inhibit flow of electrons out of the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24 . The diffusion barrier can comprise any of a number of materials, such as, for example, nickel, a titanium/tungsten alloy, and/or molybdenum. 
         [0025]    As can be seen in  FIG. 2A , pairs of dissimilar semiconductor elements  22 ,  24  can be coupled at their tops and bottoms with the conductor elements or tabs  28 . Semiconductor elements  22 ,  24  of the same type are not disposed on the same conductor tab  28 . That is, each conductor tab  28  is coupled to only one N-type semiconductor element  22  and only one P-type semiconductor elements  24 . In addition, the upper and lower conductor tabs  28  are configured such that the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24  are disposed in an alternating series. In this manner, the semiconductor elements are electrically connected in series with each other but, with respect to thermal energy, are in parallel with each other. 
         [0026]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2A , a first N-type semiconductor element  22  can be coupled at its top to a first conductor tab  28  which can also be coupled to a first the P-type semiconductor element  24  to the right of the first N-type semiconductor element  22 . At the bottom of the first N-type semiconductor element  22 , a second conductor tab  28  can be coupled to the first N-type semiconductor element  22  and can be coupled to a second P-type semiconductor element  24  to be disposed to the left of the first N-type thermoelectric element  22 . With reference back to  FIG. 1A , the conductor tabs  2   a  are arranged on the conductor element  28  configured such that all the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24  are connected in series with each other. It should be appreciated that the conductor tabs  28  can comprise a plurality of discrete elements coupled to the substrate  32  or an intermediate member. In a modified embodiment, the tabs  28  can be formed by tracing or otherwise forming a layer of conductive material on the substrate and/or an intermediate element. 
         [0027]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2A , the sensor  50  can be disposed on either substrate  32  between the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24 . As will be explained below, the sensor  50  can be position on the substrate  32  between the conductor tabs  28 . In dashed lines,  FIG. 2A  illustrates a sensor  52  in a modified location in which the sensor  52  is positioned on one of the conductor tabs  28 . 
         [0028]    As mentioned above, heat transfer assemblies  38  can be positioned on the top and bottom sides of the thermoelectric device  10 . The thermoelectric device  10  is capable of operating without the heat transfer assemblies  38 , however, the presence of such assemblies  38  increases the efficiency of heat transfer from the thermoelectric device  10  to the ambient atmosphere or a fluid in contact with the thermoelectric device  10 . 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , an electrically-conducting solder (not shown) can be used to mount the N-type semiconductor elements  22  and P-type semiconductor elements  24  to of the conductor tabs  28 . In one embodiment, the conducting solder can comprise compound of tin and antimony, although other metals or non-metals can be used. In one example, bismuth can also be alloyed with tin to create the solder. Other methods of affixing the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24  to the conductor tabs  28  can be used, provided an electrical connection is permitted between the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24  and the conductor tabs  28 . In turn, the conductor tabs  28  can suitably be mounted to the substrate  32  via an adhesive. 
         [0030]    The substrates  32  are preferably configured to provide electrical insulation while providing for heat conduction. In one embodiment, the substrates  32  can be constructed of a ceramic material such as, for example, alumina (ceramic) or silicon. Various other types of materials may be used, such an epoxy. In such an embodiment, the substrates  32  are preferably sufficiently rigid to maintain the shape of the thermoelectric device  10 . In other embodiments, flexible substrates can be used. When flexible substrates are used, the thermoelectric device can be constructed in various shapes and have the ability to bend from one shape to another. As mentioned above, the substrates  32  can act an electrical insulator. The typical thickness for a substrate can be between 50 and 500 micrometers, though other thicknesses can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the substrates  32  can be sufficiently large to cover completely the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24  and conductor tabs  28 . The conductor tabs  28  can be coupled to the electrically-insulating substrate  32  through solder, epoxy, or any other mounting mechanism. 
         [0031]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the heat transfer layer  34  can be disposed between the substrate  32  and the heat transfer member  38 . Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the heat transfer layer  34  can be disposed on the outside of each of the substrates  32 . In one embodiment, the heat transfer layer  34  can be a plate composed of copper or another material that has high thermal conductivity. The heat transfer layer  34  can be between 10 and 400 micrometers thick, although thinner or thicker layers can be used. The heat transfer member  38  can be coupled to the heat transfer layer by a layer of heat-conducting solder  36 . In the illustrated embodiment, the heat transfer member  38  can comprise a material of high thermal conductivity (e.g., copper), which is shaped into a plurality of fins. Other materials or shapes can also be used, such as copper alloys or circular members. Additionally, the heat transfer between the heat transfer member  38  and the surrounding environment can be enhanced by providing a fluid transfer device (e.g., a fan) to move fluid (e.g., air) over and/or through the heat transfer member  38 . 
