EP0383222A2

EP0383222A2 - Refrigerating device

Info

Publication number: EP0383222A2
Application number: EP90102678A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Valerio Aisa; Francesco Santini; Domenico Cappelletti; Pietro Mariani; Alberto Mariani; Aurelio Boninsegni; Natale Monaldi
Original assignee: Merloni Elettrodomestici SpA
Current assignee: Whirlpool EMEA SpA
Priority date: 1989-02-13
Filing date: 1990-02-12
Publication date: 1990-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2010-02-12
Also published as: EP0383222B1; ES2066019T3; DE69014673D1; IT1232574B; DE69014673T2; EP0383222A3; IT8967076A0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerating device comprising three compartments, among which a first compartment is used for the storage of fresh food (9) and a second compartment for the freezing and storage of food (11), a refrigerating circuit comprising a compressor (1), a first and second evaporators (6, 8) arranged in said first and second compartments (9, 11), and a condenser (3). The main feature of the refrigerating device according to the present invention is that the third compartment (10) can be used at user's will either for the storage of fresh food or for its freezing and storage, and that electronic control means (uP, 40...52) are provided for automatic selection in response to a user's instruction.

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerating device comprising three compartments, among which a first compartment is used for the storage of fresh food and a second compartment is used for the freezing and storing of foods, a refrigerating circuit comprising a compressor, a first and second evaporators arranged in said first and second compartments, respectively, and a condenser.
Refrigerating devices with three compartments are already known. For instance, European Patent application nr. 0 181 781 describes a refrigerating device with three compartments, of which one is used for the freezing and storage of food (freezer), one for the storage of fresh food (refrigerator) and an intermediate one that can be set to obtain three different temperatures, the first one close to that of the freezer, the second close to that of the compartment for fresh food and the third at about zero degrees.
Said result can be reached through one evaporator only, a circulation fan, a complex system of thermostated changes of the forced air circulation (from evaporator to freezer, from evaporator to refrigerator and from evaporator to the intermediate compartment). From the evaporator to the intermediate compartment two ways are available: the first one being enabled when acting as a feezer, the second when acting as a refrigerator or as a compartment at zero degrees. Zero degree temperature is reached by heating the thermostatic door probe to deceive it and let it assume that the temperature is higher than the real one.
Thus, the system described in the European Patent application nr. 0 181 781 appears rather complex and costly.
A refrigerating device with three compartments is also described in the European Patent application nr. 0 289 408, where the refrigerating device covered by such an application shows a refrigerating circuit with two evaporators in series, a first one located in the freezer compartment and the second in the compartment for the storage of fresh food.
A capillary between the two evaporators is located in the third compartment, where in this way a zero degree temperature is maintained. This system is simple and inexpensive; however, it does not allow the user to change the temperature and consequently the use of the intermediate compartment.
Purpose of the present invention is to indicate an improved refrigerating device relatively simple and of reasonable cost, which allows anyway to obtain at least two different temperatures inside the intermediate compartment.
To achieve said purpose it is the aim of the present invention to realize a refrigerating device comprising three compartments, among which a first compartment is used for the storage of fresh food and a second compartment for the freezing and storage of food, a refrigerating circuit comprising a compressor, a first and a second evaporators arranged in said first and second compartment respectively, and a condenser, characterized in that the third compartment can be used according to the user's desire both for the storage of fresh food and for the freezing and storage of food, and in that electronic control means are provided for automatic selection in response to a user's instruction.
A preferred version of the refrigerating device according to the present invention is characterized in that means for setting and keeping the temperature in said third compatment at a selected value, chosen within a predetermined range of values, are provided.
Further aims and advantages of the present invention are clearly shown in the following detailed description and annexed drawings by way of an explicative but non limiting example, where:

- Fig. 1 shows schematically the refrigerating circuit of the refrigerating device according to the invention;
- Fig. 2 shows specifically some elements of the refrigerating device according to the invention;
- Fig. 3 shows schematically the electric circuit of the refrigerating device according to the invention;
- Fig. 4 shows specifically the display element of the refrigerating device according to the invention;
- Fig. 5 shows schematically a significant part of the control unit flowchart for the refrigerating device according to the invention;
- Fig. 6 shows schematically a further significant part of the control unit flowchart for the refrigerating device according to the invention.

In figure 1, showing schematically the refrigerating circuit of the refrigerating device according to the present invention, number 1 indicates a compressor to press the refrigerating fluid; number 2 indicates the delivery pipe exiting from the compressor 1; number 3 indicates the condenser to cool the pressed fluid; number 4 indicates a three-way solenoid valve; number 5 indicates the capillary tube of the evaporator 6 for the compartment used for the storage of fresh food (refrigerator); number 7 indicates the capillary tube of the evaporator 8 for the freezing compartment (freezer) 11; number 10 indicates a third intermediate compartment with variable temperature that can be used both for the storage of fresh food and for freezing purpose, as it will be better explained later.
Number 12 indicates a fan for air circulation in the compartments 10 and 11, number 13 indicates the slots for air circulation in the compartment 11, number 14 indicates a movable grid (flap) to close or open the relevant slots for air circulation adjustment inside the intermediate compartment 10.
Number 15 indicates one of the two linear electromechanical actuators to move the flap 14 back and forward as it is better explained in Fig. 2.
In Fig. 2, where some elements of the refrigerating device according to the invention as specifically shown, the opposite actuator 15a is also shown along with the flap 14 and actuator 15.
When actuator 15 is enabled, it pushes flap 14 away from it; the same applies for actuator 15a. Obviously, if one actuator is operated the slots will be open to allow air circulation, whereas the slots will be closed and air circulation stopped when the other actuator is operated.
When the slots are open the temperature in the compartment 10 will attain the same value as in compartment 11 (-18° condition), whereas when they are closed the temperature inside the compartment 10 will rise up to a value close to the one of compartment 9 (+3°).
Operating both actuators suitably, the temperature inside the compartment 10 can be maintained at a predetermined value selected between the above two values, as it will be better explained later.
It should be noted that both actuators are preferably used according to the ON-OFF principle, i.e. flap 14 is either fully open or fully closed and the temperature setting is obtained by changing the opening and closing time.
Moreover, each actuator is only enabled for the time required to change the position of flap 14; thus, activation time is greatly reduced while the actuator life is considerably extended.
In Fig. 3, showing schematically the electric circuit of the refrigerating device according to the invention, the central rectangle represents the electronic control card of the refrigerating device.
Symbol uP indicates the microprocessor controlling the whole operation according to the flowchart schematically shown in Fig. 5.
Symbol ID indicates the connecting interface from the microprocessor to the display/keyboard unit, as shown in Fig. 4.
Symbol AD indicates an analogic/digital converter to convert into digital signals that can be processed by the microprocessor the analogic signals collected by the four relevant temperature probes S1, S2, S3, S4, related to the refrigerator compartment, refrigerator evaporator, intermediate compartment and freezer compartment, respectively.
Specifically the microprocessor controls through the probe S3 that temperature in the intermediate compartment 10 reaches and keeps the temperature input by key 12 within the usual tolerance values (see Fig. 4).
Symbol ME indicates a non-volatile RAM memory (read and write memory), eg. of the EEPROM type (electronically erasable programmable read only memory). Said memory will be used to store the data should a current mains failure occur, eg. to let the alarm signal go on in case the max temperature admitted in the freezer compartment (-10°) be exceeded, also in case of a black-out.
The memory is also suitably used to store the user's instructions in case of a black-out, which is specifically important for a refrigerating device as described above, as in such an event the configuration of the intermediate compartment could be lost if not stored in a non-volatile memory.
Symbol IP indicates the power interface for actuators control. In fact, it is connected with:
- the flap closing actuator (CF)
- the flap opening actuator (AF)
- the flap heater (RF)
- the freezer heater (RR)
- the solenoid valve (EV, 4)
- the fan (EV, 12)
- the compressor (CO, 1).
Symbol PS indicates the power supply connected to the mains through a transformer/voltage reducer TR and an interference filter FI, feeding all card circuits.
Symbol FU indicates a fuse in series on the feed mains.
Symbol LF indicates an illumination lamp for the refrigerator compartment, which can be switched off by a manual switch I4 or by the switch I3 on the refrigerator compartment door.
Manual (mains) switch I4 is indipendent from the low voltage switch I1, which disables the refrigerator compartment. In fact, switch I1 disables the control logic of the bypass solenoid valve of the refrigerating circuit (EV, 4), so that the refrigerating fluid will skip the refrigerator evaporator 6 and go to the freezer evaporator 8 only.
This simple system allows switching off the refrigerator whenever the user wishes to do it, while only the freezer will be in operation.