         [0032]    When a current is passed through the N-type semiconductor elements  22  in series with the P-type semiconductor elements  24 , one junction  28  on one side of the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24  is heated and the junction  28  on the other side of the thermoelectric elements  22 ,  24  is cooled. That is, when a voltage is applied in one direction in series through the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24 , alternating junctions  28  of the N-type semiconductor elements  22  and P-type semiconductor elements  24  will heat and cool respectively. With reference to  FIG. 2A , because the junctions  28  of the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24  are located alternately on the top and bottom of the device  10 , when a voltage is applied in one direction through the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24  the top of the thermoelectric device  10  heats and the bottom of the thermoelectric device  10  cools. When the current direction is reversed, the top of the thermoelectric device  10  is cooled and the bottom is heated. Current can be applied to the device  10  through electrical connectors  40 , which can be electrically coupled one of the junctions  28 . 
         [0033]    As described above, the sensor  50  can be disposed between the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24 . The sensor  50  can be configured to determine any of a number of states of operation of the thermoelectric device  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor  50  can be a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor. As an example, a thermistor with an internal resistance of about 1000 Ω can be used. Other resistances and other sensors that detect different operating states of the device  10  can also be used, including, but not limited to, thermocouples and resistance thermometers. The sensor  50  can determine the temperature of the thermoelectric device  10  at a point located among the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24 . The sensor  50  can be disposed on a conductor tab  28  (e.g., element  52 ) between an N-type semiconductor element  22  and a P-type semiconductor element  24 , or can be disposed between any two conductor elements  22 ,  24  while mounted or placed on the substrate  32 . In a modified embodiment, the sensor  50  can be disposed between a semiconductor element  22 ,  24  and the edge of the substrate  32 . 
         [0034]    With reference back to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the seal  60  is shown surrounding the thermoelectric device  10  between the substrates  32 . In general, the seal  60  is disposed between the two substrates  32 , and surround the plurality of semiconductor elements  22 ,  24 .  FIG. 2C  is a top plan view of a bottom half of a thermoelectric device  10 . As can be seen, the semiconductor elements  22 ,  24  can be disposed on the conductor tabs  28  in an alternating pattern. The sensor  50  can be placed on one of the substrates  32  between an N-type thermoelectric element  22  and a P-type thermoelectric element  24 . The wire  52  of the internal sensor  50  can extend through the seal  60 . 
         [0035]    The sensor  50  can have a wire  52  or other communication medium which extends through the seal  60 . The seal  60  can be constructed of any material sufficient to inhibit moisture or other contaminants from entering the thermoelectric device  10 . In some embodiments, the seal  60  can comprise putty. In other embodiments, plastics or epoxy can be used. In one particular embodiment, RTV, a commercially available silicone rubber sealant, can be used. In one embodiment, the seal  60  can extend completely around the perimeter of thermoelectric device  10  to completely enclose the thermoelectric elements  22 ,  24  and sensor  50  positioned between the substrate  32 . In certain embodiments, the seal  60  can extend at least partially between the substrates  32  and in between the thermoelectric elements  22 ,  24 . 
         [0036]    With reference now to  FIG. 2D , another embodiment of the thermoelectric device  10  is illustrated. Unless otherwise described, the components in  FIG. 2D  are substantially identical to those of  FIG. 2C  an a prime (′) has been added to the number.  FIG. 2D  illustrates a thermoelectric device  10 ′ having a sensor  70  that has a substrate footprint greater than the preferred distance between two thermoelectric elements  22 ′,  24 ′. Accordingly, some of the thermoelectric elements  22 ′,  24 ′ have been removed to accommodate the sensor  50 ′. The sensor  50 ′ can be disposed at any location where a thermoelectric element  22 ′,  24 ′ is disposed between the sensor  50 ′ and an edge of the substrate  32 ′. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor  50 ′ provides information through a set of connecting traces  72  etched on the substrate  50 ′. In other embodiments, the wire  52  described above can be used. The thermoelectric elements  22 ′,  24 ′ ordinarily disposed at the location of the connecting traces  72  are removed. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting traces  72  are composed of a metal, such as copper. Other electrically-conductive materials can also be used, such as gold. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting traces  72  are in communication with the sensor  50 ′, which is disposed in substantially the center of the substrate  32 ′. The connecting traces  72  extend from the sensor  50 ′ toward the edge of the substrate  32 ′. 