Since the light switch I4 in the refrigerator compartment is indipendent from the one (I1) used to switch off the refrigerator, it is possible either to switch off the light inside while the refrigerator is running or keep the light on, eg. for display purposes in a shop window, also while the refrigerator is disabled.
Switch I2 on the freezer compartment door enables the alarm in case of open door (element 27 of display, Fig. 4).
Symbol DS indicates the display/keyboard unit, as detailed in Fig. 4.
Besides the illustration shown in Fig. 3, the microprocessor (uP) is also connected with a program memory (ROM), of the read only type, not shown in the figure.
Said memory contains the operational instructions to the microprocessor; specifically, not only the microprocessor executes the functions described above in connection with the interfaces for control and handling as mentioned above, but it also provides for:
- intelligent defrost control, both in the freezer compartment (11) and in the refrigerator compartment (9), if not disabled, executing a defrost cycle each time the sum of the compressor operating times (1), for the compartment concerned, reaches a predetermined total time, eg. 10 hours; as for the freezer compartment, the time between two subsequent defrost cycles can be reduced if the compartment door is left open for quite a time; in the case of the refrigerator compartment, defrosting occurs anyway after a shorter time (eg. 6 hours) from the last defrost cycle, provided of course that the compartment has not been disabled in the meantime;
- activation of the alarm display (visual, element 26 of display) and sound alarm (buzzer, not shown) if, for any reason, the temperature in the freezer compartment exceeds the max value admitted (-10°), while this event is stored at the same time in the non-volatile memory (ME), so that also in case of a mains failure and its subsequent restoration, the alarm remains enabled till the user will acknowledge it by pressing the erasing key T4;
- handling a cooling timing (called "champagne function"), i.e. enabling a timer for a max time of 95 minutes through the keys T6 and T7; if a different time from zero is input, the system will decrement it to zero; upon reaching this value the sound alarm will be enabled and the display start flashing till the user presses any key to inform the system that the elapsed time has been acknowledged;
- ensuring that both flap actuators (15 and 15a) cannot be enabled simultaneously, but only one at a time, to avoid damages caused by simultaneous actuation, as they have a contrasting action;
- activation of an automatic test program, comprising a fast enable sequence of all the loads and a real and true operation cycle lasting an adequate lapse of time to check correct operation, specifically of the second (11) and third (10) compartments; said fast sequence can be automatically enabled any time the refrigerating device is switched on, whereas the second part can obviously be enabled by qualified personnel only, either at the factory or for service purposes;
- execution of a test program in response to a proper simultaneous activation of control elements (eg. both pairs of keys T1, T2, T7, T8) to make field service easier, if required; during such a test program the display DS is used to release information on the tested operation, eg. digits 32 can be used to show the temperatures measured by the probes S1 ... S4.
In Fig. 4, representing specifically the display of the refrigerating device according to the invention, the upper part of the figure shows all the luminescent elements of the display, which is of fluorescent type; the elements are 29 totally.
The lower part of the figure shows eight control keys, indicated by symbols T1 to T8.
Number 21 indicates as a whole the three luminescent line elements that light alternatively one at a time by actuating the key T1 below.
Number 22 indicates an element consisting of three digits and a symbol representing the refrigerating device with the first compartment (refrigerator) lighted. Said element, and likewise the element 21, lights only if the refrigerator compartment is enabled (switch I1, Fig. 3).
By actuating key T1 the lines light up in the following sequence: line under nr. 6°, line under nr. 4°, line under nr. 2°, line under nr. 6°, and so on.
Number 23 indicates as a whole the three luminescent line elements that light up alternatively one at a time by actuating key T2 below.
The number 24 indicates a three digit elements and a symbol representing the refrigerating device with the second compartment lighted. Said element, and likewise elements 23, light up only if the third compartment is not configurated as a freezer.
By actuating key T2 the following elements will light up in sequence: line under nr. 3°, line under nr.0°, line under nr.-3°, line under nr. 3°, and so on.
Number 25 indicates an element consisting of a symbol that represents the refrigerating device with the intermediate compartment lighted and digits -18°; this element will light up only if the intermediate compartment is configurated as a freezer by key T3 below.
Configuration of the intermediate compartment as a freezer or as an intermediate temperature compartment can be achieved very simply through key T3. However, to prevent that said configuration may be changed either unwantedly, accidentally or by unauthorized people (eg. children), a protection is provided in the sense that when key T3 is pressed, the display element that was lit goes out and the other starts flashing. Key T3 must be kept pressed down for a predetermined number of flashes (eg. five) to attain acknowledgement of the configuration change otherwise the system goes back to its previous configuration.