         [0037]    With reference now to  FIG. 2D , another embodiment of the thermoelectric device  10  is illustrated. Unless otherwise described, the components in  FIG. 2D  are substantially identical to those of  FIGS. 2C  and a prime (′) has been added to the number. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor  70  is disposed between the substrates  32 ′ and conductor elements  28 . As illustrated, the connecting traces  72  preferably extend from the sensor  70  towards an edge of the substrate  32 ′ between the conductor elements  28 . 
         [0038]    With reference now to  FIG. 2E , another embodiment of the thermoelectric device  10  is illustrated. Unless otherwise described, the components in  FIG. 2D  are substantially identical to those of  FIG. 2C  a double prime (′&#39;) has been added to the number.  FIG. 2E  illustrates a thermoelectric device  10  having a sensor  70  that has a substrate footprint greater than the preferred distance between two thermoelectric elements  22 ′,  24 ′. Accordingly, some of the thermoelectric elements (not shown) and/or conductor element  28 ″ have been removed to accommodate the sensor  70 . The sensor  70  can be disposed at any location where a thermoelectric element (not shown) is disposed between the sensor  70  and an edge of the substrate  32 ′,. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor  70  provides information through a set of connecting traces  72  etched on the substrate  32 ′. In other embodiments, the wire  52  described above can be used. The thermoelectric elements (not shown) ordinarily disposed at the location of the connecting traces  72  are removed. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting traces  72  are composed of a metal, such as copper. Other electrically-conductive materials can also be used, such as gold. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting traces  72  are in communication with the sensor  70 , which is disposed in substantially the center of the substrate  32 ″. The connecting traces  72  extend from the sensor  50 ″ toward the edge of the substrate  32 ′. 
         [0039]    With reference now to  FIG. 3 , a climate control system  99  for a seat assembly  100  is shown in combination with a pair of thermoelectric devices  10   a ,  10   b , which can be arranged as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat assembly  100  is similar to a standard automotive seat. However, it should be appreciated that certain features and aspects of the climate control system  99  and seat assembly  100  described herein can also be used in a variety of other applications and environments. For example, certain features and aspects of the system  99  and assembly  100  may be adapted for use in other vehicles, such as, for example, an airplane, a wheel chair, a boat, or the like. Further, certain features and aspects of the system  99  and assembly  100  can also be adapted for use in stationary environments, such as, for example, a chair, a sofa, a theater seat, a mattress, and an office seat that is used in a place of business and/or residence. 
         [0040]    The seat assembly  100  can comprise a seat portion  102  and a back portion  104 . The seat portion  102  and back portion  104  can each comprise a cushion  106   a ,  106   b  and a plurality of channels  108   a ,  108   b  disposed within and/or extending through the cushions  106   a ,  106   b . Each of the channels  108   a ,  108   b  can be placed in fluid communication with the climate control system  99  through a conduit  110   a ,  110   b . The conduits  110   a ,  110   b , in turn, are in communication with separate climate control devices  112   a ,  112   b . In the illustrated embodiment, the channels  108   a  associated with the seat portion  102  are in communication with a different climate control device  112   a  than the channels  108   b  in the back portion. However, in other embodiments, a single climate control device can be in fluid communication with the channels  108   a ,  108   b  the seat portion  102  and back portion  104 . In other embodiments, multiple climate control devices can be associated with either the seat portion  102  and/or the back portion  104 . In some embodiments, the channels  108   a ,  108   b  and/or conduits  110   a ,  110   b  can include resistive heating elements (not shown). 
         [0041]    In the illustrated embodiment, the climate control devices  112   a ,  112   b  can each comprise the thermoelectric device  10   a ,  10   b , which can be configured as described above, and a fluid transfer device  130   a ,  130   b . The fluid transfer device  130   a ,  130   b c an be a radial or axial fan, or other device for transferring a fluid. The thermoelectric device  10   a ,  10   b  can be disposed between the fluid transfer device  130   a ,  130   b  and the conduits  110   a ,  110   b . As described above, the thermoelectric device  10   a ,  10   b  can be configured to selectively heat or cool the fluid (e.g., air) delivered by the fluid transfer device  130   a ,  130   b  to the seat portion  102  and back portion  104 . The fluid transfer device  130   a ,  130   b  can be configured to transfer air to the channels  108   a ,  108   b  that is drawn past only one side of the thermoelectric device  10   a ,  10   b . Accordingly, the climate control devices  112   a ,  112   b  can be configured to alternately supply heated or cooled air  122   a ,  122   b  through the plurality of conduits  110   a ,  110   b  to the seat  100 . The fluid transfer device  130   a ,  130   b  can also be used to withdraw air through the conduits  110   a ,  110   b.    