Moreover, when switching from the freezer configuration to the intermediate temperature configuration, the defrost heater (RF) of flap (14) is first enabled while the relevant actuator will be enabled after a certain time has elapsed (eg. some ten minutes).
During the refrigerator configuration the heater RF is always ON. Number 26 indicates an element representing a thermometer, which light up under temperature alarm conditions only, as mentioned above. Simultaneously a buzzer (not shown) is enabled. The alarm goes out by pressing key T4 below.
Number 27 indicates an element that is intended to represent the freezer door. Said element lights up only when the freezer door has been left open. About 30 seconds later also the buzzer as mentioned above will be enabled. However, should one wish to keep the door open for a certain time, eg. to introduce lots of food inside, it is possible to exclude the buzzer. Since activation of the buzzer (which is anyway an intermittent function) due to an open door condition occurs less frequently than for a temperature alarm condition, the later alarm will produce a more intensive signal to draw the user's attention more than in the instance of an open door condition.
Number 28 indicates an element representing the refrigerating device with the freezer compartment lighted. Said element remains always lighted.
Number 29 indicates an element consisting of the writing SUPER. Said element will only light when the fast freezing condition is selected by the user by pressing the key T5 below.
Number 30 indicates an element consisting of the writing NORMAL. Said element will only light when the normal freezing condition is selected by the user by pressing the key T5 below.
Number 31 indicates an element consisting of the word "min". Said element remains always lighted.
Finally, number 32 indicates an element consisting of two digits (by seven segments), representing the "champagne" function time as explained above, inputed by keys T6 and T7 being used to increase or decrease such time respectively.
Key T8 sets the luminescence of the display elements according to three different levels: minimum to medium, medium to maximum and maximum to minimum.
In Fig. 5, showing schematically a significant portion (namely the one relating to the configuration change of intermediate compartment 10) of the flowchart for the control unit of the refrigerating device according to the invention, number 39 indicates the start block of said flowchart. Said start, eg. in the specific instance, is the one that occurs when operating the refrigerating device for the first time; in fact, the system is set at the factory to start from said point, i.e. with the intermediate compartment configurated as a freezer.
Block 39 transmits the control to the subsequent block 40, which is a test block to verify that key T2 has been pressed. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes over to the subsequent block 41; in the negative (output NO) the control returns to block 40.
Block 41 is also a test block to verify that key T2 has been kept pressed at least 5 seconds. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes over to the subsequent block 42; in the negative (output NO), the control returns to block 40.
Block 42 handles the switch-over operation from a freezer configuration to a refrigerator configuration, providing for the following sequence of operations:
- flap defrost heater RF is enabled
- 60 minutes' delay
- flap closes
- control goes over to the subsequent block 43.
Block 43 ensures thermostatic control of the intermediate compartment, i.e. it keeps the temperature value input by the opening/closing operations of flap 14.
Operation of block 43 will be explained more in detail later dealing with blocks 47 to 52.
Block 43 transmits the control to block 44, which is a test block to verify that key T3 has been pressed. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes to the subsequent block 45; in the negative (output NO), the control returns to block 43.
Block 45 is also a test block to verify that key T3 has been pressed at least for 5 seconds. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes over to the subsequent block 46; in the negative (output NO), the control returns to block 43.
Block 46 handles the switch-over operation from a refrigerator configuration to a freezer configuration, providing for the following sequence of operations:
- flap defrost heater RF is disabled
- flap opens
- control is returned to block 40.
Block 47 is a test block to verify that the temperature detected by the probe S3 in the intermediate compartment is lower than the one input by key 2. In the affermative case (output SI), the control goes over to the subsequent block 48; in the negative (output NO), the control returns to block 47.
Block 48 is also a test block to verify that flap 14 opening actuator has been disenergized at least for 60 seconds. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes over to the subsequent block 49; in the negative (output NO), the control returns to block 48.
Block 49 enables the flap 14 closing actuator and maintains it energized for a predetermined time to ensure it is actually closed.
Block 49 will then transmit the control to the subsequent block 50, which is a test block to verify that the temperature detected by probe S3 in the intermediate compartment is higher than the value input by key 2. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes over to the subsequent block 51; in the negative (output NO), the control returns to block 50.
Block 51 is also a test block to verify that the flap 14 closing actuator has been disenergized at least for 60 seconds. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes over to the subsequent block 52; in the negative (output NO), the control returns to block 51.
Block 52 enables the flap 14 opening actuator and maintains it energized for a predetermined time to ensure it is actually open. Then block 52 return the control to block 47.
In Fig. 6, representing schematically a further significant portion of the control system flowchart of the refrigerating device according to the invention, the left side indicates the defrost control of the freezer compartment 11, whereas the right side refers to the time-controlled cooling function.
Block 59 represents the function start block and the control from block 59 is transmitted to the subsequent block 60.
Block 60 is a test block to verify that the compressor is enabled. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes over to the subsequent block 61; in the negative (output NO), the control returns to block 60.
Block 61 is also a test block to verify if the freezer door is open. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes over to block 63; in the negative (output NO), the control goes over to block 62.
Block 62 increases by one unit the time storage counter of active compressor (CONT=CONT+1). Block 63 increases by two units the time storage counter of active compressor (CONT=CONT+2).
Both the block 62 and block 63 transmit the control to the subsequent block 64, which is a test block to verify that the counter above (CONT) shows a time over 10 hours. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes over to the subsequent block 65; in the negative (output NO), the control returns to block 60.
Block 65 is a test block to verify that the compressor has been active at least for three hours. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes over to block 67; in the negative (output NO), the control goes over to block 66.
Block 66 is also a test block to verify that the compressor is out. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes over to block 68; in the negative (output NO), the control returns to block 65.
Block 67 provides for the forced cutout of the compressor, then it transmit the control to the subsequent block 68. Block 68 provides for the defrosting of the freezer compartment 11, then the control is transmitted to the subsequent block 69.
Block 69 resets the counter (CONT=0), then the control is returned to block 60.
Let us now consider the handling of the time-controlled cooling function.
Block 70 represents the function start block; block 70 transmits the control to the subsequent block 71.
Block 71 is a test block to verify that the time (T) input by keys T6-T7 is equal or 5 minutes higer. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes over to the subsequent block 72; in the negative (output NO), the control returns to block 71.
Block 72 decrease the time by one second (T=T-1), then the control goes over to subsequent block 73.
Block 73 is a test block to verify that the time is equal to zero (T=O?). In the affirmative case (output SI), the control goes over to the subsequent block 74; in the negative (output NO), the control returns to block 72.
Block 74 is also a test block to verify that the time has been manually reset. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control returns to block 71; in the negative (output NO), the control goes over to the subsequent block 75.
Block 75 enables the visual display (flashing of digits 32) and sound alarm (buzzer) signalling the exceeded time, then the control goes over to the subsequent block 76.
Block 76 is a test block to verify that any key whatever has been pressed. In the affirmative case (output SI), the control returns to block 71; in the negative (output NO) the control returns to block 75.
The characteristics of the refrigerating device as describe above are clearly shown in the description and annexed drawings.
Likewise the advantages of the improved refrigerating device according to the present invention are clear.
Specifically, they are represented by the following features:
- Availability of a third compartment for food preservation, which can be configurated at will either as an extra freezer or an extra refrigerator compartment (by setting it on +3°), or still as a compartment for temporary preservation of perishable food, eg. fresh meat (by setting it on -3°);
- Easy and comfortable control through its clear display and relevant keyboard;
- Low-cost thanks to its simple air regulating system (only one flap and two linear actuators);
- Operating safety through the incorporated protecting devices;
- Easy testing and service procedures through the programs contained in the ROM memory associated with the microprocessor.
It is obvious that many other changes are possible for the man skilled in the art to the refrigerating device described by way of example, but without departing from the scope of the innovating criteria inherent of the present invention.
By way of example the use of only one actuator of the push-pull type instead of the two actuators (15, 15a) is suggested, whose loose element will be suitably hooked onto flap 14.
Said sole actuator can always operate according to the ON-OFF system or according to a proportional system.