         [0042]    In the illustrated embodiments, each of the thermoelectric devices  10   a ,  10   b  include a pair of heat transfer members  38  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) as described above. The heat transfer members  38  form a waste heat exchanger and a generally opposing main heat exchanger, which can be thermally exposed to the air transferred by the fluid transfer device  130   a ,  130   b . Depending upon the mode of operation, heat can be transferred to the air through the main heat exchanger or withdrawn from the air through the main heat exchanger. 
         [0043]    The climate control devices  112   a ,  112   b  can be controlled and operatively connected by an electronic control device  114   a ,  114   b . The electronic control devices  114   a ,  114   b  can receive signals from a plurality of input sources  116 ,  118 ,  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, three input sources are shown, but more or fewer can be used. The electronic control devices  114   a ,  114   b  can be operatively connected with each other through an information connection  124 . The electronic control devices  114   a ,  114   b  can be configured change the operating state of the climate control devices  112   a ,  112   b  in response to a control signal or setting. For example, the electronic control devices  114   a ,  114   b  can alter the speed at which fluid is transferred by the fluid transfer devices  130   a ,  130   b  or the operating state of the thermoelectric devices  10   a ,  10   b  to heat or cool the fluid. The sensor  50  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) disposed in the thermoelectric devices  10   a ,  10   b  can impart information through the wire  52   a ,  52   b  to the electronic control devices  114   a ,  114   b , thereby allowing the devices  114   a ,  114   b  to determine accurately the operating temperature of the climate control devices  112   a ,  112   b . The electronic control devices  114   a ,  114   b  can adjust the operation of the climate control devices  112   a ,  112   b  based at least in part on information provided by the sensor  50 . For example, the electronic control devices  114   a ,  114   b  can change the direction or strength of current in the thermoelectric devices  10   a ,  10   b , change the speed of operation of the fluid transfer device  130   a ,  130   b , and/or shut down the devices  10   a ,  10   b  if there is a malfunction. 
         [0044]    With reference now to  FIG. 4 , an assembly  200  is shown in combination with a thermoelectric device  210 , which can be arranged according to the embodiment described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly  200  defines a cavity  201 , which can be enclosed (e.g., via a removable or retractable door or top). In a modified embodiment, the assembly  200  can device one or more holders  202  for containers (e.g., a cup holder). In either embodiment, the assembly  200  preferably includes one or more conductive elements or material  204  that surrounds at least partially cavities  201 ,  202  so as to cool (or heat) articles positioned therein. 
         [0045]    The conductive material or elements  204  can be conductively coupled to the one side of the thermoelectric device  210  while the other side of the device  210  can be conductively coupled to a heat exchanger  212  positioned within a duct  206 . A fluid transfer device  208  can be used to pump air through the heat exchanger  212 . In this manner, the thermoelectric device  210  can be used to withdraw heat from the cup holder  203  or cavity  201  to cool a container or article positioned therein and/or transfer heat to the cup holder  203  or cavity  201  to heat a container positioned 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  illustrates a modified embodiment of the assembly  230 . As described above, the assembly can include a cavity  301 , which can be enclosed (e.g., via a removable or retractable door or top). In a modified embodiment, the assembly  300  can include one or more holders  303  for containers (e.g., a cup holder). Insulation  304  can be provided to insulate the cavity  301  or cup holder  303 . In this embodiment, the thermoelectric device  310  has a first side coupled to a first heat exchanger  313  and a second side coupled to a second heat exchanger  312 . Each heat exchanger  313 ,  312  is positioned within a duct  314 ,  306 . Each duct  313 ,  306  can be in communication with a fluid transfer device  308  or share a common fluid transfer device (not illustrated). The air on the first side of the device  313  is directed into the cavity  201 ,  202 . In this manner, conditioned (e.g., hot or cold) air can be directed into the assembly  300  to cool and/or heat objects and article positioned therein. As shown by the dashed lines, in one embodiment, the air delivered to the cavity  301 ,  302  can be re-circulated to the fluid transfer device  308  through a recirculation passage  316 . 
         [0047]    Various components are described as being “operatively connected” to the control unit. It should be appreciated that this is a broad term that includes physical connections (e.g., electrical wires or hard wire circuits) and non-physical connections (e.g., radio or infrared signals). It should also be appreciated that “operatively connected” includes direct connections and indirect connections (e.g., through additional intermediate device(s)). 
         [0048]    Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while the number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. 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 invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to perform varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention 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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1