Claims

1. Improved refrigerating device comprising three compartments, among which a first compartment is used for the storage of fresh food and a second compartment is used for the freezing and storage of food, a refrigerating circuit comprising a compressor, a first and a second evaporators arranged in said first and second compartments, respectively, and a condenser, characterized in that the third compartment (10) can be used at user's will both for the storage of fresh food and for its freezing, and that electronic control means (uP, 40 ... 52) and electromechanical actuating means (14, 15, 15a) are provided for automatic selection in response to activation by the user of a specific control element (T2, T3).

2. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that electronic protection means (uP, 41, 45) are provided to prevent an accidental change of the use of the said third compartment.

3. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that said control element comprises a key (T2, T3).

4. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that said electronic control means (uP) are associated with other means (T2) to achieve temperature selection among various different values in said third compartment (10).

5. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that suitable means (S3, uP, 43) are provided to maintain the temperature substantially at a predetermined value in said third compartment (10).

6. Improved refrigerating device according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that suitable means (T2, S3, uP, 43) are provided to set and maintain said temperature at a preferred value selected within a predetermined range of values (+3°, -3°).

7. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that said electromechanical actuation means comprise at least one linear actuator (15) which is enabled to move a grid (14) for the control of the cold air flow through an ON-OFF system.

8. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 7, characterized in that said electromechanical actuating means comprise two linear actuators (15, 15a) which are enabled alternatively to move a grid (14) for the control of the cold air flow.

9. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 8, characterized in that electronic protection means (uP, 48, 51) are provided to avoid that both actuators (15, 15a) may be simultaneously enabled.

10. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 8, characterized in that suitable heating means (RF) are provided to defrost said flap (14) and that said heating means (RF) are always energized for an adequate time interval before actuators (15, 15a) are enabled.

11. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that said electromechanical actuation means comprise a linear actuator of the push-pull type, which is enabled to move a flap (14) for the control of the cold air flow.

12. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that suitable display means (DS) associated with adequate control elements (T1 ... T8) are provided to make user's control of the refrigerating device easier.

13. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 12, characterized in that the luminescence of said display (DS) can be adjusted by means of one of said control elements (T8).

14. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 12, characterized in that said control elements comprise a number of keys (T1 ... T8).

15. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that display means (DS) of fluorescent type are provided, which comprise a number of luminescente elements (21 ... 32), either numerical and/or grafical, to be enabled either individually or in common.

16. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that said electronic control means (uP) comprise defrost handling means (60...69) both for said first compartment (9) and said second compartment (11), in such a way that a defrost cycle is executed each time the sum of the compressor (1) active times relating to the compartment concerned reaches a predetermined total value.

17. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 16, characterized in that said electronic control means (uP) comprise some means for the handling of defrost cycles for said first compartment (9) in such a way that a defrost cycle of said first compartment (9) is anyway executed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the last defrost cycle, and provided that operation of said compartment (9) is not disabled in the meantime.

18. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 16, characterized in that said electronic control means (uP) comprise some means (60...69) to handle the defrost cycles of said second compartment (11) in such a way that the time elapsing between two subsequent defrost cycles is reduced if the compartment (11) door has been left open for some time.

19. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that said electronic control means (uP) are associated with non-volatile memory (ME) means into which operative data are stored, specifically referring to the selected modes, such as the configuration of the third compartment, in order that should there be a mains failure, such data are stored to allow resuming regular operation when the mains supply is restored.

20. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 19, characterized in that said electronic control means (uP) associated with non-volatile memory (ME) means enable an alarm signal (26) when the temperature in said compartment (11) exceeds a predetermined value, and that, even if the temperature in said second compartment (11) decreases again below said predetermined value, said alarm signal (26) remains enabled though in the meantime the mains supply has failed and has been restored again.

21. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises some pre-settable timing means (32), which can be enabled by means of proper control elements (T6, T7) and capable of signalling that the input time interval has elapsed.

22. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that said electronic control means (uP) comprise some means to execute an automatic test program, comprising a fast enable sequence of all loads and/or a real and true operation cycle of suitable length to check the correct operation specifically of the second (11) and third compartment (10).

23. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that said electronic control means (uP) comprise some means for executing a test program in response to a suitable simultaneous activation of the control elements (T1, T2, T7, T8).

24. Improved refrigerating device according to claims 12 and 23, characterized in that during said test program said display (DS) is used for signalling information data relating to the tested operation; specifically, to indicate the temperatures measured by the relevant probes (S1 .. S4).

25. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that some bypass means (4) are provided for the exclusion, after enabling a proper control (I1), of said first compartment (9) from the refrigerating circuit.

26. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 25, characterized in that said overriding control is represented by an electric low-voltage switch (I1).

27. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 1, characterized in that some visual (27) and sound alarm means are provided to inform that the door of the second compartment remains open for a time exceeding a predetermined period.

28. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 27, characterized in that said sound alarm means can be switched off.

29. Improved refrigerating device according to claims 20 and 27, characterized in that said alarm signal (26) produces a more intensive signal than the one of said visual (27) and sound alarm.

30. Improved refrigerating device according to claim 25, characterized in that some illumination means (LF) are provided in said first compartment (9) and that manual disable means (I4) for said illumination means (LF) are foreseen independently from said overriding means (I1).